Currently, a "whenever I can write travel blogger". Visit me at storiesofawandergirl DOT com :)

I am an Engineer by profession and a dream catcher by heart.

I can be pretty laid back and I can really be intense when necessary!

I was born and raised in the Philippines by a somehow traditional, conservative-yet-supportive family. Growing up, I never really imagined being able to travel at an early age with our household status, coming from a 3rd world country. But I guess, it doesn't matter! We are where we're supposed to be and if you want it, you can go get it because the universe will pave a way for you to do so!

By 2009, I worked and lived in UAE until I decided to leave by end of 2012. I wanted change. I needed it, actually.

Then come 2013, I was on all kinds of hiatus because I decided and had a surgery to somehow "fix" my scoliosis. Now, I have Titanium rods in my spine. My doctor said I can travel, but I need to be mindful of the weight of my bag.

By 2015, I quit my job and now I am on a sabbatical, trying to fill my days with a new perspective and be consumed with the places that I am about to travel. Yes, I intend to go around while I still can! No more quick weekend getaways. This is "the world for me and me for the world" moment.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

A friend of mine introduced me to couchsurfing as a great way to meet both locals and travelers alike, with the opportunity to crash at their place if permitted. That was 2012. I wasn't really able to grab any of those opportunities via couchsurfing because when I joined, I didn't have anything lined up. And when I did, it slipped my mind.

Meet and Learn from people:
In 2015, I finally got the chance to do my dream of long-term travel. I wanted to give Couchsurfing a try but somehow, I got quite shy in using it.
It wasn't until a year later, August 2016, when I had the chance to try it l.
When I first tried couchsurfing, I didn't expect it to be superrrer amazing! It totally changed my way of traveling on a different level. I love it so much! I find that every destination I visit becomes more meaningful because of the people I meet... sharing stories, conversations, moments and experiences together. And most importantly, finding a friend and a "home" away from home.

My couchsurfing "surfer" experience:
I've couchsurfed parts of my trip in Sumatra, and the whole of my stay in Sumbawa, Indonesia.
I've also couchsurfed my whole stay in Iran.
Although, most of the requests have been sent through my boyfriend's profile (Denis Daljevic). He was the one who first got me to use couchsurfing and I have so much to thank him for that.
I also did a few couchsurfing in Mexico.

Interests

The sun, the sand, the water and its beautiful marine life: beach loving and fun diving
I love chocolates with nuts.
I love food: streetfood, ice cream; Fish sandwich being sold at the Eminonu Ferry Terminal in Istanbul; crab balls in Shanghai; ice cream at Bangkok.
Mutton, Fish and Chicken Mandi
Cheese Manakish
Watching gigs and concerts
Going to movies
Long bus ride, long train ride, airplanes!
Writing about anything under the sun (I blog--but I am still quite shy about it!)
Conversations, Reflections, Tears and Laughter :P
Karaoke/Videoke

• fish
• culture
• writing
• concerts
• cooking
• cheese
• bbq
• movies
• traveling
• blogging
• karaoke
• fishing
• engineering
• history
• medicine
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Music
Incubus, Fleetwood Mac, Sarah Bareilles, Urbandub, Up Dharma Down

Movies
A Little Thing Called Love (Thai), My Sassy Girl (Korean), Serendipity, The Kite Runner

Books
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, When It Rains by Lisa de Jong

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Being the least athletic person I know, I am proud to say that I trekked a bit in Kathmandu. It was only a 2-hour trek but hey, I thought I won't be able to make it! Plus, I was able to see the Himalayas from afar!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am no cook but I can teach you how to cook adobo (filipino dish) if you want! But you cook the rice :)
I wanna learn a new language, I just need to stop procrastinating.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Travel stories, perhaps and maybe my random sense of humor.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United Arab Emirates