CURRENT MISSION

Live. Love. Learn.

ABOUT ME

That's a big question --- well, in the context of CS I'm the youngest of six kids and I've lived in communal spaces for the past nine years so I know the importance of maintaining and respecting shared space, let alone a couch! Outside of that, I'm sure you will get a good idea of who I am from what I've answered below. If not, just ask me!

PHILOSOPHY

Love, Honesty, Learning. In that order.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I think CS it is a great opportunity to meet other people, participate in cross-cultural exchange and learning, share knowledge and skills, along with the experience of travel with others. I'm currently traveling, so I unfortunately cannot host anyone. However, I look forward to continue using the network as I travel this year, and giving back once I'm settled back into my own place.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've couch surfed mostly in Latin America-- Colombia in particular (three weeks on a human rights delegation). I lived with a few different host families in Nicaragua for four/five months, bounced around El Salvador and Honduras for a few weeks, and stayed with a lovely host family in Ecuador for a month. Of course there is also Ethiopia, where I stay with family (though usually on a spare bed). Most other places I've traveled I've either stayed with friends (UK), hostels (Denmark), or host families (Paris). My most recent experiences using CS were in Canada and Brazil where I had fabulous times. I've also participated in CS gatherings in several cities across the globe.

Interests

Tennis and Yoga.
Film.
Theatre.
Politics.
Visual Art.
Food.
Leisurely Reading.
Language Learning.
Music.
Dancing.
You!

• arts
• dancing
• human rights
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• instructor
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• music
• tennis
• history
• historic sites

Music, Movies, and Books

TOO many to mention here... I know that is kind of a cop out, but I like everything from old kung fu flicks to corny tear jerkers, 90's r&b to karamoko keita (viva-radio.com is my current saving grace), experimental theater to the classics. Since I'm working on my dissertation in history, I think it is fair to say that I'd like to be reading any book that isn't in the field, lol.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Going to Ethiopia four times to meet all of my family (literally over 100 people), seeing the houses my parents grew up in, visiting all of the historical sites the country has to offer, and most importantly, meeting my grandmother before she passed. This is more of a personal note I suppose, but in all of my travel, nothing has compared to the sense of "home" that I feel when I am there.

Teach, Learn, Share

I majored in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (feminist/queer theory) in college and I'm getting a PhD in U.S. History with specialization in African American studies, so I'd be happy to share any information I can that is of interest. But outside of "academic" expertise, I really enjoy sharing my experiences and perspectives in relation to others.

Hmm...what else? I'm a decent tennis player. I enjoy yoga, but I'm no instructor. I'm not a top rate chef, but I'm getting better at cooking and would love to learn from a pro! Teach me what you know :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Honduras, Jamaica, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Nicaragua, United States

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