Hi everyone, my name is Marko and I was born in a country that no longer exists:

the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY)

My life’s journey is not measured in miles, but in the seismic shifts of history. I have never moved from my home, yet I have lived under multiple sovereignties, each change rewriting the name of my homeland on the world's map.

My constant address is in **Kosovo and Metohija**, a land of profound historical resonance and enduring dispute. Without ever packing a bag, I have been a citizen of:

* **The SFRY**
* **The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia**
* **The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro**

* **The Republic of Serbia**—a state whose sovereignty over this territory I uphold, even as its administration is contested.

To live here is to inhabit a permanent dialogue between past and present, between narrative and counter-narrative. It is to understand deep in your bones that a map is often an argument, not a fact. This experience has forged in me a unique perspective: one of **rooted resilience**. I have learned to hold a complex identity—anchored in a deep, cultural sense of belonging while navigating the daily realities of a land in political limbo.

Professionally, this has made me an intuitive mediator of perspectives, someone who understands that behind every geopolitical term are human beings, stories, and an inextricable connection to the earth they stand on. I operate with the patience of one who knows that history is long, and with the pragmatism of one who lives its unresolved chapters every day.

I am from a place the world knows as a question. That has taught me more about diplomacy, identity, and the quiet strength of constancy than any journey ever could.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet the friends and family around the world.

Interests

• cooking
• cooking and eating
• cooking with friends
• cooking together
• balkan cuisine

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: The essential kitchen soundtrack. Whether it's upbeat Afrobeats for chopping veggies or a mellow jazz playlist for weekend brunch prep.

Movies: Drawn to films with incredible food scenes (*The Hundred-Foot Journey, Julie & Julia*) or that simply feast the eyes. A great story is the best accompaniment to a homemade meal.

Books: Split between gorgeous cookbooks I cook my way through and page-turning fiction. Nothing beats reading a novel at the kitchen table while something simmers on the stove.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

On a trip to Slovakia, I skipped the tourist restaurants in Bratislava and spent a day in a local family's kitchen through a cooking immersion. Communicating through gestures and tasting, I learned to make their signature dish. The amazing thing wasn't just the recipe, but the genuine human connection forged over a shared love of food.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:

Practical kitchen skills (knife work, flavor pairing) and my undying love for 90s hip-hop.

Learn:

Your culinary specialties, the albums that shaped you, and what you're currently fascinated by.

Share:

Recipes, articles, playlists, and experiences. I believe the best parts of life are better when shared.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a guest, I bring gratitude, cleanliness, and an easy-going nature. I'm happy to share my cooking skills to prepare a meal, curate a great dinner playlist, or bring a thoughtful book or bottle of wine. I'm here to contribute to the vibe, not complicate it.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bosnia and Herzegovina