The average lifespan of a human being does not seem enough when compared to all there is to learn, discover and do in the intriguing world that surrounds us. Considering myself a lifelong learner I have lived thrilled and striving to pursue new experiences, knowledge and skills. These days for instance I have been struggling with my online guitar lessons as well as my swimming classes.

Fortunately, I live from the job I love (I am a teacher) and the job I love requires me to be very persistent and constantly seearching for alternatives. Working with many different students in diverse contexts has increased my awareness of the importance of diversity and respect to establish meaningful social interactions.

If I have to choose a few I would say my most significant passions are sports, animals, cooking and nature. Horseback riding is one of my favourite free time activities. Growing up in the countryside I developed a strong affective bond with many different animals but especially with horses. It was by a pony horse that I made my everyday journey to school. They have been part of my life ever since and even though nowadays I live in the city they represent a bond between my present and my roots. I’m part of a horse youth association from the countryside. We take part in traditional events and parades where we represent our ancestors’ costumes and traditions. Being in contact with my community and keeping our culture and past skills alive makes me extremely happy.

I enjoy from numerous outdoor activities and sports. There are so many life lessons that can be learn from them. However, there is a sport which has given me the most pleasure of all and has no comparison to me. It is cycling. I love cycling. In many ways my bike represents in the city what my horse meant to me in the countryside. It is not only my everyday means of transport but also a way of living. Thanks to my bike I take care of the environment, I save money, I keep fit and healthy and I free my mind and relieve stress. Although it’s sometimes dangerous to go around Montevideo due to the lack of cycle lanes it is so much the pleasure and freedom I feel while being on the move that it is worth the risk.

I am also into cooking and growing vegetables. I love trying new recipes and creating ones of my own. I love entertaining guests at home and cooking homemade food. I feel inspired while cooking and tasting new flavors especially when the ingredients were grown in the house. I am keen on gardening my own herbs and spices. Living in a flat hasn’t been an impediment since I brought some soil from the countryside and have a small vegetable garden in pots in the balcony. Homemade food is to me a way of showing love and affection to the people I cook it for.

I hope once I get older I can continue pursuing new interests. There are plenty of new things I look forward to learning.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Due to my general enthusiasm for learning and doing many things I enjoy from a wide variety of interests. A spirit of constant self-challenge encourages me to seek out new adventures all the time. However, daily routines sometimes threaten to minimize my curiosity and energy to forge new life experiences. Couchsurfing means to me an opportunity to broaden my knowledge of the world and establish meaningful interactions with other people. I am strongly convinced that the more opportunities we have to interact with different people the richer our cultural awareness becomes.

This year I am participating in a Fulbright program in the United States. Thanks to this scholarship I am having the chance to interact and meet new people daily. Being far away from your country, culture and loved ones might be a very difficult task. Eapecially considering that I have never done this before. Nonetheless, thanks to the kindness and hospitality of the people I have met here I have not felt homesick yet. I would love to help people that visit my country experience the same sense of belonging and warmness I am feeling now.

Interests

• reading
• cultures
• recycling
• #yoga
• #cooking
• #nature
• #sport
• #newexperiences
• #landscape
• #language
• #philosophy
• #cycling
• #horses
• #education
• #craftbeer
• #exchange

Music, Movies, and Books

My musical taste is very broad. I can listen to and enjoy many different music styles from many different languages. It all depends on the mood. However, I feel disappointed sometimes because I am not addicted or fan of any particular singer or band. I tend to choose Spotify playlists that relate to each daily situation. Sometimes it can be Tango or Folklore. Others cumbia or bachata. Also classical or instrumental. If I have to choose a music genre that I listen to the most I would say Uruguayan and Argentinian rock.

My favourite writers are Eduardo Galeano, Onetti, Isabel Allende, Mario Benedetti and Virginia Woolf (among many others)

I do not watch many TV programmes or videos. I do not have a favourite movie either. Nonetheless, I do watch some series. Currently I am watching The Handmaid’s Tale. Please do not give me any spoiler.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I haven’t done many unusual things, but I can tell you that my rule of thumb is taking the most out of each day and squeezing each opportunity dry. Some weeks ago, I travelled to New York for the first time. My friend and I booked a place for Saturday. Since we only had the weekend off we decided it could be a good idea to travel to the city on Friday night. That way, we thought, we could be able to get to know the city by night, and then we would take advantage of the full weekend. We arrived at 2AM on Friday night to NY, China Town. The city and everything were new for us. We started walking and visiting every place until we were exhausted. When we could not walk anymore because our feet didn’t allow us to continue moving we slept on the street. We took turns. I slept in Broadway and she slept in Central Park, an experience which we won’t forget.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to ride a horse or milk a cow. I can introduce you to my friends. I can tell you about my experience living both in the capital city of my country and in a small rural community area. I would be excited to learn about your culture and perceptions of life.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my house, my bike, my horse, my favourite Uruguayan recipes and my time with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States, Uruguay