CURRENT MISSION

After cycling across 12 countries in Europe in 2013-14, I wasn't too keen to stop moving around and exploring. So in 2015 I carried on with travels in the Balkans, South Africa, Asia... Now I'm living in Canada only part-time, trying to figure out where to lay some roots... Guess we'll see what comes next!

ABOUT ME

My name is Melissa. I'm a Canadian who is creative, genuinely easy-going, indiscriminately friendly, physically active, and attracted to hands-on experiences. My life is a series of phases/passions, as I'm always looking for a new project and setting new goals. I embrace reason and I obstinately seek truth, and in everything that I do and think, I try to be a compassionate person. I enjoy hosting and staying with people of all ages and backgrounds. I enjoy cooking for others more than for myself. I'm a vegetarian, but as with religion I believe these choices are very personal; I don't try to impose my views on others.

PHILOSOPHY

Though at times it may seem futile to do so, one should strive to make a positive difference in the world they live in. Either on a small scale for many, on a large scale for a few, or, if one can manage it, both... I'm a big proponent of the 'pay it forward' philosophy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

In the beginning of March, 2013, I started cycling around Europe starting in Greece, with little more than my bike, my tent, and my tattoo machines to help fund the trip. I did the same thing in the summer of 2014 in Louisiana and Texas. And though I'm no longer on a bicycle tour, I haven't stopped moving around the globe every now and again as a travelling tattoo artist. I love getting to know all kinds of people through the tips of my needles!

This video shows how it all started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYFv1sVTMvQ

And if you want to read some stories about people I tattooed along the way in Europe, check out http://www.thetravellingtattooartist.wordpress.com

**For pictures of my work, if you're interested in that kind of stuff, go to http://www.facebook.com/thetravellingtattooartist

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I was hosting when I first joined CS, then surfed a bunch while I was travelling. I try to host when I'm not on the move, but those periods of stability are pretty short... I do what I can! Oh! And I do host quite few cyclists on Warm Showers. :)

Interests

Tattooing (of course), trying new things with people who are showing me what they're passionate about, pretty much all outdoor adventures, learning new skills, creative arts in general, learning about/understanding/(knowing?) what's going on in the world around us.

• arts
• tattoos
• dancing
• vegetarian
• crafts
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• mountaineering
• upcycling

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've had an unconventional life, doing things like performing internationally with a French-Canadian traditional dance troupe, living in Taiwan for over 7 years, doing these big bicycle tours... I enjoy not having a fixed address; it's a good life. But I'm also ok with staying in one place, if the setting and time is right. It's all about the people, the connections... :)

Teach, Learn, Share

What I'd like to learn: I'd like to continue developing my skills in rock-climbing, mountaineering, surfing... I'd like to learn how to ski. What I know a thing or two about: Arts and crafts, tattooing, bicycle touring, teaching kids, event planning.... a lot of random stuff!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Lots of good conversation, shared meals (if you like that), sharing stories. I can be quiet and give you space if you want it, or I can be your party buddy! I like it all. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kosovo, Laos, Malaysia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, South Africa, Taiwan

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