Colin

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
Activities i am interested in:
At home I am a communications consultant but taking sometime out to learn more about culture and people.

Hard working able to turn my hand to most things - trained chef and happy to cook!
My next destination:
Italy - from May 2024 until Dec 2024
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Description
I am a confident reliable and likeable person looking to take a few months out of the rat race to help me learn more about Italian culture and language as well explore and get to know more of a country I like to call my second home. Responsible and reliable, I like new experiences, to explore, listen and learn. I will turn my hand to most things but I'm an trained cook, excellent marketeer, amateur photographer/videographer and full time dreamer/philosopher.

I'm a youngish at heart, and to celebrate my 50th year I'm taking a year out to learn more about the world, people and myself.
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Technology
Team sports
Sustainability
Self development
Sailing / Boating
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Photography
Pets
Performing arts
Outdoor activities
Nature
Movies & TV
Music
Mountain
Gardening
Hiking
Fitness
Languages

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Languages
Languages spoken
Italian: Beginner
More details about my language interests
Would love to practise my very poor Italian.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
DIY and building projects
Being an elderly companion
Charity Work
Art Projects
Teaching
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Languages
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
More details about your skills
I’m a versatile adaptable person happy to turn my hands and head to anything. Brought up on a farm so no stranger to manual work, I then trained and worked in kitchens and hotels, before embarking on a 20 year career in communications and marketing. I like people and am using some time between jobs to explore more of Italy and learn more of the language.
Age
52
What else ...
I am taking some time out from my hectic job to learn more about culture and people. I'm a trained chef and love to cook for people - many other skills and interests from Marketing to Psychology. Hardworking and polite.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  No, will eat everything. I like good home cooked food!

Feedback

28 Jan 2024

Left by host (Your Adventure with quirky ...) for Workawayer (Colin)

Basically, Colin is a superstar workaway. If he wants to come and volunteer at your place, don't hesitate for a second!

Colin came to help us out at a very delicate time in our lives, in the midst of our separation. Thirteen years of hosting together did not prepare us to manage the help we needed to pry apart two lives that had been intertwined… read more

(Excellent )

15 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Colin) for host (Your Adventure with quirky ...)

I had an amazing opportunity to stay with Jon-Scot and Guido (and their delightful, slightly crazy pets) from August to November 2023, and I must say it was a truly life-changing experience. This unique Workaway stay, my very first, exceeded all my expectations.

From the moment I arrived, Jon-Scot, Guido, and their lovely friends welcomed me with… read more open arms. The warmth and hospitality I received were beyond compare, with invites to parties, dinners, tennis matches, lunches, olive picking, and leisurely walks. Their genuine kindness and eagerness to share their way of life made a lasting impression on me – it felt more like being part of their family than just receiving hospitality. Making someone feel so at home from day one is a unique and wonderful skill.

During my stay, Jon-Scot and Guido were going their separate ways (hence the reason other reviews might not match the current setup, as only Guido now lives in the house). While obviously sad, the separation was amicable and they are both wonderful people, who remain the best of friends.

The work I was involved in was not just about completing tasks but being an essential member of the household. Think of this role as being Alfred to Batman - be ready, plan ahead, and get involved in everything. The work was diverse, ranging from gardening and simple construction to taking care of animals, cooking, cleaning, and running errands to make their busy lives easier. This variety made each day exciting and rewarding.

The living arrangements were really comfortable, and the meals were delicious, often prepared (we took turns cooking) with locally sourced ingredients and eaten outside. I appreciated the effort Guido and John-Scott put into making sure I had everything I needed during my stay.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my stay was getting to know Italian life, a country I've wanted to experience for many years. Jon-Scot and Guido gave me the chance to immerse myself in the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle. I didn't just learn about their way of life; I had the privilege of becoming a part of it. I truly felt like a member of the community.

The relationships I built with Guido and John-Scott, their friends, and the local community were amazing. I formed lasting friendships, and the people I met enriched my life in ways I never expected. I left with a deep sense of gratitude for the connections I made and felt like my time was well spent making friends I hope to have for the rest of my life.

I can confidently say that my time spent with Guido and Jon Scott was transformational. This experience expanded my horizons, taught me new skills, allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways, and there was even a small improvement in my Italian language skills (parlare italiano è molto difficile per me).

If you're seeking a Workaway experience that goes beyond just work, you've found it. I am immensely grateful for the memories, friendships, and lessons I gained during my stay. I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to anyone seeking a life-changing adventure.

Thank you Jon-Scot and Guido, for the unforgettable experience. I will carry the memories, my love for your dog Ada, your carbonara recipe and your friendship with me forever. See you again soon, I hope.

(Excellent )