Hi! I'm fairly new to couch surfing, so here it is!

My name is Michelle, 26 year old Seattle native returning to America after a little over 3 years living in a South Pacific Island Nation, the Republic of Vanuatu. I served as an English Literacy volunteer through the Peace Corps for the first 2 years and spent my last year living in the capitol of Vanuatu working with a local non-profit organization, Youth Challenge Vanuatu.

I'm a caring simple person and love to hear about people's stories. When traveling, I look for amazing people and amazing food! I'm relatively quiet but can be social provided the appropriate environment and people. I'm a pretty organized and tidy person who takes care of her personal space.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Since I am new to couch surfing, I'd prefer to give it a try and meet new people but with the potential to host one day when I establish roots in a location. For the time being however, I'm really interested in possibly making new friends, trying local specialties, and seeing more of the world!

Interests

I really enjoy cooking, just as much as I enjoy eating! I was extremely lucky to grow up with a Dim Sum chef father and a mother who cooks amazing local style Southern Chinese dishes.

I've recently returned from backpacking throughout Southeast Asia and the travel bug bite is still present. I'd love to continue traveling the world!

When I do have the time, I practice Bikram yoga for the health benefits it provides.

Some days however, I prefer to bundle myself up in a warm blanket and watch Netflix.

• environment
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• running
• traveling
• backpacking
• surfing
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to a lot of R&B (especially 90s), hip hop, and some pop.

I'm not too into movies but enjoy a good Tv series here and there. I've recently watched How to Get Away with Murder, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Orphan Black, and my guilty pleasure, Empire. Of course I enjoy my 90s reruns of Boy Meets World, Smart Guy, and Sista Sista!

Some of my favorite books are When the Elephants Dance, The Tao of Pooh, Cutting for Stone, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, The Girl who Fell from the Sky, and Battle Hymn of the Tigermom.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It may sound cliche but I think the most amazing thing I've done is finish my first 2 years in Peace Corps. Peace Corps Vanuatu is still one of the most remote and isolated posts. I spent 2 years living in a rural village of 30 people in the middle of the jungle with no access to electricity or running water. Did I lose it a few times? Yes. Do I regret it? Absolutely not.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Vanuatu