Hi, I'm Maria, I'm an urbex loving single parent who loves to travel and sleep in the woods with my ten year old son/sidekick/partner in crime.

Since the 6th of September 2017 we have been travelling around Europe, doing Workaways, Couchsurfing and staying with friends (which is why I'm not accepting guests at the moment). It's been so incredible so far. We've been to some amazing places and met some awesome people - and done some hardcore urban exploration.

I'm totally in my happy place. 😄

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I home educate my 10 year old son and believe the best gift I can ever give him is the gift of curiosity, adventure and travel.

I want him to learn about different cultures, languages and peoples in a more authentic setting.

I want him to grow up knowing that there is an alternative to the pro-fear, consumerist propaganda perpetuated by the mainstream media in the UK every single day, that people are not all murderers, terrorists, rapists and muggers, and that- people are kind, generous and open-hearted.

I also love meeting people, sharing experience and stories, having a good laugh, a good conversation and making those connections.

Interests

• hiking
• history
• languages
• urban exploration
• sci fi
• wild camping
• beer festivals

Music, Movies, and Books

I don't have favourite 'music' but I have favourite albums:

Two Shoes by the Cat Empire (Australian not international version).

The Buena Vista Social Club by The Buena Vista Social Club

Tea For The Tillerman by Cat Stevens

Ladies or the Canyon by Joni Mitchel

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits

Use Your Voice by Mason Jennings
The Sweet Release by The Odd Folk (a local Cornish Band)
Dry by PJ Harvey

The song Miserere by The Cat Empire has the power to reduce me to tears in seconds.

I have so many favourite books:

Century Rain by Alastair Reynolds
The Farseer Books, The Liveship Trader Books, The Tawny Man Books all by Robin Hobb
The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

So many films I couldn't possibly choose.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It sounds totally corny but the most amazing thing I've done in my life is to bring my son up completely on my own, and for him to be not only gifted and talented but a truly amazing, strong, funny, kind natured and generous human being.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Me and my lad have been vegetarian for over 4 years now and I'd love to cook you great veggie food that even non-veggies love. 😊
It'd also be awesome to share our experiences and stories over a few beers and some good food (I'll cook 😊).

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Japan