ABOUT ME

I am in love with and in awe of the world, and always harbor good intentions. I am just as happy spending a day doing nothing as I am spending a day packed full of activity and bustle. I don't take myself too seriously, and I will try (almost) anything once.

PHILOSOPHY

Isn't it incredible that in 13.7 billion years we were able to go from chaos to consciousness?

Treat all things and people with the respect and appreciation they are due.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people, and understand new perspectives.

Interests

Above all else, I love traveling, but I also dedicate a huge amount of time and passion to weightlifting, sports, trying new foods, watching movies, baking, reading, and hiking.

I love being with people who aren't afraid to be enthusiastic about the things they love, no matter what they are and no matter what other people may think of them.

I'm also fascinated by Eastern Europe (Russia and the former USSR, in particular) and languages/linguistics.

• writing
• photography
• wine
• baking
• drinking
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• sports
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Right now, I'm really into non-fiction accounts of people who have traveled to and/or worked and lived in places that I haven't spent much time in or am just generally very interested in (ie the middle east, Russia). Generally, I like reading about people who have led interesting and important lives that are vastly different from my own.

One of my favorite fiction books is The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I'm also a huge fan of Harry Potter, Dostoevsky, Lolita and dystopian fiction (like A Clockwork Orange).

As for music, I have pretty eclectic tastes and listen to almost everything!

I love going to see movies in theaters - it's one of my favorite things to do, and I like watching things that make me laugh a lot, or that make me think. My favorite movies that I've seen so far this year have been Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and Top Gun: Maverick.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Horseback riding through the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia!

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to learn how to cook foods from different countries/regions, if you're willing to teach me! Also am looking for someone patient to help me dust off my rusty (spoken) French.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help you with your English, and help you cook! I may not have a huge repertoire of recipes, but I have solid basic cooking skills nonetheless :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Martin (French part), Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, India, United States