Hi, I'm Nadine, 21 years old and from Vienna, Austria.
The first thing that would come to my mind when I have to describe myself is that I am a solo adventurer and most content in the outdoors. One of my all time favorite activities since I have been little has been hiking and for six years now also backpacking. Besides that, I also love going on runs, dancing (I've been competing nationally and internationally in the past), yoga, Muay Thai, reading, meditating and playing piano.
I've been to twelve countries at least once so far and I intend to visit more in the coming years. If I had to pick my favourites, I would say Norway and Canada. Besides their absolutely stunning mountains, I also prefer colder climates and their lovely people have definitely won me over quickly.

I am generally someone that loves to push and challenge myself (not to my advantage sometimes) and to try to learn new things. I am a communicative and open person that likes to spend time with others, but on the other hand I like the quiet, doing things on my own and to be independent. Others would (and do) describe me as a strong-minded and dedicated person and I also sometimes tend to overdeliver. I like living minimalistic, only with things I actually need, would say that I can live under "rougher" conditions and often even like it if I'm being honest.

My big dream for years has been travelling through North America and after high school I was able to realize that dream. From May 2023 to September 2024, I travelled through Canada, visited the USA twice and simultaneously worked and volunteered. From working in construction in Vancouver and helping out at a farm in the Yukon, to driving with a truck and fellow traveller to the east coast during winter and ending up all the way up North in Labrador through solo hitchhiking and ferries. I met people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures, really expanding my horizon in many ways and that is also when I experienced true compassion and altruism for the first time, complete strangers offering me a place to sleep, a ride, their help without even approaching them and much more. I had so many beautiful and unique experiences during my journey that have fundamentally shaped me into who I am today and that I will always carry with me. Naturally, I had faced a lot of challenges but they have all been a lesson and I’m grateful for every single one of them.

In the last year, especially through my journey through Canada, I have become increasingly aware of the urgency we face in the world and became very passionate about environmentalism. That's why I am going to start a Biology degree this September in Wales, hoping to be able to have some positive impact in the coming years.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love the concept of meeting and getting to know locals that way, experiencing new ways of living and cultures and getting to know the country and place on a deeper level. Through my positive experiences with Couchsurfing in Canada I really fell in love with it, ever since wanting to use it whenever possible.
I think Couchsurfing gives me a lot of unique opportunities and advantages that I otherwise would miss out on during my travels.

Interests

• vegetarian
• #hiking
• #running
• #yoga
• #dancing
• #travelling
• #reading
• #meditation
• #muaythai

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a huge music fan. Over the years, I have gradually expanded my music taste, listening to Progressive Rock, Alternative Metal, Metalcore and Nu Metal but I also love Classical Music, Folk, Blues, Rap and Pop.
My favourite book and film genres are mainly thriller and dramas and I am currently diving into personal growth and health books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I camped in front of a grazing herd of over 50 ibexes in the Austrian Alps with an amazing sunset behind a spectacular mountain view, they slowly moved on throughout the night (we stayed in a safe distance, not disturbing them in any way).

Also, my best and most difficult hike (and probably also best overall experience), was my first multi-day hike in Canada, in Kluane National Park. I planned and prepared the hike the same day in the morning. Over those three days, I hiked and camped in deepest bear territory, had to face consistent strong wind, had a way too heavy backpack, hiked till 1:30am with barely anyone around (meeting two groups of people over the entire trip) and had to take several detours because of mud and water. I had to do lots of bushwhacking and path searching, crossed multiple creeks per day through hip deep cold and fast water barefoot (during day and night) and hiked with tired legs on exposed windy ridges and steep slopes with almost no grip. But I also saw breathtaking northern lights for the first time, the point where four glaciers are connecting and the most unique ecosystem I have ever seen.

Teach, Learn, Share

I tutor middle school children in English and German so I am always happy to help with or teach a few things about one of those languages. In general, I'd love to share any knowledge I've gained and I'm always happy to learn something new, from a few words of a new language to any kind of practical skills.

I am always open to participate in any kind of sport and physical activity, can share some basic knowledge about yoga and general proper exercise form. A dream of mine is to teach yoga one day.
Also, I am always keen to chat about music, movies and books with people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Food (anything I might have with me), stories of my (travel) experiences I've made so far, as well as music, book and film tips.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Canada