I'm originally from Silicon Valley, in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, US -- where I lived for most of my life. My parents were hippies in San Francisco in the 60s, and I grew up in an ambiance of freedom and self discovery. In university I studied philosophy and religion (both Eastern and Western) as an undergrad, and clinical psychology as a graduate student. After graduating from Columbia University and living in New York City for 4 years, I decided to take some time off to travel. Before traveling I worked as a mental health counselor/therapist at the main jail in New York City. It was not easy work, but very nourishing. I have been traveling in Asia for the last 3 years and am now planning my first visit to Europe. I'm a considerate and thoughtful person who will respect you and your home. I look forward to meeting you!

If you can't host for my entire visit but only part of it, or if you just want to hang out, that would also be welcomed.

Here is my Facebook profile:
https://www.facebook.com/josephfisher

Here is my LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=91271202

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing while traveling in Asia. I have been amazed by the openness and generosity of this community. It has restored my faith in humanity, and encouraged me to greet the world with kind eyes.

One of the reasons for my travels is that where I'm from in Silicon Valley has changed so radically in recent decades that I feel orphaned. For the last 8 months I have been in Chiang Mai, Thailand studying the digital nomad culture that is centered here. I find the location-independent lifestyle fascinating. After visiting almost all countries in East and Southeast Asia over the past three years (and South Asia before that), I also needed a rest.

Another reason I began traveling is to find a place for a writing project. For the last 20 years I have written down all of my significant ideas. I am a prolific thinker, and my writings cover many different topics, from philosophy to art, invention and business ideas, politics and economics, as well as more mundane things. I hope to find a place that will inspire me, where I will review all of my writings to find my best ideas, and then use these for my future plans.

I have studied Eastern religion and philosophy for more than 20 years, and traveled extensively in Asia. But having been immersed in Asian culture for so long, recently I began to feel the need for a change. Since a child I have wanted to visit Europe. It seemed to have an enchanting, almost heavenly aura, that the US lacks. I feel privileged to finally make a pilgrimage there.

Interests

Philosophy, Spirituality, Business, Art, Music, Nature, Dancing, Poetry

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
The Alchemist, The Teaching of Buddha, Pablo Neruda, Rumi, Milan Kundera, Ramakrishna, Marcus Aurelius, Plato ..these are some books and authors that I return to

Music:
San Francisco has many opportunities to see live music year round, and many music festivals in the summer. In both California and New York I would go to see live music often, and have seen and met many famous musicians.

In California I have many artist and musician friends, and I used to volunteer as a DJ on Stanford University radio. I would always carry 3 hand drums in the trunk of my car (two djembes and one doumbek) to allow for impromptu drum and dance sessions.

I love to dance. It is one of my spiritual passions. However, formal dance has never been comfortable for me (although I try). For me dance is an intimate interaction with the music, which is very personal and present. It is a channeling, similar how the muse transmits through you when writing a poem.

Recently I've been listening to Chopin, Tosca, various soul music, Talib Kweli, Ali Farka Toure ..and since contemplating my trip to Europe, I've had this song stuck in my head:
https://youtu.be/YmeKRjJoLfM

Film:
I enjoy film and have studied it both philosophically and as an artist/creator (which I plan to start again).
Some films that come to mind..
Yes, Forever In A Day, The Crime of Father Amaro, Fearless, The Green Beautiful, Life Is Beautiful, Citizen Kane, Russian Ark, Marwencol, Rivers and Tides by Andy Goldsworthy, The Godfather, Amelie, Good Will Hunting, Into the Wild, Yes Man, I Heart Huckabees, Point Break, Stranger Than Fiction, Do The Right Thing, Adaptation, Before Sunset, Serendipity, Lost Horizon

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

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Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States