CURRENT MISSION

Travel the world, but also just really learn about places from the local perspective

ABOUT ME

Me (Maria) well I am a child of the world, I come from so many places yet don't come from any particular one. My family is Ecuadorian and I was born there but I grew up in Asia and Australia.

Ben is from New Zealand, he is a tattoo artist and an electrician, we traveled South America together for a few months two years ago and then decided to move to Quito and experience life as locals.

Ben is currently working at a tattoo shop in Quito using this time to improve his art and learn spanish.
I (Maria) work for a charity called CENIT, center for the working girl, where we help women from underprivileged families earn an income by turning rubbish into jewelry, cards and bags. I also am using my time in Ecuador to explore the art of documentary film making and photography.

We are taking this year to really give our respective arts the time they deserve, we moved to Quito so we can get away from the grind and really give out passions a go.

You can see Ben's art on instagram on Bendieznz

PHILOSOPHY

We have met some amazing inspirational people in our travels which have enriched our lives with their life stories and passions.

For us it's not about the attractions or museums, it's about the people, the people makes a place special for us. Their stories, their experiences and knowledge.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Have hosted a few people in Canberra and in Melbourne. Have attended a few CS parties in Melbourne and warehouse parties.

Started a CS running club in Quito, which I have put on hold due to travelling to Europe.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446152065627237/

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I hosted a lovely French guy for two weeks twice.

Hosted a Finnish couple for a few weeks, a couple of times, they were so nice and we are heading to Finland this year to visit them.

Interests

Food, though we will eat pretty much anything that is put in front of us, we truly appreciate food. We like trying all the local delicacies and cooking up a storm.

Exploring remote places, lots and lots of traveling.

Music of course..our trusty companion.

• arts
• photography
• documentaries
• film making
• dining
• cooking
• running
• partying
• clubbing
• house parties
• shopping
• traveling
• music
• swimming

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Going to Macchu Picchu,watching the clouds disappear as the sun came shining through them.

Swimming with penguins in the Galapagos.

Working in a tattoo shop in La Paz Bolivia, sharing experiences with some of the most beautiful people we have met in our lives.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore