We are a family from Russia. My name is Maria.

I am a nutritionist, helping people change their lifestyle for healthy and long-lasting living. My husband is a pastor in a Protestant community in the Urals and organizes Christian camps for teenagers. We have two sons: the older one is studying film directing in Austria, and the younger one is 9 years old. We also share our home with a dog and several cats — we love life and care about nature.

We live in our own house with a sauna and a garden.

This summer, we are traveling to America for the first time! In July, we are attending a conference, but before that, we would love to experience the real America: visit Los Angeles, Loma Linda (a Blue Zone of longevity), Yellowstone, and finish our journey in New York City.

We dream of meeting regular American families, seeing real everyday life from the inside, talking, and making new friends.

In return, we can share stories about life in Russia, cook delicious traditional dishes for you (I am a professional cook), bring small gifts, and share warm, uplifting stories.

About us:
• A warm, open-hearted family.
• We respect personal boundaries and appreciate cleanliness and order.
• We love nature, animals, and heartfelt conversations.
• We are happy to help you in the kitchen or with small household tasks.

We are respectful guests who will treat your home with care and gratitude.
We are excited to learn about your culture and happy to share ours.
We believe that the best part of traveling is meeting wonderful people along the way.
We are flexible and happy to adapt to your house rules and lifestyle.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We believe that the best way to discover a country is through its people, not just through tourist attractions.
We love real conversations, learning about everyday life, and making genuine connections.
Couchsurfing is a wonderful opportunity to share kindness, culture, and friendship across borders.
We hope to meet open-hearted people, exchange stories, and create unforgettable memories together.

Interests

• animals
• cooking
• traveling
• healthy lifestyle

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Play flut

Teach, Learn, Share

Russian language

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories about life in Russia and our cultural traditions
• Home-cooked meals — I can prepare delicious Russian and European dishes (I am a professional cook)
• Warm, heartfelt conversations over tea or coffee
• Small souvenirs and gifts from Russia
• Help with cooking, cleaning, gardening, or simple home projects
• Good mood, kindness, and respect for your home and time
• Tips about healthy living and nutrition
• Stories about Christian community life and youth camps if you are interested