Become part of our family home while exploring surroundings of Belgrade, Serbia

Details

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  Description

  I’m Dubie — a writer, vintage and antiques collector, former jazz-club manager, and the person responsible for several projects that apparently aren’t going to finish themselves.
  
  Originally from Serbia, I have spent most of my life abroad. Seven years ago I moved to Belgrade, where I still enjoy meeting people from different cultures.
  
  I live in Dorćol, central Belgrade, with my two sons, Skye (19) and Lucas (17), our dog Luna, and our cat, Bird. My background spans publishing, hospitality, cultural events and digital media. I enjoy finding possibilities in things other people overlook, which explains both my projects and the quantity of objects involved.
  
  I’m looking for someone who would enjoy our world and make a useful contribution to it. In return, I offer a welcoming place to stay, local knowledge, interesting company and respect for your time and skills.
  
  Our family is an affectionate but independent bunch, each with our own rhythm. You’re more likely to find us together watching a TV series in the evening, playing Monopoly at the weekend—with all the diplomacy that requires—or heading out of town than sitting down to dinner at a fixed time. You’ll feel most at home here if you enjoy company but are also comfortable doing your own thing.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Events & social

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Self development

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Blogging

  

  Performing arts

  

  Writing

  

  Music

  

  Books

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Dancing

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You'll get to experience everyday life in a colorful, international household in Belgrade and explore the city in your free time. Having lived as expats for many years, we enjoy exchanging stories and perspectives with people from different places.
  
  I used to be deeply involved in Belgrade’s cultural scene and nightlife, and over the years I’ve collected more colourful characters than antiques—which, in my case, is saying something. Many have become close friends: musicians, artists, actors and other colorful individuals who always have a story to tell. Somehow, whether through karma or the promise of coffee, they keep finding their way to our home.
  
  If you’re creative, curious, or prone to conversations that take unexpected turns, you’ll probably feel right at home. Artistic talent is welcome, but a sense of humour will get you just as far.

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  Help

  I offer a cultural exchange at our family home. We’ll agree on the arrangement, tasks and schedule before confirming your stay.
  
  We can host one person in a private room with a single bed and a shared bathroom.
  
  Depending on your skills, help could include:
  • Spanish conversation and lessons for my sons.
  • Cooking and light household or garden tasks.
  • Walking our dog Luna.
  • Repairing and creatively repurposing old objects.
  
  The repair and repurposing projects belong to a separate personal hobby: rescuing forgotten objects and finding imaginative ways to make them useful—or simply loved—again. I enjoy preserving their history and character while giving them another purpose. Someone practical, inventive and happy working with their hands would have plenty to get interested in.
  
  We’ll agree on a manageable selection of tasks suited to you. Speaking Spanish doesn’t automatically qualify you to repair a chair, and I won’t assume otherwise.
  
  Help is four to five hours a day, five days a week. Most timings are flexible, although Spanish lessons should be in the afternoons and Luna’s walks are in the morning and/or evening. These all count within your agreed hours. We cover her walks on your days off.
  
  WHAT MAKES A GOOD MATCH
  
  I appreciate people who turn up when agreed, notice what needs doing and follow a task through to completion. Once we’ve discussed how something should be done, I’d like you to take ownership of it. If you’re unsure, ask; if something isn’t working, tell me.
  
  I’m happy to explain, share ideas and help you settle in. The arrangement works best when you bring initiative too. I already provide the projects; supplying everyone’s motivation would stretch the service somewhat.
  
  Your agreed hours should produce useful progress. Your free time is yours to enjoy, and central Belgrade gives you plenty of ways to spend it.
  
  WHEN YOU WRITE
  
  Please tell me:
  • Which arrangement interests you and your available dates.
  • Which tasks you could confidently take on.
  • One example of something relevant you’ve made, repaired, organized, taught or completed.
  • What you’d like to learn during your stay.
  
  For Spanish lessons, tell me your language level and any teaching or conversation-practice experience.
  
  A short, specific message gives us a much better starting point than a general introduction. I’d like us both to arrive knowing why we’re a good match.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Serbian: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I'd especially welcome a native Spanish speaker who'd be able to engage my two sons, aged 17 and 19, in Spanish conversation and give them fun and informal lessons. Serious and formal lessons will do too. If you can enforce them, I won't stand in your way.
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  Accommodation

  You can stay in a small, quiet room in our house with a window, single bed, shelves and drawers. Bed linen and towels are provided.
  
  Meals are relaxed and mostly self-service: everyone eats when they’re hungry. We’ll provide food and ingredients for three meals a day, and you’re welcome to use the kitchen, help yourself to whatever’s available, and raid the fridge for snacks. If you enjoy cooking, you’re welcome to make something to share, too.
  
  The most appealing feature of our home is the exterior area surrounding the house, There are several separate sitting (working) ambients outside, so if you need time alone you can always find a quiet spot where no one will disturb you. The house and garden are surrounded by apartment buildings, so it must be quiet after 10 pm. You're welcome to sit outside quietly or work with headphones later in the evening.

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  What else ...

  Dorćol is one of Belgrade’s oldest and most characterful neighbourhoods, with a lively mix of cafés, bakeries, traditional restaurants, galleries and independent shops. It’s a lovely base for exploring the city, enjoying its cultural life or simply watching the world go by over coffee.
  
  Our house is located within 2 minutes walk to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress; 10 minutes walk to Knez Mihailova, the main pedestrian shopping street, in one direction, and 10 minutes walk to the riverside in the other direction. The riverside is ideal for walking, jogging and cycling.
  
  Public transport makes it easy to explore the city further. Local buses and the tram network connect Dorćol with the wider city, while nearby central transport hubs offer onward connections to Vračar, New Belgrade, Zemun and other districts. Regular city public transport is currently free for everyone, including visitors. Most central sights can comfortably be explored on foot, so you won’t need a car.

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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

  Digital Internet line with high internet speed ( 700/70 Mbps)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  

  Bird (2 years)

  

  Luna (8 years)

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