I host only FOREIGN COUCH-SURFERS (very few exceptions) as I revel in the world CULTURAL EXCHANGE that CouchSurfing promotes.*** The EXTREME cultural diversity I’ve experienced with my many FOREIGN Couchsurfers is what addicts me to this lifestyle.

<<<>>>

===== I DO NOT HAVE WIFI===
I DO have limited hotspot.
BUT
I live within 5 blocks of a McDonald’s & a Starbucks, both of which have unlimited Wi-Fi
*********

LINK TO A WEBSITE I’M IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING FOR YOU TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH NOLA “BEFORE” YOU GET HERE: It includes many many YouTube videos you might want to look through to decide what activities you’d like to do in the cost. Also many museums, zoo etc & places like that are closed on Monday. Knowing this may help you decide which day to come.
Please look at it before you come so you’ll have a rough idea of what you’re going to do so you won’t have to spend time looking at brochures and asking people what they recommend. This has so many videos you’ll KNOW EXACTLY what you wanna do
https://butterflysneworleansformycouch.godaddysites.com/

Above is website about places, museums, food etc im making to share with my Couchsurfers so you’ll know what you wish to do before you get here. It’s a side in the making and not organized into groups like food museums and plantations. Maybe one of you can help me with that while you’re here. But so many people come here and waste time going through brochures trying to figure out what they want to do and there’s so much I want you to get every pennies worth while you’re here.

I would come during the cooler dress season if I were you.
JULY & AUGUST ARE OPPRESSIVELY HOT & HUMID. And the temperature may only say it’s 95 or 97 heat index is get up to 112 every once in a while. Heating mixes are always much higher than the temperature because of the moisture in the air. I’m just warning you because it personally were traveling I would not come to New Orleans during the hot season. It’s hot before and after July and August just not AS hot.
The latter part of July also begins our hurricane season which runs through November. So be prepared for a lot of rain. I doubt seriously that will have a direct hit. Even if we do you’ll survive it it’s no big deal except you’ll be without electricity and water for a couple weeks so you may want to watch the weather channel if you’re coming here on spur of the moment. So we do have a rainy season. After all, this IS the subtropics.

Most everything you will do will be outdoors. You’ll want to come in the cooler months if possible.
Also Mardi Gras parades last roughly a MONTH, with the last couple of weeks being the best as we have more and more parades as days go by. It just culminates on Fat Tuesday.
Mardi Gras season begins January 6 with WALKING parades.
The WEEK BEFORE Mardi Gras is freaking awesome I guess because it’s locals and not 1 million tourists. You’ll enjoy it that week as it’s not NEARLY as crowded and I’m only one block away from UPTOWN PARADES. To me they are the best and they’re quite tame. The raunchy ones would be walking parades in the French quarter mostly
We have parades here a lot such as Southern decadence which is a gay parade and it is hilarious. We have St. Patrick’s Day parade which is almost as much fun as Mardi Gras. They throat potatoes and carrots and cabbage is as well as beans. Lol

<<<<<<>>>>
*clean your area of the loft.
*wash your linens
*fold them &
*put them back on the futon for my next couchsurfer>
There’s a free washing machine and dryer downstairs so you can wash your clothes here as well.
My home is not overly clean don’t get me wrong, but I DO insist my COUCHSURFING AREA CLEAN & CLEAN LINENS FOR Y’ALL

I didn’t stay for Hurricane Ida , a “Cat 4” (Category 4) 5 is highest
winds 150
https://youtu.be/O4pFdLJmG7M

Read my COMPLETE PROFILE—& then, IF you find our personalities compatible, TEXT in lieu of email or request. I read texts almost daily; (Emails &. Couchsurfing requests are almost never read). Im complicated. Read my entire profile before responding. You need to understand ME & My World
It’s imperative you include a link (or photo) of your CS PROFILE in text. After an introductory text, once I answer, only then send me a request through Couchsurfing.com. so I may accept you.
I don’t have internet, you may use my hotspot from my phone for a bit (I’m on limited data). I live near Starbucks where you can use internet freely

Few house rules:
This should go without saying, but my last couchsurfers left me to wash bedsheets & clean up after they leave. I’m embarrassed to have to write house rules, but apparently I need to. It’s simple etiquette. Clean up thoroughly after yourself

* Don’t cook much. I own very few plates, cups & silverware. I try to keep plastic plates cups and forks and spoons. If I’m out of anything you need let me knowYou may use my microwave &/or my small portable oven on the countertop, but “do NOT use my large oven nor eyes on top of my stove”.
Reason: The large oven in ‘my stove I use as a pantry & store dog food there, so turning on oven will start a fire.
**Please wash all your dishes, wipe down sink, then place plates & glasses in dishwasher to dry.
** ALL foods that you bring here, take with you or throw out before you leave. You’re welcome to eat any food I have here. If I’m out of something essential, tell me & I’ll go buy it (condiments, toilet paper etc.) I don’t want you to go without anything!
****Downstairs is free washer & dryers. USE THEM. Please was your linens, sleeping bags, wash rags, hand towels & pillow shams used by you. Stack them all back in the loft fresh where your sleeping bag or futon was. My washing detergent is to be used only for bedding & towels. It is stored in top uppermost left corner of the cubbyhole storage in the washroom downstairs.
<>You may wash one load of your own clothing while here, using your own detergent.
If you need a full bath towel, bring your own. The largest towels I own are hand towels.
****

Sleeping: All I have to offer are 2 sleeping bags, two futon cushions & 4 pillows upstairs in the loft. The loft is carpeted, so if you’re used to roughing it a bit in couchsurfing, you’ll be fine.
You may wish to take the sleeping bag downstairs to sleep on the floor in the living room if you feel too crowded if there are 3 others Couchsurfers here & you’re uncomfortable in that situation.

You have to climb the ladder because your full shower & bath are up there. My living room is large enough for social distancing as we laugh & exchange stories.

I want to get to know you & learn of your CULTURE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE COUCHSURFING AND HAVING COUCHSURFERS IN MY HOME. I prefer LAST MINUTE requests as

I’m spontaneous & don’t make long range plans weeks in advance. So much can change. .

WHY YOU MUST READ MY ENTIRE PROFILE: I have very severe life-crippling bipolar, so it’s extremely important you know this in case I’m in a depression (not usually, but it happens & if it does, I want you to understand).
;I often withdraw from social situations (therefore “I” may need to cancel your accommodations last minute, so you may wish to keep a “back up plan” in mind). I’ve only had to cancel ONCE in my 13 yrs of Couchsurfing, & ONCE a couchsurfer stayed in my living room & we never really met because I got depressed & withdrew to my bedroom. That’s not a bad record twice in 13 years with loads of couchsurfers, tho most of us don’t leave references., but I’ve never had a bad experience—ALL have been WONDERFUL!

BUT ODDS ARE 95% I’LL BE FUN & HAPPY WHEN YOU’RE HERE!!!—-I just feel you need to know this upfront. On my GOOD days I’m a hell of a lotta fun (read my reviews!)
—I’m extremely open about this part of my life because it’s not fair to you as my guest expecting your host to accompany you exploring New Orleans & quite often that’s not possible. BUT some days I AM available to share in your adventures!! You’ll find me a very gracious, open minded, respectful host who appreciates & emphatically awaits hosting YOU!
I HOPE to meet MANY of you— I very much enjoy being a guest AND a host.

I’ve 2 names: “Butterfly" is my preferred nickname I’ve had 25 yrs, but I also answer to my legal name, Nancy, if you prefer
Take your pick—I answer to BOTH.

It matters not if you sleep by day or by night —BUT**My downstairs neighbor is disturbed EASILY by just dragging up a chair, walking loudly or talking loudly. It’s not her fault, my apartment nor hers is insulated. So we can hear each other clearly and I don’t want you to disturb her. The walls are paperthin.I love hearing guests having fun with one another. (We can laugh loudly & share hilarious stories while she’s at work or in court). And Jenny is extremely nice, but it’s true you can hear everything from my apt in hers (unless you’re in the loft. Then laugh & talk loudly all you wish, but tiptoe when not in loft.

New Orleans is fascinating and you may choose to experience it till the wee hours. I don’t mind in the least having you come in at 3 in the morning. AWAKENING me anytime is NEVER a problem! I’ll go back to sleep EASILY. I consider myself quite laid back & accepting. I sincerely believe in the goodness of mankind & have never met a couch surfer I didn’t enjoy to the fullest!
You’ll feel quite comfortable & at home not only here in my apt, but New Orleans as well.
God, what a city!! I feel SO blessed to call New Orleans “home”.

Stays are most likely a couple to 4 or 5 nights, but I’m flexible! A few guests could not bring themselves to leave on their designated date & have stayed with me & this vibrant city MUCH longer—2 weeks. One stayed over a month unexpectedly. People simply extend their stays. Yes, New Orleans is THAT wonderful! Don’t hesitate to extend your stay with me.
I can accommodate 4 guests (2 on sleeper sofa; 2 on carpeted floor in loft in sleeping bags, tho sometimes we’ve squeezed & made it 5.

RESEARCH NOLA EXTENSIVELY “BEFORE” YOU GET HERE! Don’t waste precious time pouring through brochures wondering if you want to cram in a concert, find out where locals go, what’s closed on days you’d not expect, how many festivals will be going on the time you’ll be here so you’ll know which you wish to attend, Many of our streets are like the spokes of a bicycle because they follow the “crescent” of the river, so print a map & BECOME FAMILIAR WITH IT-HIGHLIGHT PLACES YOU WISH TO SEE. Note if you can’t get to these venues more easily by streetcar or bus (both stops are 2 blocks away).

***I can take you free on Wednesdays to whichever is offered that week. Zoo, Aquarium or NOMA museum

TAKE “PICTURE POSTCARD” SELFIE on Magazine Street
https://www.whereyat.com/new-mural-on-magazine-street-by-the-greetings-tour-now-completed

DRINKS INVENTED IN NEW ORLEANS
https://nola.eater.com/maps/twenty-iconic-drinks-and-where-to-find-them-in-new-orleans

WE HAVE STREET MURALS EVERYWHERE. MAP—https://www.dotsonamap.net/street-art-murals-in-new-orleans/

MULATES RESTAURANT in Qtr
yes, touristy, but great & WAY TOO MUCH FOOD— ya might wish to share a plate here
https://mulates.com/

https://youtu.be/ouYVDE3I8hA Free Tours by Foot (tips only). This guy grew up here & know EVERYTHING about NOLA. Watch his videos of different events & neighborhoods of the city—Best visual guide to the city I know of. Includes it ALL

VAMPIRE TOURS
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60864-t12066-zfg11866-a_contentId.122708379039+908376473-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html#

BOURBON STREET VIDEO TOUR
https://youtu.be/IYZUO_3dqjg

VOODOO PRIESTESS BIOGRAPHY
https://youtu.be/6_a_6SsrK_o

FAMOUS PEOPLE’S HOMES IN GARDEN DISTRICT (my neighborhood) https://youtu.be/4-3XWbTmPCU

AIR VIEW TOURS NOLA. https://youtu.be/x2FbCan0yP8

ARCHITECTURE VIDEO OF NEW ORLEANS
https://youtu.be/6K131pNp5VE

JEAN LAFITTE, PIRATE OF NEW ORLEANS. pardoned for helping Andrew Jackson in Battle of New Orleans
https://youtu.be/_wlzlU3et1E

ALLIGATOR WANDERING ON THE STREET- not everyday happening, but be careful around bayous because they are always there in water or by edge (not so much in Mississippi River)
https://youtu.be/DWo3L-k98vA

ALLIGATOR SWAMP TOUR BOAT
https://youtu.be/bwILKBF69eI

SLAVERY —TOUR HISTORY ON A PLANTATION
https://youtu.be/JfC8X2Os2z4

SLAVERY-CLOSER PLANTATION THAN ABOVE
https://youtu.be/SJxKcN8VXiw

10 HOMES TO TOUR (plantationss may be an hr or 2 away)
https://nola.curbed.com/maps/new-orleans-historic-haunted-old-beautiful-home-tour

BUILDINGS & HOMES TO TOUR-https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/architecture/historic-homes-and-buildings/

LAFITTE’s BLACKSMITH SHOP/BAT early 1700s
(the famous pirate who with other pirates was reason we won Battle of New Orleans) Here’s where he fenced his goods. Oldest bar
https://youtu.be/UA-nCHgOHDY

HAUNTED TOURS https://youtu.be/nmsyrMqQtsA

MAGAZINE STREET-4 BLOCKS FROM MY APT
https://youtu.be/lxJ_ibTyNto

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM. https://www.noaam.org/

HAUNTED NEW ORLEANS https://youtu.be/3y-bGdluIoc

https://youtu.be/3YHVC1DcHmo. <

GO TO FRENCHMAN STREET AFTER BOURBON STREET—not as touristy & great local bars

MARDI GRAS LASTS A MONTH—LAST 2 WEEKS ARE BEST
I recommend week before Mardi Gras so there’s room to get into restaurants, events etc—not all tourists are here yet & same, large parades going on basically. Main difference is you;p see a lot of dressed up people Mardi Gras Day in French Qtr—mMAKE YOUR OWN COSTUME-DONT BUY ONE!

GARDEN DISTRICT VIDEO TOUR—AREA WHERE I LIVE
https://youtu.be/kAiLpTt-ydw

VARIOUS, DISTINCT ARCHITECTURE OF NEW ORLEANS https://youtu.be/5NaeYaubP3U

How Long Does Mardi Gras Last in New Orleans? Officially, Mardi Gras starts on the 6th of January, and runs until Fat Tuesday. In New Orleans, the majority of Mardi Gras celebrations are held in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday itself

ZYDECO MUSIC—AUTHENTIC “CAJUN” MUSIC is hard to find, but a different style all its own- washboards, fiddles…
https://www.tripsavvy.com/new-orleans-cajun-and-zydeco-music-1604753

https://rauantiques.com/.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I both host & am hosted around the world.

I live in the GARDEN DISTRICT of New Orleans—one of the “safer” locations in the city- well RELATIVELY safe— our city’s crime rate is high, but I’ll tell you which areas to steer clear of & you’ll be fine. LOOK ON SPOTCRIME.COM know which areas to avoid, I will also tell you, because like all cities there’s parts you don’t need to be in because you don’t want to get caught in the crossfire. But as long as you stay in nice places and you’re not still on Bourbon St at 1:20 in the morning, you’ll make it back home just fine with wonderful stories to tell. People who get drunk enough to be super drunk after midnight are more apt to be violent. BUT Y0U’LL BE SAFE IF YOU JUST DO Y0UR H0MEWORK PRIOR TO COMING. Trust me. If it were so dangerous you had to be afraid to visit, I assure you “I” wouldn’t still be living here. I`’LL go over what neighborhoods are best when we meet, Because a lot of the city that was rebuilt with Katrina money looks wonderful, but is some of the most dangerous areas in the city. THIS IS A PERK TO BEING A COUCH SURFER. YOU NEED TO KMOW WHAT LOCALS KNOW—&’it’s not just which restaurants we recommend. lol
STILL don’t let statistics stop you from enjoying this most awesome, unique city.

My apt location is SERIOUSLY the BEST LOCATION IN THE CITY!
*1 block to UPTOWN MARDI GRAS PARADES
*2 block to Streetcars & Buses!
A* Halfway between Audubon Zoo & French Quarter (each is 2.5 miles away on either side of my apt).

New Orleans is a city like no other.
Jazz in the streets,
mimes,
cajun food.
Tug boat horns
, church bells,
streetcar rumblings
& calliope music from paddle boats can be heard from my apt. It’s not unusual to hear live music “porch concerts” in my neighborhood—
or see a “Piano & a Truck” a man drives a tiny baby grand around & stops at random places to play.

People dress differently here. There’s a lot of “bohemian clothing” worn by locals here. And of course we AND our visitors are prone to delight in colorful feather boas and sexy clothing.

Royal Street’s antique furniture shops, fantastic musicians, people from all cultures—I can’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else! .

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Several couch surfing memories aren’t included on these pages, but I’ve stayed with people in many European countries and many have stayed with me in both Mississippi and New Orleans.
All were wonderful experiences.

(This is what I wrote when I joined Couchsurfing. It was not "couchsurfing" experience per se, but it was tantamount to it.)
I’ve stayed a week as a couch surfer with a lady who lives in the Lake District of England. She advertised online for an Interior Designer to stay a week with her helping redo her home for free room & board in this gorgeous area of the UK.------I spent a few nights with a girl I worked with whose parents live in Belfast.

Does sleeping under couches of foreign airports when I could find no other port in the storm count as "couchsurfing" No? Heck!
Nov 11, 2011 was my first experience as a host. It was MARVELOUS! My guest was very interesting, enthusiastic and even taught me to play the dulcimer!

Interests

Of course as an artist I'm interested in art of all types from visual to street artists such as musicians. Having a degree in Environmental Design heightened my interest in architecture.....Cultures of all descriptions are melded together here in our music, our food & our people.

• pets
• arts
• culture
• architecture
• design
• interior design
• street art
• dining
• gardening
• reading
• traveling
• volunteer work
• painting
• music
• jazz
• rock climbing
• archery
• teaching
• history
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm not much into movies as I prefer books-usually nonfiction.
Enjoyed Tis, Memoirs of a Geisha, Angela's Ashes, Confederacy of Dunces (comedy about life in New Orleans), Manic, Terry McMillan books, Illusions, any of Woody Allen's humor, Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice.... . I watch a lot of YouTube documentaries -I’m a nerd.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Having seen Hurricane Katrina in her glory definitely ranks as one of the most awesome experiences of my life. Although she wreaked havok, I'd take nothing for having seen her fury. I'll never stay for another, but few people will ever have the experience of witnessing such an awe inspiring storm.--how the ceiling of the sky hung so very low--how the rain swirled that to me was so reminiscent of Van Gogh's "Stary Night"--how I saw the differences in the wood of trees, some willowy, some firm. These nuances made a world of differences as each tree danced-the Hula, Limbo, still others the Salsa

Teach, Learn, Share

I was a teacher of intellectually gifted, OMG IT WAS FUN! Making movies, teaching chess, building robots…
Teaching is how I have been able to afford to stay long enough in one country to bask in its culture. Knowing how to travel cheaply is another plus. I love listening to stories from visitors & their experiences other countries very much.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I now live in the Garden District of New Orleans -
..............beautiful old homes in this area
1 block to Mardi Gras Upton Parades (I hear them starting now so as soon as I complete this sentence I’m heading out to party with neighbors I haven’t met YET!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States