Salam, everyone!

My name's Ogulkeyik, I am from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. I am currently a college student in Ohio, U.S. During my time in the United States, I want to travel and explore as many places as possible. My goal is to hit all 50 states in my undergrad! After undergrad, every country in the world!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Going where I've never been. Meeting people I've never met. Doing things I've never done. My favorite things to do, to name a few. The world is too awesome not to want to see more of it, and Couchsurfing is a platform that allows me to meet people who authentically share similar passions as me, but that doesn't mean I don't embrace difference.

I want to connect with people who embrace the true spirit of Couchsurfing because I have a burning passion for traveling, meeting others, making friends, and learning about cultures beyond my own.

When I travel, it's the people I meet that make my travel experiences memorable. I can never share a travel story without mentioning the amazing people I meet along the way.

Also, one of my goals in life is to make friends with people from every country in the world.

Interests

I am obsessed with all things traveling! I love everything that has to do with people who come from different places, cultures, and backgrounds and speak languages different than my own.

Going where I've never been, doing what I've never done, meeting people I've never met, hearing stories I've never heard are my absolute favorite activities, to name a few.

I also love people's names because our names are a part of our identity, and so is my name. Regardless of how difficult to pronounce my name may seem, I always appreciate it when people try to learn how to say my name, so ask me how to pronounce it and let your tongue dance! I don't have a nickname.

In the meantime, you can practice this phonetic spelling of my name: Oh-gool-keh-yeek.

• books
• photography
• traveling
• music
• backpacking
• solo travel
• mountains
• videography
• exploring new places
• meeting new people
• languages and cultures
• intercultural communication
• intercultural exchange
• sunrises and sunsets

Music, Movies, and Books

• All music composed by Ludovico Einaudi is absolutely wonderful. My other favorites are Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and Nocturne C Sharp Minor by Chopin.

• Favorite books - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

• Favorite movie - not a big movie person and will watch anything that's fun to watch.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Saw the northern lights in Alaska multiple times! Surreal experience!

Went on a 10-day solo road trip across Nevada, Oregon, and Washington only 3 days after I got my driver license (and returned with lots of credit card bills lol :)).

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm very passionate about photography, especially night-sky photography, and I'm happy to teach what I know as well as learn from other photography enthusiasts.

What I Can Share with Hosts

An open mind, intercultural exchange, fun memories, curiosity, and good Turkmen food!

Note: I don't drink or smoke.

Countries I’ve Visited

Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkmenistan, United States