A Minnesotan expat living in Boston by way of being born in Russia, a chatterbox who dispenses with small talk, definitely a cat person (corgis are cool tho). I work insane hours at non-profit and travel when I have the funds.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love hearing people's stories. Once upon a time, I was an aspiring reporter and maybe a bit of that life stuck with me, or maybe it was the other way around and I was always ruled by an innate curiosity of the world. Either way, I want to learn. Each person I meet shares a new perspective, and I find myself richer for it.

Interests

Mostly - I'm just a huge nerd. I love history and fantasy books and have a very strange passion for urban planning.
I was born in Russia and then spent most of my life in Minnesota, so I'm really into the outdoors (it's how we keep warm up north). When I'm traveling, I flounce between museums and tourist traps to trying to get away from the crowd and getting lost in the city/town/village/forest. I also like wandering around neighborhoods to glance the story of the place I'm visiting.

• arts
• books
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• politics
• comics
• board games
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• canoeing
• kayaking
• camping
• art history
• history
• journalism
• urban planning
• world history
• fantasy books

Music, Movies, and Books

When in doubt - play the Beatles. Master and Margarita is the best book ever written. And I will re-watch Shaun of the Dead and The Royal Tenenbaums, always.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Packed a duffel bag and went city-hopping via bus along the U.S. East Coast staying with friends, odd acquaintances, a long-lost aunt and a very hip (too hip) hostel. Didn't get stranded along the highway but made some great memories along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a dilettante, but I kinda like it that way. I could teach you some Russian if you'd like. I also have pockets of deep knowledge in random, random subjects: wanna know way more than you ever needed about social customs and modern living in Japan? I'm your gal. Have a burning desire to discuss Marie Antoinette? Me too!
I can teach you a complicated card game?
I'm good for conversation, anyway.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can bake a cake from scratch, if the moment calls for it (and even wash the dishes afterwards).

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States