Hi,
My name is Esteban, and I am 21 years old. I have roots in both Germany and Costa Rica. I lived in Costa Rica until I was 12, then moved to Germany with my family. My mother is Costa Rican, and my father is German. I also have a younger sister.
At home I went frequently to Muay Thai classes and some years before I was in a basketball team and a soccer team.

I recently completed my Abitur in Germany, the highest pre-university degree. Although I was never particularly excited about school, I still made it through.
After finishing school, I worked as a butcher to save money for traveling. While the job was interesting and had the best breakfasts, it was very physical and not my dream career.
That’s why, I'm now eager to study business management and especially after taking a gap year to travel through Southeast Asia. I’m currently in Japan.
Being in Japan excites me because I've been fascinated by its culture and nature since childhood. I've always loved the food, and I'm especially eager to explore the traditional villages and natural landscapes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing to experience amazing things and connect closely with local people and cultures. It's a great way to learn about the country, practice the language, and make friends. Additionally, since Japan is the most expensive stop on my journey, Couchsurfing helps me save money.

Interests

I'm passionate about sports like Muay Thai, soccer, basketball, surfing, diving, and more. Nature fascinates me; from ocean life to climbing high mountains, I appreciate the diversity of our world. I'm also deeply interested in science, society, culture, and history. Curiosity drives me, and I love exploring new ideas and perspectives.

• culture
• surfing
• sports
• basketball
• soccer
• science
• nature
• new people
• muay thai
• new places

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy a wide range of music genres including rap, trap, pop, rock, reggae, reggaeton, but classical music brings me the most peace and relaxation. I frequently switch between them all.

In terms of movies, I like horror/thrillers, action films, comedies, Disney movies, and particularly enjoy dramas and life-oriented films. Studio Ghibli movies like "Castle in the Sky," "Princess Mononoke," "Howl's Moving Castle," and "Spirited Away" have captivated me the most. I also love anime; "Naruto" is a favorite, though "Demon Slayer" and "Death Note" also resonate with me, but I have had limited time to watch due totraveling.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This gap year has been the best experience of my life. I've learned so much about myself, different cultures, and various mindsets. I love nature and culture, and my journey has exposed me to diverse environments, animals, and cultural sites. I've seen incredible temples, ancient cities, and charming villages and towns (👈my Favorit). Each place has been beautiful in its own way, and I've met amazing people everywhere, making it impossible to choose a favorite.
In some countries, I volunteered, which brought me closer to the people and their cultures. Helping others was also a rewarding experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a deep curiosity about various subjects and enjoy learning new things. I'm open-minded and enjoy discussing different perspectives. I look forward to sharing my experiences of living in two very different countries and my travel adventures.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I always strive to be respectful, especially when staying in someone's home. I look forward to a great time together and learning a lot!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Germany