Experience the outdoors at my country cabin near Oslo, Norway

Details

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  Description

  Hi, My name is Joe.
  I am an American living in Norway for the last 40 years. I have recently taken out my retirement after working here as an art teacher with handicapped and non-handicapped young people.
  
  I am a creative man, enjoy arts and crafts, I like nature and I have a good sense of humor. I was an active ceramic artist for many years. I also have experence with wood working and carpenrty.
  Recently Ive been diagnosed the an auto -immune ailment which has reduced my mobility and balance.
  This is why I could use help in my garden.
  
  I enjoy nature and the challenges of gardening this far north in the middle of the forest.
  
  A few years ago I bought a cottage ruin which is located 40 min from Oslo, in the middle of the forest in Østmarka.
  After many years I managed to completly restore my cottage and am now in the process of landscaping the garden .
  Which is challenging because of the micro-climate.
  The cottage is in fantastic location, very quiet ,on a lake , in old growth forest . With no neighbours except for the dog sledding kennel /club which is 1 kilometer down the gravel road. But at the moment no one lives there.
  
  I have a few projects to start which need assistance .
  Mostly gardening and landscaping. Some basic carpentry skills would come in handy or I could teach you.
  
  I dont have electricity or running water at the cottage. There is an outhouse.
  
  Even though the cottage is isolated , its a very safe place to be alone....this is Norway!
  
  I live about 40min. away on Oslo .
  There is a bus that runs on a regular time table both to Oslo and the closest grocery store.
  
  There is limited to no internet at the cottage ,but I have it at home if you need to check in.
  But I have lots of books at the cottage.!
  I can provide pictures and more info . if your interested.
  Best wishes, Joe

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  As an ( older, 70 ) experienced teacher I am happy to share any knowledge I have reguarding Norway, Norwegian nature, Art and crafts, carpentry, botany, or life in general.
  
  If interrested to learn Norwegian, I can help teach you. Or help you with English.
  
  Walks in the forest, swimming in the (cold) lake, making Norwegian food together.
  
  You would have the opportunity to take the bus to Oslo after work if you like.
  
  I am a kind and patient man with a good sense of humor.

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  Help

  Self reliant , creative problem solver , with experence with gardening, English speaker, positive attitude ,easy going, non smoker , hard working, understand basic gardening. Enjoys nature.
  
  Some one that doesn't mind being alone in a lovely forest after a work day. But possible to take the bus into Oslo.
  
  Ive finished the renovation of the cottage and am now looking for a strong , sensible young person to assist me with the landscaping and some elementary carpentry. ( I was a carpenter before I became a teacher.) Work would be revolved around digging, planting and some building.
  
  Its possible that I will have a bicycle for you to use to bike to the bus stop, which is about 8 km. from the cottage.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Norwegian: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I speak both English and Norwegian. Ive taught both earlier. Im interested in learning Spanish.
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  Accommodation

  I have 3 buildings on my property. My helper would have his own bedroom. I will not be staying there over night. I usually just drive home. So this type of sistuation is ideal for someone who likes to be alone after work. Or take the bus to Oslo.
  
  Remember that in Norway in the summer its light outside quite late...to about 24:00...so its not very spooky being alone.
  
  The main cottage has a full kitchen with a gas stove and oven. I usually keep perishables in a ice chest. I don't have electricity or running water at the cottage
  
  I bring drinking water from home. I will provide the food according to the Workawayers needs.

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  What else ...

  Lots of beautiful nature to explore, fishing, swimming and as mentioned, there is a bus to Oslo very day .
  I also have alot of different books at the cottage.
  There is also a youth hostel / cafe Vangen about 4 km. away.

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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?

  Two

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