Contact me through WhatsApp: +31 6 20 37 53 21

I’m an Early Years teacher who has recently moved back ‘home’ to the Netherlands after more than a decade of expat life in Southeast Asia. My last destination was Bangkok, where I’ve started hosting guests and loved it! 🥰 I’m passionate about outdoor education, and my dream is to one day run an outdoor kindergarten where the only ‘tech’ kids need is the ability to build dens, treehouses, or fires together. I’m also a single mum to a 7-year-old boy, so life keeps me busy. While I love being surrounded by little people all day, because no adult can be as fully present, imaginative, curious, and in awe as they are, I do miss adult conversations sometimes…

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m still adjusting to ‘normality’ here, missing the expat scene and the culturally diverse and well-traveled people I used to meet. Therefore, I would love for you to stay with us. 🩵 If you like kids (or are really good at pretending you do), that would be a plus. My kid is losing his English… Such a shame! If you could play/chat with him, that would be much appreciated. 😇 If you don’t like kids, at least I hope you’d like to cook for us. 😜 Haha, no pressure. As long as you are sane and safe, you are welcome. Mi casa es su casa.

Interests

I’m passionate about living a balanced, meaningful life. Whether that's hiking through nature, taking a quick dip into an ice bath followed by a long, relaxing sauna, or baking something yummy to share. I'm also interested in wellness, both physical and mental, and I love a bit of reading, writing, and deep conversations, especially at Aristotle's Cafe-style gatherings. My time abroad has shaped much of who I am, and I love connecting with people who are curious about the world, others and themselves.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love stories set in different times and/or cultures. The last novel I read was The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. Currently, I’m fascinated by the Myers-Briggs typology. If you’re into that too, can you guess my type based on my favourite movies? 😉

• Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain
• La Vita è Bella
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Forrest Gump
• Pride and Prejudice (2005)
• The Before Trilogy
• Hit Man (2024)

Music-wise, the (mainly rock) songs I enjoy, sometimes make my heart time-travel a bit. I find I cannot really listen to this when I have company, as I get totally distracted. 🤪 So, when you're around, feel free to ask Google to play whatever... 😇

Some classics I love:
A Song of Simplicity - Elijah Bossenbroek
The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman
Divenire - Ludovico Einaudi
Beautiful Things - Philip Guyler
Pachelbel's Canon (but this is obvious, as everyone loves this one… 😏)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Paragliding in the Dolomites last summer. 💪🏻

Teach, Learn, Share

Some of my original quotes… 😌

Teach me how to fly and I will carry you on my wings forever... 💕

In order to go for your dreams, you have to first wake up from them.

You can travel the world, but as long as you are not travelling in your heart, you are standing still.

The moment you start taking yourself a bit less seriously, is the moment you start living.

if your heart is blooming, the weeds of life cannot ruin your garden.

A good story might touch a heart, but it’s a good question that unlocks it.

Life is like an empty canvas for the soul and I’m looking for someone to make a collaborative piece with. ❤️

If you steal any of these, I won’t sue you, but simply haunt you when I die! 👻 I’m quite into longevity though, so you are safe for now… 🤓

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’d love to bake you some Dutch pancakes, either the classic kind or my special 'Hulk' pancakes that I make for my picky son. They’re packed with spinach and other hidden veggies, but still totally delicious. I'm a pancake pro! 🥞😎

I’m also naturally curious about meeting new people, especially those with different backgrounds, so I can gain fresh perspectives. Friends say that I’m a great listener, so if you’re looking for a listening ear, I’m your lady!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, England, Malaysia, Netherlands, Thailand