I'm an undergrad student from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Most people who know me will say I'm terse, hard to communicate with, and generally apathetic or unemotional. Appearances can be deceiving! If you get to know me I'm sure you will find I am quite the interesting person to talk to, and deep down within that hard, rough exterior of mine I actually love people and making new, lasting connections. If you want something, just ask!

I love travel, cooking large quantities of ethnic food, craft coffee, good books, languages, great conversation, and everything I study. I hope that in meeting some of my hosts I can enrich my life and theirs.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've travelled many times and can say with confidence that staying in a hotel does not give you a local experience. This is why I'm on Couchsurfing; because as I travel more - and I know I will - I want to be able to meet local people who can share their own travel experiences with me and I with them. I actually think I need to just meet people in general.

Interests

Languages of the Slavic variety, linguistics, history, politics, philosophy, Slavic culture/countries, cooking, reading, coffee, Catholicism, music (playing -I play the trumpet- and appreciation), Russian drinking habits.

• cooking
• coffee
• music
• languages
• reading books
• learning new languages
• ethnic music
• ethnic food
• school

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is too varied and lengthy for me to form a list; basic genres: jazz (big band, neo-swing, gypsy, bebop, Latin, vocal), rock (60's-80's, basically), classical (romantic period preferred). Many other genres I like and will listen to, although if ever I listen to music or put any on it will be the above. Basically if the musicians are talented and use only physical instruments ill probably like it.

I absolutely love movies! I'm a fan of everything except horror movies (*shudders*). My favorites are definitely long art films, thrillers (especially spy thrillers), and animated movies. Nothing beats a hilarious animated movie for some easy entertainment. I don't event think I could give a favorite movie.

I wish I read more than I do now. I do like reading, but it always takes the right book and the right time. Typically I read classic literature that's been around for decades (though I did recently read Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" and loved it). I do love talking about book that I have read, especially the ones I've studied. My favorites are definitely Russian - I've read some Tolstoy, some Chekhov, some Dostoevski - all very good.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Played in the Montreux Jazz Festival and other international music scenes with a jazz band before legally being an adult.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach - not quite sure, to be honest. I am currently in no position to host and I think it'd be a little odd if I show up at my own host's place and start educating him on something, wouldn't you?

Learn - I would love to learn about your lives. From what I've gathered people who use this website generally are free spirits who love travel, and although I can't really count myself a free spirit, I love talking with them. I could listen for hours of odd stories from a trip abroad gone almost awry and the happiest or scariest moments. I have a great admiration for those who are able to pursue what they love, and those who leave behind their lives to travel the world are especially amazing to me. It takes a special kind of bravery.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would love to be able to share my hobbies with my host like cooking or coffee. I am a very avid amateur cook, my favorite food always being ethnic (central European and Eastern European is my specialty, and I always love making it!) from all around the world. Nothing makes me happier than making people happy with the food I've made them. Coffee, also - I am a huge fan of America's growing cafe culture and love to pore endless hours into finding good cafes, sampling different coffees, and trying to appreciate the little micro flavors of a cup of single-origin coffee like one would craft beer. The love of food and coffee is easily shared.

Additionally, I could converse about my music for hours with those willing to listen. Jazz is my favorite, and if you are willing to learn some more about it, or maybe want some new artists to check out, feel free to ask!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States