Hi there future friends.

I'm João: an engineer, musician, meditator, and bringer of comfortable silences.
I’ve hosted and surfed through Couchsurfing, hiked across several European countries, and played my kalimba under the stars and on stage.

I’m naturally curious about how people think, what moves them, and the little details that make each story unique. I enjoy quiet moments as much as long conversations that wander from one idea to another, without a need to arrive anywhere.
I’m always searching for what’s real, either in others, in myself, and in the moment we happen to share.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

What moves me on Couchsurfing isn’t the free couch, or even the travelling itself: it’s all of you. Those who open their doors with no expectations, and those who enter with presence, respect and curiosity.

I’ve hosted many people over the years. Some became friends, some simply passed by. But the moments that stayed with me were always the same: a shared meal, a quiet walk, a long conversation that started shy and then unfolded endlessly, beautifully. A space of connection, even if just for a night.

What I seek is a genuine exchange. Time instead of money, presence instead of performance. I want to meet people who are honest in their energy, whatever form that takes. Sometimes it’s a deep conversation. Sometimes it’s silence. But when it’s real, I’m all in (:

For me, Couchsurfing isn’t about staying or hosting. It’s about recognising each other, briefly, as fellow travellers in this strange and beautiful life.

Interests

• books
• meditation
• music
• hiking
• camping
• mountains
• travel
• nature
• sustainability
• buddhism
• silence
• long walks
• campfires
• beer and wine
• connection
• deep talks
• sharing experiences
• cooking together

Music, Movies, and Books

I see music, films and books as portals. Ways to explore emotions, perspectives, and inner worlds.

I’m drawn to music that speaks to the body and the spirit. From the intensity of Tool to the gentleness of Alex Serra. Whether I’m playing my kalimba under the stars or dancing barefoot to live music, sound is how I connect.

In cinema, I value quiet depth over spectacle. I like stories that unfold slowly, with beauty, meaning and emotional truth. *Perfect Days* and *Flow* are two films that stayed with me long after the credits rolled — simple, delicate, and profound.

Reading is one of the most intimate things I do. I prefer paper over screens, it’s a conscious disconnection, a pause, a gift I give myself. I read to slow down, to be alone and at peace with it. Whether it's poetry, philosophy, fiction or something that defies categories, reading is how I return to myself.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hard to pick just one — so here’s a short list:
• Finally updated my Couchsurfing profile (big win, please read it!)
• Did a 28-day Interrail through 9 countries in 2017
• Hosted dozens of travellers from 2017 to 2019 — some became friends, others stories
• Roadtripped across Portugal and Spain with no fixed plan
• Volunteered in the Polish mountains through the European Solidarity Corps
• Play in a project called Andreia na Terra — ask me about it if you're curious
• Help run a weekly meditation group in Coimbra — happy to share more

And many more… life’s been generous 🌿

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to play kalimba (even if you’ve never touched one), cook something simple and tasty, or share insights on engineering, meditation, or how to ground yourself in silence.

I’m always up for learning. About your culture, your story, the food you grew up with, how you see the world, and how you care for the people around you.

I like sharing meals, long walks, spontaneous music, honest conversations, and quiet moments. Sometimes the most beautiful things are shared in silence.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If I’m free and available, I’d love to share a meal, a walk around Coimbra, a meditation session, or a relaxed conversation over tea or wine. I can play some kalimba if you're curious, or we can just listen to music in silence.

I can also share stories, my perspective on Portugal and its culture, and whatever else life brings into the moment.
I offer a respectful, calm space — and I appreciate the same in return.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Portugal