Just a tiny part of a web that reflects the other parts. I love the simple things, really value humor in all its forms, and empathy plays a huge role in my life.
Though I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and grew up in Seattle, Washington, I feel somehow connected to and curious about everything.
I recently moved to Istanbul to be with my partner, and still can't shake the wanderlust that brought me here.
I love travelling and travelers because they open my mind to the wealth of wonders in this world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy sharing my world with and looking after travelers as much as I can. As a traveler, forming new friendships with locals, learning about the places I go, and being exposed to new perspectives is the most meaningful way for me to experience the world.

Interests

There are too many incredible things in life I'm interested in...and usually don't have enough time for. I feel connected to all forms of life that surround me, so doing something nice for someone or an animal are things that make my day. I'm quite flexible and open to doing just about anything when hanging out, though I'm not much of a partier.
My greatest love is nature. I like most outdoor activities, from hiking and surfing to sustainable agriculture, and am always keen on an adventure. The arts have always been a big part of my life too, so I'm really interested in how people from different cultures express themselves. I'm also magnetized to all things different and quirky.
I adore my job (teaching), and am pretty focused on developing as a teacher and helping create an effective alternative to the current global system.

• animals
• literature
• dancing
• yoga
• meditation
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• volunteering
• art
• nature
• buddhism
• sustainable agriculture
• longboard dancing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: "world" music--didge, throat singing, capoeria music; 90s hip hop, classical, indie rock...I love it all

Books: Master and Margarita, Confederacy of Dunces, Hocus Pocus, The Great Gatsby, One Hundred Years of Solitude, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Next, Old Path White Cloud, Black Elk Speaks

Movies: anything Taika Waititi, documentaries about social and environmental justice...listing them all is too much to ask for

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've swum with a pod of wild dolphins I spotted while hiking the coast of NZ. Feeling them surround me and watching their slippery backs weaving through the water was the best experience of my life.
I've also been to a sacred Buddhist place at the edge of the Gobi dessert.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know some great methodology for helping improve English if it's your second language and you want to get better. I also study Buddhism quite a bit, from meditation to logic, but won't talk about it unless you ask.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Whatever naturally happens between unique individuals when they connect (stories, philosophies, smiles, laughter). Maybe the most important thing is that I enjoy encouraging people to talk about themselves and listening to their life stories unfold.
I can tell you all about the places I've lived if you're interested in visiting or just interested. I'm also quite a good cook if you like your veggies (I'm vegetarian), and am more than happy to help with anything that needs to be done around the house.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, India, Latvia, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Russian Federation, Turkey, United States