CURRENT MISSION

to learn and stay inspired

ABOUT ME

I recently moved to DC from Seattle for school and a change of pace. I love to travel and learning about new cultures and environments. In my spare time I try to stay active, doing yoga, running, hiking, playing tennis and skiing. I was born behind the iron curtain and moved to the US when I was 7 - this makes for some funny Russian grandma jokes!

I graduated with a degree in Economics and International Studies from the University of Washington, worked at a behemoth IT consulting firm, and am now back in school working on a Masters in E-Government. I really enjoy learning and living a balanced life - proper sleep, tasty treats, enriching activities and film photography. Sometimes I have urges to move to Europe, but right now DC is treating me well, so it looks like I'll be staying put.

PHILOSOPHY

It's important to keep learning new things and opening your mind to new ideas.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I enjoy meeting people traveling to the US and giving them the perspective of a non-typical American.

Interests

Literature, photography, tennis and learning new things, especially languages

• literature
• photography
• yoga
• running
• traveling
• socializing
• hiking
• skiing
• tennis
• economics
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

I love Jazz because it doesn't impose itself with lyrics and a definitive mood. It leaves a lot for personal interpretation. The artists I've been enjoying lately are Keith Jarrett, Devotchka, Cesaria Evora, Nina Simone, The National and Otis Redding.

My favorite TV shows are Arrested Development, Rome, 30Rock and The West Wing.

Favorite Movies:
Chocolat, Kolya, Amadeus, I (heart) Hukabees, Out of Africa, Amistad, Children of Men, Divided We Fall, Legends of the Fall, The Triplets of Belleville, Spellbound

Favorite Books:
The Count of Monte Cristo, A Hero of Our Time, Sophie's World, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner, The Life of Pi, The History of Love, Absurdistan, Loving Sabotage, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, The Consolations of Philosophy, Capitalism and Freedom, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Food:
Pastries, milk, watermelon, and fresh bread - not necessary in that order or at the same time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, Slovakia, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Ukraine, United States