My name is Marina. I am often called "energetic," which could partly be due to my unhealthy relationship with my French press.

I've been working as an Occupational Therapist for almost 10 years. I'm currently back in school again doing another masters degree in counselling psychology. Next year I'll transition from Occupational Therapy to Clinical Counselling.

When I'm not working, I enjoy partner dancing, I am in a book club, and I'm a big fan of cheese. I've lived in Vancouver for 20 years. I love going out to shows, riding my bike to the beach, or hosting dinner parties on my patio.

My first few experiences with Couch Surfing were amazing. I'm currently visiting Victoria this weekend to catch up with an old friend from my OT degree, and I'm looking for somewhere to stay and hopefully someone to connect with. I'm a clean, friendly, respectful, and unobtrusive guest. I'll mostly spend the weekend doing readings for school, or out with my friend. :)

Looking forward to meeting you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This has been by far my favorite way to travel. Staying with someone is an amazing way to meet people you'd never meet otherwise, learn about each other, and feel connected to something larger than yourself. I now have friendships with people in Spain, France, and Portugal that I am so thankful for! I'm excited to keep meeting amazing new people!

Hosting has been equally fulfilling - helping travelers or recent Vancouver transplants with the transition to the city allows me to appreciate my city again through their eyes. An amazing community all around! I'm currently not accepting guests, but hope to do so again in the future.

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Anything by David Sedaris. Hitchhiker's Guide was my first true love.

Movies: I don't have the attention span for most movies. Good Will Hunting is pretty good, if I have to pick one.

Shows: David Attenborough's soothing voice, Parks & Rec, Succession, Ru Paul's Drag Race. My happy place is rewatching Schitt's Creek. Recently I've been binging Couples Therapy because it's kinda like studying. :)

Music: No one will ever measure up to Freddie Mercury in my eyes, but these days I mostly let Spotify decide what I listen to.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2010 I travelled the world for 1 year with my then boyfriend - except I didn't know about couch surfing back then! Oh what a waste!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love swapping stories and learning about each other's lives and cultures. Beyond that, I'm a fairly good swing and salsa dancer, so if you feel like picking up some partner dancing skills, let's do it! In exchange, teach me a few words of your language.

I can also teach you about the wheel of consent, if you're curious.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Interesting conversations over wine, and an apartment that looks better when I leave than when I got there :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Russian Federation, United States