Just moved to Venice Beach. I'm 1.5 blocks from the Pacific. The space is tight and I only have one room to work with but I'm thinking an air mattress would work for someone who just wants to be right down here for a couple of days.

I am on travel for much of the summer so not around to host at this time but plan on it when I return in the fall.

I am single at this time, straight, not looking for anything in terms of that when it comes to CS. I am here to help others as I have been helped being a part of the CS community.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I found out about CS five years ago while in Europe. A French woman studying for a museum guide job let me stay in her spare bedroom for a week in exchange for help with English lingo specific to the US and a few groceries. It extended my European trip and let me experience French culture in a way I could never have imagined. I then opened up my home in Virginia for years on CS and despite being far out in the suburbs I hosted a number of guests. I enjoyed the experience of all who stayed with me.

Interests

Unlike most I do not have a car here in Los Angeles. Venice Beach and Santa Monica seem to be a couple of the few places where you can live here without a vehicle. Everything is within walking distance or a short scooter or bike ride. The airport is only 15 minutes away without traffic.

I do however own a Mercedes Sprinter RV just miles outside of the city that is ready to go on a moment's notice for the right excursion and always looking to make new friends to go on weekend trips with.

• culture
• theater
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• partying
• gardening
• traveling
• blogging
• tourism
• wineries

Music, Movies, and Books

Bring your favorite music and let's enjoy it. I have my own taste in music but find that I can always find something I like when others enjoy it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Canyoning in the French Alps, jumping and sliding into icy pools of water in 2014.

Summited Mount Vesuvius and MT Etna in 2014.

Safari to Jonestown Guyana in 2016

Six days in the Grand Canyon on a 180 mile white water rafting tour in 2017.

I plan to summit at least a few 14ers this year and would like to meet others who would enjoy doing the same.

Taking rock climbing classes just with the goal of doing some bouldering.

Teach, Learn, Share

People who want to share and discuss their adventures. Reminisce with stories of our travels, expand our networks and in the process figure out where to go next.

What I Can Share with Hosts

We all know CS is pay it forward but if you want to bring something to share that you enjoy and like to share that would be great. Past guests have brought favorite edible treats to share together and their travel stories.

I by no means expect to spend time hanging out with everyone who stays but if it works out that would be great. Sometimes it is just providing someone a place to lay their head for the night.

Open to considering hosting most anyone so long as they have at least a couple of references. I prefer if you are verified as well and you are not brand new to CS but I do understand some are in quick need and sometimes I can help out.

Prior to hosting a CS'er I do require a quick call by phone to voice verify and go over arrival and basic rules. If you are traveling from overseas I can be found on What's App which can be used for calls as well as text. I like to have the quick chat by phone within 24 hours of acceptance of a request to stay and at least 24 hours in advance of hosting. I have found that some just don't like to make the call but I must insist on it as it makes me comfortable. When you arrive I do require you have valid identification (valid drivers license, state ID or Passport if International) and allow me to take a picture of it. As I am sure all can understand I am opening my home to others and want to verify who is staying with me and for all of us to be comfortable.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States