Join our family and enjoy the Alps in Leysin, Switzerland

Details

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  Description

  Come to a Swiss chalet in the heart of the Alps - a ski station in winter and an outdoor mecca all year. My daughter and I have three cats, which are very independent but love attention (sometimes!) and one small hypo-allergenic dog, who loves playing ball and cuddling. It's a simple life with an amazing view. I work at home but travel often so need help to care for animals and the house . We (not the animals) are vegetarian, love chocolate and cheese and often have a house full of international visitors. We speak English, French and rusty Japanese. Our village is home to expats from around the world- vibrant, diverse, nature-lovers. Looking for people to stay for one month minimum, and as long as you're comfortable here. Our last guest stayed 6 months and became part of the family. Working hours are flexible and somewhat dependent on my work schedule too, but we'd ask for help with house and yard work and animal care.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Pets

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Performing arts

  

  Languages

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Cycling

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Mountain

  

  Winter sports

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Camping

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Aside from being available when needed and doing some daily chores, your schedule is yours. We often have visitors from around the world. The area is full of year-round festivals and events. We live a 10 min walk to the ski lift. It's a biking, rock climbing, running, sport paradise. Or a wonderful place to watch the sun rise and set. There is a free village bus stop 10min away. There is one cog train an hour taking you to a more accessible train station. Hitchhiking is acceptable in this region and many try to carpool when making longer trips.

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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

  We need help to care for the animals and house on a somewhat daily basis, but primarily when I travel. You would need to feed the cats as they show up and tend to the litter box if needed. They live mostly outside but like to sleep in. The dog is often with me but needs love, walks, care when I'm away. My timing is random. Sometimes I travel for several days/weeks at a time. The animals are very easy and will share your bed if you let them. We also need assistance with house/lawn care, and occasional presence to help out with our random scheduling. Help with DIY tasks is a bonus. There are no set hours or time of work, though there is rarely a need to wake early and the nights are free. There will be lots of time explore the area and do your own thing. Star loves to follow along, on foot or in her backback. We're looking for someone flexible, who's willing to help out where needed, max 3-4 hours a day, and/or house/pet sitting when I'm absent.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Japanese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We speak English in the home but can also do French and get by in rusty Japanese. If you speak German, my daughter would love to learn more. We're eager to learn basics of any language
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  Accommodation

  We live in a 3-story chalet overlooking the Swiss Alps. You would have a small, single room with a bed/ mattress on the top floor. There is a cozy, hang-out space on the same floor. The area is shared with my daughter when she's with me (every other week) and visiting guests. There is a bathroom with shower available on the same floor.
  
  We'll share a kitchen, and other areas. You are welcome in our daily lives and home . You're welcome to eat with us, but our schedule is often random and I'm a simple chef. If you like cooking- we'd love to try! We're vegetarians but you are welcome to cook your own meat. Food will be available, though I don't purchase meat for others, and you don't want me to!
  
  There is parking space available if needed.

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  What else ...

  We have an open door policy. You can do as you like, when you like, as long as you can be available when we need pet/house care. There can be a mountain bike available for transport. If you love the mountains and want to hike, climb, ski, or have other outdoor adventures, this is your haven.
  No smoking, excessive drinking or drugs allowed in the house. In order to respect our space, we ask you to use airbuds if you're listening to music, etc. . Mutual respect and communication are absolute musts. We have a piano and guitar for those who like to play.

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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

  There is a relatively private space on the top floor you can set up to suit your work habits/needs. Internet is usually smooth and efficient. I also work from home many days but have a private office.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Star

  Star is love incarnate. She is sweet, calm, and active. She can walk long distances, but is equally happy in a backpack. She is obsessed with balls, loves the snow and cuddles. She's hypoallergenic, social and gets very attached to her people.

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