My name is Natalja. I am from Narva and there is some words about me:

Before leaving Estonia to study abroad, I realised that I don’t truly know my own country as deeply as I would like to. I want to experience it slowly — not as a tourist, but through shared work, conversations, nature, small towns and everyday life. While I still have the time, I want to explore Estonia from the inside.

For a long time I’ve felt drawn to a simpler and more meaningful way of living. I value community, being close to nature, repairing and reusing things instead of throwing things away, handmade crafts, and small local initiatives. I feel good when I can contribute something practical and real.

At this moment in my life, I also feel a need for change. I currently live in Narva, and I understand that I need a different environment and fresh perspectives. I believe that meaningful work, time in nature and new connections will help me grow and restore my mind.

I am an multidisciplinary artist, and the photos in my profile are my own works from my travels. Photography is very important to me. During my Workaway journey I would love to create a small photo project about the places and people I meet, shoot on film, maybe write a few short articles, and continue making my handmade jewellery in my free time for local markets so I would be very happy to have a small table with a good lighting. Creating things with my hands keeps me balanced.

At the moment I am also considering finding a good place to stay for up to a week during the winter — somewhere warm, respectful and calm, where I can contribute meaningfully and experience a different rhythm of life during the colder season.

There is one important thing I would like to mention openly. I have severe allergies to animals, which unfortunately cannot be treated. Because of this, I cannot stay in homes where cats, dogs, rats or guinea pigs live — or have lived before. My allergy is strong. Fish, birds, reptiles or similar animals are completely fine, and farm animals kept outside are not a problem, although I won’t be able to help directly with animal care. I truly appreciate your understanding.

I am looking forward to meeting kind, open-minded people and becoming part of small everyday stories across Estonia.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to discover more of my homeland through a real people places/stories/perspectives

Interests

• festivals
• dancing
• walking
• pottery
• painting
• going out
• playing piano
• art galleries

Music, Movies, and Books

Big thief- simulation swarm

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Opened my own exhibition in mother town

Teach, Learn, Share

Sustainable lifestyle

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you need any help to exchange:

I am especially interested in gardening and would be very happy to help in the garden. I enjoy working with soil, plants and seasonal rhythms, and I’m genuinely curious to learn more about growing food, maintaining gardens and understanding how things grow. Being outdoors and doing physical work feels grounding for me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Swaziland, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

Estonia, Slovenia, Sweden