FINGAL:
I was home-educated for most of my school life and so I had a lot of time to travel with my twin brother and parents when I was younger. I've also traveled to America and France on my own and to Romania with my twin. Emily and I went to Barcelona together a few summers ago and went interrailing last April (where we chouchsurfed together)! I would like to think that the countries and cultures I've visited form an integral part of who I am. I'm open-minded and enjoy being creative and solving problems. I like animals and enjoy the company of others.

EMILY:
I am a smiley, social person with a positive outlook on life. I'm very family orientated, but I believe being an only child (no siblings or cousins) has given my friendships a heightened importance.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

FINGAL:
I think the best way to immerse yourself in a new place is by meeting the people who live there and talking to them. I reckon couchsurfing is the best way to do this and why I recommend couchsurfing to anyone I get talking to about travelling. I had an amazing time couchsurfing in America a few years ago and had more great experiences in Europe with Emily last April!

EMILY:
Travelling has always been on my to-do list. Now I have saved up a bit, I want to begin exploring as much of the world as I can. I am beginning in central Europe and couchsurfing offers the opportunity to meet new, local people in the countries I visit - which I consider to be equally important as just 'seeing the sights'.

Interests

FINGAL:
Collage, photography, drawing. I enjoy listening to music and reading and I like cooking and eating good food, anything that makes life more enjoyable! I'm interested in current issues and political affairs and like discussing them with people.

EMILY:
I have always had a strong interest in Architecture and eco / micro-homing design. My current practice involves sketches, computer designs and sculptures with a strong link to minimalist Architecture and conflict between fragility & pride. Here's a link to my blog: emilypanizzi.wordpress.com

Outside of education, I have (for many years) worked and been a befriender for adults with learning difficulties. This is very rewarding work, and has introduced me to the most wonderful, kind and generous people I know.

• animals
• architecture
• design
• photography
• education
• dining
• cooking
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• drawing
• music
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

FINGAL:
I have an eclectic taste in music - something for every mood. I love listening to live music!! Films I can laugh at, films about interesting people, interesting documentaries and sometimes the odd horror. I've read a lot, from Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley to John Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids and Cormac McCarthy's The Road. I can get very inspired from books and really try to immerse myself when reading fiction, I'm one of these people who has trouble putting down a good book.

EMILY:
Pride & Prejudice, The Help, The Blind Side.
I listen to most music, but I'm not really a big reader (although I'd like to be). The best book I've ever read would have to be To Kill A Mockingbird - such fantastic teaching & beautiful writing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

FINGAL:
I flew over the Himalayan mountain range on the way back from Leh in India a few years ago which was exceptionally beautiful!!

EMILY:
I've been to the Piz Gloria, Switzerland (007 rotating restaurant) and experienced the freshest / cleanest air..

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Germany, Greece, India, Morocco, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States