Hey there! :)

I’m Ariana, a 32-year-old PhD candidate in Human Rights based in Lisbon. Originally from a tiny mountain town north of Portugal, I swapped fresh air for city life over a decade ago—and counting.

I’m a vegetarian and a big fan of every type of soup. I live with the most amazing human being, Gonçalo, and our incredible cat, Flora Banana, who runs the house while we pay the rent. You’ll find me reading, crocheting, or daydreaming about my next trip when I'm not writing.

My oldest passion is karate, which I have been doing since I was three, and I recently found my passion for ballet – definitely late to the game, but loving every step! I also love yoga and pilates, but my true passion is theatre. One day, I hope to find my way back to the stage.

I’m always eager to learn new things, and I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and making any space feel a little more fun and welcoming to everyone. I believe in kindness in all its forms and formats, and somehow, pandas, cats, and sheep have always held a special place in my heart—don’t ask me why; they just do.

If our paths cross, I’d be more than happy to share good conversations (and maybe some travel tips)! :)

Interests

• animals
• cats
• books
• dancing
• human rights
• vegetarian
• yoga
• traveling
• crochet
• knitting
• music
• cinema
• theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

First things first—when it comes to movies, Human is hands down the best documentary. It always reminds me why stories matter. Films? It's too hard to choose, but Citizen Kane and The Godfather (part 2) are on the list. Anything by Kurosawa is pure genius, and Princess Mononoke never stops being breathtaking.

For the ears of the soul—Dark Side of the Moon reigns supreme in my heart, the masterpiece of masterpieces. But Dead Can Dance, Oumou Sangaré, and Fatoumata Diawara always transport me to another world. And let’s never forget Tinariwen and Bombino – truly mandatory!

As for the eyes of the soul, One Hundred Years of Solitude feels like home, and Jane Austen is forever.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, Portugal