Enjoy cultural exchange in Brussels, Belgium

Details

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  Description

  Welcome to our happy little family! We are Cris (40), Valerie (7) and Vivian (3), world travelers, living in a place full of books in the very heart of Europe.
  Cris was born in Italy, learnt as a child that tomorrow isn't promised and has always lived her life with a positive attitude - and lots of singing. She tries to teach her kids to count their blessings and dare to have their own opinions even when they're against the tide.
  Valerie has a cheerful, loving personality and lots of friends to play with, but she's also able to be by herself when needed. She's very empathic to others and sensitive to environmental issues.
  Vivian is a strong-willed funny little climber who started singing before she even learnt to talk. She takes great care of her dolls and likes to think of herself as a big girl - or a Disney Princess.
  The girls are very fond of each other and laugh a lot together. They enjoy dressing up, dancing, getting creative with paint and crafts, swimming. Most of all, they know how to involve guests in their games as long as you can leave your phone aside when interacting. Please prepare for lots of reading cause the two of them are incredible bookworms! We have over 1.000 children's books which we like to hunt for in our traveling - we can never have too many :)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Babysitting and creative play

  Help around the house
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Having lived with host families myself in my high school and college times (US and Germany), I'm aware of the challenges and the incredible rewards of experiencing a different country from a local's point of view. I feel greatest respect for those who still choose to leave their comfort zone to go see the world for themselves instead of just peeking at it through a screen. Be our guest and I'll do my best to support you in your discovery of Brussels, help you make friends, show you the best places to eat and obviously my favorite bookstores. Our home is right in the middle of the EU district, a stone's throw away from free museums such as the House of the European History and the Parlamentarium. Beyond that, you'll have plenty of time to explore the wider city either by public transport (bus stop around the corner, subway 5 minutes away) or on a bike we're happy to lend you. Brussels is extremely international, the perfect place for language practicing through registered classes and so-called 'tandem exchanges' at the universities. It goes without saying that, as Italians, we're also happy to show you a bit of our traditions, so be ready to make tiramisu together - and much more!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  As a single mom by choice I'm used to having my ducks in a row so the actual help needed is very little. My main reason for hosting workawayers is the cultural exchange that goes with it. Having traveled a lot myself I'm looking to show my girls that there are many people with different habits, languages and traditions beyond our little family. Your main role here would be acting as an ambassador of your country and a big sibling to my girls. My preference goes to people with proven enthusiasm for being around children: you'll be bringing puppets to life, building huge Lego homes, reading stories together and hanging out at one of the many local playgrounds. Obviously I also expect you to get involved in the daily routine/household chores the way you would do in your own home (that'll be nothing heavy, we have a professional cleaner).
  It might be useful to know that you can always count on my presence, so no need to prepare meals or change diapers: I've wanted my girls more than anything in my life and I'm lucky for working conditions that allow me lots of time with them. This said, they are both in school or daycare until around 4:00, so during the day you are welcome to enjoy your free time.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Dutch: Intermediate
  Croatian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  We rent the smallest apartment ever, and we love it! You will have a little room for yourself, overlooking one of the best squares in Brussels. Food-wise you're very welcome to share breakfast and dinner with us, while at lunch we all eat on our own at work or in school so you should expect to provide for yourself.

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  What else ...

  Please don't write blindly, we can tell if a traveler is only looking for free accommodation. Standard messages will receive a standard reply, if any. Also, please don't write if you're coming to Brussels for your private business (including traineeships) and need a place to stay: while we give you lots of free time, we also need to be able to count on your flexibility e.g. if the girls are sick. Sadly we receive lots of messages from future trainees looking for a free stay, and we think there are lots of other platforms to find accommodation.
  If you're interested in staying with us you'll receive a questionnaire to fill out so we can get to know you better. You're obviously always welcome to ask us questions in your turn. Looking forward to hearing from you!
  !!UPDATE!! We are hosting a friend's cat whenever she's away. He's not always with us but I'm mentioning this in case you have an allergy.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 3 hours a day, 5 days a week

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