Hi! I'm Tess. I'm currently on a backpacking trip throughout Europe. I've always been interested in traveling the world, but I wanted to wait until I was through with college to do it. This is my first backpacking trip and I plan on doing more. I want to experience as many different parts of the earth as I can, and traveling has changed the way I see the world. It has helped me form a mindset of gratitude, positivity, and also reminded me to cherish the people in my life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on couch surfing because I'm passionate about traveling and getting to know other people through doing it. Traveling allows me to experience different types of food, art, music, architecture, and so much more--but I think the most valuable thing about traveling is the people I meet. The interactions and conversations I have with people I meet along my travels are what stick with me the most. I love getting to know other people and listening to their stories and perspective on life. It's especially cool to meet people who are opening their home up to travelers, because you already know they are kind and down to earth.

Interests

• animals
• coffee
• cartoons
• movies
• reading
• drawing
• hiking
• surfing
• art
• vegan food

Music, Movies, and Books

I love old movies. I really like Casablanca and French new waves films. I watch a lot of Godard. I'm also a fan of Wong Kar Wai. I have seen Chungking Express way too many times. I love reading as well, I'm a fan of Hemingway, Silvia Plath, Oscar Wilde, Robert Luis Stevenson, Dostoyevsky, Albert Camus, and a lot more. I really enjoy reading. I like all genres, and I read children's book too sometimes. I like all genres of music as well. Lately I've been listening to The Radio Dept., Men I Trust, Whitney Houston, Lauryen Hill, Marvin Gaye, and the XX.

Teach, Learn, Share

I could teach you how to animate a simple cartoon! All you need is sticky notes and a pencil or pen. I can help you draw or become more in touch with your creative side.

I know how to surf and I can teach you. I can also go surfing with you. I love surfing and I grew up doing it. I've surfed in Hawaii, Malibu, the Galapagos, Long Island New York, Portugal, and, of course, Florida.

Right now I'm learning French and Spanish, so if you know any of those languages I'd love to learn and practice with you. English is my first language and the only language I'm fluent in, I can give anyone tips on English speaking if it's something they desire.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I don't expect to stay with someone and not offer them anything in return. I will at the very least buy them a meal, or a gift, and take a genuine interest them. I'm tidy and I keep my items organized when I'm staying with someone. I enjoy doing laundry and cleaning--I can clean my host's house for them. In general I enjoy helping people, and if there's a task like fixing something or tending to a garden, I would be more than happy to help.

Countries I’ve Visited

Ecuador, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States