TL;DR: Curious world explorer and conversation lover, eager to meet new people and share life stories over good food or a walk.

Hi! I’m Marius, living above the Arctic Circle where the natural beauty of the landscapes keeps me in awe. As an associate professor, my days are often filled with books and lively discussions, but it’s the simple pleasures of life that truly delight me.

I’m passionate about understanding different cultures and viewpoints, which fuels my travel and research. While I love deep conversations, I’m always up for a light-hearted chat or a spontaneous adventure. Outside academia, you might find me experimenting in the kitchen, trying to master the art of cooking from every country I visit, or perhaps just enjoying a quiet evening with a good novel.

I’ve had the privilege of meeting many people from diverse backgrounds through Couchsurfing, each encounter enriching my perspective. I’m always ready to learn something new, share a laugh, and create memorable experiences.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

TL;DR: Couchsurfing pioneer, still on Couchsurfing to make memories.

Couchsurfing has been a transformative part of my life. Years ago, as a single father, I turned to Couchsurfing to bring the world into my living room, connecting with diverse people when I couldn’t travel myself.

Then I used Couchsurfing to organize parties in Ukraine, Romania, France, and Norway. These events were not just parties; they were melting pots of culture, friendship, and learning. I am keen to recreate similar experiences. If you’re interested in co-organizing an event, I’m your guy!

Today, traveling more for work and less able to host—I remain in the Couchsurfing community. I love to meet new friends, learn about their lives, and share moments of joy and discovery. Whether through a shared meal I've prepared or a casual meet-up in a local spot, I aim to make each Couchsurfing interaction a meaningful one.

I’ve had people in my home from more than 40 countries. I have surfed or met surfers in Romania, Poland, Brazil, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, France, Moldova and Ghana.

Interests

Making a Difference:
I believe the meaning of life is to make things better, and I am committed to making the world a better place, both through my professional work and personal actions. As an academic, I use my expertise in law and human rights to educate and advocate for justice. My research and teachings often focus on how legal systems can be more inclusive and supportive of marginalized communities.

Daily Practices:
On a personal level, I strive to live a balanced and reflective life. I maintain a weekly routine of reading diverse genres that enrich my understanding and perspective of the world—be it novels, history, or anthropology. Physical fitness and mental wellness are also important to me; I regularly go to the gym (dad bod), learning to meditate and take tranquil walks to clear my mind.

Community Engagement:
I believe in the power of small actions to create significant change. Whether it's through vocal advocacy or silent deeds like cooking for friends or taking care of communal spaces, I find joy in contributing to the wellbeing of my community. I also hold positions on various boards where I help shape decisions that impact society at large.

Philosophy of Care:
For me, caring for others extends beyond my immediate circle. I actively participate in dialogues that aim to reshape societal norms and values towards more equitable and sustainable practices. This includes everything from public speaking engagements to the quiet, everyday acts that demonstrate respect and care for our shared environment.

• culture
• humanities
• books
• concerts
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• clubbing
• law
• psychology
• science
• conversation
• mindfulness
• cuisine
• culinary
• indigenous rights
• cultural exchange
• pubs
• mental health
• decolonization
• university
• justice
• events
• beer brewing
• psychiatry
• ghana
• public speaking
• laws
• humanrights
• indigenous cultures
• lawyer
• legal
• legaleducation

Music, Movies, and Books

Long time ago, I broke free from a mild addiction to TV and video games, choosing to detox from both in one fell swoop. These days, my screen time is scarce, as I find greater joy in books. Whether I’m multitasking at home or pushing through a session at the gym, I’m likely immersed in an audiobook.

My music playlist is as diverse as my reading list. I rotate between highlife, afrobeats, classical music, and folk songs from my region that speak the language of my heart. Each genre plays a part in my daily life, providing a backdrop for everything from a quiet evening to a lively gathering.

While films are not my main source of entertainment, I do occasionally enjoy an action flick for some light escapism. Generally, I prefer stories that need to be told, but I choose to invest more of my time in other passions.

Books are my sanctuary. Annually, I delve into between 50 and 100 books, a mix of fiction and non-fiction that spans genres and disciplines. My shelves are filled with everything from biographical and historical novels to detailed explorations in anthropology, psychology, and more. Each book serves to satisfy my endless curiosity and expand my understanding of the world.

The intellectual stimulation from these interests keeps me constantly engaged and ever eager to exchange insights. I’m always on the lookout for new book recommendations or discussions about the transformative power of music and literature. What’s a recent favorite of yours?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- Watching the midnight sun every summer.
- Strolling in the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) throughout the winter from my home.
- Rowed an old wooden boat from Tromsø to Lofoten Islands.
- Trekked across Norway’s largest national parks, exploring untouched natural landscapes.
- Influenced significant changes in Norwegian psychiatry legislation, impacting healthcare policy.
- Secured the refund of 160 million NOK to students, advocating successfully for their financial rights.
- Seeing my PhD thesis discussed for three consecutive days on Norway's main news show.
- Received a teaching excellence award from students and an innovative communication award from the university rector.
- Led a company as chairman and successfully tripled our revenue, navigating complex business landscapes.
- Left my job and sold my house to start studying at 27 years old.
- Organized and cooked an Arctic dinner in Paris.
- Experienced psychic insights that defy ordinary explanation, exploring deeper spiritual understanding.
- Skinny dipping in the Black Sea, embracing freedom and adventure.
- Skiing off-piste in virgin powder snow on telemark skies.
- Witnessed the birth of my children.
- Coming back to my fridge, that was without electricity for a month...

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm passionate about cooking and enjoy experimenting with both traditional Arctic dishes and international cuisines. I can teach you how to saber a champagne bottle, make pink cotton candy or homemade sausages. (And stuff I have read and written in books and stories I have experienced).

I am deeply interested in understanding the spiritual experiences and family traditions of others. I would love to learn about the customs that hold special meaning in your culture and how these practices shape your life. If you invite me to share a meal at your home, it would provide a wonderful opportunity for me to immerse myself in your traditions. I am always eager to contribute, whether by bringing ingredients or sponsoring a bottle of wine or beer to complement our meal.

Sharing experiences is all about the joy of mutual discovery and learning. I enjoy share stories about travels, life lessons, or even the amusing trials of learning to saber champagne bottles. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can create lasting memories and forge deeper connections.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy bringing a slice of my culture to the table by cooking traditional Arctic dishes or international cuisines, tailored to incorporate local flavors. I’m eager to share stories from my life above the Arctic Circle, including experiences with the midnight sun and Northern Lights.

I love engaging in meaningful conversations about diverse topics, from philosophy to everyday life, and am always keen to learn from the experiences of others. Alongside sharing insights from my professional and personal life, I am happy to assist with household chores or errands, ensuring my stay is both pleasant and helpful.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Denmark, Montenegro, Norway

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