My name is Maria and I am a photographer.
I am originally from the Siberian part of Russia but currently live in Enschede, Netherlands.

https://www.instagram.com/marie.pushkareva/

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think that the most interesting travel is not about cities, sights and museums. Firstly It’s about culture and people. I enjoy cross-cultural communication, I think it’s a great experience and a way to understand this world.
And I also like people and communication in general.

Interests

To be honest I think there is no boring things in the world. Almost everything is interesting if you chose the right approach.

One of my biggest hobby is Irish dancing. I didn't dance at all until my 19, and I was sure that I'm too old to start doing that. But one day my friend asked me to visit Irish dance lesson with her. She stopped after few months of training but I can’t live without this dances almost for 6 years.

I’m a bicycle fan. I love it like a way to move, to have a rest, to travel. Unfortunately Novosibirsk isn’t the best place for using bicycle like a transport but I do it as often as possible. And I dream about bicycle journeys all over the world. I've had a the one through the Netherlands to this moment.

I am interested in historical dances. I take part in the reconstruction of balls of 19th century. I am really happy that I live in 21th century with its opportunities and medicine. But sometimes it’s nice to pretend that you are a person from the past. Also this balls are impossible without learning the history of fashion, etiquette, dances. It's interesting and informative

• books
• photography
• reading
• traveling
• folk music
• cycling
• bicycle
• irish dancing

Music, Movies, and Books

Most of my favorite musicians are Russian. But in general I listen different kinds of music (classic rock, folk, instrumental).

I'm fond of reading. I think books that shouldn't be read at all almost doesn't exist. There is a M. Kundera, F.S. Fitzgerald, E.M. Remarque, N. Abgaryan, J. Austen, J.S. Foer

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I worked with children in summer studying camp during 7 Augusts. I taught them the history of art and organized different activities like games, quests, performances and other. It was difficult and sometimes exhausting but I have never received such a great feedback from what I did. I think that this camp is the most amazing thing that happened to me.
By the way it also gave me many good friends and my husband.

What I Can Share with Hosts

One of my hobbies is portrait photography. I can take some shots for host.

And of course, I can cook something that is often eaten in Russia.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, Russian Federation