Hey there! I’m Uyen, but feel free to call me Winny. I grew up in the rural Central Highlands of Vietnam and then spent almost 7 years in Japan for university and working. Japan was a big part of my self-discovery journey—helped me dig deep into my identity and inspired me to embrace new cultures and perspectives.
After that, I lived the nomad life for about three years, traveling all over Vietnam with my cats and freelancing. Eventually, I took a more stable path, working full-time for a Japanese government organization promoting Digital Transformation across Vietnam, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
I am currently doing my master studies about International Cooperation & Development in Pavia, a lovely city in northern Italy- my new journey from November 2024.
I’m into hand-brewed coffee, inspired by Japan’s traditional kissaten culture, and I love hiking, cloud-watching, and chasing sunsets (and crescent moons!). While I’m introverted, I’m always down for a good deep conversation—or even some casual small talk—especially over a cup of coffee.
I’m not a pro at music, but I play the ukulele and I’m learning piano. For me, music and drawing are ways to express what words can’t capture.
So, if you’re up for connecting over coffee, a chat, or even some amateur ukulele tunes, let’s make it happen!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Having traveled and lived in various countries, I believe every place is defined by the people you meet. Couchsurfing allows me to connect with locals and travelers, share experiences, and learn from each other’s cultures. It’s not just about finding a place to stay but building meaningful connections while discovering new perspectives. Plus, I’d love to share a good coffee or a chat about life, travel, or anything else!

Interests

• culture
• cooking
• baking
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• international relations
• trekking
• sustainability
• mindfulness
• harry potter
• nomad
• sustainable development
• sustainable living
• sustainable tourism
• sustainable agriculture
• reading and writing
• nomadic life
• development studies

Music, Movies, and Books

Most of my favorite music comes from J-Pop! I love bands like Back Number, Yonezu Kenshi, and Greeeen, and I’ve recently been hooked on Misesu and Sekai no Owari. I also adore classic tunes from The Beatles—their music never fails to put me in a good mood. Chopin’s compositions are incredibly moving for me; his ability to express deep emotions through elegant melodies and rich harmonies resonates with my soul. Pieces like Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 and Ballade No. 1 in G minor evoke a range of feelings, from melancholy to joy, reminding me of life’s complexities.

For movies, I absolutely love Studio Ghibli films, especially Arrietty, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. Each of these movies transports me into a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, emotion, and profound life lessons. Japanese films are also among my favorites.
I also enjoy the Before Sunrise series and anything with Anne Hathaway, like The Princess Diaries, The Intern, or The Devil Wears Prada.

When it comes to books, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is my all-time favorite. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is another book that deeply resonates with me; it beautifully explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy through the eyes of young Scout Finch. The lessons about standing up for what is right, as seen through her father, Atticus Finch, have profoundly impacted my worldview. I was obsessed with the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling back in my student days, but recently, Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie and Les Bottes de sept lieues by Marcel Aymé have reignited my sense of wonder and happiness in life.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I've done was a solo hiking trip where I ended up getting lost in the woods. I had meticulously planned for the adventure, but despite my best efforts, I found myself off track without GPS or phone signal. As fear started creeping in, I took a moment to calm myself and remember that I had my phone's compass feature to rely on. I pushed through the dense trees, navigating my way back to the trail. Eventually, I made it to the summit, feeling a rush of exhilaration mixed with relief. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of staying calm in challenging situations and trusting my instincts!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some Japanese or Vietnamese if you're interested—like a few simple phrases to spice up your travel conversations in Japan or in Vietnam! Or maybe you're curious about strumming some basic chords on the ukulele? If so, you know where to find me! 😉

I'm super excited to learn your languages too, whether it’s your mother tongue or something you’re mastering right now.

I’d also love to share some of my baking recipes or stories from my travels. And let’s not forget, I’m always up for a walk while chatting about the city we're in—there's nothing quite like exploring a new place together! I’m all ears if you want to share your own adventures or favorite recipes too!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer a warm, friendly atmosphere filled with interesting conversations! If you're up for it, I’d love to share some local dishes or baking recipes from my travels, and maybe even cook together.

In addition, I’m eager to exchange stories about our adventures and experiences. If you're interested in exploring the city together, I’d love to take you on a walk while discussing its hidden gems and local culture.

Plus, if you’re curious about music, we can jam a bit with the ukulele! I might not be a pro, but I find playing music is a great way to connect.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Japan, Thailand, Viet Nam