I am currently living in a semi-rural area of England called the Ribble Valley in Lancashire and I have a BA (Hons) degree in French & Spanish which I gained at Manchester Metropolitan University. Since graduation, I have been working in various countries (Italy, India, China, Thailand, Switzerland, Colombia & Spain) as an environmental volunteer, English teacher or as a language assistant through the British Council. I have been practicing within the Theravada tradition of Buddhism for approx. 16 years and this continues to be my guide and inspiration in life. I also appreciate and sympathize with animist or pagan approaches and beliefs which are close to nature and resonate with me on a more local ancestral level. My other interests lie within the domains of ancient history including archaeology, travel and meditation. I am also a great nature lover and I like to go walking/hiking regularly.