Hey hey! I am Alp (yeap like the Swiss Alps), a Turkish-Bulgarian living in Edmonton, Canada. I am an aspiring researcher in cultural studies, a wannabe philosopher, a part-time activist and a total nerd when it comes to literature and cinema. I’m always eager to learn more about the local culture, history, and spirit of the places I visit.

Similar to many others, I have a deep passion for travelling. I would say travelling is not just an opportunity to disconnect from real life; it's a chance to immerse myself in the realities of different people. For this reason, I like staying in destinations that are neglected by the average tourist and preferably for an extended period, so I can learn a bit of the language, experience the way of living and feel like a local.

I am a very easy-going and social person who likes to meet new people, discover places together and enjoy the moment. I love being outside surrounded by trees and mountains and sun. I usually have too many books in my backpack.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

There's no better way to meet new friends around the world. Seriously. I've made such good friends from CS. It rocks.

Interests

Architecture, wine, stop-motion/claymation, hiking, jazz, horror fiction, exploring urban ruins and abandoned buildings, and dark tourism.

• literature
• poetry
• politics
• traveling
• badminton
• art history
• languages
• volunteering
• cinema
• nature
• trekking

Music, Movies, and Books

Bossa Nova, house, pop, blues/jazz, r&b...

Some of the Artists I enjoy listening: Amy Winehouse, Daft Punk, Röyksopp, Mary J. Blige, L'impeatrice, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries, Hermanos Gutierrez, Metronomy...

I am particularly fond of Latin American literature. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pablo Neruda, and Jorge Luis Borges are among my favourites. I also enjoy reading some Orhan Pamuk.

Pedro Almodovar, Tim Burton, Gaspar Noe, Darren Aronofsky... I tend to watch either tons of animations or films that are immensely disturbing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

-When I was 17, I went to Nepal all alone for two months and backpacked around the country. It was both scary and liberating at the same time.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As I am half Turkish and Bulgarian and lived in Istanbul for more than 15 years, I can share my culture, language and ways of living.
Let's not forget to add good conversations.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Italy, Mexico, Turkey