CURRENT MISSION

Connecting with people, ideas, cultures, languages...

ABOUT ME

I strive to be many things, patient, tolerant, empathetic, optimistic, relaxed, and curious. I have had the good fortune, not only to be born where I was, but also to be around the company of people from all over the world. I've learned a lot from them and still continue to do so. And I like passing on whatever kernels of wisdom I've had the good fortune to pick up. I love animals, all kinds, and originally studied microbiology before becoming an English teacher.I love learning and practicing other languages, which as a native speaker of English, isn't always easy to do. I like spontaneity,I've come across some interesting experiences and met some interesting people that way. I like dancing, it's when I most uninhibited. I'd be grateful for any folk or other dances you could teach me. I have a passion for food, and in general enjoy time in a kitchen.

PHILOSOPHY

Be curious. Be kind. Be patient. Be a good ambassador for your family, community, country, religion. Don't lose sight of the big picture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've organized a language and cultural exchange in Istanbul for the last two years, and have recently started participating in another one with a different langugage/cultural focus. I am just starting here and exploring the different social groups here, and they are numerous which is exciting.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

At this point, I've hosted one person and attended quite a few general meetings and other social activities. As above, I organize a group for language practice and travel tips, in general for chatting with people from all over in a more intimate setting than the bigger general meetings. I haven't been hosted yet, but I've had some travel tips from couchsurfers in the few places I've been to outside of Istanbul in the recent past.I always enjoy listening to other people's stories of travel and of course like to share mine as well.

Interests

I like learning new languages, but more so using them to talk to new people, hearing new music,dance, doing as well as seeing,film (anything with an interesting story or point of view), cooking, trying new foods, seeing new places, nature, animals, reading, photography, most sports I've played at some point in my life, though I'm not super competitive, outdoor adventure sports, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, backpacking, snorkeling. There's probably a few things I've forgotten as well. :)

• animals
• pets
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• backpacking
• snorkeling
• sports
• rock climbing
• teaching
• languages
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Any film noir, Grand Illusion, La Vita e Bella, Fellini, Coen brothers, Silent comedies.
Jazz, swing, alternative, rock punk, reggae, latin, cumbia, bossa nova, MPB, african, Rai, traditional music from any country, gypsy, pop (depends)
Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kite Runner, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, anything by Robertson Davies, Desert Solitaire, David Sedaris, Jane Eyre

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I pet a tiger once when I was quite young. Still a bit shocked that someone thought that was perfectly safe for a small child to do.Crossed the Atlantic underwater. Seen the Aurora Borealis... to be continued. ;)

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach or help you practice English, and to a much lesser extent, other languages.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkey

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