CURRENT MISSION

mastering the art of getting the best out of life and giving some of it back (nah, bullshit, I'm only here for the free food)

ABOUT ME

I am an English teacher at primary schools and I enjoy it too much for a job 😛 It’s unbelievable how you end up being taught by the little ones! Other than that, I love easy living, meeting up with friends, having long talks and long walks, taking photos, relaxing with good old jazz music. I also like listening to people's incredible stories (everybody has at least one!), discussing about human nature and future dreams, laughing with how everything is designed according to Murphy's law. Greedy to see, listen and taste foreign cultures -the most fun way to self-growth ;-). Should probably be arrested by the time-police for wasting time so remorselessly - but don't creativeness and sanity require lots of idle time?

PHILOSOPHY

"Imagnation will save the world". Also, try not to take yourself too seriously.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I take travelling very seriously, especially if it is part of a person's need to open their minds and hearts to diversity and learning through experience. I may be rarely available for hosting but I'm usually more than happy to have a drink and give valuable information about the city and its hidden charms. My friends call me "Maria the city guide" which I think says a lot about how much you'll enjoy my tips! Depending on our chemistry and my free time I may even follow you on one of your explorations and photobomb your pictures.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have hosted and met with a lot of people during the 5 years I lived on the islands but not in Athens, yet (too lazy to update my profile since 2013 haha). I have also been hosted and shown around by beautiful people to whom I will always be grateful for the amazing experiences I've had . Couchsurfing has taught me that there really is so much to enjoy in meeting with people from different backgrounds that I wonder why isn't everybody a couchsurfer!

Interests

Taking photos of lonely strangers, walking aimlessly around the city, visiting art exhibitions, reading comics and books about the human psyche and history (it's incredible how the first one affects the other!), discovering interesting, non-touristy places in and out of the city, laughing with the people I love.

• arts
• theater
• dancing
• dining
• comics
• traveling
• music
• camping
• swimming
• cinema

Music, Movies, and Books

Avid movie-eater: I guess I'm a huge fan of visual poetry so Fellini, Tarkovsky, Kaurismaki and Ozu would be among my first choices. Other than that I also adore Woody Allen's existential humour, Marx brothers, Jaques Tati. I'm also a devoted fan of series like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Flight of the Conchords, Trailer Park Boys, Curb your Enthusiasm, Spaced, Friends.

For the last two years I have been reading mostly greek literature but also love Michel Houellebecq, Douglas Adams, Jonathan Coe and many others. I really enjoy comics especially by Groening, Gorey, Edika, Reiser.

I keep my ears happy mostly with classical music, soul, jazz and blues but depending on the moment I can enjoy any kind of inspired music. After all, as an amateur dj I've had to listen to A LOT of self-pitying, soul-crushing rock music!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Lived in a hut-like house, on a tiny island without electricity and civilisation for 5 summer days - swimming at night and fishing for my own food are among the best of. Although full moon while camping in the desert of Egypt is a hard opponent to beat.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not sure I can list the things I can teach or share, it's all a matter of chemistry and of how people can intuitively and spontaneously help each other's growth.
I'd like to learn anything that opens a new window in my mind be it a good joke, a song I've never heard or dancing barefoot on burning coal (or maybe something less painful? please?)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cuba, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Greece

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