I'm an easy-going person who's drawn to new experiences, learning things, and laughing. I love stories, art, food, and travel. I try to be very accepting and welcoming, and I seek out those qualities in other people too. I believe in the liberation of all people and that this requires us to show solidarity to one another.

I live in Detroit in a multi-unit home with four of my friends, two dogs, and two cats, however, there is just one dog in the apartment I live in.

My housemates and I are happy to consider guests, although we would probably not feel comfortable hosting solo men. We would also need to talk through COVID safety expectations — it would definitely be a case by case basis. Notice in advance is preferred as we are all busy people, but it’s possible we could accommodate a last minute request.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to travel, and want to budget to see as much of the world as I can while I've got this one life! And I'd like to help out others who are doing the same.

I am especially into language exchange. I speak English natively. Je parle français assez couramment. Ich rede nicht keine deutsch, aber möglich können mir sich verschtein, veil ich rede ja jiddisch. I can sign and understand a fair amount of American Sign Language. I know enough Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish that I could stumble my way through a basic interaction in a pinch. I love opportunities to practice.

Interests

• dogs
• wildlife
• culture
• books
• architecture
• dancing
• swing dancing
• movies
• painting
• drawing
• podcasts
• music
• guitar
• violin
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• sailing
• geography
• history
• languages
• travel
• art
• food
• nature
• tv shows
• french
• water
• maps
• audiobooks
• dungeons and dragons
• hebrew
• fiddle
• french language
• yiddish

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: dramedies, indy films, thrillers, mindbending stuff

Books: slice of life, magical realism, sci fi social commentary, poetry

Music: folk, klezmer, women fronted indy music, swing jazz

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Snorkeled with seals in the Gulf of St Lawrence (2002) – I don't think you're allowed to do this anymore but it was a magical day I'll never forget.

Slept under the stars in a village above the cliffs in Dogon Country (2010) - another place you aren't supposed to go anymore.

Drank glacial runoff while walking on the Colombia Icefield (2014).

Wrote a speech and gave it at my local Women's March in front of close to ten thousand people, after having been asked to do it that same morning (2017).

Went on an off-road, free safari on the savannah, when I was visiting my wildlife scientist sister at her camp (2018). Summited Table Mountain while truly solo traveling for the first time. On my way home from that trip, I passed through 4 continents within the span of one weekend, thanks to a layover in Istanbul.

Hitchhiked down the length of Aotearoa/New Zealand (2019) and all around the Balkans (2026).

Heard wolves howling and saw the Northern Lights, north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. Had a bald eagle fly right over our heads as we drove into Homer, and slept there in the car under the hull of a giant rusty ship (2021).

Drove all over England, Scotland, and Ireland for a week, my first time driving on the other side of the road, and didn’t die (2022).

Saw a total solar eclipse over the mountains in Québec (2024).

Had the honor of participating in a solidarity presence shift in Masafer Yatta (2024).

I've been to every continent except for S America and Antarctica, and dipped my toes in every ocean except the Arctic. Hoping to check those off before I go. I'll try for the 50 countries by 50 thing too but I'm falling behind.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach about languages, geography, swing dancing, guitar chords, visual art, DnD (and similar games), and mental health and therapy.

I'd love to learn about languages I'm learning or to practice those I'm advanced in, or to learn folk tunes for fiddle or guitar, or about sailing, or to dance your favorite kind of dance.

I can share where to eat, drink, find things to do, and hike in places all over the world. I also love to share cultural exchange. If you are Jewish I’d be interested in going to local Jewish communal or spiritual events with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you have a guitar, I could probably play a couple songs for you, but I'm very out of practice! I can share stories, especially about places I've traveled. I love discussing my and others' cultures. I can bring a bottle of wine, or some cheese, or another food item you might enjoy. I could sketch a picture for or of you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, England, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Netherlands, Senegal, United States