My name is Mariana! I grew up between Princeton, New Jersey and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am an enthusiastic learner and enjoy meeting people from all over the world!

I'm pursuing a PhD in Anthropology in Philadelphia, USA, but am currently conducting research in Moscow.

*** For guests: I love hosting folks! Kindly read my "home" section before sending a request. ***

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Many of the best experiences I've had traveling around the world have been through Couchsurfing.

I want to continue exploring this awesome place we call the world :)

Interests

Hmm let's see...

Some things I love:

- Language learning
- Travel (duh), especially in Latin America, the former USSR, and the Middle East
- Super spicy everything
- Ginger ale
- Old films
- Cuddling with cats and dogs
- Elephants
- 1970s fashion
- Things that are pink or purple
- Imitating accents

Music, Movies, and Books

- Soviet-era cinema
- Persian (Afghan, Iranian, Tajik) music
- Hitchcock thrillers
- Bollywood music videos
- Ethnographies
- Anything on migration and post-socialist transition
- Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass
- Russian poetry (esp. Akhmatova, Tsvetaeva)
- Singing in the shower

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I lived in Kazakhstan for one year :)

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you to make yummy garlic bread in a snap!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy cooking, particularly soups and stews.

I'm always eager to practice my language skills, and am more than happy to help others improve theirs.

I can lie on my stomach on put my feet over my shoulders.

Lots of smiles and giggles :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Estonia, France, Georgia, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Moldova, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States