I was born in a tiny Midwest town in Missouri. My dad was a farmer and my mom is a teacher. In 2019 I graduated college with my degree, but ended up taking a gap year that has extended indefinitely!

At first I felt bad that I didn't continue with my career, but after starting my painting business I realized that if I saved properly, I could take off months at a time each year. I haven't looked back to a 9-5 desk job.

I'm addicted to the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, and camping. I also really enjoy visiting cities to appreciate the architecture, history, and archaeology of the world. Most of my friends are architects, so they help me appreciate buildings. I love to read books on the history of places before I visit.

I cook for myself rather than eat at restaurants. I'm on the quiet side, extremely tidy, and love to talk one on one, but groups aren't my thing. In general I'm thrilled at the chance to learn from someone else!

I'm also CELTA certified and would be happy to tutor in English a bit.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In the past I really like AirBnB for it's opportunity to stay with folks, using their spare bedroom or pull out sofa, and get to know them a bit. I felt it gave my travels more context.

That has become difficult to do as most AirBnBs are owned by a property company, and I miss speaking with my hosts.

While I'm a very active traveler and spend most of my day out and about, I really enjoy speaking with my hosts about their past, what sorts of things they like to do, and ideas/philosophy.

Interests

• wildlife
• architecture
• cooking
• reading
• woodworking
• hiking
• backpacking
• history
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Kishi Bashi, Bayonne, Tall Heights, National Park Radio, Tow'rs

I don't watch too many movies but have really enjoyed Studio Ghibli lately

I recently read Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and it totally changed how I cooked. Michael Pollan's How to Change you Mind was amazing. Richard Powers's Overstory changed how I see trees. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly made me appreciate every particle of health I still have, it's a short read and so worth it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacked in the desert for 4 days, carrying all the water on my back that we would need.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm happy to help out if you're learning English. I'm CELTA certified and have some experience teaching.

I can help out with small repairs and construction projects around the house.

I can teach you something about most fields of science.

I can teach you the basics of mindfulness meditation and lead a guided meditation.

I would love to learn about your past, learn some of your language, and learn one thing you cook.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd especially like to share what I've learned about mindfulness meditation, but I'm also happy to share my material possessions and could bring a small gift if you have something in mind.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States