Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
27 Apr 2025
Reply rate
74.3 %
Usually responds within 14 days
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Details
Description
NEXT HELP NEEDED IN MAY FOR FEIS ISLE: ISLAY'S CULTURAL FESTIVAL!
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NOTE: my profile was used previously for when we lived in Mexico, so you may see comments and photos related to that from others on here).
ABOUT US:
I'm Rachel - a 44 year old British American writer working as a content manager for a whisky distillery. I traveled all over in my 20s and 30s. My last 10 years before moving to Scotland were in Mexico where I opened a mezcal bar and wrote a Mexican cookbook (the story/philosophy/travel bit - not the recipes). I love meeting new people, deep-diving into philosophical subjects, and walking in nature. I'm easy-going, welcoming, and a bit goofy when in a good mood. I like to take my time in the morning with a cup of tea and a meditation or stretch - when I manage to get out of bed early enough to fit it in. We eat healthy, no real dietary restrictions, but happy to accommodate - and learn from you!
Lila is 7, very creative, happy, loves to dance and make art, play outside, swim...all the usual kid stuff. She's pretty independent, very strong and intelligent, but also very sweet and loves to play with others. Our house is a simple home with a good vibe and good wifi.
WHERE WE LIVE ON ISLAY:
We're in a two-bedroom, one-bath cottage with a garden on Islay. Here, you'd have your own room with a double bed and shared bath. Islay is a gorgeous island in the Inner Hebrides famous for its peated whiskies. We'll be a 2-minute walk from the shore and there's a mini market 5 minutes walk. Otherwise, it's a 5-minute drive to the nearest town (or 15 min cycle - you can use my bike) with a shop and 2 pubs and 15 minutes to Bowmore, the main town with a bigger grocery store.
Islay is definitely for nature lovers (you can read into this that there's little else to do - except visit the numerous distilleries!!). Plenty of walks, birdlife, tide pooling, and extremely friendly people. It's a 2-hour ferry ride to the mainland of Scotland, then another 2.5 hour drive to Glasgow, or 1 hour(ish) drive to Oban. In the summer (April or May - end of September) there is a foot passenger ferry that takes people to Ballycastle, N Ireland in an hour and a half (though pretty pricey) if you're dying to escape on your days off.
Due to the shared bathroom I'd like an individual. As some of the help is with my daughter, I'm looking for someone with experience and references. I DON'T want someone who is constantly on their phone or is quick to put videos on for kids. I'm excited to host other travellers who like to engage in conversation over a coffee or a meal and share ideas. Any questions - fire away!
Please include the word RAINBOW in the title of your message to let me know you've read all of this. (It's the name of our cat, btw).
Happy travels!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I've spent years moving and working around the world, and have loads of stories to share. I loves to talk about philosophy, travel, our growth as humans, potentials for living in community, how we might fix a broken system(s)...
I was raised in the US, spent years moving around the world; my last 10 years were in Mexico where I ran a restaurant and mezcal bar before moving to Scotland last year. I now work for a whisky distillery!
Lila is Mexican-born, super fun and witty, and pretty well-travelled herself!
Au Pair Help
This host has let us know they’ll be complying with UK regulations for au pair stays.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
HELP NEEDED:
I need help mostly with a bit of cooking (looking for someone who is a decent cook of healthy food. Simple is totally fine) and keeping the house tidy (nothing major), walking the dog (who is incredibly sweet and obedient), as well as occasional help with Lila. At the end of May, in particular, we have a week-long festival on Islay where each day a different distillery hosts a party. I will need help with Lila on the Sunday all day as I'll be working it, and for an event here or there during the week. The rest of the time you'd be free to go to the festivals! So long as you're sober when it's time to take care of Lila :).
I'd like someone who is a decent cook of healthy food and very engaged, playful, active (no screen time), and confident with children. Someone who has experience with this age.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
We are fluent in English and Spanish. I'd be happy if someone was a fluent Spanish speaker and could practice with Lila, as I sadly, rarely do. (As a single mum, I can't tick all the boxes!).
Accommodation
We have 2 bed, 1 shared bath cottage (in Islay) and a large garden. You'd have your own room.
We have 1 very friendly dog and a super affectionate cat.
What else ...
WHISKY!! Tour some of the most famous distilleries in the world. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, hiking, bird watching, historic sites, hiking, puddle jumping, camping...how do you feel about hiking?
In Islay there's a very limited bus transport, but taxis will take you around the island. Or borrow my bike.
The people here are SUPER friendly.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a good wifi connection. I also work from home.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
