Note: I am fully vaccinated and boosted, and currently only planning on hosting or surfing with those who are also vaccinated.

I'm an easy-going, somewhat introverted 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 live with my partner Kel and our two rambunctious dogs in Detroit. Kel's profile is at
https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/kel-garland-1

My partner 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 definitely preferred as we are both 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.

Interests

• dogs
• wildlife
• culture
• books
• architecture
• 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
• 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

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.

Hitchhiked throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Snorkeled with seals in the Gulf of St Lawrence.

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.

Saw a total solar eclipse over the mountains in Québec.

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

Teach: Some French or Yiddish language, Hebrew letters, swing dancing, guitar chords, about my therapy practice, some basics of drawing and painting (e.g. perspective, color and lighting, figure drawing/portraiture), how to play DnD (and other tabletop RPGs), lots of fun facts about maps and words.

Learn: Languages (would especially love to practice Yiddish or French with proficient or fluent speakers, or to learn some basic Levantine Arabic), folk tunes for fiddle (especially klezmer or celtic music), about sailing

Share: Where to eat, drink, find entertainment (e.g. restaurants, bars, house shows, swing dancing, art spaces) and hike in Michigan, the USA, New Zealand, and much of Canada, Europe, and Africa. 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

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Netherlands, Senegal, United States