My name is Lara. I love travelling and meeting people from all over the world and learning from their stories and experiences. I am very business minded and spend much of my time networking, being present in my community, developing relationships, and thinking about new ways to make money. I am easy-going, personable, and enjoy a great conversation over a glass of coke - or wine on occassion. I am born in Canada but my family, including some of my siblings were born in Serbia, so I grew up in an equal parts fun-loving and strict Balkan home with strong Eastern European customs. I love to run and in the past I ran an entire 30km marathon. I would love to do another marathon again some day. I also love beaches during the day and dancing at night, and long walks no matter what time of day. I don't drive so fair warning - if we meet we will be touring around Hamilton on bus, which is not bad our bus system is very good and I can even teach you how to use the buses as well. So win!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's very simple - I love to meet new people and I love my city.:) I am a social person who is tapped into my community. I've spent a lot of time in Hamilton being out and about and I am always trying new things, so I have a vast wealth of knowledge over the years and can share that with others. Chances are I can offer something for every taste. I also love entertaining and have a hospitable nature about me so to show someone around Hamilton would be an absolute pleasure. :)

Interests

• festivals
• dancing
• wine
• running
• traveling
• billiards
• outdoor activities
• business
• solo travel
• adventure travel
• budget travel
• going out
• meeting new people
• ping pong
• current events
• drinks
• networking
• drinking coffee

Music, Movies, and Books

I like more easy-listening music and something with heart that I can sing along to!:) Typically I watch comedy movies because I like to laugh. I dont read often, but if I do it is usually non-fiction so I can learn something new.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am very passionate about my city! For many years, Hamilton ON has gotten a bad rep, but I've never been able to understand that.

Hamilton ON is exactly 60 km from Toronto ON and 60 km from Niagara Falls. We border on 1 of the Great Lakes. We are at the peak of the Golden Horseshoe, giving the city a beautiful escarpment that overlooks the city and the lake, and some days you can even have a clear view of Toronto - it's breathtaking! Hamilton has over 90 waterfalls, giving us the nickname "The City of Waterfalls". The Bruce Trail runs rght through Hamilton, not to mention at least half a dozen beautiful conservation areas. We are right on the border of the Niagara peninsula where some of the world's most savoury wines are made.

Hamilton is a city with people as diverse as its landscapes. We are considered the "little Toronto" when it comes to multi-culturism. Hamilton is all about community. We are the fastest growing economy in Canada, and a thriving entrepreneurial hub. There is a growing young professional presence in this city with a network of people who mingle often and support each other by referrals or creating partnerships. Hamilton is an exceptional place to make key business contacts.

Let's be honest, Hamilton is not known for its amazing nightlife, which is OK when we are so close to Toronto and Niagara Falls which have a fantastic party scene! Hamilton is a little more laid back in the evenings, We have rooftop patios for drinks, billiards, a ping pong lounge, ice skating by the bayfront (or rollerblading rink in the summer), a growing arts scene, fantastic restuaruants, countless festivals and community events. During the day, you can tour through our indoor, two-storey Farmers Market, or relax and enjoy a tea or coffee at one of our many petite cafes. There is a 10km path that extends along the lake front, or you can go for a easy/medium/challenging hike if you prefer trails instead. Hamilton is a city in Southern Ontario definitely worth seeing!!!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada