I am from a small Northern California town, but lived in the San Francisco Bay area for most of my 20's. I taught English in Vietnam for 6 years, and lived in a small Black Hmong village for a year of that. Now, I am teaching online and following the 1938 cycling route of Dorothy Hosmer though Poland, Western Ukraine and Romania on a 1938 Raleigh bicycle.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet locals and expats when I travel.

Interests

Photography is my main hobby at the moment. I also love to travel, cook, dance and make music. I am really into outdoor sports: trekking, ultra-running, climbing, kayaking, cycling, surfing etc.

• dancing
• environment
• dining
• cooking
• politics
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• kayaking
• surfing
• sports
• rock climbing
• economics
• languages
• science
• mountains
• social justice
• disability
• ultra running

Music, Movies, and Books

I mostly listen to bluegrass, jazz, blues, folk and alternative rock; but really I listen to a little of everything. I like reading National Geographic, science fiction, biographies and books about wilderness expeditions. I tend watch comedies, especially British comedies, but my favorite films are usually dramas. I also love foreign films (not from the US) because they give me exposure to different cultures and perspectives. I watch more YouTube than movies because I like learning about new things. My favorite book is "The Color of Water" and I really enjoy reading about Helen Thayer's expeditions (she's my idol).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked 1600 miles (2500 km) of the Pacific Crest Trail, through the dessert, over the mountains, in the snow, sun and rain. I lived with the Black Hmong tribe in Northern Vietnam for 10 months, planting rice, learning to make traditional clothes, and documenting their traditions such as shamanism. That's two things, I know.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach cooking, outdoor skills, photography, English, and a lot of random things - what do you want to learn? I'd love to learn more languages, and am currently focusing on Spanish. I like to share experiences, stories, food and laughter.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm an awesome cook and I love to cook for people! I'm even good at vegan and gluten-free food (though I eat anything). I'd be happy to help English language learners improve their English. Like everyone else on here, I can tell stories of my adventures. I'm also a very good amateur photographer, so if you need professional looking pics, I'm your gal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Kenya, Viet Nam