Hey, I’m Kalina! I’m 25, born and raised in Bulgaria, and I’m all about embracing life with a smile. Traveling is my way of soaking up new cultures and experiences, and I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure. In my day-to-day, I work as a process manager in a wealth management company, but outside the office, I’m usually at the gym, swimming, kickboxing, or dancing. I can snowboard (I want to try skiing too!), and I love staying active. Art, social events, and good books keep me inspired, and right now, I’m diving into learning Japanese—definitely a challenge, but I love it! I was part of a debate team in school and university, which sparked my love for communicating, thinking on my feet and wanting to learn more about different perspectives people have.

I am new in Couchsurfing so i do appreciate any tips!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, it’s not just about visiting a new place—it's about experiencing it through the eyes of the people who live there. I believe some of the best memories are made through the stories shared, the connections formed, and the authentic moments that happen when you're staying with locals. I have previous experience with volunteering in different countries so this seems similar.

Interests

• wine
• pilates
• art
• food
• phylosophy
• dance
• japan
• finance
• psicology
• languages and cultures
• japanese
• dancehall
• hike
• solotravel
• art house

Music, Movies, and Books

It’s tough to choose favorites because I love exploring different things in all these categories! For music, I’m into a mix of Afrobeat, dancehall, R&B, UK rap, Japanese hip hop, pop, jungle, and a bit of rock. When it comes to movies, I don’t really have a favorite either—I tend to appreciate them based on where I am in life at the moment, but I also enjoy documentaries and musicals. As for books, I’m a huge reader and easily go through over 50 books a year, so it’s hard to pick just one. I’m drawn to stories with elements of philosophy and psychology, though!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve sold books door to door, across the U.S.(Mostly Oregon). It was an intense experience—completely out of my comfort zone—but it taught me so much about resilience, connecting with people, and staying positive even in the face of rejection. Navigating different neighborhoods, meeting people from all walks of life, and pushing myself to succeed in a new country was an adventure I’ll never forget it!

Teach, Learn, Share

I’d be happy to help with English, French, and even Bulgarian (for any enthusiasts out there!), as well as offering financial advice or tips for travel.

I’m looking to learn more about the local culture and perspective wherever I go, and I’m especially eager to improve my Japanese!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a great cook and really talkative - so I will be happy to help you experience my culture, even when far away from it, combined with nice conversations!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bulgaria, France, United States