Hi!

I am a neuroscience research assistant at University of Texas in Austin. Originally, I come from Slovakia, but I spent the last four years studying in Britain (and getting addicted to scones and English breakfast tea).

I'm a keen hiker, runner, try to read at least half of the books I buy and love putting on a good podcast when out on a walk, or lugging groceries back from a supermarket (any Freakonomics radio fans around?). When the right time rolls around, I pull out my paints, or get out a guitar and let the moment take me on a journey.
I am curious to learn about others, their perceptions, culture, ideas and thoughts - a good conversation that really draws you in can feel like the best thing in the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have had some remarkable experiences both couchsurfing and hosting, which affirmed my belief that discovering a place through its locals gives a much more holistic, raw and pure image of what that place is about. Culture is made of people and by people so learning about it through first-hand interaction just feels right.

Interests

This might be easier through a series of possibly random notes:

A good trip deserves its own playlist.
Unexpected live music can trump even the most anticipated concert.
Writing slows down time.
Running and cycling allows discovery of the most unexpected things - be it a open tour of a local artist's studio or a wild assortement of people with capes riding a bike.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• traveling
• music
• live music
• guitar
• piano
• hiking
• nature

Music, Movies, and Books

Music staples - Beirut, Tom Misch, The Kooks, Bon Iver, Radiohead
Plus whatever indie band I'm currently obssessed with.

Films - I don't watch too many, however, I really enjoy Wes Anderson's work and Studio Ghibli films.

Books - last few included Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Robert M. Pirsig), The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) and Midnight Library (Matt Haig)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Accidentally crossed French Alps and got to Italy.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Slovakia, United States