Hey, I am Ivy, from Hamburg, Germany. I discovered couchsurfing when I was traveling US and Canada on a sabbatical in 2018 and had some great experiences. I think staying with locals is the best way to discover a place.

What else is there to say about me. I lived abroad for a couple of years. First in Ottawa learning the art of French pastries and then in France, Austria and Switzerland for a bit to experience the real kitchen life and the best ingredients and all of that :) Now I live back in my hometown but still love to travel and see places.

Apart from traveling, I love music, baking al- obviously, cooking, hiking, swimming and lots of other things. I am always happy to try new things.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think the best way to see places is staying with locals. Also I love to meet people from different origins :) It always opens up your mind and gives you new perspectives.

Apart from that I believe traveling like this reduces class difference. People from poorer countries, regions and backgrounds get a better opportunity to travel to places they could never afford otherwise.

I realize that this maybe a bit of a "romantic" idea but I am convinced that services/communities like couchsurfing bring the world closer together. And I do hope very much that this will largely help to eradicate racism one day and make it so much harder for crazy politicians and other people to start wars or create hate. Cause then everyone will know someone somewhere and people are more likely to intervene when they are personally affected.

Interests

I couldn't imagine a life without music. There is no day that I don't listen to music. I play the piano which I love although I am not the most skilled person I know.

Same goes for being outdoors. Love hiking and swimming in the ocean, lakes or whatever body of water is near. There have been plenty occasions where people think I am weird cause I swim in very cold water or weather. But I couldn't care less ;)

Good food both with regards to nutrition and taste is important to me. I love preparing a good meal and eating in company with a glass of wine or two. Best is to learn local dishes from locals!

Apart from the interests mentioned there are a million other things I like to do ir would love to try. Can't do it all though... ;)

• books
• cooking
• baking
• music
• hiking
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Sleeping at Last, Ludovico Einaudi, Christina Perri, Tinie Tempah and loads more.

Music: Hunger games, 11 minutes.

Books: Blue Jasmine, A few good men and Ever After :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was born... :D

Ok no kidding.

I think the most amazing thing I have done is quitting my safe and well paid job with lots of perks cause I in the end I hated that it was all about making more and more money. So I quit to try something else and find a better balanced lifestyle.

Teach, Learn, Share

I make amazing pastries. Seriously! I can also teach you german or the basics of playing piano. As you can see I have been to quite a few places on the globe and am happy to share all my experiences and advice.

"There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people." I am interested! Whatever you have to share or teach will be mostly welcome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hopefully many fun experiences together. Also my view on the world, nice recipes from Germany and a lot of information on all the countries I have visited.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russian Federation, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Finland, Germany, Switzerland