Hola!! I’m Laura from Barcelona, and I am travelling in New Zealand with a WHV. Nice to meet you🤗

I recently lived in Japan for 13 months, and it was one of the best experiences of my life—both for the incredible nature and the people I met along the way. Traveling throughout the country allowed me to dive deep into its culture. Japan has this unique balance between modernity and tradition, but what amazed me the most was its breathtaking nature— from lush mountains to dramatic coastlines, I was always in awe.
After that, I had the privilegde to learn how to dive in the Philippines, and I might say or not say that it has changed my life. What a great world we live in 🤗♥️

Some of my best travel memories come from the meaningful connections I’ve made with people along the way: while traveling in Japan and the Philippines, I did several Couchsurfing stays, and they just changed my perpective on things so much! I actually just discovered CS last year, but I fell in love with the concept. Once I find a place I want to call home (someday!!), I’d love to host and give back to the community :)

But back at the present, starting in October, I’ll be traveling around New Zealand! Given how much I loved Japan’s natural beauty, I’m beyond excited to continue discovering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures in both places. If you’re around, I’d love to meet up, share experiences, and maybe even go on an adventure together!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that travel is about connections rather than just places. Some of my best memories come from spontaneous encounters, deep talks, and shared meals with people from different backgrounds. I’m here to exchange stories, ideas, and experiences— and, of course, to offer the same in return!

Over time, I’ve also learned how to be a better Couchsurfer. I truly think Couchsurfing is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people and understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. It’s not just about finding a place to stay; it’s about sharing experiences, learning from each other, and creating memories that last far beyond the trip itself.

Interests

I love anything outdoors that has nature involved, specially in remote or mountainous areas or deep down the sea :)

As a recently certified diver (although I think I will never stop diving, unless money or health get in the way!), I’ve become fascinated by marine biodiversity. Identifying fish underwater makes diving even more exciting, but I’ve realized that existing methods can be inconvenient— either you memorize species beforehand or check a book or app after the dive.

That’s why I’m working on an app that uses neural networks for real-time fish identification. The goal is to create an intuitive and easy-to-use tool that helps divers recognize marine life instantly, improving both education and conservation awareness.

I’m really interested in connecting with fellow divers to hear their opinions on this idea. Since I’m still new to diving, I want to learn from more experienced divers—understanding their habits, needs, and what features would actually be useful in an app like this. If you’re a diver, I’d love to listen to your thoughts, ask questions, and refine my idea based on real experiences!

I’m passionate about exploring new places and learning about different perspectives, so any good conversation about any topic, I will probably enjoy 🤣

• hiking
• snorkeling
• social justice
• diving
• climbing
• ski
• climate change

Music, Movies, and Books

Dune, Equal rites
Avatar the last air bender
Everything is illuminated
La gent que estimo

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Finding wild onsens in Japanese Alps.
Winter season in Nozawa Onsen, Japan.
Swimming with a whale shark. Becoming an Advance diver.
Trying to find my path in life

Teach, Learn, Share

I love exchanging ideas and learning from different perspectives! I’m always happy to share my experiences traveling and living in Japan, from cultural insights to hidden nature spots. If you're into diving, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas, as I’m still learning and eager to ask questions to more experienced divers.

I’m always looking to learn new things, especially about life, sustainability, and different ways of living. I also enjoy talking about books (especially sci-fi), music, past adventures, and just hanging out with good company. And of course, I love sharing good food! Let’s explore a local market and try some amazing Indonesian dishes together.

Oh, and I’m an engineer—so if for some reason you need help with something tech-related, who knows, maybe I can be useful! 😆

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love meeting people who are open-minded, enjoy learning, and appreciate good conversations. If you host me, I’ll bring good energy, curiosity, and hopefully, some interesting stories. Looking forward to meeting new people along the way!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Spain