Hey, I’m Mardeys! I’m from El Salvador and recently moved back after 10 amazing years abroad—8 in Moscow and 2 traveling. Now, I’m enjoying a chill life working remotely and soaking up the ocean views from my home in Tamanique, near El Tunco and El Sunzal.

I recently left my job in international banking—just felt like it was time for a change. Right now, I’m working on a sustainability project, exploring hidden gems in nature and learning about small communities in my country. I’m not always home or available to host, but if you’re around, you’re welcome to join me on my research trips!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’ve always loved using Couchsurfing to meet new people while traveling, and now that I’m settled, I’d love to keep connecting with travelers. I’m here to help you explore and discover all the hidden gems of this small but incredible paradise I call home.

Interests

• culture
• books
• movies
• music
• lakes
• mountains
• sea
• nature walks
• hiking in nature

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a music lover with an open ear, always excited to discover new tunes, especially if they're local flavors. As for movies, I'm all about the charm of old romcoms, indie films, I love Wong Kar Wai. But hey, I'm not immune to the allure of blockbuster hits like Marvel, LOTR, and Star Wars either! When it comes to books, you'll often find me immersed in the works of Latin American authors like Alejandro Zambra, Andres Caicedo, and Tamara Tenenbaum.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One incredible adventure I've had was crossing all of Russia, hiking through bear-filled mountains in Kamchatka, and getting up close with killer whales. Hard to believe, considering I've spent my whole life in sunny El Salvador on the other side of the same ocean!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Everything I know about my country.

Learn: I'm always eager to discover new music, cuisines, and hidden gems wherever I go, constantly seeking to expand my horizons.

Share: Let's swap stories, recommendations, and favorite experiences over coffee or a scenic hike. Whether it's discussing indie films, recommending great reads, or sharing tales from our adventures.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories from my years living in Russia and traveling, as well as insights into El Salvador’s culture and history.

While I appreciate the most popular tourist spots, I absolutely love exploring and discovering hidden gems and unique activities in every country I visit. I’m continuing to do the same here in El Salvador, so I can share advice on both the must-see attractions and alternative experiences. I try to visit new places during the week, so you’re more than welcome to join me on an adventure!

Countries I’ve Visited

Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

El Salvador, France, Russian Federation, Turkey