I'm Iclal, a free-spirited Turkish gal living the digital nomad dream in beautiful Poland. ✨ Originally from the bustling streets of Ankara, I've swapped my old life for endless adventures, quirky experiences, and the occasional Pączki feast.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why shell out for a hotel when you can crash on a new friend's couch? I'm all about connecting, sharing stories, and making memories. And let's not forget the awesome insider tips from locals or fellow travellers! Whether it's finding a cosy cafe or discovering a secret sunset spot, I'm totally down for it. 🌅✨

Interests

Hey again! Just a little more about what makes me tick:

Crossing Borders Camp; Gaining Perspective
I’m a total sucker for hopping on planes, crossing borders, and exploring oceans. Every journey is a chance to see the world from a fresh angle, and it makes me grateful for all the little things we often take for granted in our everyday lives. 🌍✈️

English Literature
I can get lost for hours in the pages of a good book, especially if it's a piece of English literature. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a classic or discovering a new favorite. 📖✨

Travel
International travel is my jam! I love planning annual trips to different countries, soaking up new cultures, and making unforgettable memories. If you’ve got any travel tips or dream destinations, I’m all ears! 🗺️🥳

Outdoor Activities
Nature is my happy place. Whether it’s camping under the stars, hiking through scenic trails, or just enjoying a peaceful picnic, I’m all about that outdoor life. 🏕️🌲

Theater
The magic of the stage is something I can never get enough of. From gripping dramas to light-hearted comedies, theater brings stories to life in such a powerful way. 🎭

Playing Instruments
Music is my other love language. I play the violin and the ukulele, and I’m always up for a jam session. Let’s make some music together! 🎻🎶

Archery
Channeling my inner Robin Hood with some archery. It’s such a thrilling and meditative sport, and hitting the bullseye is the best feeling ever! 🏹🎯

Drawing and Painting
When I’m not exploring or strumming my ukulele, you’ll probably find me with a sketchbook or canvas. Drawing and painting are my go-to creative outlets. 🎨✏️

Community Service
Giving back is super important to me. I actively volunteer at local communities like AFS and TOG. It’s all about making a positive impact and connecting with amazing people. 🤝❤️

Cooking or Baking
Food is love, right? I adore cooking and baking, especially experimenting with new recipes and sharing delicious meals with friends. Come over for a homemade feast sometime! 🍳🧁

• theater
• outdoor activities
• learning languages
• travelling around the world
• learning about different cultures
• english literature
• community service
• drawing and painting
• travelling and meeting new people
• cooking or baking
• crossing borders & gaining perspective

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Books:
Sexing The Cherry by Jeanette Winterson: A whimsical, mind-bending journey through history and fantasy. It’s like diving into a surreal dream where anything is possible! 📚✨
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson: A powerful, raw, and touching memoir that speaks to the soul. Winterson’s story of identity, love, and resilience is nothing short of inspiring. 💖

Favourite Music:
Gipsy Jazz: There’s something incredibly infectious about the upbeat rhythms and soulful melodies of Gypsy Jazz. Whether it’s Django Reinhardt or a modern twist, this music always gets my feet tapping and my heart smiling. 🎸💃

Favourite Movies:
I’m a huge movie buff, always on the lookout for films that are thought-provoking, visually stunning, or just plain fun. Here are a few that I can watch over and over:

Amélie: This French classic is a beautiful, quirky tale of love and whimsy. Plus, the soundtrack is absolutely enchanting! 🎥
Into the Wild: An inspiring and poignant story of adventure and self-discovery. It speaks to the wanderer in me. 🌍🗺️
My Neighbor Totoro: A magical and heartwarming animation from Studio Ghibli. It’s impossible not to smile while watching this. 🍃🐾

Let’s swap recommendations and maybe watch a movie or two together!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I've done? Oh boy, where do I start? I’d have to say that I'm trekking through the stunning Cappadocia region in Turkey and spending a night in one of those incredible camping areas! 🌋✨ Imagine waking up in a cosy tent, sipping Turkish tea while hot air balloons fill the sky at sunrise. 🏞️🎈 It's like living in a fairy tale! The landscapes are otherworldly, the history is rich, and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Plus, I might have had a little too much fun trying to hitchhike to find my new destination point... Let's just say it was more of a "hold on for dear life" situation than a graceful ride. 😂 But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
Turkish Cuisine: I can teach you how to cook delicious Turkish dishes like kebabs, baklava, and my grandma’s secret recipe for lentil soup. 🧑‍🍳
Languages: Want to learn some Turkish phrases or need help polishing your English? I’m here to help! Merhaba! Hello! 😊
Camping Skills: From setting up a tent to starting a campfire, I’ve got a ton of camping tricks up my sleeve. Let’s get our hands dirty! 🏕️🔥

Learn:
Local Culture: Teach me about your customs, traditions, and the best local spots in your city. I’m a sponge for new experiences!
New Recipes: I love trying out new foods. Show me how to make your favorite dish, and I’ll be forever grateful (and probably ask for seconds). 🍲
Life Hacks: Got any cool life hacks or skills? Whether it’s juggling, yoga, or even knitting, I’m keen to learn. 🧘‍♀️🧶

Share:
Travel Stories: Let's swap our craziest travel tales. Ever gotten lost in a foreign city or had an unexpected adventure? I’ve got a few stories up my sleeve! 🌍📖
Music and Movies: I can share my playlist of eclectic music from around the world and some must-watch Turkish movies. 🎵🎬
Good Vibes: Whether it’s a laugh over coffee, a spontaneous dance party, or a deep conversation under the stars, I’m all about spreading positivity and good vibes. ✨🌟

Looking forward to teaching, learning, and sharing with you!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have been camping when I have time. I absolutely like to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. ⛺️Camping means time outdoors, which never fails to make me happy, and the thought of even just a day or two in my tent is enough to get me through the toughest of weeks. 🏕 Moreover, I love to share my knowledge regarding camp life.
I am a paraglider.🪂I fly to feel a little bit of what birds must feel when flying and taste an incredible sense of risk and danger. It allows me to see the world from another point of view. Also, It helps me to have nerves of steel. I can talk about my paragliding experience.
I adore drawing caricatures, playing the ukulele, reading poems and lots of books.💃 I can draw your caricature if I have enough time.
Recently I am a digital nomad because It will give me the flexibility to create my own work schedule, free of the standard nine-to-five timetable, and travel more frequently. I can share some tips.🥳

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey