Hello! I’m João — a curious, easygoing traveler with a multicultural background, fluent in English, Portuguese, and German, and conversational in Spanish and Italian. I grew up across Belgium, Brazil, the UK, and the US, which gave me an open mind and a love for connecting with people everywhere. After working in IT and living in Germany for 20 years (where I also hosted many Couchsurfers), I shifted my focus to photography, sustainability, and creative projects. I’ve explored places like Iceland, Madeira, Sicily, and Crete — and now I’m heading to Ireland for my first Workaway.info experience, eager to learn Irish and document the "Emerald Isle". I enjoy hands-on work, meaningful conversations, meeting interesting & open-minded people and contributing to community projects with enthusiasm and positivity. Instagram: @kuriosiscom Instagram: @joaopaglione
Interested in Languages
Fluent in German
Learning Irish
Pioneer Badge
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING I offer my 2 bedroom apartment centrally located in Berlin-Kreuzberg near Mehringdamm U6/U7 and Viktoria Park. It´s a modern apartment with a nice view of the street and balcony. I work most of the time so you can make yourself at home. COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE: Most of my photography done around Germany in 2010 for a travel guide was only possible due to Couchsurfing! Opening up my home in Berlin to be able to host more. I met many enthusiastic couchsurfers over the years and hosted a few. I have also gone to a few meetings. Recently a Couchsurfing friend told me to rejoin because I am planning more trips around Europe. It´s not just to save money but to really live like a local and meet new people!
Music, Movies, and Books
Any books by Doestevksy, Hesse or Hemingway, Movies: Shawshank Redemption, Cinema Paradiso, Interstellar
One Amazing Thing I've Done
Biked through the Pyreenes Mountains, Drove across USA in 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, Visited Iguacu Falls in Brazil, Spent 3 months in China, Photographed 100 cities in Germany for Frommer´s Travel, Started 2 businesses in Germany. Still waiting to parachute or visit the moon!
Teach, Learn, Share
I have worked as a photographer for many years, including stock, studio, reportage, products, etc. I will be happy to show you what all those other functions / buttons on your canmera are for! Also using a drone for aerial photography. I love to learn about the world´s history directly through people and am happy to share my knowledge with others.
What I Can Share With Hosts
I grew up in many different countries and have worked in many fields. I am curious about new cultures, ways of working, and different ways of looking at the world. Very respectable and neat - I will help you tidy up or cook a meal. I´d be happy to help you out in your garden or make small talk over a drink.
My Interests
Drone Photography, Flamenco Guitar, Languages, Travel, Food, Good Conversation, Hiking, Biking, Running, Walking.
