I'm a born and bred New Zealander, and developed my love of travel thanks to all the family holidays my parents used to take me on as a kid, thanks again mum and dad! :) In June 2014 I settled in London with a two year work visa, and when that expired in May 2016 I became somewhat nomadic, slowly making my way throughout Europe. In March I'm making my next big move to the good old USA as I was lucky enough to get a green card in the green card lottery. Once I get my feet on the ground I plan to buy a bicycle, cycle down from Boston to Florida and then hopefully start making my way to Seattle or Portland, Oregon.

I enjoy good wine, and good beer even more, although I do have to admit I'm still in the process of learning the difference between an IPA and a pilsner, but I'll gladly give you my opinion on whether they taste good or not :) I also enjoy trying the local dishes of wherever I happen to be. One of the weirdest things I've eaten was Ox balls in Africa. That wasn't too great, but the warthog was really tasty :)

I enjoy reading, and have recently become inspired enough to try and write a book about some of the weird experiences I had while living and working in London, although it is still in its planning stages.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy having a more "local" experience when travelling. It becomes more of a cultural and educational experience, I guess you could call it a more real experience, when you stay with locals rather than in hostels or hotels. I like the idea of swapping stories and opinions and thoughts rather than cold hard cash as that way everyone gains something :)

Interests

• animals
• walking
• reading
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• beaches
• mountains
• craft beer
• paranormal

Music, Movies, and Books

In regards to music, I'm up for anything from Bruce Springsteen to Queen to ABBA to Greenday. I am a bit of an 80s child. I've also come across a few really awesome local bands in my travel which has been really cool.

In regards to movies, again I'm pretty much up for anything, as long as it's not too much of a "chick flick". My all time favorite would have to be "The Labyrinth" with David Bowie.

Books - again my tastes are pretty diverse, but my top reads would probably be any type of travel biography or autobiography, such as "Little Princes" by Conor Grennan, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin, or anything by Jon Krakauer. My all time favourite author has to be Terry Pratchett though.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This is a tough one, but I have to go with completing the Camino, with hiking to Mount Everest base camp a close second. I completed the Camino in June/July 2016, all the way from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compestella in Spain, across to Muxia and then down to Finisterre, walking every inch of the way with my backpack in tow. It was one of those experiences that makes you realise just how strong you are and what you're capable of.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Time, stories, and good conversations :) I'm not the best cook in the world but I'm more than willing to help prepare a meal!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Croatia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, Vatican City State, Wales, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, New Zealand