My name is Artyom (it can be hard to remember sometimes, so you can call me Tom), and I'm from St. Petersburg, Russia.

I graduated from the St. Petersburg Theater Academy, specializing in musical theater directing. However, I made a sudden decision to change my profession. Right after university in 2017, I began learning Spanish. Just six months later, I took all the money I had and embarked on a journey to South America, trying to find my place in this world. It was during this time that I gained my first experience with Couchsurfing.

That journey lasted quite a while. I've worked as a dance teacher, a photographer, a counselor at a teen camp, and even as an industrial alpinist...

What can I tell you about myself? Sunrises on the tops of volcanoes inspire me just as much as programming on a laptop or dancing under a hailstorm. I know many hidden gems in my hometown, and perhaps one day, I can share some of them with you. I value my time and the time of others. I'm intrigued by people who forge their own path and recognize their self-worth. The most important aspects of my life are the people closest to me and the journey itself.

I consider myself an easy-going, open-minded, and positive man!

INSTAGRAM: @shandrikovph
https://www.instagram.com/shandrikovph/

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because it's a fantastic way to connect with real-life experiences and immerse myself in them. I enjoy hearing people's stories and engaging in conversations about life.

There's no better way to learn about a country than through its locals. I find it incredibly inspiring and a wonderful way to travel. If you're reading this, please begin your request with "Dear Tomas." I also strive to learn something new from every encounter.

I'm looking forward to meeting many people through Couchsurfing and making new friends along the way.

I also have a passion for languages, so be prepared to exchange some native words.

Let's inspire each other!

Interests

telling stories, going for a walk with friends or on my own, backpacking, dancing, reading, singing, talking, mountains, travelling, etc

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Dune, The Great Beauty, Into the wild, Forrest Gump, Dead poets society, The Great Gatsby.
Authors: Lev Tolstoy, Alfred de Musset, Boris Pasternak, Ivan Bunin, Ray Bradbury, Jonathan Franzen

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbing Elbrus in 2017 (5621m),
Hitch-hiking around the Europe,
Visiting Caves with expedition,
Trip over Latin America,
Learn Spanish

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to dance Latin couples' dances! I'm really good at it =)
Additionally, I can teach you some Russian, which is my native language.

Side note: I hardly ever drink alcohol and I don't smoke at all, but I have absolutely no problem with it if you do :D

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm simply interested in meeting new friends or people who are kindred spirits. So why don't we share this part of the journey together?

We can:
- Play the guitar;
- Play chess;
- Talk respectfully to each other, to share our world views
- Just having a good time!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Montenegro, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Greece, Russian Federation