I have an unquenchable curiosity about people and other cultures. I'm always seeking new wisdom and experiences.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's a very positive community and I like to meet nice and interesting people.

Interests

I'm half Finnish and am fascinated by the ethnic groups in Russian that speak related languages. Having dual citizenship has been very useful in my travels. I am researching the Middle Volga region of Russia, which is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse parts of Russia. I have spent several summers there and even attended a prayer ceremony among the last pagan ethnic group in Europe, the Mari people. People often imagine Russia as being only Russian, but this is definitely not the case.

• traveling
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Collecting music is my favorite hobby. I like all genres but I'm especially interested in experimental music from 60s Britain and 70s Germany. My reading mainly consists of non-fiction books about history.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Despite being born without fingers on both hands, people are always surprised that I can do anything without help or special equipment (short of rocking out on a guitar), and have never considered myself to be disabled.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm always eager to compare travel experiences. I'm a good listener. I think we all have a lot to learn from each other if we are open and willing to listen.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Estonia, Finland, Turkey, United States