CURRENT MISSION

to enjoy life and develop my selfknowledge as a way to improve my environment and, therefore, the general environment on its widest sense

ABOUT ME

Well... this is not easy... but let's try !
Nacho is my nickname and has nothing to see with any Mexican chips. It is the Spanish nickname for Ignacio. I was given that name by decission of my brothers, they voted for it ! I was born and lived in Valencia where I started my studies of Civil Engineering. In 1994 I got a grant for finishing my University studies in France where I spent one of the best years of my life (French was going to be very useful later on, when I first met the wonderful girl that shares with me her life: Virginie. She comes from Southern France !). In Paris, I learnt to cook (mama remained in Spain) and my way of thinking was widened a lot by the contact with a new culture and with people from all around the world. In 1996 I started to work for a private consultancy company, but, finally I decided to finish my phD and work exclusively for the Department of Structural Engineering of my University: I wanted to have the possibility to think not only in terms of production and economical constraints but also to be in touch with young people, with research, and to have the opportunity of making more stays abroad. So, I could spend 9 months in Berlin and now we are living in Princeton where we'll stay researching until the end of August 2010 in what is being a great experience at all levels.
Work is important, but not the only thing on life. Family, Friends, Creativity, Intuition and spirituality are also key words !!
Our first son, Nachito (Little Nacho), was born on November 2009. His birth changed our lives for ever in the best sense... we are so happy with him and with each one of his smiles...

PHILOSOPHY

Spirituality is a key concept in our life. We do not think spirituality is restricted to any particular religion. It is something that has a broader sense. We have been positively knocked by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor video in www.ted.com . Our personal phylosophy agrees with that one of authors such as Eckart Tolle and Ken Wilber.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We have hosted many friends from different countries (France, USA, India, Germany...) and places of Spain before joining CS. My first CS experience was with Chris and Dennis from Princeton. As we are staying in Princeton for 15 months, we have become great, great friends and we have spent unforgetable moments together... and that would have never been possible without CS !!!
We love to share with people from all around the world and CS is great for that!

Interests

I love cooking for friends and family. My specialities are "fideua" and "arroz al horno", but I can also make a very good "Tortilla de patatas" (Spanish Omelette). Virginie is French and she cooks French Specialities, so... we always eat well at home. We like travelling, walking around and spending time with friends. Bridges and nice buildings are also one of my passions. I've organised studies tours for my Spanish students to Berlin, Paris, London and New York. Virginie and I (and now Nachito), we have also travelled a lot trying to find a nice bridge in a lost place. At the same time we enjoyed nature and could stablish some contact with local people ! Some more interests: good conversations, reading, red wine...

• culture
• environment
• cooking
• wine
• red wine
• walking
• reading
• traveling
• engineering
• mathematics
• physics
• religion
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Two of the films I have enjoyed the most are "The Pacific Warrior" and the French "Bienvenue chez Ch'tis"
During a great period of my life, "Demian" from Hermann Hesse was one of my favourite books.
Music ? The classic U-2, Mercedes Sosa and...we love Bossa Nova from Brasil !

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I use to participate in the Fiesta of Moros y Cristianos in a small town called Beneixama where my father was born. The Fiesta is more than 150 years old and remembers, in a friendly way, the times ( more than 6 centuries ago) when what we now call Spain was invaded by people coming from Africa. I always go there in September and I participate very actively in the parades and all the events of the Fiesta.

Teach, Learn, Share

I must confess that I am not very good with "do it yourself things" but I could help you or your kids with Spanish, French or even Maths and Physics ! I can also share with you how to cook some Spanish specialities ! Virginie is a very good cooker too (French specialities) and can teach you some German or French. She is great also playing with kids.

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