Waiting for eloquence does not seem to be working. I am filling this section out in bits and pieces as they come along. So, my apologies for the randomness.

I'm a big mushroom and foraging enthusiast. I love to walk quietly in the forest, listen to the sounds of songbirds and woodpeckers, the wind rustling the trees, quarreling squirrels and flowing water... and to fill my lungs with the smell of the earth, moss, pine and that intangible forest aroma that makes me feel at home. This is heaven on earth to me. Looking for mushrooms, berries and herbs just adds to the overall experience. Sometimes I go alone into the forest from dawn to dusk with a basket and small knife, and I'm happy as a clam :) I also like pickling, salting, drying, freezing and cooking mushrooms. I won't bore you with that :)

A side note... as I understand, this is not a dating site. So, guys, if your intentions are only to date or hook up, please don't waste my time or yours. It would be my pleasure and honor to host fellow couchsurfers and show them around, or guide them to great places to visit or activities/events to participate in. I would love to make new friends and share experiences and stories. I also really appreciate older travelers who are full of wisdom and have seen so much of this world.

I like to plan and research by nature. I'm not obsessed with following the plans I make though. I often change or cancel things last minute to do something amazing or join some interesting people I meet along the way. Some of the best and weirdest experiences are those we didn't plan for :)

Candles are relaxing to my soul. In the winter or during a storm, I would sometimes turn off all the lights, light up randomly placed candles, prepare a few light dishes or hot chocolate and cozy up on the sofa for a movie.

OK, this ends my random rant for today :)

To add a few meaningful and concise sentences 'About myself':
I work 5 days a week and generally keep my weekday evenings and weekends work-free for family, outdoor activities and fun. I live with my 3-month old kitten, and will get her a playmate since I feel bad that she's alone all day while I'm out. She's a wild cat at heart (rescued street orphan), who might scratch and is definitely not cuddly. She loves to sleep with me though. So I'm getting her a fluffy domesticated homebred cuddle-bug kitten friend, who I hope will rub off on her :) I might end up with two wild furballs instead. You never know :) and... I got off track again...
I don't smoke, drink or gamble, and I rarely swear. If you do any of those, I will wholeheartedly support you :) hmm.. ok maybe I might gently send a hint or two your way to quit smoking :)) I usually end up being the designated driver after a night out.
Laughter is an elixir that I can't do without.
I love animals of many shapes and sizes. Soft fluffy ones are awesome. I also like spiders and don't mind snakes. I found a small spider in my bathroom a few years back. His name was Freddy and he used to live under the sink.. Don't worry :) he's long gone from natural causes.
I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle and co-sail a sailboat. Or is it steer/pilot a sailboat? Not sure.
Personally I find water and waterscapes mesmerizing. Can stare at the sea and listen to the lull of the waves, or walk alongside a frothy stream with pleasure. Also like lying in the grass and staring at the passing clouds or stars in the sky with not a single coherent thought in my mind :)
Used to fish a lot as a kid from the shore or a rowboat. Nowadays.. I think I forgot how to fish! I tried it in Lake Baikal last year from the shoreline and I can honestly say it was hilariously disastrous. I had fun trying :) but no fish and some episodes of hook untangling from my hair. I am a poor excuse for a fisherman, but would be happy to learn :) :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet interesting people and learn of other cultures and societies. Maybe if I'm lucky to gain good and true friends along the way.
Also to learn how to be a good host and to explore the best places in the country in good company.

Interests

• animals
• photography
• cooking
• movies
• reading
• hiking
• food
• nature
• mushrooms
• horseback riding
• boats
• foraging
• mysteries

Music, Movies, and Books

I love science fiction, action, adventure, fantasy, thriller, disaster (earthquake, tsunami that sort of thing), comedy and suspense horror movies. I can tolerate warm and fuzzy romantic comedies to an extent. For depressing drama movies with awful endings I have to be in a really really really good mood.
Lately series are my favorite things to watch. Mainly crime solving, fantasy and science fiction. Almost forgot.. History Channel, National Geographic, and Animal Planet especially the Pete Nelson treehouse show, Insane Pools building show and Vet shows.
Books... hmm.. I have 'phases' that last about a year or so. Right now I am in the 'ancient runes, vikings and military survival guidelines' kind of phase. So I have an ancient Slavic runes book, survival in the wild, edible herbs and plants guidebook, and Viking history book. Before that I had a weird romantic novel phase, and before that a 'modern adventure novel and do it yourself' phase. Don't ask why. It just happens.
My taste in music is diverse. I don't get stuck on a single artist or music type. I usually get hooked on individual songs based on the tune, voice, etc.. I love Epic and Celtic music especially. Nature sounds are also great background sounds. A thunderstorm recorded in Finland is one of my favorites. I sometimes put it on in the summer when I miss the rain :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Flew a small airplane without any prior experience. Tadaaaa.
Ever since that day I convinced myself I can do anything in the world.

Teach, Learn, Share

You can practice your Arabic, Russian, English or Turkish with me. I would be very happy to practice my French (beginner) and to learn Swedish (I know 3 words).
I like to cook and bake in my tiny kitchen :) I could make something tasty or teach you how to cook some local dishes.
We can swap travel stories.
If you feel like pampering yourself, I like to make fresh facial and hair masks and body scrubs from scratch using natural ingredients.
It would be interesting to learn new skills. I'm generally curious. Knot tying, knitting, new ways to fold laundry :), cooking... really anything new and interesting/useful.
I have a care and can take you places after I get off work (on workday evenings and weekends).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Sightseeing, hiking and driving to other cities/areas in my free time

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Jordan, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic

Countries I’ve Lived In

Lebanon, Russian Federation, Turkey