Instagram: /melisaa_bz

2025 Update:
Hey everyone! I've been part of Couchsurfing since 2016, and it all started when I traveled from Turkey to Sicily, Italy, for a volunteer abroad program one summer during college. That’s when I truly got to know the CS philosophy and fell in love with it!

I kept that adventurous spirit going when I became an exchange student in Germany for a semester in 2017. Then, during the summer of 2018, I traveled to the U.S. and once again. Every time, Couchsurfing made everything feel more special: the connections, the stories... I met some of the most amazing people and made memories that still bring a smile to my face. I even invited many of those friends to visit my country, Turkey, and it felt so good to give back the warmth I experienced.

Like everyone else, the pandemic put a hard stop to my travels. But now, life has brought me to the U.S., and I’ve reactivated my Couchsurfing account, ready to see where this journey takes me next. I’m excited to meet new people, share stories, and keep the adventure alive!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because it’s honestly one of the best ways to connect with amazing people I would’ve never met otherwise. Staying with locals opens up a whole different world. If I had stayed in hotels, I would’ve missed out on those special little things: the hidden spots you only hear about from a local, the cozy cafes with the best pastries, the conversations that go late into the night where you find yourself laughing like old friends.

Now that I’m living in the U.S., I’m excited to keep that spirit alive. Whether it’s swapping stories, sharing laughs, or just enjoying a good meal together, I’m here for the connections!

Interests

I’ve always been into history, politics, and culture - especially when it comes to Middle Eastern history and immigration history in the U.S. I find it fascinating how people’s stories and journeys have shaped the world over time.

Lately, though, I’ve been super interested in how AI is going to change our world. It’s such a big, complicated topic, but it’s so exciting to think about all the possibilities, challenges, and ethical questions that come with it.

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: I really like mind-blowing types of movies and those are my favourites: Butterfly Effect, Shutter Island, Fight Club, Mr Nobody, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Truman Show and all movies by Darren Aronofsky, David Lynch, Kubrick, Roman Polanski

Teach, Learn, Share

I like to think of it more as “learning and sharing” rather than “teaching.” Even when I feel like I’m sharing something I know, I usually end up being the one who learns the most.

I think the best things to share are good conversations and stories. I also have this little habit of leaving a small thank-you gift when I go, usually a notecard, with a heartfelt note written on the back. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, you made my experience special, and I appreciate you.”

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love sharing good conversations, laughter, and stories. Whether it’s talking about life, cultures, travels, or just random fun stuff, I enjoy the kind of chats where you feel like you’re talking to an old friend.

I can also share a bit of my culture and experiences from growing up in Turkey and now living in the U.S. It’s always interesting to compare how people do things differently (and sometimes not so differently!).

If you’re interested, I can teach you some Turkish phrases, share some local traditions, or just exchange perspectives about our different worlds.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Turkey, United States