Hello everyone!

My name is Mariah, I'm 23 from Tampa, FL! I love traveling, being outside, working out, singing (although I don't do this well), and am always up for an adventure. I am super easy to get along with and love getting to share and trade stories and experiences with people from around the world. I've lived in Spain, spent my 21st birthday at the Giza pyramids in Egypt, traveled solo through India, taught English in China, and sailed around the Philippines. Life has taken me on some pretty great journeys so far, and I can't wait to see where my travels will take me next!

I will be back in Europe at the end of August before I start my new job in France :) please message and let me know any sights to see!

Favorite quotes:

"I think this is how we're supposed to be in this world - present, and in awe." -Anne Lamott
"I get lost in the beauty of everything I see." -OneRepublic (#relatable)
"We are all travelers on a cosmic journey- stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity." -Pablo Coelho

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people from around the world, learn about other cultures through authentic experiences, and to put my faith in the kindness of strangers.

Interests

Anything to do with traveling, nature, adventure, running/hiking, meeting new people

• singing
• dancing
• recipes
• wine
• running
• traveling
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: "Beautiful Day" by U2 is pretty much my mood 24/7
Books: A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Alchemist

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think just traveling at all is an amazing thing. I come from a family whose idea of a "trip" is to the other side of Florida, so when I turned 18, I decided to travel as much as I could so just the fact that I'm doing what I've dreamed of doing for so many years is amazing to me :)

Teach, Learn, Share

TEACH:
I am a very creative person and love making DIY crafts, so I can help make personalized gifts for friends and family! I also have worked with children for over 7 years, including working as an ESL teacher in China, camp, nursery, and babysitting background - because of this, I am very patient, flexible, and good at problem-solving.
LEARN:
I really want to learn how to sail! That is the current goal. But I also love learning about a country or region's culture, as well as picking up some local phrases.
También, quiero practicar mi español, así si sabes la lengua, enviarme un mensaje por favor! Quiero vivir en España otra vez y necesito más experencia con español, gracias :)
SHARE:
I just love to share and swap travel/life stories with others. Everyone I meet is just so unique and brave in their own way, and I can't help but admire the fearlessness that comes through traveling. I recently made a friend in India, who had just spent two months traveling solo through Pakistan, and I didn't even know that people traveled there, like she was awesome, you go girl!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Fun stories, tacos, waterproof cards (trust me, they make a difference), awesome dance moves combined with subpar karaoke skills, and a love for nature and this world!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, France, Spain, United States