Salam, everyone!

My name's Ogulkeyik, I'm from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. I am currently a final-year college student in Ohio, U.S. During my time in the United States, I want to travel and explore as many places as possible. My goal is to hit all 50 states during my undergrad (I graduate in December 2025)! (37 down, 13 more to go)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Going where I've never been; meeting people I've never met; doing things I've never done - my favorite things to do, to name a few. The world is too awesome not to want to see more of it, and Couchsurfing is a platform that allows me to meet people who share similar passions as me, but that doesn't mean I don't embrace difference.

Connecting with people who embrace the true spirit of Couchsurfing, making new friends, learning about cultures beyond my own, getting a sneak into various lifestyles, and creating wonderful memories along the way - all of these have been a life-changing experience for me, made possible by Couchsurfing.

When I travel, it's the people I meet that make my travel experiences memorable. I can never share a travel story without mentioning the amazing people I meet along the way.

Interests

I am obsessed with all things traveling! I love everything that has to do with people who come from different places, cultures, and backgrounds and speak languages different than my own.

Going where I've never been, doing what I've never done, meeting people I've never met, hearing stories I've never heard are my absolute favorite activities, to name a few.

I also love people's names because our names are a part of our identity, and so is my name. Regardless of how difficult to pronounce my name may seem, I always appreciate it when people try to learn how to say my name, so ask me how to pronounce it and let your tongue dance! I don't have a nickname.

In the meantime, you can practice this phonetic spelling of my name: Oh-gool-keh-yeek.

• books
• photography
• traveling
• music
• backpacking
• solo travel
• mountains
• videography
• exploring new places
• meeting new people
• languages and cultures
• intercultural communication
• intercultural exchange
• sunrises and sunsets

Music, Movies, and Books

• All music composed by Ludovico Einaudi is absolutely wonderful. My other favorites are Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and Nocturne C Sharp Minor by Chopin.

• Favorite books - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

• Favorite movie - not a big movie person and will watch anything that's fun to watch.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

• I once introduced a friend to one of my Couchsurfing hosts for what I thought was going to be just a fun day out. Little did I know I was setting the stage for a love story. Fast forward two years, and now they're married! The two of them now call me the matchmaker. :)

• Saw the northern lights in Alaska multiple times! Surreal experience!

• Went on a 10-day solo road trip across Nevada, Oregon, and Washington only 3 days after I got my driver license as a new driver (and returned with lots of credit card bills lol :)).

Teach, Learn, Share

Photography is one of my biggest passions, and I'm happy to teach what I know as well as learn from other photography enthusiasts. I work as a headshot photographer, so I could snap a headshot for you if you'd like (at no cost, of course)!

For those of you planning a trip to Turkmenistan: make sure to check the website of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan at https://migration.gov.tm/ This is the main governing body of migration in the country and has the most information you need to prepare your visa application. You can find a list of travel agencies that can issue you a letter of invitation here: https://migration.gov.tm/pages/syyahat-karhanalar Message me if you have any questions.

What I Can Share with Hosts

An open mind, intercultural exchange, fun memories, curiosity, and good Turkmen food!

Note: I don't drink or smoke.

Countries I’ve Visited

Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkmenistan, United States