Hi, and thanks for dropping by. I only recently discovered my love for travel, though I have always been in love with the Netherlands and Belgium in particular. Always, in my case, means ever since a school project I took part in when I was 14 or 15. I have recently had more opportunities to travel here and there, so I have embraced them :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I genuinely believe in a world without borders, where we can open our minds to different cultures, and experience them in a natural way. I only recently discovered couchsurfing, and have not really tried it, but I believe it offers a tremenous opportunity to get to know wonderful people, and to appreciate a country or a place from the inside, rather than as a mere tourist.

I am interested in sharing time and thoughs with people of various backgrounds who appreciate how valuable it is to experience more in a world that is more connected than ever before.

Interests

• poetry
• singing
• cooking
• karaoke
• linguistics
• stand up comedy
• interpreting
• musical theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

I am an omnivore when it comes to music. I would listen to anything once (and, if I like it, play it on repeat). Right now, I am somewhat obsessed with Marina and the Diamonds (that voice!), and I love Bo Burnham's work. Film-wise, I have just recently become aware of that wonderfully delicate thing called European cinema, and I may actually be in love with that. To spoil it all, though, I sometimes enjoy comedies from the US (in my defence, most of my favourites in that department star Tina Fey and Amy Poehler).

Books... Well, these probably need a whole thread of their own. I am very selective about what I read. Most of it, and this is an occupational hazard, are research monographs. I am a sucker for modernist, and post-modernist poetry, though, and magical realism has had a hold on me for some time. Think Toni Morrison, Zadie Smith. I also read a bit of drama, and am sometimes sad that not too many foreign plays have been staged in my own country. I would love to watch a musical one day, and I have a few favourites.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I started teaching professionally at university at age 22, if that counts as amazing :) I like to think that the amazing things lie in the future.

Teach, Learn, Share

Ever since I ate a terrible meal at the university cafeteria, I have cooked for myself. I have tried out some not too convoluted, but incredibly tasty meals. I really want to learn to bake. My brother and sister learnt how to do that when I was in university, and they were in our home town, so I missed out on that.

I sing under the shower and beyond :) I have never braved a karaoke bar but I am looking forward to doing that. I tend to prefer to do things in company, but none of my friends has been wanted to join me. I out love a chance at publically embarrassing myself courtesy of my singing skills. After all, they do make for a good laugh from what I have heard.

I am currently studying Spanish, and I am very passionate about it. My pronunciation is quite sucky, but I am working on. I love Spanish culture and the Spanish way of life, so any chance to make contact with it would be wonderful :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I do not have too many skills, but I write decent poetry, and even translate some. I can help you learn some Bulgarian words, and I can talk politics for hours while kkeping a cool head (which, I have found, is somewhat remarkable).

I can cook a decent meal. I promise, no one has had to take a trip to the bathroom after eating my stew. I also enjoy singing at the table (even if Bulgarian tradition generally frowns on that).

I would love to share some time, and my misguided sense of humour with my hosts. Ideally, I would be happy to do some things together, and have some time just chatting, and getting to know our different temperaments, cultures, and habits.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bulgaria