My name is Verônica, I am 36 years old. I worked for a long time as a nutritionist, managing commercial and industrial restaurants. I love food, which is why I have been working in this field for over 10 years. I completed my degree in gastronomy at the end of 2023 and decided to change the direction of my life. I moved from the southeastern region of Brazil (interior of São Paulo) to the northeastern region, on a road trip where I crossed 6 Brazilian states and got to know more about the people and culture of my country. I have always wanted to be closer to the sea, nature, and lead a lighter life. In March 2024, I came to France for an internship because I love food but still want to find a lighter and happier way to work with it.

Upon arriving in France, I discovered that, in addition to cooking, I love living experiences. Talking to a gentleman on the train, discovering a local restaurant, having lunch with a friend's family from the Canary Islands, swimming in the waterfall of the river that runs through the city. What makes me happy is experiencing life!

In addition to food, which is my great passion, nature and animals are close to my heart. I talk a lot and with my hands, and I am very expressive. I have taken dance classes and worked as a dance monitor. Dance is another passion of mine. I developed my French well while living in France for 6 months, and I also started practicing Spanish, as I had many Latin American colleagues.
Traveling allows me to experience life, which is why I love it so much.If you want to get to know me better, this is my Instagram. There, I share a bit about my travels and what I find beautiful in this life:
https://www.instagram.com/veronilcahayashim/profilecard/?igsh=MWtjenMzYnoxMGVpOA==

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To make my travels around the world more affordable and connected. I want to meet local people, have good company, enjoy great conversations, and exchange experiences. I think couchsurfing is perfect for having this more immersive experience

Interests

Amo natureza, sejam praias, cachoeiras, montanhas. Estar na natureza me recarrega. Amo conversar com pessoas sobre histórias e vida. Adoro dançar. E mais que isso tudo amo comida! Todas as boas conversas não acontecem ao redor de uma mesa?

• animals
• pets
• culture
• traveling
• history
• food
• nature
• beach
• dance
• waterfalls

Music, Movies, and Books

I really enjoy and value Brazilian music. Brazilian popular music (MPB) is very good, and I love introducing it to people. I also listen to international pop, instrumental music, and I adore jazz and blues. I really enjoy books and movies, especially dramas and those based on real events. Series are an addiction for me.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I opened the restaurant of my dreams, went bankrupt, closed it, and reinvented myself. Unsatisfied with the life I was living, I sought out other ways to work with what I love. I studied gastronomy and, at 36, traveled to France for an internship, and now I'm exploring a bit of this big world.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach Portuguese, share cooking tips and recipes, and tell travel stories. I want to learn everything I can: local languages, the history of countries and cities.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Long conversations around the table, meals prepared by me. I can help with household chores and pets (I love walking dogs and cats)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Netherlands, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, France