ABOUT ME

Hey there! I am originally from Turkey, but I live in Washington D.C. more than 5 years now. Initially, I came to the USA for my architecture grad school , but along the way I have finished a dual degree, started to work and enjoyed this beautiful city with friends. The most important thing about DC that attracts me to itself is its cultural diversity. I love learning about new cultures, new languages and friends with different background and experiences. So, I also enjoy a lot travelling and exploring new places.

Now, I work to build / design sustainable urban places and cities to promote healthy living conditions for everybody and I really like what I am doing.

PHILOSOPHY

I live according to the motto of "everyday I see something new!" A new food, new word in other language, a new fact about the world and such. So, after the hectic academic and professional life I try to maintain a healthy work/life balance and I can say I work hard but I play harder.

MISSION

Enjoy whatever I do in this life and have fun. I would like to travel more and leave aside excuses of being busy (currently in progress), get a new sketchbook / memo pad and filled it-out while travelling (in progress), procrastinate less ( working on it) meet new people, discover more and enjoy the moment.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Although I knew about Couchsurfing and my friends have been using it, I am new to the community! (shame on me) The main reason is to be able to meet with locals, learn about the places and have a unique experience.

I really like social factor of this community and I know it will be a positive experience.

Interests

I really like to hang out with friends, be outdoors or have a quite time in a coffee shop. I love running in the city while watching its texture and dynamism. It is a different kind of mediation for me. Having said that I like doing yoga, going to the gym, cycling and swimming. Being from the Mediterranean anything related to sea would be my interests.

Foodie would be a nice description for me. I really like trying different cuisines. I also like cooking and improvising new recipes. I would try any new food and after that I would decide whether I can eat this again or not.

On my free time , I head to a local neighborhood bar to chat with friends, try new restaurants, check out any cool events. .

• architecture
• design
• sketching
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• coffee
• yoga
• running
• shopping
• traveling
• painting
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• swimming
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

I like most kind of music, but alternative, indie and electronic may be named as favorites.

Florence and the Machines, the XX, Alt-J, Miami Horror, Friendly Fires, The Black Keys, Grimes, Haim, Muse, MGMT, Flight Facilities,Django Django, M83, Bonobo
Dada Life, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, KASKADE, Duke Dumont, tiesto are some examples.

MOVIES

Amelie, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Leon, The Hours, The American Beauty, Requiem for a Dream, Schindler's List, Kill Bill, Borat (hilarious!) all the Marvel Comic adaptations

TV SHOWS

I really liked Lost and Dexter (if you watched it, I would like to talk about the ending).Currently I watch House of Cards and I couldn't resist the hype and I am watching Games of Thrones and yes, it is addictive. If you like the humor of the shows like Parks and Recs, Family Guy and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, we'll probably get along well.

BOOK

Recently I read a lot about the sustainable development and urban planning stuff. Fun Fun!!

Little Prince is my inspiration book.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can definitely show some techniques on Sketching, basic painting and if you are interested in languages, I can teach you some Turkish, English and French. And I can teach poi as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

An easy-going, sociable and friendly guest. Some cooking skills (not a chef by all means), Companion for any social activities.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Turkey, United States