For the past 17 years, I have been living in a small remote community on the west coast of Canada called Tofino. While Tofino is known as Canada's surfing capital it is also famous for its rugged beauty, temperate old-growth rainforest, and wildlife - eagles, bears, wolves, cougars, orcas, and a multitude of other living creatures are found in the area. I have a tremendous love of nature which is why I have chosen this place as my home.

Growing up I lived in different places in Canada - from the Arctic to the great plains - as well as New Zealand. I feel a strong affinity with both countries - both the land and the people. I also spent a lot of time in England as a child as my adopted Mum and Dad were originally from there.

Almost 30 years ago I attended university to study pre-veterinary medicine but after two years decided I needed to take some time off to do some soul-searching, promising that I would one day return to school. It took me almost 25 years to keep that promise but 4 years ago I returned and in April of 2023 I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. However, while I had all the credits I needed for my degree, I was also invited by one of my professors to participate in a field school where we travelled to different cities in northern Europe to learn about urban sustainability - environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This program ended at the end of June but I have decided to try staying in Europe for awhile.

In the almost 25 years when I wasn't attending university, I accumulated a wide range of life experience. Work experience has included working as a cook, a skilled labourer in construction, making wood furniture, house painting, landscaping and gardening, driving a taxicab, working in a diamond mine, helping with child care, tree-planting, and working as a data-entry clerk for the government.

Other life experience includes hitchhiking over much of North America and New Zealand, backpacking through Southeast Asia, and living in a First Nations Cree community for a number of years. Many of my best friends are Indigenous Canadians and at one time in my life a Cree family tried to legally adopt me but unfortunately, I was too old to meet the legal requirements. Nevertheless, they still feel like family and many Cree traditions have now become my own.

What else can I say about myself? Above all I try to be kind to all people and I am most proud when people tell me that they consider me to be very gentle and kind. I also love animals - I have spent a lot of time housesitting for people with dogs and cats.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Ultimately I am trying to find an affordable way to keep travelling for a while. Four years of university is hard on the bank account. However, it is just as important to me that I get to meet people and make new friends! I also love learning about different cultures and having the opportunity to share experiences with others. While I don't know completely what to expect - couchsurfing was only just recently suggested to me by a friend - this seems like a much more intimate way to meet people than staying in hostels.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love a wide range of music and often attend music folk festivals in Canada. I believe there is a time and a place for every musical genre. One of my favourite activities in my own home is to have dinner and a movie. Again - I tend to watch a wide range of movie genres but I particularly like science fiction and fantasy. Among my favourite books of all time are the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia (I am still a child at heart).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hitchhiked from the Arctic to California and from the west to east coast of North America.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have lots of life experience to share and have travelled through 20 different countries. I would like to learn more about other languages but also local food - I love to eat (though I do not eat meat, only fish). If someone is wanting to develop/practice their English, I am more than happy to help.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life experience and I am not afraid of helping out with a little work.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Indonesia, Laos, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, New Zealand