AngelSmith

United States
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Anyone hosting in Ireland, UK
My next destination:
Ireland - from Apr 2025 until Apr 2029
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Description
I'm an adventurous woman who's had lengthy careers in food & beverage service (restaurants, cafes, pubs), hospitality & tourism (hostels, hotels, country Inns, US Chambers of Commerce), marketing (websites, social media, print), teaching & education (US Public Schools, International Schools and private venues.)

I have several college degrees & certifications: I've also been a professional writer, commercial photographer, and web-developer. I've been a caregiver for disabled veterans and a companion/housekeeper for the elderly. I've picked limes on a finca in Ecuador, and cleaned stalls de los burros en españa, taught English in Da Nang Vietnam.

I'm outgoing and have great customer service skills yet also enjoy my own company and quiet, peaceful times.

I'm ServSafe Certified as a Kitchen Manager & Food Handler because I love cooking, eating and restaurant "service"..I"m certified to teach English online and also have American classroom teaching experience and tutoring experience.

I believe in conservation and sustainability. I use resources wisely, respecting mother Earth and personal boundaries. Water is life and is more valuable than gold. I live "close to the bone" and my lifestyle is not rooted in materialism.

I prefer longer-term situations, typically one month-minimum, but all offers will be considered without prejudice. Life is filled with endless possibilities, and I try to 'go with the flow' as much as possible. I stay on the positive side: continuing to believe that perhaps the pandemic has been birthing pains of a brave new world of global peace, healthy life, and a spirit of cooperation.. As they say in Ecuador, 'Ama la vida!"

I value simplicity and I"m not afraid to get my hands dirty or to put my back to the plow. All situations, tasks, opportunities will be equally considered, and respected.

Here's my Selfie:

I work in restaurants because I'm a foodie.
I've been a caregiver/companion (PSS, PCA) for elderly, and disabled veterans because I care about their welfare.
I've been a news reporter and photojournalist to search for Truth.
I've been a web-developer to connect to the world at large.
I've worked in offices and hotels and hostels, including reception because good hospitality is the beginning of peace..
I have experience as a tour guide because I've been lost before.

Perhaps I'm the helper you've been seeking.
Interests
Animals
Mountain
Beach
Books
Charity work
Cooking & food
Farming
History
Gardening
LGBTQ
Languages
Plant care
Photography
Pets
Politics / Social justice
Self development
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Writing
Fitness
Events & social
Hitchhiking
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
More details about my language interests
My goals are to become fluent in Spanish and French. I'm TEFL Certified to Teach English
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Art Projects
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
More details about your skills
..

In summary, my work and life experiences have allowed me the privilege of learning many different skills that I'm hopeful you will find useful in your project or business needs.
Age
62
What else ...
Prefer longer-term situations but
all hosting offers appreciated
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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Feedback

28 Dec 2024

Left by host (Explore stunning beaches and ...) for Workawayer ()

Renee and I always have the most interesting conversations. She always completed her daily work chores. Followed the house rules and did the house cleaning . She toke initiative and brought suggestions which I liked.
Wish her safe travels.

(Excellent )

28 Dec 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Explore stunning beaches and ...)

It's been three weeks since I left Casa Anna in Puerto Cayo, and in many ways I'm sorry I left Anna & Steve's estate. Perhaps it's my innate wonder-lust and wandering spirit that propelled me toward their gate, but I couldn't help feeling like I should stay a wee bit longer, even as I was walking out the door. This volunteer gig was stellar! I… read more spent nearly a month with Anna and Steve, and my experiences living in Ecuador definitely have been enhanced through hearing about and learning from their own experiences as permanent residents and business owners on the Ecuadorian Coast.

This is a great place for a new volunteer who needs to "get their feet wet" as a WorkAway or HelpX volunteer and I highly recommend this host to all. Anna and Stephen are seasoned veterans, hosting volunteers from around the world for many years: their respect for their helpers and detailed organizational skills cannot be understated. After having experienced a wide array of hosts, cultures, projects, and work-trades throughout the world, my experience at Casa Anna is remarkable for several reasons and ranks as "excellent" on too many counts to fully describe here. Perhaps most of all, I really appreciated how much mutual boundaries are respected, and how comfortable Anna & Steve make their guests feel. This was probably the best "working vacation" one could ask for!

The work itself is casual but consistent: Anna is great at instructing, directing and teaching (She would be a fantastic coach, mentor or teacher!), and her directions are clearly stated, helpfully detailed and she's really organized. This is great for volunteers because many times the hosts don't clearly define their needs or expectations and this can be confusing for new volunteers who may not understand the culture or language. However, Anna is really low-key and the exchange is non-stressful and enjoyable.

Some of the highlights of my stay were getting to know the dogs and cats and their personalities! I also really enjoyed the gardening: Anna knows the names of the different plants and trees and in spite of the current drought in Ecuador, their gardens and lawns are thriving. The estate is really well-presented and the accommodations were beyond comfortable: clean and safe and upscale. The other volunteers had left as I was arriving and so I didn't have much opportunity to hang out in the community kitchen for meals, but their outdoor kitchen is comfortable and clean and would be a great place for volunteers who like to socialize and chill out on the beach.

The estate is right on the beach, and the village of Puerto Cayo is only a short 15 minute walk either on the street side or on the beach! Anna took me on a tour of the friendly little community when I first arrived, and that helped me to feel comfortable and safe when venturing out on my own later. Puerto Cayo is a small fishing village, lined with little shops and restaurants and the shop keepers are friendly and accommodating; though they don't speak English, they like to practice, so be sure to say "Hello my friend, how are you?" when stopping by to purchase something. Also, Puerto Lopez and Jipijapa are only 30 minutes by bus and it's a good deal at only $1.00.

Twice a week, Fernando the fruit and vegetable man, stopped by the estate with his produce truck: another highlight of my stay at Casa Anna! I'd definitely recommend the artisan cheese, and the homemade hotsauce! The produce and fruits are inexpensive , fresh and tasty! Whatever is in season is sure to delight the palate!

I learned so much during my volunteer-stay at Casa Anna, not only about Ecuador its culture, but also about myself. I highly recommend Casa Anna to volunteers who are seeking a relaxed environment, consistent expectations for easy low-stress tasks, and a comfortable trade between host and volunteer based on mutual respect, open-mindedness, and peace. Thank you, Anna and Steve, for generous hospitality, well-appointed accommodations, and pleasurable trading! It was a pleasure to serve you!I hope we cross paths again!

(Excellent )

13 Nov 2024

Left by host (Surf and experience culture ...) for Workawayer ()

Nuestra experiencia con Renee ha sido muy positiva. Fue un intercambio enriquecedor, nos ayudo a mejorar nuestro ingles y siempre estuvo dispuesta a realizar las tareas del hostal. Gracias Renee fue un placer!

(Excellent )

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