Hi! I recently finished my Peace Corps service where I taught English in a small village in Kyrgyzstan. I start graduate school in the fall and am looking to see more of the world while I have some time! In my free time I love running, cycling, playing soccer (football everywhere else in the world :P), reading, knitting, learning languages, hiking, camping, swimming, dancing, and cuddling my own dogs.
From my travels and random things I've said "yes" to, I've learned how to cook some Kyrgyz, Russian, Israeli, and Dungan dishes, I've learned Polynesian dancing to perform in lu'aus, as well as Kyrgyz dancing to give locals even more to laugh at me for haha, I've completed 7 ultra marathons, and I participated in a lengthy bike ride around this big lake in Kyrgyzstan!
I am an independent person who appreciates alone time, but I am really outgoing and friendly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As nice as it is to save a few bucks, I prefer couch surfing more so that I can meet locals who can tell me all the good spots, share their culture, and bring some personal connection to my travels. Even if I don't stay with a host, I am always down to meet up over coffee and harvest advice from locals!
I AM NOT ON COUCH SURFING TO HOOKUP. I am not a stingy entitled guest and I do try to compensate hosts with food, doing extra cleanup, being fun company, etc. But I will not pay you with "favors" so if that is what you're looking for, please move on. I know this doesn't apply to the vast majority of you good hearted folk reading this; kudos to you for embodying the beauty that is CS and thanks for making us solo female travelers feel safe!

Interests

I know I wrote a lot, but please read at least through the "why I am on CS" section if you are considering hosting me or requesting me as a host 🙂
I love to be outside, whether I'm running, hiking, camping, swimming, playing soccer, reading, napping. I love dogs, like cats. Really like board games, puzzles, and knitting. I like to visit other countries but I prefer to take my time and either work, study, or volunteer in a place for a while.
My interests are ever-growing--help me find something to add to it!

• dogs
• running
• hiking
• soccer
• budget travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - anything but metal and country honestly. I grew up with Putamayo, show tunes (Avenue Q is a personal favorite), Klezmer, and Count Basie. My dad was a theater director for many years and plays in a big band, so we've always got music on. My running playlists are a hodgepodge of all of that plus lots of pop and foreign music.
Books - I like historical fiction and anything wacky having to do with former Soviet republics. Been on a kick lately of books about Israel.
Movies - admittedly I fall asleep during most movies so I'm more a fan of 20 minute TV episodes like Rick and Morty or Brooklyn 99. That said I can stay up to make it through an episode of Shetland, Grantchester, or Endeavor.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I don't know! I've done some cool things, but those aren't what come to mind. I guess I'll save this one for in person meetings!

Teach, Learn, Share

Let's share about our respective cultures and things we've picked up from our travels! I can teach you some sweet Tahitian dance moves, you can teach me, show me XYZ.
I like to cook and bake so depending on where I'm coming from or if you come to me I can make you some tasty sweet potato bread, ginger scones, green tea shortbread. Or something more normal.
If we meet in early 2019, there is a 100% chance I will bring a Kyrgyz treat for you to try--kurut, a dried yogurt ball with a super salty kick. A bit strong, but excellent grated onto greens.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd be absolutely willing to help out around your place! I love to garden and I love animals so if you've got a dog that needs walking or some weeds that need pulling, I'd happily oblige! I was raised to leave a place better than how you found it, so I will do what I can to earn my keep so to speak.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Iceland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Norway

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, United States