*** I had to stop hosting for a while due to personal reasons. Will be more than happy to open my home again as soon as things are more stable***
________________________________________

My name is Vanessa, I am originally from Canada but left in 2012 for what was supposed to be an experience abroad but loved Europe so much that I never came back. I spent 3 years in London, UK, then life brought me here to Madrid, Spain where I still live. But I prefer to consider myself as "citizen of the world".

Traveling has opened my mind and made me learn so much, this is the one thing I am most grateful in life. In fact I feel that traveling has saved my life in some way, as I only began to truly feel alive when I started traveling.

I love doing what the locals do, going where the locals go, mixing up with the people and immersing in the culture as much as I can. I think it's the only true way of traveling.

I would describe myself as an easy going, open minded and friendly person. I'm calm but also have a lot of energy and love doing a million things. I hope I get to share moments and travel experiences with some of you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like the idea of Couchsurfing as it's a great way to meet local people when you're traveling. That creates friendships and contacts and these same people might as well come to your own city and you can return the favour. That creates some kind of community and I think it's a great concept!

Interests

• culture
• environment
• cooking
• vegan
• yoga
• running
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• nature

Music, Movies, and Books

I mostly listen to indie music but love all the styles, depending on my mood, except probably for reggaeton (sorry reggaeton lovers!)

A few of my favourite books: 1984, The Road, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, The Shadow of the Wind...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm probably supposed to input a crazy travel story in here... But the one truly amazing thing I've done or the thing I am most proud of is my decision to go vegan 3 years ago. It is empowering to know that I am not contributing directly to animal exploitation and cruelty anymore and I feel like it made me a more compassionate person, both towards animals and humans. Not to mention reducing considerably my carbon footprint and making me feel physically awesome! I am most passionate about it and would love to share my experience with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Language, culture, travel stories, vegan lifestyle, yoga, laughter!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Spain, United Kingdom