Hi everyone! My name is Ani and I currently live near Chicago, Illinois :) I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and lived there for 18 years before moving to the Chicago Area for school. I just graduated this past spring of 2018 from Elmhurst College and am now working full time as a junior buyer for a company called Elkay Manufacturing.

During my time at Elmhurst, I studied abroad three times to three different continents while also playing collegiate volleyball. I also grew up traveling around the United States and taking a few international trips. I am easy going, friendly, tidy, and a very open and welcoming person. I love to cook, play games, read, swim, exercise, and spend time with people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined couch surfing because I am an avid traveler looking to make new friends and get more of a local experience while traveling. I love to explore new countries and to visit the typical tourist sites, but I am also eager to experience how locals live and get better insight to a countries culture and people! I also would love to host others as they travel to the U.S. and are looking to experience the Chicago land area. My love for travel has only grown with age and I am continuously looking for new opportunities to visit other countries, meet new people, and experience an incredible adventure.

Interests

• photography
• reading
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• skiing
• volleyball
• swimming
• mountains
• travel
• eating
• adventure
• cultures
• sleeping
• meeting people
• ocean
• local food
• foodie
• city life
• vacation
• chicago
• michigan

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all music! Throughout the different seasons my preferences change. In the summer, I love country, anything Jimmy Buffet, and reggae. All year round I listen to rock, R&B, Hip-Hop, rap, and pop. I also enjoy jazz, classical music, and instrumental guitar/ukulele when trying to relax.

My favorite movies are: The Pirates of the Caribbean, Goodwill Hunting, Silver Linings Playbook, can anyone really pick??

My favorite TV shows are Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and Criminal Minds.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The beauty can't be beat!

Teach, Learn, Share

It is my belief that people are the most valuable thing in this world. Without the relationships I've built, the friendships I've developed, or the strangers I've met and shared memories with, I would not be the person I am. Everything in this world, our job, the things we own, how well we do on a test, how much money we make, none of it matters if we are alone! People make life worth living, and getting to share experiences with either those we love or complete strangers, make living worthwhile.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will help with any house chores needed and keep my living area very tidy. I can help cook meals or tidy up where needed. If you have pets (especially dogs), I'd be happy to take them for a walk or help care for them during my stay. I will also bring great conversation, friendliness, and respect into your home. I love to talk. spend time together, and even travel around the area with hosts, but will also give space and keep to myself at times. Traveling can be exhausting and at times stressful but I will only bring positivity into your home!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States