Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My first ever visit to the rest of the world ( I'm told North America is not a very good representation ). I've made this account to try and find places to stay and people to meet for myself and my boyfriend in Copenhagen, the Netherlands, North Germany, and wherever of Scandinavia we end up.

The reason for our trip is because I am presenting an undergraduate paper at the International Symposium on Cultured Meat in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and it seemed like an excellent excuse to travel in this part of the world.

I have always wanted to do a long tour of Europe and Scandinavia, but it's never quite happened- instead, I have traveled in Canada pretty extensively for work, and I am very happy to know my own (massive) backyard a little better.

While this is only a short 3-week trip, I look forward to getting to know a smaller region a bit better.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love a lot of music, I love being able to participate in it most. I learned music singing in choirs, and I hope that somewhere in Scandinavia/Western Europe I'll be able to hear Nordic, Germanic, or Slavic folk choirs, or be lucky enough to sing or dance with people in a more casual setting and learn some songs.
I once heard the Finnish ensemble Rajaton at the Rocky Mountain Choral Festival in Canada, at which I performed, and have wanted to connect more with that music ever since. I am 1/4 Finnish, but do not know my family or culture at all, and I have always hoped to find a culture as beautiful as that music.
My love of that deeply dramatic, rhythmic music has also dictated a love of orchestral music and metal, which my partner is also very into. Some of my favourite bands include Gojira (France), Opeth (Sweden), and Ghost B.C. (Sweden).

I most recently have enjoyed reading the Name of the Wind (fantasy), Hyperion (sci-fi), and the Eighth Day of Creation (non-fiction about the founding of modern genetics).

I am not a 'movie person' but do enjoy a good movie like Mirror Mask, Silver Linings Playbook, or The Dark Knight.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Both I and my partner love cooking for people and love music. While it's sometimes said Canada doesn't have much of a distinct culture, I think we can communicate what there is in food and music! I love humour and sharing stories, and have a collection of stories about tree planting in the Canadian wilderness that can furnish at least a couple rounds of drinks. So, if you've ever wondered if anyone's tried to make a dishwasher out of a oil barrel and a stick, I can answer that. I study science, in particular genetics, which people seem to really enjoy talking about.

I also appreciate experiencing other people's interests, foods, ways of doing things, so for anyone who wants two interested companions, I'm also ready and willing to experience.

So, I can offer: the ability to be an appreciative guest, conversation, cooking and cleaning, and the desire to explore with others. I am also used to living with others and am clean and respectful.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada