Help needed with a small cottage near the Gulf in beautiful SW Florida, USA

Details

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  Description

  Hello to all of you and thank you for reading my listing! My name is Alexandra (Alex) and I am a certified English Teacher (degree in English and CELTA). I have been a host on other networks, too, having hosted helpers from Germany, England, Algeria and the USA. Travel and experiencing other cultures is my passion and I have worked in different countries as well done volunteer teaching.
  
  I returned to the US several years ago because my elderly mother needed someone with her. Sadly, she has passed away. She left me her small home and there is a lot of work needed to update it. I need helpers for one or two weeks (possibly more if we're getting on well and we both agree to extending). The work is primarily painting (interior and exterior) as well as some gardening.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I am a certified English language instructor so if you need practice (or tutoring) with English, I'm more than happy to help with this through daily conversation and/or more formal lessons. Living in America will provide you with the 'total immersion' experience that you need to become (more) fluent.
  
  I'm a sociable person and we'll take our meals together, sharing conversation, thoughts and experiences. I will treat you like family. Even though I'm older, I am still curious about the world (I consider myself a life-long learner) and I'm interested in your views (and hopefully, you'll be interested in my views, too!). At night, you may want 'alone' time to email your friends and family or watch youtube and that's fine. Or you may want to spend time with me in the living room, watching a video, playing cards or a board game. That's fine, too.
  
  I can teach you how to cook typical American food, If you're interested. We'll barbecue and we will often have lunch (or dinner) outside on the shaded lenai.

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  Help

  I need helpers for one or two weeks (possibly more if we're getting on well and we both agree to extending) to help with painting a couple bedrooms, doing some small carpentry projects, etc. There is also some heavy outdoor work (cutting and bundling palm fronds). I know that many of you are interested in working with children or farming/animals but I don't have that kind of work. Primarily I need helpers not afraid to get their hands dirty!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  I offer a private air-conditioned bedroom with semi-private bath (private if you're the only helper), unlimited wifi, free laundry and three meals a day. I also have a bicycle you can use.
  
  IMPORTANT: I cannot accommodate vegans. If you're vegetarian, you'll need to accept the regular meals I prepare minus meat/animal products. I can accommodate halal and kosher (no pork products) as well lactose intolerance but cannot cook/provide for wheat allergies.
  
  ALSO IMPORTANT: I cannot accommodate your pet.

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  What else ...

  I'm fairly close to the beautiful Naples beaches and there is a bus stop just a block from my home that will take you there. Also, where I live is only about a two hour bus ride to Miami (and I can drive you to the bus if you want a weekend trip there). It's also about a four hour drive to Orlando (Disney World). In addition, South Florida is a good location if you're planning travel to the Caribbean islands or Central/South America. Often the airfares are very cheap.
  
  I'm also close to the Everglades and will take you on a tour (guaranteed alligator sightings!) if you're here for a couple weeks. Like karaoke? Let's go! Ever played bingo? Been to a dog track? There's lots of things we can do for fun and I'd enjoy showing you around when we have free time.
  
  I do not smoke so no smoking in the house but it's okay to smoke outside in the garden. We might share a beer or two at night but please, no heavy drinkers and absolutely no drugs.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Plenty of room to park.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week (flexible)

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