I’m Elena - curious, active, and always somewhere between cultures. After 11 years in Berlin, I chose to move to Africa and am now mostly based in Kampala, Uganda since 2023. I tend to stay, integrate, and build community wherever I am, and I connect most with people who share the same curiosity, openness, and sensitivity to context and culture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have been on Couchsurfing since 2010 as I value the people and the kind of conversations that don’t happen in hostels or hotels, as well as connecting with locals and experiencing places beyond the tourist layer. I’ve hosted and surfed on different continents and have so many beautiful memories and friendships that came from these exchanges. Over the last few years I haven’t been very active here, but I’m excited to reconnect and be part of the community again.

Disclaimer: most of my CS history is from when I was 18–21 and living like every night was a festival. Character development has occurred since then :D

Interests

I love traveling (obviously), staying active through running and the gym, and spending time outdoors hiking or mountaineering whenever I can. I do a lot of slightly crazy things - like climbing the highest mountain in Europe (twice) or running marathons. I’d do anything for the plot 😄

When I travel, I love connecting with locals and discovering live music spots, as well as supporting local businesses - especially food. I’m a total foodie and always on the hunt for great local restaurants.

• books
• literature
• poetry
• theater
• partying
• raves
• traveling
• socializing
• opera
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy books, theaters, museums, and the opera just as much as raves, festivals and long nights dancing - a fairly typical millennial mix. Music is the most important language I speak; I love live concerts and exploring different genres, from electronic to classical and everything in between.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Choosing one is almost impossible for me. Just in 2025 would be - island hopping on a sailing boat? hiking in remote Pakistan and then seeing Nanga Parbat from the airplane window? getting tipsy under the Eiffel tower and missing my train to Milan the next day? Mountaineering course in the Italy? Trying Swiss wine with cheese for the first time while staying at the local winery overlooking Swiss Alps?

My travel and new experiences habits are borderline unhealthy :D

Teach, Learn, Share

I used to volunteer as a Russian teacher for seniors - and I can still help with Russian or English if needed.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook and share meaningful conversations, as well as practical help around the house and shared experiences :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, Russian Federation, Uganda, United States

•