Hi! I am Sharon, a Venezuelan woman devoted to her country. 🇻🇪

I work for an NGO and travel all over Venezuela helping others. I am also an Internationalist with a passion for sociology; I love to philosophize and find the "why" behind everything. I am very cheerful, talkative, and I love deep conversations (even if I have to use Google Translate because I don't speak English yet!).

My story: Since I was a little girl, I trained in swimming and athletics at a high level. But we had to stop because it was too expensive, and my parents couldn't afford it.

This year, I participated in the first Oceanman Venezuela, just to try... and I won! I unexpectedly qualified for the World Championship in Dubai. This trip is a hug to that "Little Sharon" who dreamed of qualifying but couldn't pay for it. It is a dream come true out of nowhere, and I am deeply grateful.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am here to fulfill two big dreams! 🌍

1. The Oceanman World Championship: I am coming to Dubai to compete. As an Internationalist, visiting the Middle East ("The East") is a dream in itself. I am fascinated by the culture and eager to learn from a local perspective. Since this trip is a huge financial effort for me, Couchsurfing allows me to make it possible while meeting amazing people.

2. The family reunion: My family is scattered. My parents live in Bogotá and my two sisters live in France (I am the youngest). After the race in Dubai, I will travel to France to spend Christmas with them. It has been 5 years since I saw my oldest sister and 2 years since I saw the middle one.

This trip is about sports, but mostly about love and reunion. I am looking for a host who can share a bit of their world with me while I live this incredible adventure.

Interests

• culture
• emergency services
• cultural immersion
• runner
• international food
• international law
• natacion
• deportes al aire libre
• pingpong
• derechos humanos
• natação
• vulnerability
• bomberos
• senderism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I have eclectic tastes! I enjoy Christian music for its peace. My all-time favorite singer is Susan Boyle; she has a phenomenal voice and taught the world a huge lesson about prejudice with her first audition. I also love Venezuelan music, Salsa (of course, I'm Latina!), and a little bit of Reggaeton to dance.

Movies: I love cinema that touches the soul and carries a social message. My favorites are "Capharnaüm" (Nadine Labaki) and "The Sea Inside" (Mar Adentro). I look for stories that leave a teaching behind.

Books: My favorite book is "Paula" by Isabel Allende. It’s a heartbreaking but beautiful memoir about love, family, and loss.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have a few things I am proud of!

1. The human side: Being a Volunteer Firefighter since 2019. This is one of the best decisions of my life. It showed me the raw reality of humanity. Seeing tears and loss taught me that everything material is ephemeral and can be lost in a second; life is what truly matters.

2. The Discipline: Athletically, I can run 5km in 19 minutes. Many people find it incredible, but for me, it is simply the result of the discipline I learned as a child. Also, academically, winning a scholarship for my Master's degree in Public Management represents years of hard work.

3. Right Now: Being here! Crossing the world to represent Venezuela 🇻🇪 . It proves that dreams do come true.

Teach, Learn, Share

TEACH:

Swimming tips: I was a swimming teacher! If we go to a pool or the beach, I can help you improve your technique or teach you the basics of open water swimming.

Venezuelan culture: Since I travel across my country for my NGO work, I know Venezuelan geography and reality very well. I can tell you stories about the Tepuyes, the Caribbean, and our people.

Cooking: I can teach you how to make Arepas (our most famous dish).

LEARN: I am an Internationalist, so I am hungry for culture! I want to learn about your world. Whether you are Emirati or an expat living in Dubai, I want to know your story, your traditions, and how you see life. I also want to learn about Gastronomy. I love trying new flavors and understanding the history behind the food.

SHARE: I want to share good energy, deep conversations (I love philosophy and sociology), and a smile. I offer a genuine cultural exchange and a friendship that crosses borders.

What I Can Share with Hosts

More than just a guest, I want to be a friend!

1. I promise to cook Arepas for you at least once! It is our way of saying "I love you" through food.
2. I am bringing some chocolate from my country (one of the best in the world) to share a sweet moment with you.
3. I am extremely tidy, clean, and independent. I respect rules and personal space. I wake up early and keep everything organized.
4. I travel extremely light! I only carry one small backpack (hand luggage), no big suitcases. I take up very little physical space in your home, but I hope to fill it with gratitude and good stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic

Countries I’ve Lived In

Colombia, Venezuela