Mauri Zapata's Photo

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  • Last login about 5 hours ago

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Overview

  • 5 references 4 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English, Spanish; learning French, German, Portuguese
  • 36, Male
  • Member since 2016
  • Cocinero
  • Superior
  • From Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

Hello! I’m a chef with over 20 years of experience in the culinary world, currently based in Bahrain. I love exploring new cultures, both through food and unique travel experiences, and I believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than by connecting with its people and sharing a meal.

I’m passionate about cooking, and I'm always up for a cultural exchange in the kitchen. If you're interested, I'd be happy to cook together or prepare a meal and share some of my favorite dishes with you.

Outside the kitchen, I enjoy dancing, especially tango, and I try to stay active through powerlifting and other fitness activities. I value meaningful conversations, learning about different perspectives, and creating lasting connections along the way.

Looking forward to meeting new friends, sharing stories, and learning something new from each place I visit!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because I love to travel and believe in the value of authentic connection. During my travels, I’ve experienced what it’s like not to have a place to stay, even sleeping in terminals at times. That’s why I truly appreciate the kindness of those who open their doors to other travelers. When people visit my city, I enjoy sharing my time, getting to know their stories, and providing them with a warm experience. I see Couchsurfing as a unique community that creates real bonds through hospitality and cultural exchange.

Interests

Cooking and Culinary Exploration: Always excited to learn new recipes and techniques from around the world, especially through cultural exchange in the kitchen.

Tango Dancing: I have a passion for tango and enjoy both dancing and watching others express themselves through this art form.

Fitness and Powerlifting: Staying active and challenging myself physically is important to me, and powerlifting is one of my favorite ways to do that.

Travel and Cultural Exchange: I love discovering new places and immersing myself in local customs, especially when it comes to food and traditions.

  • arts
  • culture
  • books
  • dancing
  • salsa dancing
  • tango
  • bachata
  • cooking
  • coffee
  • yoga
  • meditation
  • powerlifting
  • traveling
  • jazz
  • camping
  • skiing
  • snowboarding
  • history
  • mountains
  • trekking
  • biking
  • bike riding
  • mindfulness
  • healthy food
  • culinary
  • gastronomy
  • healthy lifestyle
  • asado
  • gastronomia
  • tango dancing
  • tango argentino
  • mate
  • barbecue
  • mushroom hunting
  • health and fitness
  • milonga
  • hongos
  • recoleccion

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I enjoy a wide variety of music, especially Latin American rhythms, tango, jazz, and sometimes classical tunes for relaxing. I love discovering new sounds and local music when I travel.

Books: I enjoy reading about culinary arts, psychology, and personal development, as well as fiction that transports me to different worlds and cultures. Some favorites include “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain and “Love in the time of cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez.

Movies: I appreciate films that inspire or make you think. I’m a fan of documentaries, especially those about food and travel, as well as classics and movies with a strong story or cultural backdrop.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most amazing experiences I've had was living in Cusco for a year. Visiting Machu Picchu was surreal—standing among those ancient ruins, surrounded by the Andes, is something I'll never forget. While in Cusco, I dove into Andean cooking, learning from locals about unique ingredients like ají and huacatay and how deeply food connects to tradition here. That time in the mountains changed how I see food and culture forever.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I can teach you some culinary techniques or recipes, whether it’s traditional dishes, creative pairings, or just some pro tips from my years as a chef. I’m also happy to share a bit about powerlifting and fitness for those interested in strength training.

Learn: I’m always eager to learn about local cooking traditions, unique ingredients, and different perspectives on food. I’d also love to improve my tango dancing skills and discover any new tips on mindfulness or movement for mental agility.

Share: I can share a meal, a cooking session, or stories from my culinary journey. I enjoy connecting through food and meaningful conversations, and I’d be happy to share a bit about the places I’ve worked, the dishes I love, and the cultures that inspire me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’d love to share my passion for cooking with you! As a chef, I can prepare a meal or teach some culinary techniques if you’re interested in learning. I’m also happy to share stories from my travels and experiences working in kitchens around the world. Beyond food, I enjoy good conversation, and I’m always up for exploring the city, sharing laughs, or even dancing a bit of tango if you’re interested!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ethiopia, Kuwait, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Turkey, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Bahrain, Kuwait, Peru, Qatar, Uruguay

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