Hi! My name is Maria. You can call me Masha, or Mary - as you like.

Skoltech student
SPMI'18 graduate
YEAR 2016-2017 exchange student (Laramie, WY, USA)

Professional area is Petroleum Engineering, but always happy to meet people from other areas.
Excited about hiking, travelling, outdoor activities, new cultures.

AS A SURFER:
I can adjust to all types of people, to all lifestyles.
I am always happy to spend a lot of time with hosts.
I always bring souvenirs from my country and from place I'm currently in (if trip includes several places).
I'm always happy to cook some Russian food if you want to try anything traditional.
And I really appreciate that you're just hosting me!

AS A HOST
Unfortunately, now I'm not hosting because of studying away from home, but always ready to share any advice about travelling in Russia!
And I'm excited about coming back home and hosting anybody.
I can tell a lot about historical places and if I'm free I can even drive you there and show all around, especially cities of Golden Ring of Russia.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy learning culture from inside, and that's the main reason for my wish to meet locals and to stay with locals. Nothing can be better than personal communication and sharing traditions. Such ideas as couchsurfing make me believe in people and in kindness. I've just joined this website, but still hope to find a lot of friends here. I'm open to new people, new ideas, new views on life.
Now, being an exchange student, I'm already thinking about countries I want to visit in future, and not as a tourist - with a wish to observe life from inside.
Also, I have travelled a lot around Russia - so, if you have some questions or just want to visit this country, I will be happy to help. And next year - welcome to Kostroma and Saint-P! ;)

Interests

• photography
• crossfit
• art
• travelling
• house dancing

Music, Movies, and Books

As for music, I really like different kinds and can listen to everything. For now I listen a lot of house and hip-hop music because I dance these styles. In the list of favourites there are Blue October, Arctic Monkeys, Phantogram, Oh Wonder, Joy Division etc

From book genres I prefer classics (including modern), psycology and stories about nations and national characters.

Teach, Learn, Share

Whatever you want about Russia and its traditions!
Personal travelling experience
Also, I have spent many years in art schools and have some teaching experience; making things like friendship bracelets; house and hip-hop dancing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life stories, funny and not
Nice souvenirs from Russia
Deep Russian soul and long traditions
Russian cuisine
And just love to life, good mood and ambitions!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belarus, Poland, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States