Come and join me and my labrador in the Loire Valley, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi there,
  My name is Bernadette. I've been workawaying for several years and I found it was a wonderful experience and a smart way to travel and connect with local people.
  I now live in my country, in the Loire Valley where I bought a house that I have entirely renovated and refurbished.
  
  If you are a total non-smoker, come and share some time with us. You'll need to like to do brush painting and perhaps some other DIY. You can also help me in the garden.
  I ask for 3 hours per day (15 hours per week) but we can arrange that you do your hours on 3 days to have 4 days off in a row.
  In exchange, you'll enjoy a big sunny room and a private bathroom and 3 meals that we'll share (no booze provided though). If you wish I can provide vegetarian meals (but not vegan) but we generally eat fish or meat once a day.
  
  There are many wonders to visit and I'll be happy to give you tips about your program or even to take you to some monuments that I am happy to re-visit or discover with you (I don't know it all)
  
  We are in the middle of the countryside and the nearest public transport is 4 km away, so you'll need your own car. However I am happy to pick you up or take you to the nearest train station (Saint Mathurin sur Loire) or to give you a ride if I am available or when I go shopping.
  
  Please note : I have a friendly dog but her cuddles can be a bit boisterous. Also don't forget the countryside is not silent : my neighbours have sheep and hens and roosters and I have a little pond with many frogs !...and during the hot summer nights we sleep with the windows open (no air-con haha !).
  
  Please note that you'll also NEED to get a travel insurance.
  
  Thanks for reading this presentation down to the bottom. If you want to apply, please don't copy-and-paste a text that you have already served to other hosts and explain who you are and what is your travel plan. Make sure to include "froggy pond" in the title of your message so that I know you have actually read mine down to the end.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I was a teacher of French as a foreign language and later I have worked as a tourist guide. I can help improve your French and show you around (truckloads of things to discover in the Loire Valley, not only chateaux ;-)

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  Help

  I have a nice garden with lots of flowers (no vegetable), where there is always something to do
  This year I have a project to paint the pergola which stands outside the front door, and perhaps the pillars that are holding the garden gates. Normal house chores will be shared.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  German: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I have taught French as a foreign language in the Alliance Française in México
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  Accommodation

  Private room on the first floor with private access : double bed, closet, table and chair (it used to be my room before I moved to the other room which is ensuite). Bathroom on the ground floor with exclusive use. Shared toilets.
  You are welcome to use the kitchen and the sitting room or pull a chair under the shady cherry tree when it's hot outside.

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  What else ...

  Much to do in summer : walking, cycling, open air festivals... BUT no public transport nearby (my house is in the middle of a cereal farming area). Having a car is necessary. However, the nearest town and supermarket are only 4km away and I can take the helpers to the train station (8km)

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  The room has a table and a chair where you can connect your computer (see picture). Limitless internet. Good connection

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  Space for parking camper vans

  The driveway is wide enough for a small campervan.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 3 hours a day, 5 days a week