Hang with a local, gardening and help around the home in Bissendorf, Germany

Details

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  Description

  Hi… or Moin as we say around here 😊.
  My name is Matthias close to 30 and after years of traveling, I finally settled down. So, I kind of know how the game goes. On my travels, I met so many wonderful people and got hosted by the best people I’ve ever met. I start to feel that it’s my turn now to give back something. I guess that’s only fair after so many good experiences. Also, what does it cost me? It will also help me to stay in touch with the people currently travelling and take part in their journey.
  
  A little more about me. I am a blacksmith and artist. Currently in the so-called “Meisterschule”. Which translates “Masterschool”. So, I might be gone during the day. I decided to quit drinking over five years ago but still enjoy a good non-alcoholic beer. I don’t mind people drinking around me as long as they know their limit and still get their manners straight. Especially in my house. I also don’t do drugs. Even though I am “straight edge” I appreciate a good party that is not only about substance consumption. Back in the day, I travelled as a Journeyman blacksmith. In total, I’ve been abroad for six years. Three traveling and three studying in Sweden. One of the things travelling taught me was to keep an open mind. This is one of the things besides giving something back why I am doing this.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  Help around the house
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  As I said I am big into art. I love to make it myself and discuss it. If you are into art yourself there will be definitely space for you to create something yourself. I have everything at hand. There is some materials for doing this in the house. When I have some time, I would love to show you how to forge. It’s Always fun to show somebody how to do it who has done it never before. Considering culture exchange I’ve made the experience that you would really understand a country without hanging out with the locals for a longer period. Like when I was in Estonia and visited a traditional sauna with an Estonian. Or one of my English friends took me to the pub where his grandfather went every day, so they hung a brass plaque over the spot where he used to sit when he passed away. I would love to show you Germany how you could not experience it in a hostel in Hamburg, Munich, or Berlin. I would like you to leave the country not thinking that we all “have a broomstick up our ass”. As we say in Germany. Even though I know there is a big portion of people in this country who certainly have… When it comes to food… it might be beige but still very tasty. When to make German food for non-German people my go to food is always “Kartoffel-Puffer”. Kartoffel is German for potato, and you will find it in almost every food. Like for example “Bratkartoffel”. Both I am able to make on a grandma’s cooking style level. Other than that, I am famous for my “Pfannkuchen” which translate to pancake and will be served every Sunday for breakfast. ...almost forgot the brick oven in which i make fantasic Pizza.

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  Help

  I have a big garden and I was about to write it is beautiful. But to be honest it is out of shape now, and I feel a little overwhelmed with taking care of it on my own besides all the other things on the schedule. Other than that, I might need some help to get some stuff fixed in the house. Maybe... depending on the stock of fire wood some work on that. I will not ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do or didn’t do myself. I am also aware of the fact that you’re not paid in any kind of way except food and accommodation. So the tasks will also not be to much. One thing that you will definitely be asked to do is to clean up after yourself. If you have not been travelling since yesterday, you know the hustle with hostel kitchens. One thing I do not miss about travelling is to clean everything twice. Once before and once after using. You can use the kitchen any time you like but you would be asked to leave it behind in a nice way. I also do the weekly big cleaning after sunday breakfast which I would like you to partake in. One more thing I want to say in particular is for my male friends. In my house, you will sit down while being on the toilet. If you can’t obey this rule don’t come!

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  Swedish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  The house is from 1890. It is not the four seasons but I’ve stayed in worse hostels. There is no central heating and please don’t expect any fancy stuff. Still, there is a wood-fired oven in every bedroom and the shower is hot. Having travelled myself I know that it sometimes is very nice to just have a place to rest for a bit and not have to worry about too much. So, I know sometimes you want to just be let alone and close the door behind you. Don't worry you will be able too. You will get a space in one of the guest rooms for yourself.

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  What else ...

  I am located close to the city of Osnabrück. There is a Train leaving once an hour from the next village. I also have plenty of bikes which you are free to use. Osnabrück is a very old town and much history happened around the area like the famous “Varus battle” that happened three villages down the road. To be honest, Osnabrück is not very pretty and you won’t have as much to see as in the big cities but it’s cosy and the “Osnabrücker Land” is outstandingly beautiful. The Woods starts right across the street. There is a cute little river close by and in the summer we have an openair swiming pool in the Forest. So you have plenty of room to enjoy nature. There is also a lot of farms around so you might be able to even get a paid job. But no guarantee on that.

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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

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I am cool with bringing a pet. As long as they are still pets. Meaning I don't like if dogs eat food from the table or get fed during general meals. As well I don't want them on the Furniture or in the Bed.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week