Hey! I'm Gokay, a software guy livin' in Istanbul. I'm all about livin' life to the fullest and I'm always down for hearing new stories and sharing a few of my own. When I'm not workin', you can find me outside. I love camping and fishin', and I'm a big fan of live music. I listen to a bit of everything, honestly, as long as it sounds good. I did my bachelor's and master's in New York, and that whole experience really opened my eyes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing 'cause I think travel is way more than just goin' from one place to another. It's about the people and the stories. I wanna be part of that and show people my city from a local's perspective. I've got a spare room so I can help out, but I also wanna meet people from different places and keep my English sharp. It's been a minute since I was in the States, ya know?

Interests

• #travel
• #cooking
• #fishing
• #travels
• #livemusic
• #traveltheworld
• #istanbul
• #newyork
• #software

Music, Movies, and Books

Music wise, I don't really stick to one genre. I like anything that hits me right. Rock, jazz, indie... and concerts, man, there's nothing like that energy. For movies, I'm into indies, documentaries, and anything with a solid story. And books? They're my go-to for escapin' and learnin'. I'm big on philosophy and travel memoirs.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Goin' to the US right after high school to study and work on my own? That was probably the hardest but also the coolest thing I've ever done. Buildin' a life from scratch in a new country gave me so much confidence. Every little struggle made me who I am today. It was a crazy ride, but totally worth it.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm always up for sharing my travel stories, especially about my time in New York and how I managed to find my way around. I'm also really into cooking and I'd love to teach you how to make some authentic Turkish dishes, or maybe a few simple ones. I'm also a software developer, so if you're into tech, we can totally geek out about that.

I'm here to learn just as much as I'm here to share. I'm really curious about different cultures and I'd love to hear about yours—from your favorite local spots to the weirdest traditions you've got. I want to learn about your language and how to make your favorite food. Basically, I'm open to anything that'll help me see the world through your eyes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've got an extra room in my apartment in Istanbul. It's clean and comfy, and you'll have your own space. You can use the kitchen and living room too. I'm a pretty chill host, so no crazy rules, just be respectful of the space. I'm a local, so I can give you some tips on the best places to eat, the coolest spots to hang out, and how to get around the city like a true Istanbulite. I'm also up for grabbing a coffee or a drink if you're down.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Indonesia, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Maldives, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States