*please read fully my profile. I won’t accept to host or to be hosted by men without references*

Hi there! I'm Mélina, French speaking Canadian who has been living abroad for a while.

I did quite a few travels in both rural and urban areas, had such a blast meeting different people, cultures and ways in all of my travel experiences that I just can't get enough!

I am currently based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where I work for Aga Khan Education Service.

Previously, I lived in Finland (Jyväskylä) where I completed my master's degree in international development and cooperation. I am particularly interested in issues related to migration and gender equality, but I enjoy any great conversations and shared experiences!

I am a big big coffee lover, although I sometimes also drink tea, read a bunch, write and paint. I recently started running and I must say it's my new obsession. I also love everything related to outdoors - hiking and mountain skiing are my all times favourite. I love to walk, chat and explore.

Oh and I also work as a freelance journalist, so sometimes I am pretty good at asking 10000000 questions. :)

I'm fluent in French, English or Spanish so please feel free to reach out in whatever suits you best.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people, sharing cultures, ideas and food.

In fact, I couch surf for people. That's what travelling is all about for me.

Having said that, I also think that money is a strange concept, and although I understand that we live in a capitalist society - for now - I think we should be able to meet amazing people without having to spend so much on accommodation. For me, offering free accommodation is the first step in making the world a little more accessible, opening the borders in our own small way.

Interests

Big time travels lover, but also concerned about justice and climate issues.

I think a vision of travel that speaks to me is one that is concerned with global inequalities, aware of the privilege of travel. I am caught in the eternal internal debate of not wanting to fly to avoid having too many carbon emissions, but also, the desire to explore the world and open my horizons.

• writing
• theater
• piano
• art history
• visual arts
• travelling
• jazz music

Music, Movies, and Books

Ugh, I hate this question - it's like asking me to pick my favorite child (if I had any, that is). But, if I had to narrow it down, there are a few authors and genres that I absolutely love. I'm a huge fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez - the man is a genius. I also dig political philosophy, and Gramsci is my main man. When it comes to poetry, I'm all about the poets from Québec - Joséphine Bacon is a queen! And, if I'm feeling extra nerdy, I'll crack open some classic literature from dead Russian authors like Dostoevsky. What about you? Any books that make your heart skip a beat?"

(I also have no cinematic culture. Please educate me lol).

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Benin, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada, Finland, Guatemala, Spain, Tanzania