I'm a 24 y.o. Australian about to move to NYC, but at the moment everything I know about the place is based on television and stereotypes. Couchsurfing seems like the best way to confirm, or maybe even overcome some of those stereotypes! It could even prevent me from making a bit of a fool of myself later. I would love to make some friends and get acquainted with the more human side of the city.

While my profile is still being verified, get a look at my instagram to see what I'm about!

https://www.instagram.com/alexander.richards/

I grew up in Canberra, the bush capital of Australia, (Capital city, :/ no one knows it). Been there more of my life, but luckily I've been privileged and fortunate enough to travel the world. I think travelling is one of the greatest honours one can have.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've come all the way from Australia (via the Edinburgh Fringe) to live in NYC for a year, and need someone sensible to talk sense into me. Ideally I'll be able to set myself up where I can host people in the future (and, pay it forward).

Interests

- Really love laughing... Obsessed with comedy in all forms.
- A bit of a film nerd, and love experimenting with creating videos. Everything from youtube to film festivals really!
- I studied economics in university, and worked in it for nearly 4 years. I don't love going on about the technical side, but I'm very passionate about poverty, development, and homelessness.
- have always loved performance poetry
- recently trying to get back into yoga, always looking for new ways to stay fit and sane, calm the abrasive mess of everyday life

• poetry
• performing arts
• film festivals
• yoga
• meditation
• politics
• movies
• reading
• hiking
• backpacking
• philosophy
• art
• youtube
• films
• theatre
• film
• stand up comedy
• comedy
• poetry slam
• stand-up comedy
• clown
• physical theatre
• theatre of the oppressed

Music, Movies, and Books

Too many to name, but let's talk about recent favourites:

Book:
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong
(Honestly everything Ocean Vuong writes changes my life, just incredible vulnerability and mastery of words.

Music:
Bon Iver - i,i
(His albums seem to come out in really important times in my life)

Movies:
Conjuring 2
(Recently I've fallen back in love with horror movies, so if anyone has any recommendations for the cheesiest, silliest horror movies I'd love it.)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I learnt french for 13 years of my life. When I was 6 I told my mum I was not a french person and I didn't want to speak it. This attitude must have followed through because I can't even speak a sentence. Now that is amazing. How can one person possibly be so linguistically inept.

To get to know about me I should put in a more serious exampleL
When I was 18 I spent 6 months travelling south east asia visiting monasteries, and studying and practicing meditation. It was an incredibly difficult time where I had to sit for up to 18 hours a day in some cases. Really changed who I am.
On that trip, between monasteries I managed to:
- get chased out of "zoo" by rabid dogs on a motorcycle (I was on the motorcycle not the dogs)
- drunkenly swap shirts with my hosts dad, because we both appreciated each other's style
- accidentally start a circus cult in northern Thailand

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a black belt in martial arts, and have experience teaching (well... kids ahha)
I can edit films, and colour correct (very niche skill ahha, but maybe we could launch your vlogging career)
...I'm an expert at tandem word golf

What I Can Share with Hosts

Considering I'm about to move here, I think it would be great to actually establish some friendships. I've done my fair share of stupid and adventurous things in life, and there's very little more human than swapping stories.

I'm also bringing with me my mini travel photography/videography studio, so if there's any photos you want or need we can make that happen!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Laos, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe