We are an adventurous couple hailing from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, whose lives took an unexpected turn when we embarked on a vacation to Thailand. Little did we know that this one-month escape would transform into a remarkable nine-month sojourn, as we made the decision to forego returning to Russia in light of its invasion of Ukraine. Instead, we set our sights on Canada, which has now become our cherished new abode.

In the realm of creativity, I find myself immersed in the captivating world of CG and VFX art, where I breathe life into extraordinary visual experiences. Meanwhile, my partner, Iurii, a gifted software developer, channels his passion into the captivating realm of video game creation, crafting immersive digital worlds.

Beyond our professional pursuits, I have honed my culinary skills to perfection, constantly embarking on delicious gastronomic experiments.
Nature's embrace beckons us as we eagerly partake in exhilarating hikes and an array of thrilling outdoor activities. Whether it's venturing into uncharted territories, gracefully swaying to the rhythm of swing dancing, capturing breathtaking photographs, or immortalizing moments through filmmaking, we find profound joy in embracing the wonders of life.

Moreover, in our quest for fulfillment, we cherish the opportunity to forge new connections and cultivate friendships along the way, enriching our lives with diverse perspectives and shared experiences.

Instagram: @saytoria; @aikariss

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The key to fostering cultural exchange, creating positive vibes, and meeting wonderful people lies in being open, friendly, and helpful. By engaging in genuine interactions, we can both offer our assistance and receive help when needed. It is through this mutual exchange that we can truly experience the richness of different cultures and forge meaningful connections with others. Let's embrace the spirit of openness and kindness for a truly enriching experience.

Interests

• yoga
• pilates
• video games
• board games
• skiing
• skateboarding
• ecology
• languages
• travel
• cinematography
• vfx
• pescaterian
• dnd
• event planning
• creative people

Music, Movies, and Books

Electronic music is one of our favorites.
We love good sitcoms such as "Community," "Friends," "The Office," and "HIMYM."
We are avid TV show enthusiasts, and some of our recent top picks include "Andor," "The Mandalorian," "The Severance," "Behind Her Eyes," and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have experienced thrilling adventures such as a single parachute jump and multiple plunges into icy waters. Additionally, I have embarked on a hitchhiking journey covering a distance of 2500 miles. During a three-month travel expedition from Russia to France and Spain in 2016, I even managed to include a visit to the Canary Islands where I was a volunteer in a surf camp, all with a budget of less than 1000 euros.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have plenty of amusing stories to share about my adventures and volunteer experiences. I would be delighted to teach you how to create stunning braids and cook delectable meals. We can also practice English or Russian together. Additionally, I have some knowledge of Spanish. If you're interested, we can practice yoga and pilates together.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Food
My knowledge and friendship
Wi-fi

Countries I’ve Visited

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Russian Federation, Thailand, United States