Love traveling, adventures, nature and sports. Twelve years ago, when I was 18, I moved from St. Petersburg, Russia to Cincinnati, OH, USA. I lived there almost 8 years, while getting my college degree in journalism and communication. Things were going pretty smoothly; however, I never felt completely like at home. Nothing wrong about the city or people, but my heart craved for something else. Last year, many things had suddenly changed and I found myself moving to California, Nevada City. From my view, it's a phenomenal gem in the heart of the Northern California. Surrounded by spectacular nature, fresh air, pine trees, flowers, mountain river, wildlife, lakes and health-oriented community, this place immediately became a love of my life.

This place teaches me to appreciate life in all its manifestations and be grateful for any occurrences that come my way.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on couchsurfing to explore new places, meet awesome people, to see where life takes me and what surprises it has in store. I had a couple of couchsurfing experiences a few years ago: they were interesting and valuable.

From my view, those who host others are hospital and open-minded people, otherwise, couchsurfing wouldn't work. Making friendly connections with open-minded people can be riveting, insightful and simply lovely. Plus, seeing places I visit through the "local eyes" is priceless.

Interests

I have been doing yoga and meditation for a few years now: it's an inseparable part of my daily routine. I take some quiet time in the morning and in the evening for reflection. I also don't drink, smoke and party hard. Though, I wouldn't describe myself as boring :)

If it's something you would be uncomfortable with, please don't host me :)

• writing
• photography
• yoga
• reading
• traveling
• snowboarding
• sports
• soccer
• swimming
• journalism
• nature
• forest
• hikes

Music, Movies, and Books

When it comes to books, I appreciate those that provide a different perspective on things/ideas that are considered normal and rarely questioned. In the past, I happened to read many books on psychology, self-development and spirituality.

Aside from that, The Lord of the Rings is my all-time favorite. Fyodr Dostoevskiy and Leo Tolstoy deeply affected me as well.

If you look at my Spotify playlist, there's everything from classical and jazz to reggae, techno, mantras, rock etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Silent retreat.

What I Can Share with Hosts

This is a challenge to be humble or not :)

1. Smile
2. Journalism, writing, communication experience
3. Russian culture
4. Book advice
5. Interpretation of American culture from Russian perspective
6. Interpretation of Russian culture from American perspective
7. Love to nature
8. Space

Countries I’ve Visited

Belarus, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Mexico, Russian Federation, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States