Hey there! My name's Joel, I'm a photographer from the States, currently traveling in Australia. I fly back home on the 4th of March, and between now and then am hoping to stay with some cool, kind people in the Sydney area. I'm really easy-going, and love good conversation, and learning people's stories. I'm really neat and clean (though if you aren't, that's all right too), and don't require much. A couch, a shower, and a bit of food would be awesome! I am very much a people person, and would love the chance to make some more friends here before heading back to the States!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to see the world, and get to know people in the process. I'd much rather live with a stranger and learn their heart and way of life than take a cruise or stay in a hotel.

Interests

Above all else, I'm interested in people. I love learning who someone is — not just what they do, but why they do it. I love gaining new perspectives, and sharing my own. Photography is my primary way of capturing the beauty that I see in people, with writing being a secondary method that I like to use to communicate.

• socializing
• music
• people
• storytelling
• documentary
• stories
• portraiture
• photography,

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a huge fan of classical music, and film scores, but I listen to a little of just about everything. Some of my favourites are Hanz Zimmer, Rachmaninoff, Andy Squyres, Mumford & Sons, Joep Beving, George Winston, and Hillsong United. For movies, my favourites at the moment are Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Joker, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and No Country for Old Men. (I tend to go for the gritty stories.) My favourite book is The Lord of the Rings, but I grew up heavily influenced by classic literature. Overall though, C. S. Lewis is probably my favourite author.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Well, I have driven down Highway 1 on the west coast of the USA, and I'd definitely recommend that to anyone who has the chance — it was truly beautiful.

Teach, Learn, Share

Art, philosophy, religion, daily life, minimalism — these are things that play a large role in my own life, and I love sharing, learning and teaching in these areas.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I want to stay with people and learn their stories, take their photos, and be a listening ear and a kind heart. I'm super easy to accommodate, and generally a really clean and helpful guest. Pretty much everything I own is in my backpack, so, I don't have too many needs. But I'd love the chance to get to know you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States