Hi, I’m Leyla – 29, Swiss, and currently somewhere between “just one more country” and “maybe I live here now.”

I started out as a bookseller – falling in love with stories one page at a time. That love for stories slowly grew into a love for real people and their messy, beautiful lives. So I became a social worker.

But after a while, I realized: before I settle down, I need to move. Not just from job to job, but out into the world. So I packed a backpack, left the familiar behind, and started this journey.

Here’s where I’ve wandered so far:
• ✨ India (where it all began – loud, magical, intense)

• 🌴 Sri Lanka (tuk-tuks, tea fields & temples)

• 🍜 Thailand (yes, I had Pad Thai for breakfast, and no regrets)

• 🛶 Cambodia (slow travel, big heart)

• 🐘 Namibia (just Caprivi – lush, green, and full of hippos at night)

• 🏕 Botswana (campfires, elephants & starlit skie

• 🌊 South Africa (coastlines, coffee & conversations)

• 🏝️ Mauritius (Explored wild beaches, shared deep talks with locals, and slowed down to island time)

• 🌋 Réunion (explored volcano trails, enjoyed beautiful hikes, and had memorable encounters)

• Zanzibar (Relaxed on white sandy beaches, swam in turquoise waters, and explored spice plantations 🌴🌊)

• Tanzania, Mainland (Explored towns and markets, met locals, and got lost in beautiful landscapes 🏞️🇹🇿)

• Malawi (Relaxed at Lake Malawi, swam in the warm water, and enjoyed sunsets 🌊🌅)

• Rwanda (Visited Kigali, strolled through markets, and admired the hills 🌄🏘️)

• Uganda (Went on safaris, hiked lush trails, and saw a lot of monkeys 🦁🐒)

• Kenya (Mostly Nairobi vibes: city streets, colorful markets, and way too many chapati 🏙️)

• Oman (wandered the streets of Muscat, sniffed exotic spices, and stared at beautiful architecture 🕌✨)

Next Destination: Dubai

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I deeply value human connection and the chance to experience a place through the eyes of the people who live there. I’m curious about different ways of life, the stories behind them, and the everyday moments that make each culture unique. Whether it’s sharing a meal, a conversation, or even learning something unexpected. I believe these experiences help us grow and understand the world in a more meaningful way.

Interests

• cats
• coffee
• baking
• music
• hiking
• snorkeling
• adventure travel
• diving
• pasta
• other cultures
• reading and writing

Music, Movies, and Books

Books and movies? Oh wow, that’s like asking me to pick my favorite star in the sky — impossible! I love so many genres that my bookshelf looks like a wild party where everyone’s invited: mysteries sipping coffee with sci-fi, romances dancing with documentaries, and thrillers hiding behind fantasy novels. So yeah, I’m basically a genre-juggling bookworm with a popcorn addiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had happened in Botswana, at a quiet waterhole. A wild elephant stood just about four meters from me. Surprisingly, I felt no fear at all. Instead, I was deeply calm inside and incredibly grateful.

This majestic creature showed me a trust so profound by standing so close — without me moving an inch. It was a moment of pure connection, a silent understanding between two beings sharing the same wild space.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’d like to think of myself as an easygoing and thoughtful person — someone who brings a sense of curiosity, kindness, and a light heart. What I love most is sharing stories, listening deeply, and exchanging perspectives over a cup of tea (or something stronger, depending on the mood). I’ve collected many experiences on the road, and I’m always happy to share them — but just as happy to listen. Because to me, travel isn’t just about places — it’s about people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Switzerland