Hi! I’m Maja, 21 yo, from Poland, but living in California where I go to college.

I love discovering different cultures and meeting people from all over the world - it’s a lot of fun and fuels my internal debate on nature vs nurture, and whether there's anything innate about the self, or if it’s all moulded by society and circumstance. How much of myself is really myself, and how much is a result of social conditioning? I have no idea, but I'd love to talk about it!

I'm interested in philosophy, literature, neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology. I'm studying cognitive science and artificial intelligence at Stanford (currently on a gap year and thus back in Europe!).

I’m adventurous, creative, and always excited to try something new (whether it’s skydiving or a new recipe). But I also enjoy the calmer, more reflective side of life, like having a deep conversation over tea, curling up with a good book, or hiking out in nature. I love being exposed to new knowledge, no matter how niche or random, so whatever your interests, hobbies or experiences are, I’d love to hear about them!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet great people, discover new places, have interesting conversations, be more spontaneous, and LEARN

Interests

• arts
• writing
• literature
• coffee
• neuroscience
• psychology
• hitchhiking
• adventure travel
• cultures
• film
• space science

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: "The Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. I swear by this book! It's universal in its exploration of the human condition, parenthood (and godhood), morality. Beautifully written, too.
I also love „Zoo Station” by Chistiane V., „Walking Through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black” by Cookie Mueller, „A Woman in Berlin” by Anonymous, „The Metamorphosis” by Kafka, and „Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah. I could go on and on …

Movies: I loved „The Substance”! I enjoy weird horrors / dark comedies in general

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ice swimming! And backpacking solo through Oaxaca, Mexico at 19. And working on movie sets

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to embroider, make a really good shakshuka, solve sudoku, meditate, or speak some Polish. I also know a fair bit about space medicine, the science of what happens to astronauts’ bodies in space!

I’d love to learn about your interests and worldview, local customs, how to do something random you’re into (like knitting, surfing, gardening, calligraphy… literally anything!), and where’s your favorite cozy cafe.

I’d love to share a conversation and an adventure, however big or small!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Poland, United Kingdom, United States