Hi! My name is Sandra. :) I live in Königstetten with my twin sister and my big Labrador mix Chilly. My town is about 40 minutes outside of Vienna by train. The train station is only a short distance away (about 5 min. by bus or 30 min. walking distance).

I study English and History to become a teacher for lower and upper secondary school. Since I have my diploma examination in June, I'm almost done with university. I've really enjoyed my time at the University of Vienna. Even though I never moved to the city, Vienna is a wonderful place due to its rich history, beautiful buildings, but also its culture (I just love going to the theatre!! :D).

I final message I'd like to share with all fellow couchsurfers:
I think that people don't laugh enough. Since I like to laugh and do it really loud, every day should be filled with at least one laughter, even if you don't feel like laughing. It just makes a day better!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have a trip planned to London, Oxford and Salisbury together with a friend of mine who has experience in couchsurfing. She told me a lot about it and I'm really excited to try it out myself on this trip. I'm an uncomplicated and friendly person and I see it as an opportunity to share my culture with the person taking us in and vice versa. At the same time, I am grateful to each and everyone who is willing to open up his/her home. Trust must play quite an important part in such a decision.

Maybe I'll be able to host couchsurfers myself soon. :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I don't have any experience at all, but people have told me that it can be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to having strangers become friends. From living abroad for some time, I know that a country or city can be experienced more deeply through the eyes of the locals.

Interests

I like reading a lot, but I like to be outdoors as well. Hiking is one of my favourite spare time activities. However, right now I do not find much time to do it. I go on a lot of walks with my dog and I also enjoy courses at dog school such as "having my dog find objects through smell" or "practising to search for people". During winter time, I'm doing a lot of ice-scating and skiing.
I also volunteer as a paramedic for the Austrian Red Cross, which is quite fulfilling. Even though it can be difficult sometimes, there are a lot of rewarding moments in between.
And I love traveling, of course. Favorite place: Spain! - My family owns an apartment an hour away from Barcelona by train since my grandfather is originally from there. I've spent every summer holiday there since I can think. I love the Spanish mentality, language, culture and everything else about it.

• walking
• reading
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• skiing
• budget travel

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm into romantic comedies, especially cheesy movies. A good book for me is not restricted to just one genre. Right now I'm reading novels on contemporary American immigrant fiction and contemporary South African trauma novels. I listen to all kinds of music, usually the stuff my sister has on her computer (because I don't like spending too much time finding music and putting it on my phone). Often I just listen to the mainstream radio. Musicwise, it doesn't have to be only one genre - sometimes I feel like listening to classic music, other times indie rock or pop are what I need. :) Just don't ask me about song titles or their singers haha ... I'm really bad at that stuff :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

walking on the Great Wall of China, visiting the Grand Canyon, spending all of my summers in Spain with friends and family :P

I also find amazing things in my day to day life. There are a lot of incredible ordinary days in life, such as spending time with your loved ones.

What I Can Share with Hosts

my culture, my experience living abroad for a longer period of time, my travel experiences, my interest in history, my personality and open conversations (once you know me better; I can be shy at first, though it has improved tremendously after school)

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, United States