I am an academic and writer from New Zealand. My field is social anthropology, so I'm very interested in culture! I also write poetry, and childrens books. I dabble in art and craft as well. I like learning new things, and taking an interest in the world, and in people's lives (even though my own can be quite busy).

I have a lovely family. My husband, Andrew, is an AV engineer, interested in music, technology. Sylvie is 10 and Leo is 8... both lovely kids, interested in books (especially fantasy and sci fi), drawing, exploring. We all love animals and nature. I also keep bees.

We are open-minded, caring. Happy for conversations but also for space and introversion.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

A big part of the reason I chose my particular career (in social anthropology) was an interest in people, and diverse ways of living. I dearly want to pass this in to my children too.

I am shortly going to be travelling in Europe with my family... husband Andrew, daughter Sylvie (10), and son Leo (8). I have some different Universities to visit, and conferences to attend, but we are also exploring some places where we have family heritage, and some we want to explore just for interest. A big adventure for our little family! Couchsurfing is exactly the way to embody my ethos, and make warm real connections with people in different places.

We are also lucky to have a dreamy home in Dunedin, New Zealand... a spare room with wonderful view of the harbour, big garden, and block of forest beside. We would be happy to share it with you as a host.

Interests

• writing
• poetry
• gardening
• reading
• painting
• anthropology
• art
• forests
• research
• trees
• beekeeping
• academia
• children's books
• academics

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Published a book

Teach, Learn, Share

Beekeeping, writing, poetry, anthropology. I love teaching and supervising students, its a big part of my job at the University. Happy to share any and all wisdom on academic life in general, on my specific research and teaching areas, or my other interests, in writing, for example (I publish and have awards in a variety of genres, including poetry, essay, childrens books, flash fiction).

My family members are also warm, and enthusiastic... both in talking and listening! With diverse interests. My kids love to organise games, do shared creative projects, share books, and so on.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Warm, respectful, grateful engagement. Sharing diverse conversation about any shared interests. A return invitation to stay with us in New Zealand!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Egypt, England, Fiji, Greenland, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Malaysia, Palestine, South Korea, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand