There was a time when I used to go with the flow, but my first trip abroad completely changed my mind. Traveling has been a very important part of my life ever since. We shouldn’t let our outward circumstances determine the way we live our lives. A journey is the best way to realise that the world expands far beyond the cage of our daily routine and what really makes sence is to be honest with yourself, become more conscious, give up false attachments and find your own path. Travel encourages us to overcome the inertia of mentality and break free from any kind of prejudice, to enjoy discovering ourselves and exploring the infinite diversity of the world through first-hand experience so as to face the truth of things whatever it is.

People and mountains – this is what inspires me most of all.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

People – each one with his unique personality, way of thought and life story – are one of the most impressive parts of the journey. The human soul is like an endless universe, and it’s really exciting to investigate it. Making friends with local people is unforgettable experience which helps to see the realistic view of everyday life, gives plenty of emotions as well as good language practice – surely this can never be compared with staying in hotels and following the guidebooks.

While traveling through different countries of Europe and Asia, I used to stay with local people in their homes, both in big cities and small villages, also used to live in Buddhist temples and big communities of travelers, and I am thankful to everyone I was lucky to meet for the great memories I will always keep in my heart.

Interests

Traveling, hitch-hiking, adventures, wild nature, mountains, photography, writing.

• writing
• books
• photography
• traveling
• hiking
• hitchhiking
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite rock-bands of my childhood: Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Faith No More, Mike Patton, Skid Row, Smashing Pumpkins, Extreme, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dream Theater, Kingdom Come, The Gathering.

Favourite films: classic movies,
documentaries about challenging ascents of the world’s highest mountain peaks.

Favourite writers: Erich Maria Remarque, William Somerset Maugham, Franz Kafka, Albert Camus, Daniil Kharms.
I also like reading true stories about famous discoverers and explorers, their adventures and struggle for survival.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- I hitch-hiked all over Myanmar – one of the most exotic and mysterious lands I have ever seen. On my way I admired picturesque mountain roads covered with mist at dawn – there was something fairy about these landscapes! I met a wonderful sunrise in ancient Bagan – a breathtaking scenery with thouthands of pagodas sparkling in the sunlight. Then it was Yangon – the city was overfull with bright colours, loud sounds and unusual smells, so dynamic! The endless stream of exploding energy seemed to split the air. Day by day, sleeping in Buddhist monasteries, riding on the roof of trucks with locals and monks, being invited inside tiny houses made of straw and bamboo in authentic villages surprised by a sudden foreigner’s appearance - I remember everything so clearly as if it was yesterday and dream to come back once more.

- I trekked up to the summits of some mountains in the Alps and Caucasus. Every mountain experience makes me feel like I am touching the eternity.

- Being inspired by wandering around the world, I wrote a book about my inner reality – the stories from deep within represent a kind of introspective journey through the space of thoughts, feelings and reflections.

Teach, Learn, Share

I appreciate any opportunity to broaden my knowledge and learn something new.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my travel experience and tell you about most interesting places I’ve been.

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Iran, Italy, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Myanmar, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation