Despite holding down a very adult sounding job in investment management I am still a kid at heart. I like to be silly, wander around, and I never meet a stranger. Right now I am just working and saving up money to travel.

I really like discussing social groups, politics, religion and economics (you know, all the things you're not supposed to talk about). I like exploring new cities, meeting new people and trying new foods/activities.

I attend local Unitarian Universalist and Quaker churches, and am interested in Buddhism as well. These things keep me grounded. I like to stay active and work out a few times per week. I also like to run, cycle and play ultimate frisbee and prefer doing those over going to the gym. I also like photography and writing. I like to think I read a lot, but I mostly start non-fiction books and never finish them. I do read a ton of articles online though. I also like to try one or two big physical challenges each year (I have fasted for a week, ran a marathon, biked 200 miles, run a sprint triathlon - not sure what's next, so feel free to offer suggestions).

If you're in to Myers-Briggs, I am an ENTP.

Here is my Facebook profile as well:
https://www.facebook.com/iamjustinyoung

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because t's a great community of thoughtful, interesting people and its structure seems to bring out the best in people. I also use it as a way to build trust in humanity. It's easy to value things over people and there is no better way to break the grip of material possessions than by inviting a stranger into your home. It's also like reverse traveling. I get to stay where I am but still discuss life in other parts of the world from my own home. It's also just a great way to break the routine of daily life.

Interests

Working on my house, gardening, photography, meeting new people, going to the local Unitarian Universalist church, biking, watching interesting films, drinking too much, painting, blogging, food, urban exploration, running, kayaking,

• writing
• books
• architecture
• photography
• dining
• fitness
• triathlon
• marathon
• running
• sprinting
• working out
• drinking
• gardening
• politics
• movies
• traveling
• blogging
• painting
• investing
• cycling
• kayaking
• buddhist
• ecology
• economics
• religion
• urban exploration

Music, Movies, and Books

Any film by Ingmar Bergman (the Seventh Seal is my all time favorite), Good southern writers, both new and old (Tennessee Williams [Cat on a Hot Tin Roof], Ron Rash[One Foot In Eden]), Oscar Wilde and other witty writers, War Films (Apocalypse Now is top notch, Come and See (Russian)),

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took a huge cross country trip through the US for about 2 months and just camped/slept in my car along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

Photography, World Religions and their everyday applications (particularly Buddhism), controlling negative emotions, ecology, investment management and personal finance, urban (re)development, sustainable (and economically viable) architecture

What I Can Share with Hosts

Well, I can certainly help you plan for retirement or answer any questions you have about investing, personal finance or just living frugally. I am also pretty handy so I can fix things around the house. I am also pretty knowledgeable about fitness and make a good workout buddy. I'm also reasonably knowledgable about gardening and permaculture and can discuss that too (I have an orchard at my parents house I have been working on for the past few years). Lastly, I worked as a photographer to cover living expenses in college so I can offer advice on lighting, composition and the mechanics of photography.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Monaco, Slovenia, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States