Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Feedback
-
ID verified
Email verified
Country info
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi,
I’m a new homeowner in Alsace. I’ve got the most divine view of vineyards and a chateau and the very beginning of the Vosges. I also have arthritis in my knees and am finding myself a bit challenged getting everything done I would like. The house itself is nearly finished being renovated (floors, walls, kitchen, bathroom, additional windows), just a couple of detailed bits to complete, but I’m not quite able to get everything moved around and put away properly, artwork hung, rugs moved, garden started, etc. The yard also needs a couple of raised beds built, lots of prep work, and the compost space to be made.
My village is on the Alsatian Route du Vin.
I speak French and English.
I used to explore the world. These past several years, I have not traveled much at all. Workaway seems a wonderful opportunity to continue experiencing my love of culture through sharing my home with others who would like to do the same. A shared, intercultural exchange would be a fantastic way to keep my international exploration going.
If you enjoy and are good at working with your hands, building things, carrying things … if you like fox terriers and gray kitties … if you enjoy rural village living, simply cooked, fresh, mostly local foods … and if you would enjoy mixing cultures and sharing space and conversation, this workaway might be for you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Culture
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Movies & TV
Plant care
Photography
Music
History
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Mountain
Nature
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I’m a US-born French-American. I speak French and English. I’m well-traveled, and I teach at the University of Strasbourg, specializing in intercultural themes, democratic citizenship, plurilingualism, and linguistic mediation. All of my neighbors are native Alsatians, and they speak Alsatian, as well as French.
All around is great natural and cultivated beauty. I enjoy going to the Vosges mountains, and you would be welcome to come with me. I also have lots of exploring to do of tourist sites, and again, company is welcome. Weather permitting, I roll down the windows, put on nice road trip music, and enjoy all five senses. Finn comes with.
All of Alsace has cultural highlights. Marchés aux puces are found in most villages across spring weekends. Villages have their special festivals in summer. Music proliferates. Outdoor movies are shared. Cultural presentations are ever-changing and abundant.
You can be as immersed in cultural exchange as you choose to be.
Help
I’m looking for a handy person to help with tasks I am limited in doing myself. I’ve three rooms plus the basement to sort out. There will be carrying, organizing, hanging things on the walls, and such. There is one area I would love to hang sliding doors and another that I'd like to sort out a clothing rod, also a clothes drying line.
There are also yard tasks: building raised garden beds; carrying dirt; preparing areas for planting; sorting out the compost area; building a backyard agility course, and more.
I do not have handy skills myself, or hanging-things-on-the-walls skills, so those you will need to arrive with. I am open to different opinions and appreciate the chat. Some space for your creativity and vision. Design skills welcome.
Your good energy is appreciated here in my home!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: Beginner
Accommodation
The house has just been renovated. There is a full bath and a half bath. Your bedroom has a full size bed, a chest of drawers, two bedside tables, and a low table for a suitcase.
I prepare fresh local foods, veggie heavy but also meat. We will need to discuss your dietary needs and see how they can be met.
There’s a piano and I would love to enjoy listening to you play it.
What else ...
My village has a limited bus and train service. There is a nearby town that is easy to reach by this limited service, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere.
I would prefer non-smokers, including no vaping. I’m happy to share apéro and prefer reasonable alcohol consumption. General good manners, kindness, respect, honesty, and integrity are necessary.
Alsace is an incredibly beautiful region. Germany and Switzerland are very close; the Vosges are very close; the history and culture are vibrant. You can take day trips or weekend trips to pretty much anywhere. Cultural events, cities, small towns, nature, history... I'm a question away with suggestions.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a dedicated office/sewing room. The dining table is often my preferred work space. The breakfast counter in the kitchen and the potting table in the basement in front of a large window are also workspace options. We would just need to negotiate your and my needs, times, and spaces.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a camping in our village. This accommodation would be yours to arrange.
Can possibly accept pets
One dog only, and entirely dependent on if your dog and my Finn get along. If not, I'm afraid the workaway would not work out.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Gary
Gary joined our family soon after we arrived in France. First, he was my son’s cat. Then he was my second daughter’s cat, until he became my oldest daughter’s cat. But really, I think he is my cat.
Finn
Finn is a fox terrier x, found at an SPA, with me for 7 years now. He is my constant companion.
Photos
