****CURRENTLY NOT ABLE TO HOST**** happy to hang out!

Quick notes:
-I AM DOUBLE VACCINATED AND BOOSTED
-This is NOT a dating app, please respect that, thank you.
-Also would love to meet women travelers, so if you identify, please reach out!
-LGBTQ+ friendly. I don't tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or class.

2022 UPDATES:
Wow, a lot can change in a couple of years, so here are some of my updates -
-I recently graduated from Colorado College and moved to LA for the first time, so I'm also discovering things here for myself!
-I don't drive nor have a car (I'm working on it), but I know a bunch about public transportation here and it's not the best but you can get by with good planning.
-Currently trying to find my place in the film industry and build my network around it, if you're also into the film world, we would have a lot to talk about!
-I am a very social person, I love meeting new people and can mould into any social space whilst staying true to myself, but I do appreciate those who can reciprocate my level of energy and interest in the other.

A little about me:
-Born and raised in Lebanon in an Armenian diaspora community.
-When I was 16, I moved to Armenia to study at one of the United World Colleges (UWC) where I met and made friends from all over the world.
-Took a gap year in Brazil (Florianópolis, Santa Catarina) where I was able to learn Portuguese and experience a completely new culture for the first time. Hit me up if you ever want to visit, I have lots of tips for all the good places and things to do on the island!
-Graduated Colorado College with majors in Anthropology and Film and Media Studies
-I am also interested in psychoanalysis and how the human experience shapes our emotions and actions.
-I used to work as a student photographer and have done an exhibition in Brazil. Would love to share photos from my various travels and/or give photography tips (I also have some experience in the dark room).
-I have a plant-based diet and LOVE to cook, especially Lebanese and Armenian food. I consider cooking as a form of meditation.
-I love strategy board games (Dixit, Catan...) and carry my sparkling gold and silver playing cards everywhere! I also love games that helps us get to know each other better (Like "We're Not Really Strangers")
-Art is one of my biggest passions! Drawing, painting, digital art, jewelry making, crocheting, photography, creative writing, poetry, dancing (although this is more for the fun)... would love to learn more!!! I enjoy talking about art and going to museums.
-Big fan of wine and beer and spirits in general. I have learned how to make traditional wine in Georgia [the country] and have brewed homemade beer with friends in College (super fun and was not bad). I enjoy drinking with people if they also enjoy it. One of my dreams is to get into mixology and learn how to make amazing cocktails and drinks!

...OK I already wrote way too much!
The rest we can hopefully get to know once we meet :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I got introduced to Couchsurfing from a tourist I met in Armenia. Ever since, it has allowed me to connect with amazing individuals from all over the world. While traveling, I like to Couchsurf because I find the interactions I have with the CS community to be valuable both for my growth (because of being exposed to various different opinions and perspectives) and experience of travel (CS people are generally super outgoing and fun!)

I appreciate immensely the amount of generosity I've received through CS and do my best to respect the community and reciprocate the good energy! (That being said, pleased to host you at my place in Lebanon if I'm ever there as well).

Interests

• arts
• books
• photography
• documentaries
• film making
• nightlife
• crochet
• hiking
• anthropology
• languages
• food
• videography
• digital art
• ocean
• culinary arts

Music, Movies, and Books

1984 by George Orwell stays my all-time favorite book!
Also reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for the second time because I love it that much.

As for music, I love listening from rock to classical music. (reggae, brazilian music [bossa nova, samba, forró...], indie, alternative music...)
Some of my favorite artists: Queen, Iron Maiden, System of a Down, Mashrou' Leila (amazing Lebanese band), Mayra Andrade (from Cape Verde), Tame Impala, Soja, The Beatles!!!!!!...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked the wild coast in South Africa for a week.

Hitchhiked from Armenia to Georgia and back, sleeping in abandoned buildings, forests and even the floor of a bar (a generous couchsurfer offered), all during the 2018 World Cup (it was a lot of fun energy and crowds surrounding huge outdoor screenings).

Teach, Learn, Share

-Words, phrases, alphabets in 4 of the languages I speak (Armenian, Arabic, English and Portuguese, can also read and write but barely understand Russian).
-Vegan cooking! I promise you it's delicious and nutritious (doesn't have to be mutually exclusive). Would also love to learn dishes/cuisines from you.
-Photography skills on manual and digital cameras, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects..).
-Have taken screenwriting courses, would love to share about the process of writing a film script (and good softwares for it).
-Jewelry making and crocheting!
-I'd love to learn ANY form of art from you!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I haven't traveled to SO many countries, but the ones I've been to, I have stayed for a relatively long time, so I have many stories and photos I can share from my various travels!

Sharing food and drinks is always a good way for me to share stories and talk about what life means to each of us!

I can share my knowledge of filmmaking, cinematography, photography, digital illustrations and visual storytelling with an anthropology focus. I love academics but it can be a bit rigid sometimes so let's talk about unconventional ways of self expression and taking artistic chances!

If I am staying at your place, I will always make sure we both talk about the house rules and how we can all coordinate to make it the best experience. I would love to hang out if desired or do my own thing if not, either way, communication is key!

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Armenia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Lebanon, United States