CURRENT MISSION

keep what matters at heart. bridging different worlds.

ABOUT ME

I lived in Spain for many years, and moved back to Amsterdam two years ago. I love analogue photography, and I have many old cameras. I used to develop and print by hand, all in black & white, and I still have a dark room. These days I'm a translator of Spanish and I try to write. This gives me the freedom to travel and move around freely, while working with something that I love: language.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that you should do the things that you care about, research the things that you´re enthusiastic about, and try to uncover fears, doubts and shame for what they are. Live and let live. Share & give as much as you can.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've hosted many people, some through cs, most just by coincidence.

Interests

Language, photography, Spain. I love black and white photography, on the streets of unfamiliar cities. I write unambitiously to keep me connected. Reading: fast and a lot. Vintage paper, old boxes, antique books scattered in my studio. The way of things. The imprint of time and life on things. Apple pie, Craftsmanship, homemade food. I love straciatella ice cream, cumbia & coffee. I find my furniture on the street.
A table in a warm country with a blank page and a black fine liner. Discussing the world while drinking martinis & listening to fine music.

• books
• photography
• cumbia
• dining
• coffee
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

World music, like Saoud Massi, fado, Cesaria Evora. I listen to Cat Power, Paolo Conte, Sivert Hoyem, Eluvium, Dan Auerbach, Richard Hawley, C.W. Stoneking, Lila Downs, Yann Tiersen. Joni Mitchel, Madrugada, Tindersticks, and then there is my Latin side, which goes crazy to bachata, Calle 13 and cumbia..
I read a lot, always have. The god of small things, Sandor Marai, Italo Calvino, Anais Nin, D.H. Lawrence, Henry Miller..Mendoza, Vargas Llosa, Marías. I read what I find, what other give me, or what was left behind somewhere.
My latest obsession in non-fiction are theories on the workings of our memory.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Many years ago I lived for months like there was no tomorrow, creating, absorbing life, loving. I think in everything I do there´s always a longing to recuperate even the tiniest bit of that state of mind. Sometimes it works, sometimes I worry. I met beautiful people everywhere I've lived & traveled, many of who are still my friends, and this I consider to be one of the most precious things in life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have language skills & curiosity, I lived in different places, and I know how to make a decent mojito!

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Laos, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, Spain