Hey I'm Iris (she/her), an international student in Leipzig. I've been here since the end of 2020, but I only lately I've been able to discover the city in it's full potential.

I'm always asked, why I came in Germany to study (I'm not only here for Erasmus I'm completing a full Bachelors degree), so I'm just gonna to put it out there: I don't know. Maybe it's like a combination of things - like that I already knew some German and that I wanted to try something different out. I'm studying digital humanities, which is programming and humanities combined together (i usually choose media or theater studies). When I started studying I really didn't know what it was about, but each semester it feels more like my thing.

Other than that I really like different (performing) arts, as theater, films, music etc, but I also enjoy just a cup of coffee, glass of wine or beer (my holy trinity). I like going dancing with my friends or having an interesting discussion about anything. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, mostly because of all the people I meet during my trips and the different vibes of each place I've visited. When I travel I have a break from the everyday routine and open up a bit - a thing that I would like to integrate to my everyday life, so If you're in the city - hit me up! I also want to take advantage of the fact, that I now live in the middle of Europe and I can just take a train or a bus to other cities. One of my dreams at the moment, is to make a longer trip in Latin America - a thing that won't be happening yet but hopefully some day.

About my background; I grew up in Helsinki but I'm half-finnish, half-greek and bilingual. I visit my family in Greece every year, but I'm still trying to figure out this part of myself, since I've mainly been under the influence of the finnish culture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My mom found Couchsurfing, when she moved to Helsinki with my dad (she is greek), and from a small age I remember going with her to different events or having people at our house. I really liked the experience of having people around the world near me, and the feeling of some kind of community, home wherever we went. I had a strong start with my own Couchsurfing experiences till the pandemic interrupted it, but now I'm happy to start again :)

I'm open to spontaneously host people for 1-2 nights, but I've got to say that I'm very picky, since we would share my room and keys, and I also should make sure my roommates are okay with it. So If I don't agree to host you, don't take it personally: it's not you -it's me.

A thing I want to make clear: I'm not here for dating.
I get bombed with messages from (usually older) guys here all the time and its difficult for me to differentiate who is actually interested to get to know the person I am and who is writing me with other motives. If you identify as a man, I wish you understand why I might not answer. Please comment on this theme/section so I can see if you really read my profile.

Interests

• theater
• concerts
• partying
• movies
• traveling
• music
• philosophy
• psychology
• moviemaking
• programming
• culture exchange

Music, Movies, and Books

One of my favorite books is the first book of this finnish writer Mika Waltari. He wrote a book around 1920s about this love triangle, and I really love the story (the DRAMA) and how it describes Helsinki. I love to read but sometimes I get so easily distracted, that I struggle finishing. Instead of reading I usually watch films, and I really like to talk about them afterwards.

Im kind of a music freak or at least I spend a lot of time listening to it. I like a lot of different kinds of genres but mainly the following:
- classic rock bands
- hip hop (mostly alternative or 90's)
- soul
- rnb and pop
- lately some funk
- literally anything from the 70s

Not too long ago I found the Harlem Renaissance and became intrigued. Maybe you know something about it, or have some good recommendations?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was interrailing with my best friend - it was pretty cool. I want to do it again.

Teach, Learn, Share

I grew up in Helsinki and I know it very very well - so don't even consider going without asking for tips. I can give some tips about traveling in Finland too, but I'm not that experienced with that really (I've never been to Lapland for example).

Traveling tips are always welcome! I tend to like these alternative places: street art, ruins, ugly places that are so ugly that they're actually pretty in a way. If you know any place like this please tell me about it!!

I'm trying to learn guitar, maybe you could show me some tricks? Or we could try and learn together?

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm greek, so I share my food and my wine.

I play piano (a bit) and I love to sing - especially together with other people. Also I’m always up for some karaoke.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Finland, Germany, Greece