I am historian by education, author of several books and articles, published in five languages. I taught French in the Moscow University and worked as the History Editor of the Vokrug Sveta magazine (oldest magazine of Russia, having lots in common with National Geographic). I have been the National Secretary of Servas Russia in 2008-2014.
As interpreter, I worked with the Cousteau's team, Russian cosmonauts and Italian minister of culture. I also translated numerous books, articles and websites, mainly on history and art. I grew up in Moscow, studied in Paris and live in Riga. I am married and have a very small daughter.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I participated in Servas International since 1988 (I was nine years old when my family joined Servas). As Couchsurfing and Servas principles have much in common, I am interested to meet not just Servas people but Couchsurfers as well.

Interests

History, travelling, languages, singing, swimming, hitchhiking, meeting nice people, reading classical literature, opera, theatre

• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• literature
• singing
• education
• reading
• traveling
• opera
• swimming
• teaching
• history
• languages
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

I like old things.
Classical literature.
Movies made before the end of 1960s.
Traditional songs.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In the age of 25, I earned money by translating the "9/11 Commission Report".
I played Pluto (Hades) in a French theatre.
I travelled 24,000 km by hitchhiking in Europe.
While in Paris, I helped preserving Mongolian cultural heritage.
I learned more than 80 French traditional songs.

Teach, Learn, Share

Languages, history, culture, communication with people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can tell them a lot of interesting stories from my own experience.
I can answer any question on history they may have.
I can just be friendly. I have friends in more than 100 countries of the world - but would be always happy to meet more nice people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Italy, Russian Federation