Hi! My name is Maria, I’m from Ukraine and I’ve been living in Paris for two years now. I’ve been painting since childhood — art is my biggest passion. I especially love watercolor and oil painting. Traveling also inspires me a lot: I enjoy discovering old towns with beautiful architecture (especially religious buildings) and spending time in nature — mountains, rivers, fields, and the ocean. All of this finds its way into my artwork.

At the moment I work full-time at Zara, but my dream is to grow as an artist, and I’m planning to start art school soon. In Paris I’m sharing a flat with a French woman (so I know very well how tricky it is to find an apartment here 😅).

I love meeting new people and having real conversations — about life, growing up, our struggles and joys, sometimes a bit philosophical. I also enjoy books and TV shows — I recently discovered The Office and completely fell in love with its humor and unique perspective on everyday life.

I’d describe myself as open, positive, creative and curious. I’m here to connect with like-minded people through Couchsurfing — to share stories, exchange ideas, maybe travel together or simply spend good time

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m currently starting to travel. I would really liked to get this experience of seeing other countries, cities, people, behaviour and a view to a life in different positions.

Interests

• arts
• dancing
• cooking
• coffee
• painting
• music
• volleyball
• beaches
• rivers
• forests
• waterfalls
• sun
• long walks
• hidden places

Music, Movies, and Books

I like lots of music, hiphop, r&b, pop music (yesss), indie, some rock.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Escaped from the war on the front lines
Moved to Paris alone
Full time job and creating arts, and its pretty hard actually.

Teach, Learn, Share

I really like to shear with experiences of my life, and also love to be shear with others their experiences of life. Like what was the most beautiful moment in your life, or the worst. How did you manage that. What kind of advice you would give to yourself to younger self? That’s really interesting for me. Also just spending a time with strangers, have to know a new people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Apparently I could tell my story, as a young woman, that just trying to find herself. I lived in few countries, changed some cities, social life and plains for future. I lived not that long, but trust me, I do have something to tell.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Germany, Ukraine