CURRENT MISSION

Figure out what I can do for the sake of other people

ABOUT ME

My name is Michael Dowd and travelling has become one of my passions. Travelling was a huge part of my childhood and it's something I want to continue doing the rest of my life. I was born and raised on Long Island, New York, but now I am a student enrolled at the University at Buffalo in New York where I study Psychology, Philosophy, and a little bit of theater. I do love me some science fiction (especially superheroes) and I'm a bit of a film nerd. I try not to spend too much time watching movies, however. There's a big beautiful world out there that I want to see, and films don't always cover all of it.

PHILOSOPHY

As a philosophy student I could probably write a whole book on what my philosophy is (maybe one day!). But I guess what you should really know about me is that I am a vegetarian, but I don't mind other people eating meat. It's just a lifestyle that has suited me best! I have an open mind and I am always up for a good philosophical discussion about anything. Truth, reality, ethics, anything!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am currently just a traveller and I am always looking for a super cool host to stay with. Unfortunately I have no residence I can officially call my own just yet (I'm usually either living in Medford with parents or in a shared apartment in Buffalo) so I can't offer my own place up for visitors, but hopefully one day I'll be able to.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Couchsurfing has been one of the absolute best parts of my travelling experiences. From a dinner party in Paris, to an Eco-lodge in Nice, and meeting super cool people in Barcelona, Edinburgh, Rome, and Gent, Couchsurfing has never done me wrong. I love it and I think it's a brilliant idea!

Interests

I am very much interested in getting to know other people and why people do what they do. I love getting to know people and I am always interested in hearing about other peoples experiences and ways of life.

Some of my hobbies include hiking, biking, swimming, singing, playing trombone, exploring, watching movies, writing, and reading.

• writing
• books
• singing
• theater
• ethics
• vegetarian
• partying
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• swimming
• psychology
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: The Dark Knight trilogy, The Back to The Future trilogy, The Star Wars original trilogy, Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump, The Shining, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Ghostbusters I and II, and The Avengers.

Music: The Beatles, Billy Joel, Queen, Styx, The Aquabats, They Might Be Giants, and lots of show tunes.

Books: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Shining, and Pet Semetary, but lately I've been reading mostly philosophy books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It's hard to say I've done and seen a lot when there are 7 billion people in the world, all with completely unique experiences! But if I had to pick just one of my favorite things I've done it was touring with an organization called American Music Abroad. This was an organization that takes music students from New York State (and a few others, but mostly New York) and has them tour all around Europe. I had the pleasure of being in the Empire Tour in 2010 and got to go to Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, and France. The things I saw and did, and, most importantly, the people I met, won't soon be forgotten. I am forever holding close these memories.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've always said that the best way to learn anything in life is by talking to other people. I'm always on the lookout for new people and new conversations because it is through people that I've come to understand myself and the world around me. I am always willing to share my experiences, teach what I've come to understand, and learn by listening.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States