I'm David, 22 years old, I was born in Ukraine, Lviv and lived there until the age of 15 then I moved to Poland to finish high school. I was very fortunate to learn a new language and be able to share my knowledge in teaching it, so in 16 I was giving private classes in Polish language to Ukrainian students. Around that time I started travelling with my backpack tent and sleeping bag in it. Later I finished university where I studied English linguistics to become an English teacher.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I moved to the UK where I work as an interpreter.

I apologise if I tell the story 'about me' in an autobiographical manner. I don't mean that if I've been to particular places or studied specific subjects it should impose some essence on my persona, on the contrary, I don't want to create any illusions about myself but rather tell a couple of words giving clues of what I'm into or what I'm oriented to.

Like I'm not a hippie but I'm hippie-oriented.

I'm simple or at least I'm learning how to be simple, I would rather listen to than talk and I mostly talk when I'm asked to, which means I like being invited and I like giving invitations. I still like to initiate conversation, especially with strangers.

This year I started my journey with Buddhism and I meditate nearly every day. Recently I went to Vipassana 10-day meditation course and I had a very special experience. My life is way easier now when I'm more patient, compassionate, equanimous and accepting of every change within my body and the outer world.

I feel I want to share my knowledge about the joy of a calm and cold mind and if you want I can teach you how to meditate, it's really simple but takes a lot of effort.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like to travel and most of the time I do it by myself because it's easier, sorry I am that solitary kind of person who finds strength in being alone. But I love people as well and I am sociable in my manner, I like meeting people and spending time with them, appreciating the present moment with them, staying for a while when the time is proper and I like saying goodbye. So Couchsurfing is a place where people meet people. This is a place where we can share what we have and what we can offer because we are rich and we can give and take.

Interests

Psychology sociology linguistics geography ethnology

• writing
• reading

Music, Movies, and Books

My favourite film I keep watching is Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino.

Books:
Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind
Book by Yuval Noah Harari

Why Buddhism is true?
Book by Robert Wright

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've done Vipassana, a 10-day meditation course, a very special experience which changed my perception of life a lot.

Teach, Learn, Share

I like to learn, who doesn't right? I believe that people do two things in their lives: for learning or for entertainment.

I can teach you how to meditate and explain why Buddhism is true, but I mean the naturalistic part of the teaching and philosophy that has scientific support, so-called secular Buddhism :D

I want to learn:
- how to surf on waves
- how to paraglide
- how to jump from a base in a wingsuit
- how to kitesurf
- how to sail

If you have experience with one of these things please tell me!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I always try to bring some gifts from the place I am travelling from, it's either sweets, food or alcohol when suitable, sometimes extraordinary things like vintage postcards bought from charity shops.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Ukraine