CURRENT MISSION

To devise brillance that will interest me and others for at least the next four years

ABOUT ME

Falling into the category of eternal student, I recently realized to my chagrine that I am in my 13th semester of studies. Having returned to academic to pursue a PhD in German lit and cultural studies, I've also had my fair share of work in call centers, delis and, yes, even three years at a horserace track. I am currently on a year abroad to develop a dissertation topic that defies all expectations of academic-ivory-tower-ness, and also to see as much of Europe as possible along the way

PHILOSOPHY

I tend to find statements of personal philosophy hopelessly idealistic/cheesy/trying too hard, which is funny because I've also been told several times that I'm unfailingly optimistic and enthusiastic.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Still in the process of moving into my new place. Will update again when I am in a condition to host.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Stayed over in Duesseldorf for a weekend and had a great experience!

Interests

Music (strictly from the listener perspective, but literally everything from electronic to opera, indie rock to classic rock, jazz to world, and well, you get the point), film, memory, world literature (classics and "pop literature")

• humanities
• literature
• cossack dancing
• delicatessens
• music
• jazz
• opera
• track and field
• cultural studies

Music, Movies, and Books

A small selection, all in no particular order...
Music: Belle & Sebastian, Andrew Bird, Beatles, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, The Postal Service, Gogol Bordello, Nina Simone, Ella & Louis, J.S. Bach, Led Zeppelin, German indie pop-rock.
Movies: I Heart Huckabees, Harold & Maude, John Cusack, Die Legende von Paul & Paula, LOTR, silent film
Books: Everything is Illuminated, Franny & Zooey, Crime & Punishment, Kafka on the Shore, House of Leaves

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing things I've experienced: summer lightning storm at 3am in the middle of the northern plains of USA, learning traditional Cossack dances, meeting former President Clinton, becoming an uncle (ok, I know that's more than one).

Teach, Learn, Share

Rehabilitate the social application of studying literature. Or at least try to. And connect with people over good music.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Germany, Russian Federation, United States