I've had the honor of being a Couchsurfer for years - a Pioneer, an Ambassador, and Surfer and a Host. Nowadays, life's a bit too busy to host, but I still love meeting travelers in town.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I was the Ambassador of Milwaukee, Wisconsin beginning in 2005. From 2005-2011 I hosted and/or traveled with hundreds of Couchsurfers from around the world and United States. During that time I was also blessed by hosts in many countries. The Couchsurfing Community has given me friends for life, and experiences that have made my life worth living. I cannot host anymore, but I do hope our paths cross while you're in Milwaukee.

~*~*WHAT TO DO IN MILWAUKEE*~*~

Some great resources for Milwaukee to-do's!

www.newaukee.com
www.do414.com
www.onmilwaukee.com

Interests

I love my friends, family, boyfriend, pets, job, and city. Get to travel for a living teaching Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. In my non-existent spare time I enjoy creating mischief and mayhem in Milwaukee, and I lead a kin in LOTRO. Come geek out with us: http://thegoldenmallorn.guildlaunch.com/

• pets
• books
• traveling
• swimming
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Princess Bride, LOTR, Hunger Games, Spaceballs, Mirror Mask, Labyrinth, Howl's Moving Castle, the Harry Potter movies, Neverending Story, Sweet November, Spirited Away, Matrix trilogy, Iron Man, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Elf, Avengers, Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Anne of Green Gables movies.

Music: Ska [Less Than Jake, Toasters, Invaders, Jeffries Fan Club, Spring Heeled Jack, Deals Gone Bad, Specials, Catch 22, Something To Do, Streetlight Manifesto, MU330] and Punk [Bouncing Souls, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Real Mckensies], but I love Mariah Carey and Hanson too.

Books: Lord of the Rings, Life of Pi, The Great Divorce, Odd Thomas series, A New Kind of Christianity - books by Douglas Adams, Tolkien, Anne Lamott

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked through the jungles of Paraguay following a man with a machete and a rifle, then jumped off a waterfall and spent the day swimming in it. Rock climbed back up past giant tarantulas sunning themselves, and then hiked back home to sleep on a hammock overlooking the jungle and volcano at night. Amazing doesn't cut it. I also survived a flight that I was sure was actually going to lead to my death with fellow Couchsurfer and close friend Ben. The account:

http://parmanifesto.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/turbulence/

Teach, Learn, Share

According to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide, a clean towel and the Guide is all you need when traveling. May I recommend a few other things:

Travel Pillow, Personal Care Items (deodorant, toothbrush/paste, etc. - don't assume all countries use or sell the things we use everyday), Ear Plugs, things to remind you of home [if it's a long journey!], a Good Book, Journal, Headphones/I-Pod, something for your host from your country. Nothing fancy, but this is all about sharing cultures among travelers, and they are generously hosting you.

And take the time to leave a reference for your friends and your hosts or guests. It is how we as a community will be able to learn about each other, and it will help when determining whether or not to host or surf with someone else.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Paraguay, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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