Learn new skills and experience life in a small historic Canadian town in Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario, Canada

Details

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  Description

  WELCOME:) Come build community & spent time with queer-positive people!
  
  We're a creative single mother, Silk, and a thirteen-year-old non-binary youth, Soleil. We run Freedom House, an inclusive and welcoming international guesthouse. It’s in an old Edwardian heritage home with lots of light and charm and a big, park-like property.
  
  Niagara-on-the-Lake is beautiful! You’re not going to find a prettier small town in Canada. But it’s also pretty conservative - so, for us creating a positive, queer-friendly, creative and inclusive multi-cultural environment for Soleil to grow and thrive in is really important. So welcome!
  
  We back onto main street, with its busy cafes, shops, coffee shops and restaurants - so it feels like we're both in the country and at the heart of the town.
  
  Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of historic houses, little cafes, a world-famous theatre, and in the summer, streets bursting with flower beds and hanging baskets. Horse-drawn carriages roll down the streets.
  
  In winter, there are giant ice blocks, and the town looks like a picture postcard of a winter wonderland. The lake is only short stroll away. Along the lake and Niagara River are amazing walking and cycling trails. The whole area is full of amazing green spaces, parks, trails and national historic sites.
  
  The surrounding area is also home to fruit orchards and lots and lots of vineyards. It's famous for its wines, cider and craft beer. Walk from our house to wineries for wine tastings.
  
  We look forward to meeting you!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House sitting
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Experience life in a small historic Canadian town. The old town, where we live, is a designated Canadian heritage site, with lots of interesting original character homes, museums and art galleries.
  
  We're right next door to the Shaw theatre, one of Canada's finest. It runs several award-winning plays throughout the year. See a world class production.
  
  As a former ESL teacher, I have lots of experience helping people from all over the world feel at home and comfortable expressing themselves. We would be happy to help an English language learner practice and gain confidence and fluency. Soleil also makes a great tutor! We can both get by in Spanish.

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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

  Tech help please. I’m terrible with technology and could use your help.
  
  Yoga and massage practitioners welcome. We’d love to do a class or learn different massage modalities.
  
  Other help we could use: doing diy house project, as well as doing fun, creative projects with Soleil (13 years). Cooking yummy vegetarian meals, gardening, playing music, ogling our adorable bearded dragon, making art: all things we invite you to come do with us.
  
  As a former ESL instructor, Silk would be happy to help you practice your English in a safe and relaxed family environment. It really is the best way to gain fluency!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We’d love to practice our beginner Spanish with Spanish speakers!
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  Accommodation

  You'll have a nice cozy and sunny front bedroom. The bathrooms are shared with myself and Soleil.
  
  We can lend you a bike during your stay. It's the best way to get around here!
  
  I will provide food for meals, though I'd love some help preparing it. In general, everyone helps themselves to food when they’re hungry, and then we usually sit down together for dinner. You're also welcome to do your own thing when you feel like it.
  
  We're a vegetarian household (with dairy and eggs, but not seafood) and eat lots of banana pancakes, tacos with guacamole, spaghetti with veggie sauce, tofu and chow mein veg stir fry, etc.. If you're an omnivore, you're welcome to bring pre-prepared meat items into the house and store and heat them up, but we ask that you don't cook meat in the house.

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  What else ...

  There is so much to see and do here: riding bikes along the Lakeshore trail, hiking in the parks, visiting cultural sites, museums and art exhibits. Live music. Parades. Winery tours and wine tastings. Ice wine. Peach wine. Apple brandy. Or wander around old town sampling gelato from the many shops.
  
  Niagara Falls is only a half hour away, with a sky wheel and a zipline over the falls.
  
  We had two art student sisters from New York helping out, and it was a blast. They were very much a part of our family. They came to the "secret beach" with us and floated around in flamingo and unicorn floaties. They made art and figured out how to install an outdoor shower. I am immensely grateful for them and would love to continue hosting positive, fun folk - and sharing this beautiful global green village.

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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

  We have high speed internet and a good connection.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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