Currently most likely not accepting guest, since I sold my house up on the hillside, and am in the final stages of remodeling our new home. Once it's all said and done I'm looking forward to hosting again, in a much more transport friendly part of town ;)

If you’re afraid of or have an allergy of dogs, my place is not for you, as we have a wonderful dog (husky corgi mix).

Born in Germany, raised in the Netherlands, currently living in The Last Frontier: Alaska (since 2012).

Unfortunately I feel the need to remind people, after some bad experiences: You are a guest in someone's home, and save a lot of money by staying there for free. Don't grab a hand when you've received a finger. Make it a point to be respectful by cleaning up after yourself and such.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Help others on their exploration of the world!

Interests

• festivals
• yoga
• traveling
• live music
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• rock climbing
• mountain biking
• diving

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is very depending on the mood I am in. I love to go to festivals and other live music venues, with Umbria Jazz in Italy being my all time favorite so far.

As for movies, my favorite ones are based on true stories, but fantasies such as LOTR belong up there as well. Just to name a few good ones: Color Purple, the Help, Mr. Church, Seven Pounds, Avatar, Ladder 49, Billy Elliot, Rain Man, North Country, Schindler's List, Amelie.

Last book I've read is The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Tutu Desmond. Some other good reads I've finished: The Alchemist, The Kindness of Strangers, The Pillars of the Earth, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Dorito Effect, The Sixth Extinction, Coming Clean, and I was Doctor Mengele's Assistant..

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Why one when there are more ;)

Career switch from a finance desk job, to being a Firefighter/EMT where no day is the same! Absolutely love it!!

- Created life (x2)!
- Mountain biked Lost Lake to Primrose, my all time favorite thus far
- Yoga & Surf retreat in Mexico
- Many awesome concerts/festivals
- Roadtrip: Highway 101 and back up through Central Oregon in a van (just laid a mattress in a commercial rental van, lol).

Teach, Learn, Share

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden

“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” - Kenneth H. Blanchard

"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit." - Max Ehemann

What I Can Share with Hosts

https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/nina-hogenbirk/favorites

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Netherlands