I'm European more than I'm German, I'm also quite a global citizen and I love it.

I care a lot about politics, human rights and equality and I am always happy to hear your perspective on things.

Occasionally I get tired of all my political involvement and studying and then I love baking (I do that as passionately as the activism and stuying), writing (I have filled 22 diaries over the last 14 years), knitting and - unless it's not raining - hiking (but not too high or far...).

I am a creative person, I like blogging , playing music (not very well, but passionately) and I scribble whereever I go.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy to meet other couchsurfers and to exchange stories from around the world - I just can't love a city without a local's opinion and, ideally, some words about the social or political situation.

I'm on couchsurfing for the people, but it shouldn't be confused with Tinder - at least you don't have to try with me. I'm happily married and I am sick and tired of cheap pick-up lines in my inbox.

Interests

I enjoy everything related to real life, interesting people, culture and spontaneity.

• culture
• writing
• baking
• politics
• traveling
• blogging
• outdoor activities
• swimming
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

If only I had time to read all the amazing books in my shelf. It's that kind of rare luxury now to just sit down to read a novel, but mostly I read non-fiction for my studies and work these days. I love a good non-fiction book though and it seems easier to find an interesting read on politics, feminism or social change than a beautiful, deep new novel.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I feel it's not fair to choose one out of a million amazing things, but I'll give it a try... I spent a few days in Kampot, Cambodia near a river. That was the first time I saw plancton at night in the water. Swimming at night in complete darkness in silence with a warm breeze, covered in shimmering, glittering, sparkling plankton in a stairy night - that's one of my most beautiful memories from travelling.

Teach, Learn, Share

Travelling around I realized that the most important thing is flexibility, openness and a kind attitude.
Nothing has ever happened to me and whereever I went people were welcoming and kind. I learnt that the individual experience always depends on me.

I write about my observations and experiences abroad on my blog (German and English): mariejelenka.wordpress.com

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can always share my love for the German language, my own baking or cooking and, oviously, stories and two ears to listen to yours!
I am also happy to teach you knitting or crochet, I was told to be a good teacher.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Germany, Japan, Macedonia, Poland, Taiwan, Turkey