CURRENT MISSION

Looking for inspiring topics for the further anthropological research in Indonesia which is my second home. In the future I would like to write popular science books about this country and move there.

Also, I'm trying to broaden my horizons so I don't stuck only with Indonesia. Constantly I'm searching cheap tickets to other places. South America, West Asia, Australia, Africa, New Zealand? Why not! However, my biggest dream is going by motorbike around the world (I don't have a licence but I'm working on it) :)

ABOUT ME

By accident I'm a PhD student because two years ago my friend took me to the remoted islands in the eastern part of Indonesia. I've seen totally different world about which I had no idea before. Since that time I've been focused on tribes and their primary beliefs, especially in Moluccas. I read a lot, study Indonesian language and I want to understand these indigenous people who are fascinating for me. I love that because I'm also interesting for them so we have great cultural exchange. It's amazing experience in 21st century.

I'm travelling a lot, especially around Southeast Asia but I'm not this type of backpacker who want to see more in short period of time. I prefer to stay with local people even when they don't live in touristic places to know their culture and traditions. My friends have fun of me because during one month in Myanmar I've seen less places than they in two weeks. I don't like to hurry, however, my job as a researcher sometimes force me to do it. I try to manage it properly :)

I'm not keen on hard parties (maybe once a year) and going out every weekend. However, I love to meet interesting people, drink glass of wine (or juice - depends where :)) and talk about our experience. I'm convinced that I can learn something from everybody and I've heard that I'm a good listener. You have to ask my friends ;)

PHILOSOPHY

''Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been the member of a community since 2012 when I went with my boyfriend to Italy. We did not have a lot of money but we were (and still we are!) very open-minded people. When we heard about the Couchsurfing we had no doubts that we have to try. Thanks to this we went into student community of Bologna and stayed with enermous Italian family somewhere in Tuscany. Without these people our trip probably would be so cliche and we would not discover relish in staying with locals.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Always positive. However, I do not treat Couchsurfing primarily as an opportunity to stay for free somewhere. For me it's kind of lifestyle when I can give the locals more than money and in reverse I become the part of their world for few days.

Interests

As I wrote above I am interested in traditional tribes in Indonesia and exploring unpopular places there. Travelling is my passion but not always I have time and money for this, however, I'm trying visit a new place at least once a year (outside Europe).
In my free time I'm studying Indonesian language and trying to bring back my Arabic because I forget a little right now. I'm also keen on religious studies, especially Islam so it's worth to know this language :)
I'm pretty good photographer, however, I don't publish my works - I think I'm just not ready. I work to improve my skills in this area.
Few months ago I've started to practice yoga to balance myself in rushed world. It works but sometimes painful ;)

• photography
• yoga
• movies
• anthropology
• religion
• travelling
• cultural anthropology
• indonesia
• ethnology
• bahasa indonesia
• southeast asia

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - especially reporter's books. But I keep my finger on the pulse of new scientific publications and travelling books.
Movies - it's my secret passion, however, I don't have so much time to watch many films. I love surrealistic movies, black comedies and really bad horror movies. Usually I'm trying to follow the official selections of main film festivals of independent cinema.
Music - ambient for working, electronic for chillout. Spotify always brings me good stuff :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've decided to move to Jakarta to study for a half year. It was my first time in Asia and turned out I've chosen strictly muslim univerisity. I think it was crazy enough because I had no idea about Indonesia that time :)

Teach, Learn, Share

If you want I can teach you basic Indonesian language.
I want to learn about everyday life in new places. It's the most important thing for me thus I'm not so fancy about being separated and closed in the hotel or hostel with other travellers. The stories of locals are more inspiring.
I can share my travelling experiance - how to survive in some places of Southeast Asia and why you shouldn't panic when you have spider big as your hand on your mosquito net.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my experience, stories, knowledge and wine (or other non-alcoholic drinks :)). But seriously I'm a good cooker (vegetarian) and I have specific sense of humour which usually made my hosts cheerful. Of course I can help you around the house if you need, I love gardening but I have to be frank, it's like 'I have no idea what I'm doing'. However, it's relaxing for me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Indonesia, Netherlands, Poland