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26 Sep 2024
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Details
Description
I am a teacher living in a vibrant community close to downtown Ottawa. My cat and I live in a 104 year old 3 bedroom home. I speak three languages (English, French, and Dutch), and love to travel, meet new people, and learn about the world. I am a cyclist and triathlete, and a cycling coach as well as a teacher and regular dog sitter!
The community I live in is a short walk to downtown Ottawa and an even shorter walk to Chinatown and Little Italy. The community itself, Hintonburg, is known for its one of a kind shops and restaurants and proximity to the Ottawa river and access to Gatineau (Quebec).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Pets
LGBTQ
Plant care
History
Gardening
Books
Animals
Fitness
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I was born in Ottawa but come from a Dutch family. My parents immigrated to Canada shortly before I was born. I speak English, Dutch, and French, and am a French teacher. I am happy to talk about and share Canadian and Dutch cultures, and I am also well versed in Canadian history - if this is an interest to you I am happy to talk about how the country was established, and show you the sites of downtown Ottawa that connect with the Confederation.
I will happily include you in family functions as well! I have 5 nieces and nephews and two sisters, and we are a tight knit group.
I love to learn from others - cultures, foods, languages, etc. I value connections with others and feel we can all learn from one another!
Help
I am looking for help with general maintenance in the house, including gardening, organizing, painting, helping with building a deck - in general, helping to update an old home! I am quite handy in the garden and with painting and would be happy to teach you and share these skills with you. My dad would be the main “lead” on building the deck and is a skilled handyman who would happily teach you new skills. This will mainly be done together when I am home during the summer, but during the school year (September-June) I will be working during the day so you will have the house to yourself and we would complete tasks usually together when I am home. All of these tasks lend themselves to being able to chat and get to know one another.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I would love to practice my Dutch speaking, as it is mainly limited to speaking with my family. My French is also limited to speaking mainly with students at school, so speaking in a social setting would be very helpful for me! If you are looking to practice your English, Dutch, or French, I’m more than happy to help you with that. As a teacher, I am passionate about learning and sharing my skills with others!
Accommodation
The house has one shared bathroom, but you would have your own room with a queen sized bed on the second floor. There is also access to an office, wifi, and various streaming services. I have a big backyard and deck for outdoor time as well! There are TONS of places to go within walking distance and easy access to public transit. I would be happy to show you around or give you suggestions on where to visit.
Before you arrive, we can talk about food - would you like to eat together, on your own, what sorts of things you would like me to stock for you, etc. I am happy to share meals!
What else ...
I live very close to the Parliament buildings, which is a great site to see when visiting Canada. There are always lots of festivals and different things happening in and around Ottawa where you can meet others and learn different cultures. I also live quite close to Gatineau, which is a gorgeous place for hiking and biking.
I have an elderly cat who will want to cuddle with you.
I am sober and don’t mind if you want to have a beer or a glass of wine with dinner, but prefer minimal drinking.
No smoking, please - I have bad asthma.
I can host for a maximum of 2 weeks, though if you are looking for slightly longer, please reach out and we can see if it works!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have an office space that you are welcome to use. I am happy to work with you to sort out a schedule that works with your work schedule!
Can possibly accept pets
I am okay with dogs who are house trained and will not chase the cat!
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
3-5 hours, 4-5 days a week.
Feedback (1)
It was my first workaway experience and it was really nice. It felt like I was home almost immediately and by staying there I was able to live at a nice place and experience Ottawa. Marieke is a very nice, open minded and helpful person.
I did some work in the garden and infornt of the house… read more
Photos
Feedback
It was my first workaway experience and it was really nice. It felt like I was home almost immediately and by staying there I was able to live at a nice place and experience Ottawa. Marieke is a very nice, open minded and helpful person.
I did some work in the garden and infornt of the house… read more
