Hi! Everyone knows me by Naya. I was born and raised in Brazil but lived for nine years in the U.S. to complete my graduate studies. I lived in the Southwest this whole time, New Mexico and Arizona. I currently live in Espinho, Portugal and I am starting a post-doctoral degree at the Faculdade de Letras at the University of Porto. That being said, I am a beach bum. I love spending my days in the sunshine. I have surfed for the last 15 years (not in the desert though!) and besides that I am a fun and outgoing person. Oh and I am very clean! Besides that I have been a teacher for over half of my life. I have taught English for any age from five to seventy years old and I am also an university professor!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am brand new to this. I am moving to Portugal to try a new life and I decided to start couch surfing because I want to spend more time traveling in the upcoming year. I have done Airbnb a lot but I think this would be a better opportunity to meet new people and make long lasting friendships. As I am brand new, I sure do not have any references but I hope this will not stop you from hosting me.

Interests

I want to meet new people and enjoy good company, as well as have the opportunity to have insiders knowledge about the places I am going to.

• cooking
• yoga
• pilates
• partying
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• surfing
• teaching
• beaches
• parks
• acroyoga

Music, Movies, and Books

I can listen to almost anything. As far as books, as a former graduate student and current professor, I rarely have time to read for fun. But trust me, I do read a lot!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

There are so many to list. But I think the top of the cherry is probably being born to a small fishtown in Brazil which has about 20 beaches, all beautifully equipped with surfing! I have seen many amazing places like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and a lot of other amazing outdoor spots around the southwest of the US, the north of Mexico, and the Dominican but I think the beaches I have lived in and visited have been the most valuable for me.
Oh well, and yes, I am a second language learner in English, and I completed a masters degree and a Ph.D. in eight years in this second language!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am forever a learner. I believe that all teachers out there, like me, should have this philosophy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hummm good question. I can share a lot about the theories of language learning, if you do not find it boring (believe me it is fascinating). I also speak Portuguese and some Spanish. I surf and I am very outgoing. I also have practiced acroyoga for a bit and really enjoy it. I can cook some good foods too (I love eating organic!).

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Mexico, United States