Melly-Mel

Melly-Mel

Current Mission: "To spend some time with the Anchor to my Balloon. ...and to plant some artichokes!"

Personal Designations

Couch available Vouched for52

Community Designations

Contribution
Thailand Collective
United States
Washington
Kirkland
Lat: 47.68167, Lon: -122.2075
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General Information

Melly-Mel has been vouched for
VERIFIED MEMBER Identity Checked, Location Pending more info
Couch availableYes
CouchSurf requests replied to87%
member sinceJuly 24th, 2006
profile views6901
age25
birthday 5 March
Everyone can see this.
genderFemale
membernameMelly-Mel
occupationArtist, Professional metalsmith, chronic scholar, master of intense curiosities!
educationTornados, kitchens, hobos, white lines on roads, metals, wood, languages, culture, economics....oh and hitchhiking 101!
grew up inOlympia, Wasington, USA
ethnicityAsian-American
Direct Profile URL

Languages

  • English (United States)Expert
  • Spanish (Spain)Beginner
  • ThaiIntermediate

Groups I Belong To

Laos 515:1279
Why: Closest Amb to Laos, trying to help with CS comunications in Esarn region.
Thailand 6504:7154
Thailand CS Organisation 16:22
Why: City Ambassadors for Udon Thani
Busan 445:1256
Why: because i will see you 5 days!
Active in 29 more groups.
Show them all

Couch Information


     << CouchSurf with Melly-Mel!    

Couch picture

Couch Available: Yes
Preferred Gender: Any
Max Surfers Per Night: 4

Shared Sleeping Surface: No
Shared Room: Depends

you can sleep wherever you like really, but first come first serve for the private guest bedroom and for the couches!

I now would like to announce that I have moved closer to Seattle and am now located 20 mins from the city center in the town of Kirkland.

I live with my boyfriend J in a large two story house with a sunny yard, large kitchen and a vast basement that holds the awesome furry couches and futons you may crash on. The basement also holds my workshop space where I run my business and sometimes work late.

There is a neighborhood parks all around the area and swings! yay! We have no pets and cannot hold pets since I am allergic, if you smoke just go outside, apart from that all are welcome!

Friends (134)

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World map
Map of friends
MOUNTAIN BOI MOUNTAIN BOI
40, Male
Pai, Mae Hong Son
Thailand
Friends since March 1982
"I know Mel very well because she is my cusin "
Friendship Type: Best Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person   Hosted14   Surfed11   Traveled14  
Liz Napieralski Liz Napieralski
28, Female
Santa Fe, New Mexico
United States
Friends since July 2007
"The best way to know someone—we met randomly, and then went to a concert together."
Friendship Type: Best Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person  
Andrew WeigelAndrew Weigel
26, Male
Somerville, Massachusetts
United States
Friends since April 2007
"Met randomly in Boston"
Friendship Type: Good Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person  
THE DANCING WANDERERTHE DANCING WANDERER
25, Female
Venice, California
United States
Friends since September 2002
"Body shots at Pirate Party! Salsa dancing, sushi tastical madness, we go way back. I love this woman."
Friendship Type: Close Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person   Surfed4   Traveled7  
MADELYN MADELYN
28, Female
Boston, Massachusetts
United States
Friends since April 2007
"Met through CS, which is why the world needs CS :-)"
Friendship Type: Best Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person   Hosted4  
Drayton HiersDrayton Hiers
30, Male
Singapore, (none)
Singapore
Friends since March 2007
"We hung out in Santa Fe, trading languages, art and truffle fries... I think it's BFF from here on out."
Friendship Type: Best Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person  
Jeremy Harrison-Smith Jeremy Harrison-Smith
25, Male
Brattleboro, Vermont
United States
Friends since May 2002
"We went to Evergreen together"
Friendship Type: Close Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person  
Tiffany Goodson Tiffany Goodson
34, Female
Los Angeles, California
United States
Friends since February 2008
"We met at a Sauna Massage Wat in Laos when I was there "
Friendship Type: Friend
Met in person   Traveled10  
Sebastian Kirschner Sebastian Kirschner
29, Male
Leipzig, Saxony
Germany
Friends since April 2007
"We met at a CS party in Boston and turned the next day's sightseeing tour into a pup crawl."
Friendship Type: Close Friend
I vouched for Melly-Mel
Met in person   Traveled6  
Ryan StaubRyan Staub
31, Male
Seattle, Washington
United States
Friends since May 2004
"Salsa dancing"
Friendship Type: Good Friend
Met in person   Traveled4  
124 more friends
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Melly-Mel
my winter look...
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Personal Description

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
-Miriam Beard


KEYWORDS: cooking, traveling, hitchhiking, hot springs, juggling, accordion music, unicycling, performance art, storytelling, fondue, metals, art, culture, economics, and a good bottle of vintage Porto!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

I am practical, a little cautions, and love to plan (for better of for worse!) As I said I love to cook, and love traveling through countries sampling anything that crosses my path! Hey! Most of the culture is in the food! However when I am not traveling or cooking, or eating I am making things. I graduated with Fine Arts, and International studies under my belt. My work is in metals, in Bronze and Sterling Sculpture/Wearable Art with attention to technical skills and accessible imagery that are for the most part travel-inspired. Apart from art and cooking, I love all types of music (play some clarinet and accordion myself), and enjoy nature hiking, urban hitchhiking, fire juggling, riding the unicycle, and doing things I have never done before! Check me out at: www.mellingtoncartwright.com!

How I Participate in CS

I put people up when I can, and provide information about the surrounding area I live in as well as travel times from point A to B and tips on where and where not to go. I have recently been christened with the term "Nomadic Ambassador" this however translates to "volunteer" for me and I do my best to help as many CSers with answering questions, playing tour guide, and friend as well as helping spread CS2's mission statement as I do my part in the reinvention of hospitality and the kindness of strangers one step at a time.

It is also important to know that no matter how sleep-deprived and busy I am, most of the time if I CSer is passing through wherever I am I will at least go out for drinks and stories with them since I believe meeting travelers is an important part of my life and my artistic inspiration. In short: I may not be able to host you, but if you message me with your phone number and you are in town and lost and/or bored, we will hang out!

CouchSurfing Experience

Drayton Heirs just came to Santa Fe, and we went out for drinks and stories, and became so inspired by eachother that we are considering doing a CS travel project (art, documentary, etc... maybe) so stay tuned!

Apart from my great Drayton experience, I can say that I strongly support this database and the idea of a network for travelers and hosts. I have never had a bad run-in with anyone, and am glad to be a part of an extended traveling community, especially when I cannot travel a lot.

Interests

oh boy... well I love love cooking, (especially Spanish,and Japanese cuisine!) into Juggling, unicycling, oil painting,(sometimes online gaming.....I'm a nerd...shhh! don't tell anyone!) and dreaming. But my favor things are metalworking and travelling!

The one thing I am not interested in though, is lethargy. When you meet me you will notice that I am a little slow on knowing about things on TV, or pop culture. I just don't allot myself anytime in front of TV's or other screens.

Philosophy

To, of course, experience life to the fullest. I try and do it all....and my work-a-holic tendancies may be the death of me. but I live my life to make things, and to move move move! Making things and practicing the art of perpetual motion is what makes me feel the most alive in this existence. Unfortunately it has been very hard to settle down and settle for one thing or one place because of it.

I am, partly in an endless search for home. I share homes in many peoples hearts, some in Santa Fe, new Mexico, some in Boston, MA, some in Seattle, WA. I constantly tell the universe YES, and thus am at home wherever I am.

I travel with the spirit of my dead father, Gregory. He died when I was 6, and I retain a majority of his personality and adventurous characteristics (not to mention being a lifeguard and tennis player.) I lost him early, and with him I lost my reference to myself in this reality, but I carry him within me and he is my inner strength that allows me to listen to my intuition.

To contemplate what it means to be Asian-American...and what it means to be a boarder-walker, a go-between, a hilltop climber upon peaks and dunes of the ever-shifting sands of cultural taboos...always tripping, always falling when I fail to tread lightly

Music, Movies, Books

Books: Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Coraline, etc. Harry Potter, Garth Nix fantasy fiction. Anything by Tom Robbins, Classic works, especialy those by Thomas Hardy, Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson; The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, any book you throw at me on Gastronomy, oh and a healthy dose of The Economist. Movies? ...AMELIE! Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Lunacy, Little Otik, The Science of Sleep, Chocolat, Dead Alive, Bad Taste, Ratatoulle, French, Foreign Films and really bad n' cheesy horror B-movies. Music...TORI AMOS! Smashing Pumpkins, The Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, Sigur Ros, Amina, Black box Recorder, Neko Case, The Flaming Lips, Manu Chao, Of Montreal, Mrs. John's Soda, Yo La Tengo, The Magnetic Fields, and Sterolab.... oh boy...that's a little bit about the music I listen too! What a mouth full!

Types of People I enjoy

People who love to try new and interesting things...espcially new and interesting foods! I am an extreme foodists, and like to meet others who enjoy trying the weird and wonderful in world cuisines! I love meeting travellers who can share good stories and who have a good head on their shoulders for being responsible and reasonable, who can teach me the same. ....and love hanging out with social people who are curious, and motivated to find the next thing around the corner. I also enjoy surprises and contact reminders to live in the present and take life as it comes since we could die at any moment.

Teach, Learn, Share

1)When traveling always bring a towel. Douglas Adams is correct, a towel is the most important thing and hitchiker, traveler can have on him.
2) When Hitchiking it is good to carry a large walking stick since although cumbersome it has allowed me to be picked up since it identifies you as a traveler and not a junkie hitching to the next town over to pick up drugs. (So says the people who have picked me up.)
3) When hitching (and female), be very cautious. Dress clean and presentable, yet cover yourself up in layers of clothes to look bulky and not so attractive. Tie hair back and wear good shoes. Make sure you look at them in the eyes so you can both judge eachothers character... and finally, the most important tip on assessing a ride: Look in their back seat as you run up to the car. I have always judged a drivers personality a bit by how they keep there back car seats... i.e. does their car have baby clothes, and child's seat? papers and business documents? Is the car cleanb, or dirty? is it dirty with beer cans and greasy car parts, or dog hair and baby toys? This will give you a lead into their personality even before you see their face. Although this advice will NOT protect you 100% from murderers and creeps, it is a tip I have used man y times when assessing rides, especially when you have about 15-25 seconds on the freeways shoulder. In addition, examine the car once it pulls up, then run up to it, examine, back, then examine driver. Car, Backseat, Driver! Good Luck!

if anyone has any other good hitching tips especially what women hitchers do, please let me know. Hitchiking is my favorite means of travel, not for the free aspect, but for the people you meet and the stories you share ont he road. So I would like to know about others tips and tricks for safety and hitching.

One Amazing Thing I've Seen or Done

Number 1: Cultural Confrontation

Surviving living in Thailand without knowing much Thai, and attending school, and living with a conservative Chinese family (mine) for the amount of time I was there was pretty challenging and amazing. I do not try and attract the word "fun" in my travels, but rather the word "enriching" and constantly seek to further the elvolution of myself. My attraction and adventures in Asia are amazingly enrishing across the board even though they come at the price of suffering, and frustration sometimes. In long and in short I can only say that All of Thailand was an amazing thing done and seen.

Number 2: Evolution

Yesterday (9/3/07) I returned from Black Rock City, and Burning Man. This has opened my eyes, made my heart humbled, and created amazing bubbles of thoughts in my mind concerning revelations on humankind, kindness and the life force of the world. Do I sound a little Hippy-Dippy-New-age? For those of you who know me I am very pragmatic, practical and logical, but the energy and healing that the desert shoved into my soul while stripping me down of many other social factors and stirred something greater in my awareness of mortal role in this reality and my interactions with people.

Opinion on the CouchSurfing.org Project

I think couchsurfing is great! there needs to be more travel-centric datebases out there!

I couchsurf because it is a constant reminder that I am free and without fear from strangers. I believe that you lose your freedom -first- from fear, and that fear is the baseline for oppression and ignorance. By experiencing the kindness of strangers I remind myself how an open heart feels and what freedom within creates.

Locations Traveled

TRAVELED: Australia, Belgium, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam
LIVED: Spain, Thailand, United States
WANTS TO GO: Argentina, China, Iceland, Ireland, Mongolia, Russia
IS GOING TO: Malaysia, Thailand, United States

References

 
     Leave a Reference >>    
Meredith Gilbert 
From Meredith Gilbert
 Cambridge, United States
 Jun 23
Met in person Friend, Hosted 3 days  
Positive

Mel is a magical reminder of how small the world is... and how wonderful it is. Though I couchsurfed with her cousin in Thailand and went to college with her best friend, I only met her through my roomie recently (and my roomie is only my roomie because Mel got her into CS in the first place). She was warm, sweet, and wonderful and her positive vibes have stayed in my room since she was here.

Casey Fenton 
From Casey Fenton
 San Francisco, United States
 Apr 9
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Meeting Mel is like meeting a rock star and an explorer in one! She is so energetic, is connected to everyone and isn't afraid to go out there and explore the far reaches... living her life to the fullest... rocking out... all across the globe! Huge hug to you Mel for living your dreams! :-)

Griffen Avent 
From Griffen Avent
 Denver, United States
 Dec 23, 2008
Met in person Close Friend,  
Positive

she is The Greatest of all time! Friendly and Creative.
Always makes me laugh and cheers me up! I met mel at Burning man at at once we were connected. She came to my Birthday party at Burning man and help me get over my fear of clowns( still kinda freaked out by the B&B clowns). She is always a joy to talk to and listen too. If there is a better world than splidefourous to describe mel then it's her.

Ben Forbes
From Ben Forbes
 Sydney, Australia
 Oct 27, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Surfed 2 days  
Positive

Mel is an inspiration, whirling dervishes eat your heart out! There is no way her energy, optimism and humor won't rub off on you. I loved her openess and honesty, it was so easy to have fun. Mel was never short of short of suggestions...great ones at that.

COMPACT
From COMPACT
 Tagaytay City, Philippines
 Oct 14, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is one of the most talented person I have ever met and to add it up she is also one of the sweetest.

See you at the crossroad,dear.

Ray Hecht
From Ray Hecht
 Shenzhen, China
 Sep 29, 2008
Met in person Acquaintance,  
Positive

I met Mel at Burning Man in 2007 and she introduced me to the concept of CouchSurfing, and for this I am eternally grateful. Then I bumped into her again in 2008.

Both times at public bathing scenes . . .

Melly-Mel is super-cool, and can relay a lot of wisdom about hitchhiking & travel. An incredible free spirit, riding the wave of life, and artistically living in the moment from Thailand to Black Rock Desert

I promise to wear clothes if we ever meet again! Somehow we kept meeting that way. Interesting synchronicity ;)

MARIAH PAPAYA
From MARIAH PAPAYA
 Portland, United States
 Sep 4, 2008
Met in person Friend, Hosted 2 days Traveled 1 days 
Positive

Mel is the bees knees- she knows all the best greasy breakfast diners, shares her squid jerky and has classy taste in music. She is simply a delight to know and I wish her the best of luck in her future adventures.

Mattthew Brauer
From Mattthew Brauer
 Istanbul, Turkey
 Aug 28, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a very talented artist and deep thinker. She's confident, smart and easy to talk to. We had long conversations about Thai culture, men and women, and art. Mellington has style to spare!

Roger Charles
From Roger Charles
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Aug 21, 2008
Met in person Close Friend, Hosted 8 days Surfed 1 days  
Positive

Probably the best CS ever, step on her Js if u ever have time and u will never regret.

Jessie James (not the cowboy)
From Jessie James (not the cowboy)
 Quezon City, Philippines
 Aug 17, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Melly is THE party girl. she's a great person to meet. she has energy that rocks everybody! i am super glad that i had the chance to meet her before she left BKK. the CSers in US are so lucky to have her back there. take care Mel. hope to see you again sometime.

Tiffany Goodson 
From Tiffany Goodson
 Los Angeles, United States
 Aug 4, 2008
Met in person Friend, Traveled 10 days 
Positive

Mel is unique and super-fly...we've been sick together, and had a motorbike accident together...and done an overnight train up talking most of the night together...

aJ '
From aJ '
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Jul 2, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel's a vibrant woman, we met at a gathering and spoke abit at the BBQ. She's a great woman with alot of experience in her travels & kick boxin experiences ;) she'll protect u from rude shop keepers ;)

Sewon Chung
From Sewon Chung
 Williamsburg, United States
 Jul 2, 2008
Met in person  
Positive

I am so lucky to have stumbled upon Mel's profile! We started talking to each other while we were both traveling (Mel was eating spicy jjigae in Korea and I was riding motos in Cambodia). And our locations finally matched up on my last day in Bangkok. Even though it was only just a day, I felt like I was already good friends with her and it was really good to talk with her about everything. I'm sad that we don't live near each other! Mel is truly an amazing person who inspires me to be brave and creative in the way I live my life everyday. I hope to see her again in some other part of the world!

javenys
From javenys
 Semarang, Indonesia
 Jul 1, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

Melly is lovable, sweet, honest, easy to get along with, always give her ears to listen, and it will never get bored talking with her even you have to stay awake for a whole nite ! She is like a magnet in a community or a group of people, and everybody loves her ! In her age, she is quite mature.. We had a great conversation one nite, and at the end she gave me a very wonderful advise, that touched me ! Thank you, Melly..you are such a great friend ! Miss you and hope to see you again! :-)

David Grajal Blanco 
From David Grajal Blanco
 Würzburg, Germany
 Jun 30, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is an example of what having a conscious life means. Just being around her makes you feel incredible, and everything seems fully guided by synchronicity and intuition. There’s no need to set goals and make detailed plans because with Mel around, you are able to enjoy your life although you are lost in the middle of the jungle.

Daiyen
From Daiyen
 Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
 Jun 27, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

First met Mel at Mun's birthday party. Then we met at few other occasions including hiking, shopping etc. I enjoy chatting with her whenever we met. She's very kind, cool and wise! I'm always amazed by her hitch-hiking experience. 2 useful tips when getting along with her :
1. Do keep track of her conversation topics, so that you can lead her back when she got loss in her jungle of thoughts.
2. Feed her with A LOT of nice food and drink!
Mel, I hope your Asia trip help you to know yourself much better, and bring more inspiration to your art works. I surely hope we can meet again, somewhere...

Munawar Mike
From Munawar Mike
 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 Jun 23, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Hosted 4 days Traveled 3 days 
Positive

Melly is very nice,friendly BIG hearted person.More than words to describe about her.From her profile -Well seen as experience travel person.I enjoy a good conversation with her,from Burning Man-her History of life-Portland Oregon-
Im very happy to have her on my organizing CS Perhentian Island Trip / My Birthday Bash Party.She are awesome guest.Easy blend with everyone...
She alway sure and make everyone happy!

Im very sure we will meet again.Someday and Somehow.You always welcome to Penang City @ Malaysia.Good Luck + all the best on your trip. Take care buddy ....

Virag Thakkar
From Virag Thakkar
 Pune, India
 Jun 11, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Surfed 1 days  
Positive

I met her at mun's birthday party and she is looks very energetic, enthusiastic and last but not a least a great dancer :) Maybe its time for guys around to learn salsa before you meet her :D

SHELLEY 
From SHELLEY
 Berlin, Germany
 May 28, 2008
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

Mels IS the face that launched 1000 ships. She is that person you meet randomly that makes you wish you could fold her into your pocket so you can bring her out whenever you feet anything but amazing. She instantly colours the atmosphere around you with beautiful imagery in conversation, an excitement that most of us lost long ago, and sincerity of the rarest kind. No matter what adventure you find yourself on with Mel, you'll be crossing your fingers that you run into her again... soon! If you're lucky, some of her artistic genious will seep into your tea as she spills her secrets and insight into the night. Mel, where are you? And why is that not here?

Ann Alexander
From Ann Alexander
 Busan, South Korea
 May 23, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 2 days 
Positive

Mel has changed my life with her Thai Indie music.. and with her vast knowledge of Asian history. My days in Busan would not have been the same without her adventurous spirit! She has been a real inspiration for me to see much more than I had hoped.

KOREAFEM 
From KOREAFEM
 Seoul, South Korea
 May 22, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Hosted 3 days Surfed 2 days  
Positive

Mel is so unique. She's a one-of-kind, independent spirit with many interests and abilities. You can talk for her for hours and never get bored. We learned a lot about each other both before she arrived and while she was here in Korea. I had a great time hosting you and introducing you to my friends. My students loved you and will never forget your wonderful juggling act! See you soon in Bangkok! :)

Update Aug08: I finally made it to BKK, and Mel was an amazing hostess. She introduced me to a great friend of hers and really showed me a great NON-backpacker's experience in Thailand. I had such a great time with you, girl. Can't wait to see you in another part of the world!

Lee Chelwoo
From Lee Chelwoo
 Iksan, South Korea
 May 19, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 2 days 
Positive

hi~where are you?
I miss you so much
I arrived my home today
This trip will stay with me as a happy memory
someday i wish to you trip
huu.. english write so dificult
but i do writing best
i will learn english study hard training
this meeting that me very important
thank you very much
see you again

Alex Samaras
From Alex Samaras
 Bangkok, Thailand
 May 19, 2008
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

I met Mel for the first time at a steak dinner with May, Pan, and Honey. We ended up hanging out for the next 5 days straight. What can I say? She's like a sister to me. Super sweet, very funny, full of big dreams, and just an all around awesome person.

Definitely meet Mel if you get the chance. :D

PILGRIM108
From PILGRIM108
 Macleodganj, India
 May 19, 2008
Met in person Friend, Hosted 2 days  
Positive

Oh Man, I was Mel's couchsurfing host, but I got the best part of the deal, for sure. It was so refreshing to meet Mel, she taught me a lot about couchsurfing and staying open to opportunities. Our day-trip to the Green Tea field has already become legend in my story and she's made me a confirmed hitch-hiker! See you somewhere down the road, Mel!

Lauren Campbell
From Lauren Campbell
 Seoul, South Korea
 May 16, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Two consecutive nights with Mel and I'm contacting other surfers in Yeosu as I write this. This vibrant character managed to introduce me to new people in Korea (and I'm the one who lives here), and hitch hike her way around the green tea fields like none I've ever witnessed before...all in the space of just over 24 hours. A true character full of suprises~good suprises :-)

michael-oliver 
From michael-oliver
 Montreal, Canada
 May 15, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Melly-Mel is a truly unique being, and I'm glad we crossed paths more than once while in Thailand! I first interviewed her for an article about the Thai collective while in Chiang Mai, and got to know her through her amazing artwork. And in a stroke of utter BKK randomness that I already greatly miss, we met again through a mutual friend weeks later when we were both in Bangkok. She generously volunteered to be my unofficial Thai interpreter on a field trip of sorts to the Bangkok Christian Hospital (!!! I'm totally giggling as I type this up...)!! After my ''miscellaneous IV injections'', as Mel put it, we decided to turn the hospital's cash area our personal chatting parlour and had a ball talking film, Thai alphabet (she gave me a lesson using the ''pay here'' sign above the cashier!!), Burning Man, and loads more. Mel's got loads of insight to throw your way, is hella funny, completely in tune with Thai culture and a blast to hang with. Let's do this again sometime soon, and have an awesome time in Korea!!!

Carisita
From Carisita
 Maarssen, Netherlands
 May 13, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Now that I am at home and have eaten I have time to write Mel a MIRACULOUS reference. She's insanely funny and shares a passion for food I thought only I had. Granted, she can cook, and I...only eat. Lots of serious talks, stupid talks, laughter, nakey dances and smiles later I have only one thing left to say.

She marinated me, and I think she's great.

rachel 
From rachel
 San Francisco, United States
 May 9, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 2 days 
Positive

She's one of those people you meet & think "Why haven't I known you my whole life, & why don't we live in the same town?!" We spent not-enough-time in Pai and every minute was awesome - Mel has had such life experience, such unique perspective, & an affinity for self-discovery that impressed the hell out of me. She's inspiring with her artistic sensibilities, & could very well coax you into a few epiphanies about human growth & the world. And definitely talk to her about the culture of knowing what you are eating, if it happens to be meat. A completely trustworthy, savvy, and fascinating human.

Pablo Zayas 
From Pablo Zayas
 Gyeongsan, South Korea
 May 6, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Hosted 4 days Surfed 2 days  
Positive

To say that Mel and I hit it off from the very beginning is an understatement. She's adventurous, fun, easy-going, talkative and great to have around. I could write forever about her and the times we spent together but will let you have the chance to find out more. Countless other adjectives would not even do her justice. Make sure you go out of your way to meet her if she's in your area. Hope you had fun in Busan!

Rachel  Holden
From Rachel Holden
 Pasadena, United States
 May 6, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is just a cool cat. She is a true artist. She makes me want to run away and join the circus, or at least put on a burlesque show.=

Kwanhatai Jampol
From Kwanhatai Jampol
 Bangkok, Thailand
 May 2, 2008
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

Mel..How come I haven't added you sooner.I mean what have I been doing?Hanging with you the whole time?..haha.
Mel and I first talked to each other on the phone and then were eager to meet each other in person.We got along really well, we still do.We both love salsa and are waiting for our night out.I always love to talk to Mel about my stuff and am always all ears for hers.

Mike Rios
From Mike Rios
 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
 Apr 24, 2008
Met in person Friend, Surfed 2 days  
Positive

Mel rocks my socks off! She's fun, talented, and witty. She's got a lot to offer anyone. I feel lucky to have met her and her amazing family. Hopefully we'll have more meetings in the future!

SPIRITED ADVENTURER 
From SPIRITED ADVENTURER
 Toronto, Canada
 Apr 23, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is one of those people who make things happen! I e-mailed her & asked about the hot springs outside of Santa Fe. A week later she took me to Ojo Caliente -- an hour outside of SF. What a fabulous experience! Mel, you're amazing.

Kamil Karasek
From Kamil Karasek
 Kralupy nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
 Apr 12, 2008
Met in person  
Positive

She is realy worka-holy-c housewife:]]
so if have problems with loosing weight, ask her for help! She know very well what to do.
thx to know You Mell!

MIMIMINI
From MIMIMINI
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Apr 5, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Full of energy and always have something interesting to talk about:)
hope to see you more often and yesss we'll hitchhiker together soooon ka.
@UPDATE@
I love Melly-Mel :))

Samantha Franks
From Samantha Franks
 Olympia, United States
 Apr 4, 2008
Met in person Close Friend,  
Positive

LOVE

MOUNTAIN BOI 
From MOUNTAIN BOI
 Pai, Thailand
 Mar 24, 2008
Met in person Best Friend, Hosted 14 days Surfed 11 days Traveled 14 days 
Positive

I alway envy her by her confidence and adventurous. She so dynamic, and colorful fun to be around with. I can talk to her with every thing. She give me a lot of inspirations.

Andrew Otto 
From Andrew Otto
 San Francisco, United States
 Mar 22, 2008
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

A long name, fitting only for the large personality that comes with it. A metalsmith, really? Cool!

Perhaps we will see each other in Alaska. Perhaps we will see each other in Nevada.

julix 
From julix
 San Diego, United States
 Mar 20, 2008
Only met online CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel and I have just exchanged emails so far, but she sounds like a very friendly, positive spirit, great part of the CS network

CHEFSCOTT6767
From CHEFSCOTT6767
 Hanoi, Vietnam
 Mar 7, 2008
Met in person Close Friend, Surfed 5 days  
Positive

I got to hang out with Mel on her birthday in BKK! having some same "roots" in the Pacific NW,and the love of food, it was easy to chat about lots of things! She's a great representative of CS, and i wish you well on your current journey. See you in Seattle in the fall! Peace
2008-9 update: did meet in seattle, and spent lunar new year 2009 in udon thani with her and her amazing family!!!!

May Sanguannuan
From May Sanguannuan
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Mar 6, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Can she be any more cooler that this??!!Seriously, guys and girls..she's one of the coolest girl i ever meet, so far. I literally Love Her:) It's so good to have someone that is really in the same page as u, and feel as ease in the conversation every topics we talked abt..we are planning a month long of pure life update in the future, girl!!Luv U!!!

Jamie Terrin
From Jamie Terrin
 Yongji, China
 Feb 5, 2008
Met in person Friend, Traveled 3 days 
Positive

a simply wonderful person.

Luqash  .
From Luqash .
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Feb 3, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mell is fantascic girl. first time have met in Bkk at Cs party. Then again in Koh Tao and Pai. Mel is grat companion to talk about everything (also in Thai ;) ) and i hope to met you again na kap.

TUM Kongkhanun
From TUM Kongkhanun
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Feb 1, 2008
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

Wow; nice to talk with her.She's very nice and friendly.See you next time :p

Ryan Staub
From Ryan Staub
 Seattle, United States
 Jan 28, 2008
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

I have been friends with Mel for 3 years in a context of dancing, not talking. We're now getting to know each other well, hanging out in Thailand. She's super fun, on the ball, independent and looks out for everyone.

SIVISIMO
From SIVISIMO
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Jan 6, 2008
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Wow! What can I say about Melly-Mel??..Marvelous, Magical and many more mighty words to follow. Had such a great time laughing it out with Mel and definitely looking for more in the near future. Let me know when you’ll be back in the kok k? Hugs!!

Kecia Jones
From Kecia Jones
 Olympia, United States
 Dec 23, 2007
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

ah...the legend of an amazing artist preceded our meeting, and when I met Mel I realized that she was, in fact, a living work of art. Always so colorful, animated and intelligent.
In all our random encounters- the clubside, Portland, Samantha's bed, there has never been an uncomfortable moment, but lots of smiling and interesting talk. I can't wait to hang out in Thailand, it seems like the patron saint of good times follows Mel wherever she goes...

Honey Varindaravej 
From Honey Varindaravej
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Dec 22, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mell's interesting and cs experience member.Great and fun to talk with her ..can't wait to see her again : )

Aylin Loğlişi
From Aylin Loğlişi
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
 Dec 22, 2007
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

Melly Mel is the twin sister I never knew. She's a burst of energy and fun. She's a clown (sometimes). She's a fellow hitchhiker and art-machine. She's worth keeping in touch with, and finally meeting after a year!

QUINN THE ESKIMO
From QUINN THE ESKIMO
 Utica, United States
 Dec 20, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 3 days 
Positive

mel is a super bad ass who can withstand a lot without missing a beat. and this girl really knows how to shake it.

ERIC C
From ERIC C
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Dec 16, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a great person and I hope she moves to Bangkok so I'll see her more often. Otherwise, I do fancy taking a trip up to Udon. What are you doing for New Years up there?

MAROT82
From MAROT82
 Bangkok, Thailand
 Dec 15, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

she is very fun to talk to and speak thai very good!

Alisa Rutherford-Fortunati 
From Alisa Rutherford-Fortunati
 Cambridge, United States
 Dec 12, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is the neon blue light of an arc welder against cold steel. She can't help, but change the nature of that which she touches.

Lollyrae 
From Lollyrae
 Portland, United States
 Dec 3, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

This here girl-person is one of the most interesting I have ever met in all my years! Full of amazing life, seemingly fearless and beautiful, I'm looking forward to having her around for many years to come! Every time I meet up with her, whether that's in some sleazy sushi bar, or laundry room, I'm astounded at her talent, joy for life, generosity and capacity to love...Mel is one of a kind.

I love, love her dearly!

Ale y Dani Lujan Pueyo
From Ale y Dani Lujan Pueyo
 Ottawa, Canada
 Nov 21, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel and I shared some cool moments at Burning Man, some thoughtful conversations and random runarounds :)

Cejana De Souza 
From Cejana De Souza
 New York, United States
 Nov 20, 2007
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

I'm sure that the uniqueness of Melly's style will (at a minimum) draw your attention towards her personable and intelligent character. Endulge yourself in stories of faraway lands. Keep an open heart, and more importantly, expect the unexpected from this wonderful nomad artisan. I shall miss these striped socks.

Mamarani Adams-Sai
From Mamarani Adams-Sai
 Seattle, United States
 Nov 19, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Travelling lady rode into my life on a bicycle with sparkely lights with autumn leaves falling. And then suprise! we are in love with the same family of nomads. She is always radiating, positive, full of stories and colorful auras!

Aaron Ilott
From Aaron Ilott
 Brookline, United States
 Nov 16, 2007
Met in person Friend, Hosted 7 days  
Positive

Mel puts the mel is freakin' awesomel. She and her mom stayed with us and treated us like kings...or family... or a family of kings. They were one of the best and most enjoyable house guests i've ever had! Her mom was my beer-pong teammate and we watched Borat together. Two of the best ladies I know and amazing company.

OMG_IT'S_JULIE!!! 
From OMG_IT'S_JULIE!!!
 Montreal, Canada
 Nov 15, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

We chated a bit at the Boston invasion gateway party at my house and she's a freakin' cool chic!!! Mel is a funky dresser and awesome to chill with. I know we'll get to see each other again (definitely at BM 2008) and get to know each other better too!!! I can't wait !!!

MaRoU 
From MaRoU
 Montreal, Canada
 Nov 14, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel was really fun to meet, she was part of the Boston Invasion and it definatly was one of the greatest weekend of falls! She brought her smile, her energy and partied with us all weekend! She's fun and witty!

Caleb Goodaker-Craig
From Caleb Goodaker-Craig
 Austin, United States
 Nov 13, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

I met Mel-Mel at the first Olympia CS gathering. She was excited and taking photos and helped create a nice atmosphere. We ran into each other later and then another time on purpose where we discussed more CS gatherings and coordinated more networking. She is totally committed to making contacts and together-ness. Alright!

CharlesABQ
From CharlesABQ
 Buenos Aires, Argentina
 Nov 12, 2007
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

Wow...Mel...I'm still absorbing and organizing all of the rich material I got from this girl. What a self-moving, make-it-happen person Mel is! I think, during her whole life, exciting mind-broadening things will be happening to her and around her...so...you don't think that's enough of a reason to want to meet her?

EMAJ
From EMAJ
 Vancouver, Canada
 Nov 8, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Hosted 2 days  
Positive

We had a great time! It was easy to host them, Mel is easy going and fun to be around.

RoadStars 
From RoadStars
 Wellington, New Zealand
 Nov 2, 2007
Only met online CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

We share so many common interests, it was fated that we not attend the same collective!

From accordians to porto to blazing new paradigms- Melly (seems from a great distance) to be the real deal!

Mark Towner
From Mark Towner
 San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico
 Oct 30, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

Met Mel in Montreal at the Invasion Parties and then got a lift back to Boston with her where she forced me to be her butler! Then we hung out for a while and she introduced me to loads of people but failed to get properly drunk together. This needs to be rectified!
Forget Thailand girl, come to CA!! :)

Laurence Carrier-Desjardins 
From Laurence Carrier-Desjardins
 The Hague, Netherlands
 Oct 29, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

We have loads of friends in common and i couldn't wait to share some memories with this crazy chick! She more than awesome as everyone told me, she's sees everything in a reassuring positive way and she sure knows how to rock a party!
Can't wait to see you again!
She obviously did not spend enough time in Québec city and our adventure from tourists places to gay bars ended way too soon... We shall meet again Miss Marvelous! Put on your little hat and your dancing shoes, we'll rock Barcelona!

Peter Hartree 
From Peter Hartree
 Brighton, United Kingdom
 Oct 23, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Charming and interesting girl, good talker. Was great to meet you, hope we will cross paths again à l'avenir.

COOKSOWELL
From COOKSOWELL
 Nanchang, China
 Oct 20, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Hosted 1 days  
Positive

I meet Mel at a dinner during the Boston invasion in Montréal. She really got my attention when she mention doing a reduction of a sauce, we share the same passion for cooking and She came back and surf my couch with her mom, I really had a great time, too bad she only stayed one evening. Hope to see you soon and really cook this time

MCJAZZIE 
From MCJAZZIE
 Boston, United States
 Oct 14, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is an extremely friendly warm person who will make you feel welcome and happy from the first meeting. She is the sweetest and most genuine person that ever visited Boston. I am very happy that I met her and love the way she is... esp how she kidnaps people off the street and makes them join couchsurfing!

Eric Forsman 
From Eric Forsman
 Saint Louis, United States
 Oct 10, 2007
Met in person Close Friend, Traveled 6 days 
Positive

I cannot begin to explain Mel as a person. She is indeed a ball of energy with a punch of charisma on two legs. I love the way she can chat with anyone, anytime, anywhere. Her random dancing, high-energy lifestyle, non-stop action makes this woman a beauty. We crossed paths in Portland and spent a week running around the Northwest America. From the Oregon coast to communal farm in Washington mixed with meetings, parties, and fine dining in the mix. I had a BLAST with Melington Cartwright III. If you have the privilege of meeting her, try and keep up.

Tim Dery
From Tim Dery
 Seattle, United States
 Oct 9, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

A Thai that doesn't like curry?
At any rate, Mel is an interesting and unafraid person, and that means a lot.

Jena Fiamingo 
From Jena Fiamingo
 San Francisco, United States
 Oct 9, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is soo full of energy, I love it!! She's one of those people who, in two sentences, says she's taking a road trip and everyone follows her to the ends of the earth...well, okay, to Canada. The recent Boston invasion of Montreal was a blast, thanks to Mel organizing. She's a great cook, make-up artist and owns some sultry moves on the dance floor. I have a feeling we'll run into each other again sometime, somewhere...

Anvi Vu
From Anvi Vu
 Westford, United States
 Oct 8, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 2 days 
Positive

Thanks to Mel, I got to experience my first surf on CS! Yayy :D She's very cool and very talkative! I would love to see her more in the future!

THE DANCING WANDERER
From THE DANCING WANDERER
 Venice, United States
 Oct 7, 2007
Met in person Close Friend, Surfed 4 days Traveled 7 days 
Positive

Mel Mel was not only wonderful upon our first meeting, but every moment we seem to spend together just increases my respect and admiration for her. Mel is an all around all over the place incredible person and friend. She has a lot to teach and share, interesting as well as a lot of fun. She loves to meet people and is full of conversational quirks. Mel is well traveled and educated. She always has 10 things on her plate and doesn't half ass at anything she does. I could really go on for miles about Mel. She is a peach. She is a badass. She is a master of the open road. Rock on Mel.

Andrew Weigel
From Andrew Weigel
 Somerville, United States
 Oct 1, 2007
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

We hung out together for a few days, Mel is an awesome, fun and sweet person!

DAVELOKNESS 
From DAVELOKNESS
 Shelton, United States
 Sep 30, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a very cool girl from what time I got to spend with her. Hopefully we will meet again and get to have some more fun.

Logan Loughmiller 
From Logan Loughmiller
 Portland, United States
 Sep 30, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Hosted 2 days  
Positive

Melly is lots of fun! Fun to talk to, great about bringing people together, always has a smile for you, and give hugs that leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Hugues Lacroix 
From Hugues Lacroix
 Plessisville, Canada
 Sep 29, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

She's a nomad, I'm a nomad, our path crossed while we were both in Olympia. It was fun chatting with her at the Olympia meetup. She seems to be one of those girl who fully enjoy every moment of life, she's energetic and smily! Unfortunately, I couldn't meet her again in Portland a couple of days later ... but hopefully, we'll meet somewhere else!

VIVIZ
From VIVIZ
 Olympia, United States
 Sep 29, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is taking life by storm with grace and generosity and a fierce, loving energy! I've only met her once, but this woman is amazing! I can only look forward to the next time we cross paths. Any friend of Mel's is a friend of mine.

Benjamin Balzer 
From Benjamin Balzer
 Portland, United States
 Sep 27, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is not easily describable, as she is many energetic and contrary things at once; a refreshing take on what it is to be a passionate human in this day and age. Simply put? I am very glad to have spent time with the craziness, the drive, the imagination, and the warmth that she brings to the table. Her presence refuels and rekindles. Mel is great!

See you soon, semi-neighbor... for tonight, we SALSA!

-=me

Teresa Nguyen
From Teresa Nguyen
 Portland, United States
 Sep 27, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel feels like she just explodes with this passion for life, and you can't help but be drawn to her. Full of stories, and her energy is astounding. Thumbs up in my book.

Alex Hansen 
From Alex Hansen
 Portland, United States
 Sep 27, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Great ambassador! The party really came alive when she showed up. :)

Ziggy Trebuch 
From Ziggy Trebuch
 Salzburg, Austria
 Sep 11, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Traveled 2 days 
Positive

I met Mel in Santa Fe. We had some glasses of fine Port Wine enjoying the gorgeous New Mexican sunset. She is a great communicator and her cooking is wild. Mel is hospitality at it's best!

MadestMax
From MadestMax
 Brooklyn, United States
 Sep 11, 2007
Met in person Friend, Traveled 5 days 
Positive

Hell, Mel has energy for ten and an incredible kind of connecting to people that leaves me just astonished. She is very generous and up for the graziest adventure you can imagine. I'm looking forward to welcome you in Boston!!!

Lily Brown
From Lily Brown
 San Francisco, United States
 Sep 10, 2007
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 6 days 
Positive

mel is an extremely friendly and beautiful girl. she is easy to get along with and more than generous. i was lucky enough to camp with her during burning man and i had a great time with her.

mel, it was awesome to meet you and i hope to hang out again soon some time. :)

HOMERAKGIRL 
From HOMERAKGIRL
 Chiang Mai, Thailand
 Sep 5, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

I'm sorry we didn't get to say goodbye! Thanks for all the fun, face paint, etc. I hope to see you on the Playa next year if not before. Safe travels!

Slowtraveler 
From Slowtraveler
 Santa Fe, United States
 Sep 3, 2007
Met in person Good Friend,  
Positive

To describe Mel as vibrant would be an understatement. I wish I had half of her energy and zeal for life. She is crazy fun and totally into CS and it's mission. A truly good down to earth person to hang with and learn from.

Livia
From Livia
 New York, United States
 Aug 22, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

I am so sad Mel left Santa Fe! Totally awesome girl. Just 23 and so accomplished. Many unusual talents. And dare I say, wonderful sense of style. Fun and open hearted. Can't wait til I can surf her couch in Thailand!

Liz Napieralski 
From Liz Napieralski
 Santa Fe, United States
 Aug 7, 2007
Met in person Best Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a a whirlwind, but all the more reason to love her. Bring her with you anywhere and you're guaranteed to have at least three more friends by the end of the night. She's one awesome chica, and I'm so sad she's leaving Santa Fe.

Jeremy Roye 
From Jeremy Roye
 Austin, United States
 Jul 9, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Hosted 1 days  
Positive

Via Austin's heat, we consumed food virtually nonstop together whilst discussing traveling, cullinary arts and what else but gastronomy! There was magic on the periphery.

Melly Mel is of the awesomest. And Her friends were also excellent company.

Jasmine Kastel
From Jasmine Kastel
 Miami Beach, United States
 Jun 25, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel was kind enough to take me out to Lake Abiquiu where we stuffed our faces and jumped off boulders into the icy depths of the lake. What fun! Food and adventure. Also, Mel is a virtual cavalcade of information; interesting stuff too. I look forward to our next adventure!

Valeri Sherni
From Valeri Sherni
 Albuquerque, United States
 May 18, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Joyful, fun, participative, energetic - that's Mel, and we haven't even had a real chance for deep discussion! I think she really gets couchsurfing at a heart level and am excited she's living in my town and fixing up Bellinis for us! Next time, chica, deep discussion and maybe some dancing :)

JULANOVA
From JULANOVA
 Omaha, United States
 May 16, 2007
Met in person Acquaintance,  
Positive

Mel is full of energy and enthusiasm

Alec Weir
From Alec Weir
 Boston, United States
 May 9, 2007
Met in person Close Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a roller coaster ride. She is a human tornado. She's begging to be immortalized in print by some plucky fiction writer (we both know who, let's leave it at that ;). Mel will not stop for bellyachers, nor will she settle for anything but the best that life has to offer her, be they oysters, cherries, dishes of questionable Scottish cuisine, strange fruit that smell (to us Yanks) like wet socks, or teapots. She is true to her word, and a dedicated friend, not to mention a creative dynamo.

Omar Gomez
From Omar Gomez
 Chicago, United States
 May 9, 2007
Met in person  
Positive

How could anyone say anything but sweet, kind, and funny stories about Mel-Mel. I meet her at Eric's in Santa Fe and she was a blast to hang out with. She was cool enogh to make us a great meal..and....can this woman cook.
Motorcycle riding, hot springs dipping, Albuquerque hang outs in the rain, I even crashed her couch while I was there. Mel-Mel is a blast!! She is also more than ambassador quality, just look or ask about what she did in Boston...... Where is my Tom Yum Plou Thi, soup Mel????

Jeremy Harrison-Smith 
From Jeremy Harrison-Smith
 Brattleboro, United States
 Apr 30, 2007
Met in person Close Friend,  
Positive

Mel has a great spirit. She is a wonderful artist, and a true adventurous traveler. Mel is very talented and can fun have with anyone! I recommend meeting her while you travel if possible.

Kelly Siebe
From Kelly Siebe
 Las Cruces, United States
 Apr 30, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a very interesting and friendly person who taught me all about the ways of couch surfing! When we talked I felt like we were already good friends, and I left wishing we had more time to hang out...I will definitely be giving her a call when I am passing through Santa Fe! :)

Sebastian Kirschner 
From Sebastian Kirschner
 Leipzig, Germany
 Apr 28, 2007
Met in person Close Friend, Traveled 6 days 
Positive

Having Mel arround me during my week in Boston gave color to the city's winter shade: green to the spring leaves, blue to the sky, yellow to the sun and red to the wine. We were laughing, running, marveling, crawling and surfing through this beautiful city together. Mel is an open-minded, curious, fascinating, laughing and 100% trustworthy person. Meet Mel and see the world with colorvision.

Adela Gavozdea
From Adela Gavozdea
 Barcelona, Spain
 Apr 25, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

mel-mel molds marvelous metals

Erica Sullivan 
From Erica Sullivan
 Boston, United States
 Apr 22, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend, Hosted 3 days  
Positive

Mel was a fun, cordial and generous guest! She bought us stuff, told us about our fellow couch-hosts, made great conversation and basically proved why the CouchSurfing project is such a good idea in the first place. She is a true CouchSurfing ambassador!

Drayton Hiers
From Drayton Hiers
 Singapore, Singapore
 Apr 20, 2007
Met in person Best Friend,  
Positive

To put it simply, I love Mel. She is by far the best guide to Santa Fe you could want, full of information on art, food, culture and random odds and ends. In our brief time together, we talked endlessly, drank copiously, traded music and had amazing breakfasts. Rumor is that we're suposed to go on a bike trip through Holland next year... should be fun.

Helen Todd 
From Helen Todd
 Cambridge, United States
 Apr 19, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a wonderful person to get to know!! She has such an amazing perspective on the world and naturally is easy to get along with! She's extremely talented on top of being so much fun to hang out with!

chalin
From chalin
 Brooklyn, United States
 Apr 19, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is one of the coolest people I have met period. In addition to being super sweet and super friendly, she designs awesome jewelry and has so many wonderful stories to tell. If you are lucky enough to meet her you will see exactly what I mean. Mel, I hope we can hang out soon!

Eli Barnes 
From Eli Barnes
 Boston, United States
 Apr 12, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a renaissance woman if there ever was one. A more inviting and social person I would be hard pressed to find. During her time in Boston, (about a week), she connected countless CSers and recruited a few more! She can make friends anywhere at any time, and you'll see why within minutes of meeting her.

Stacy Osten 
From Stacy Osten
 Milwaukee, United States
 Apr 11, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel was nice enough to connect me with other Couch Surfers and we ended up meeting at a gathering later the same night. She's a really sweet and interesting person with lots of great stories!

Anthony deFigio 
From Anthony deFigio
 Boston, United States
 Apr 11, 2007
Met in person Good Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

Mel and I met finally after my chaotic schedule thwarted us for a week. But she is as fun and friendly and charming as her profile and friends indicate. (Edit: Subsequent adventures confirm this. :)

Michael Gunnuscio 
From Michael Gunnuscio
 Boston, United States
 Apr 9, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

From the moment I saw Mels striped socks I knew she was a person that loves life. We spent two evenings together in Boston with other CSers. Her optimism is contagious! I can't wait to explore sothern Utah with her!

Natalie  Perlin
From Natalie Perlin
 Boston, United States
 Apr 9, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is so friendly,outgoing and spunky.She makes beautiful jewelery and gives off good vibes:) I hope to see you at burning man!

LAYNETHEGREAT 
From LAYNETHEGREAT
 Las Vegas, United States
 Apr 9, 2007
Met in person Friend, Traveled 4 days 
Positive

Oh my my, how do I begin to describe this amazing girl with the fantastic blue hair and work-attire-turned-high-fashion-accessory goggles?? Well, Mel is an absolute blast to be around; everyone loves her; she oozes charisma and parties like a champion. Be sure to stick with her if you want to find yourself next to random locals who were drawn into your excursions by her magnetic personality, or just generally have the time of your life. I'm so glad we met. You are awesome!! xo

MADELYN 
From MADELYN
 Boston, United States
 Apr 8, 2007
Met in person Best Friend, Hosted 4 days  
Positive

Hot damn, am I glad that this amazing girl is in my life! I feel like I've known her forever... maybe because we crammed a few years' worth of adventures into one short week. Mel is proof that it's not where you are, it's who you're with - she turned my normal Boston life upside-down (in a good way). In her short time in Boston, her enthusiasm and openess made a difference to so many people. Her super positive energy brought together many many new friends and made the Boston CS crew tighter. She was a perfect guest and an even better friend. I can't wait to see her again, 'cause I miss her already.

Terra Curtis
From Terra Curtis
 San Francisco, United States
 Apr 8, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

chill girl (as much as i hate using that word, "chill"). seriously, though, she was cool. got the whole art thing going on which i have mucho respect for. definitely easy to talk to and really generous. i'm sure you'd have a great time surfing her couch.

James Brown
From James Brown
 Boston, United States
 Apr 7, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Mell while she was in Boston. Very positive, happy, cheerful, and just a joy to be around.

TOBIASEGG 
From TOBIASEGG
 Hamburg, Germany
 Apr 2, 2007
Met in person Friend,  
Positive

It's been fun to meet Mel in Boston. It's almost imposible to describe her. She's fun, chaotic, creative, nice and interesting. Enjoyed meeting her very much.
Update: When I flew through Bangkok August 2008, Mel was there, studying Thai, so we managed to meet again. Well, the impression didn't change, Mel has become a CS addict, is still as crazy and chaotic as I remember her and I would have loved to have a later flight to hang out a little more.

MEDICOVIAJERO 
From MEDICOVIAJERO
 Santa Fe, United States
 Mar 29, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Mel is a vibrant open minded gal eager to participate in this Couchsurfing experience in a positive way!

John Gump
From John Gump
 Westminster, United States
 Mar 26, 2007
Met in person CouchSurfing Friend,  
Positive

Met up with Mel for lunch while I was staying in Santa Fe. Even though it was last minute and she was super busy, she still made time and was super excited to meet other CSers. Gave us directions/ recommendations on what to check out and was generally super helpful and friendly. Thanks Mel.

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