Hello Folks!

My name is Kristina! I am a young professional and student adult living in Fairbanks, Alaska. I recently moved up here at the end of July 2023/early August and have survived my first winter finally. . I love it so far! Before a few months ago, I resided in Denver, CO on and off for about 4-5 years. I have also been fortunate enough to have lived in Germany for 3 years when I was younger, the state of Utah for a year or so, go to Switzerland over 2-3 summers and 1-2 winters, and so much more. I do not want my adventures to end anytime soon (hence why I am way up here in northern cold Alaska!). Future travel goals for me include Costa Rica, Thailand, New Zealand, Bali, Nepal, Peru, and any (and every country) I can (even Antarctica - I want to see the penguins!).

Now that I have given a brief mini-history, let me tell you about myself as a person - I am an ambitious, authentic, independent, inquisitive, and adventurous person. I am “introverted” but I love to talk and interact well on a one-on-one basis. I, however, do like being alone too and will make it clear when I need alone time or when I need my space. I believe communication is key! I also am pretty laid back. I enjoy going on walks, running, reading, watching videos/listening to podcasts/audiobooks to learn more, journaling, yoga, being outside (of course), hanging out, having a drink here and there, blogging, and plenty more I am sure. I also like to go out at times and go to the bar and just have fun. I can go either way.

About the apartment (not sure if there is another section as I am just writing as I go): I have a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment that is a decent size with a nice balcony (though I have no furniture on it). I live on the “far” west side of town, so basically the completely other side from Walmart or the little “downtown” area. To give you somewhat of an idea of where I am located, if you Google Red Fox Bar and Grill in Fairbanks Alaska, I am right across the road called “Chena Pump Road” down a street with a lot of houses. Just keep this in mind to regards to transportation needs (I will briefly talk about that in a second just so you know!). Back to the apartment, it has hardwood floors, a kitchen with the amenities, a TV, a couch), a bathroom with a heat lamp (love this thing in the winter), a washer and dryer in my unit (so if you need to wash anything you are more than welcome to use it/stuff). I also have a balcony. I do have a air mattress I can offer for fellow travelers to use as well.

In regards to PARKING and TRANSPORTATION: I currently (as of November 2024) do not have a car in Fairbanks (I am working on it) but since I don’t, there is a parking spot with a plug-in if you come in winter. Currently, I don’t have a plug so make sure you ask your rental car company or whatnot for one or you'll have to get one. There is also some extra parking on the side of the building in case. Just so I touch on it in regards to transportation, Fairbanks has an OKAY transport route (bus route only runs on the weekdays - NOT weekends or holidays). I will say though, where I live, the route I take is very limited (the YELLOW). Although you can stay with me and rely on Ubers and public transit just fine, a car is a good idea too. Keep in mind it takes about 10-15 mins from where I live to get to the other side of town (Walmart). Finally, if you are unsure about staying with me due to public transit, just reach out and I can tell you more or see what your situation is and maybe provide some guidance!

My normal routine consists of waking up between 230 am-4 am (yes, I am a morning person). I am quiet and usually am just doing stuff on the computer, coffee, etc. I tend to be more energized in the morning. To be clear, this DOES NOT mean you are not allowed to stay up late or there’s a “bedtime” or “curfew”. When I have guests, I tend to see what their schedule is and so forth and coordinate accordingly. I am in bed most nights between 7pm-11pm (it truly varies) but I wake up at the same time for the most part. I just like giving people a heads-up. Currently, I just go to school, so basically my schedule can be varied, but in essence, I am in and out of my apartment M-F from 7am-5pm or so. In addition, I have my phone on me and would be readily available to answer any travel questions! In the evenings, I occasionally have appointments - during those I may ask for some privacy. I will let you know beforehand so you can plan for those times. I am free in the eveings and on weekends. I do things - activities and such - but they just pop up.

Finally, a few last items so I can wrap this up. Sorry for the whole spiel here - I just figured I would put it easily accessible in one place for my surfers with common questions I have had in the past. :) I do not have pets and no roommates. I do have neighbors so the expectation if you stay with me is to be both mindful and respectful. I am pretty open about drinking and such, however, I do not allow smoking cigarettes in my apartment.

I think this is it!!!! YAY! I hope this helped paint a clear picture. I know it was a lot of information, it just helps people get a vibe and idea of where they will be. If you have any questions for me or about Fairbanks or anything staying with, feel free to DM me and I will respond as soon as I can!

Warm Regards,

Kristina

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am couchsurfing because it gives me the opportunity to meet people all over the world. It’s like traveling while at home in a way because I get the chance to learn about new cultures, different people, hear stories, sometimes enjoy a unique meal, share experiences, and more. I gain new connections every time I host (or surf) on couchsurfing. I tend to host more than I surf and I love the ability to give travelers a safe, decent place to stay with a local.

Some other reasons I am here include that I get a change of pace in my life whenever I couchsurf, meaning I tend to have unique and new experiences or adventures as well as even a different type of day, I get to hear other people’s stories and learn about different walks of life, I have the ability to contribute to the idea of hospitality exchange, and finally, overall it is just an amazing thing to do.

Interests

Currently, my main hobbies/things I like to do include:

-Being Outdoors (even when it's cold!) doing activities like Hiking, Camping, Snowshoeing, Etc
-Traveling (Obviously)
-Ice Skating - I am trying to go to outdoor lakes around Alaska to ice skate!
-Running (I slowed down a bit on this but am working on getting into it again)
-Reading, Audiobooks, & Podcasts - Currently reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
-Journaling...Writing
-Watching Netflix, Hulu, and All the Streaming Services
-Music…of course!
-Trying new Places and What they Offer
-Coffee
-Baking
-Hanging Out with Friends
-Ice Fishing - I haven’t done this yet but hope to this winter too!
-Working on Growing my Travel Blog and Side Hustle - www.dropthetent.com
-Alone Time to Recharge
-Sleeping
-Learning New Things

These are some of my hobbies! I probably have more but that seems like a decent list! I still have many more things I want to do and try during my lifetime. For the most part, I am ready to try or do anything. I believe in experiencing life to the fullest.

• writing
• coffee
• baking
• running
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• podcasts
• fishing
• hiking
• camping
• calligraphy
• entrepreneurship
• travel
• learning new things
• ice skating
• geocaching
• audiobooks
• hanging out with friends
• much more
• drinks with friends
• doing crafts
• jouraling

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a fan of most music. I am not sure of my taste. I listen to "chill" music sometimes pop, and sometimes classic rock. It defends my mood. I am not a fan of country or hard metal. You can listen to whatever you want! When surfers come, if we hang out and listen to music I tend to see if they have any music they want to play so I can learn about new music.

I enjoy TV shows and watch quite a few but movies are a bit slow for me and don't hold my attention. I am fine with you watching TV/Movies etc. One of my favorite shows is Seinfeld.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I am not sure if this is amazing but I got stuck on a ski mountain in Austria and had to be snowmobiled down (my friend and I) to the bottom like 1 hour after the resort was closed.

An actual amazing thing was glacier hiking in Iceland.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have traveled and lived in quite a few places. I can help you find things to do in Fairbanks (where I am now) or get around a bit. I am sure there ae plenty of other things but I just want to be able to provide a safe, warm place for travelers. I hope I have the opportunity to learn from those staying in my apartment. I enjoy hearing what journeys people are on or what they have overcome. It not only you grow and change, but me as well

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States