Damiano

Travel information

I am currently

Description

My name is Damiano, I’m 33 years old and originally from Italy. I grew up in a small city called La Spezia in Liguria, right on the border with Tuscany.

In 2013, I attended a culinary course in Terni, near Rome, to become a Commis de Cuisine. While I’ve always had a passion for food, I quickly realized that working in the traditional restaurant environment was not where I saw myself. More importantly, during that time I became more independent and self-aware—something I’ve continued to search for ever since.

Soon after, and thanks to what I now see as fortunate turns of events, I started managing a Kayak and Paddle Board rental point in the Cinque Terre. At the same time, I worked part-time in a nearby hostel, where I eventually became an associate. Leaving the hostel in 2019, I can say those two experiences completely changed me: I went from being a “lone wolf” to truly enjoying the presence of strangers and the connections that travel brings. After those years in tourism, just before COVID, I explored a different lifestyle by working in mountain huts.

In the last year, I’ve also been involved in volunteer projects supported by the European Commission, such as ESC and Erasmus+. More recently, I joined two beautiful ecovillages in Italy, where I felt the most serene and connected I had been in years. These experiences have deepened my interest in community living, sustainability, and cultural exchange.

I’ve always been curious about foreign languages. I taught myself English and Spanish, which opened doors to unforgettable encounters and friendships. Today, I continue learning Portuguese and French. For me, communication is not just a skill but a way to embrace different cultures and feel at home wherever I am.

Alongside travel and hospitality, I’ve recently rediscovered a passion for working with the land. Helping a friend harvest olives sparked my curiosity about permaculture and sustainable practices. I find joy both outdoors and indoors, whether it’s physical work or creative projects. And, as a vegan for several years, cooking plant-based food has become a meaningful part of my daily life.

My goal now is to keep learning, exposing myself to new contexts, and finding that sense of “home” in different places around the world.

Interests

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Gardening

Animals

Carpentry

Self development

Performing arts

Books

Astronomy

Dancing

Vegetarian or vegan

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Plant care

Nature

Music

Movies & TV

Mountain

Languages

Hitchhiking

LGBTQ

History

Farming

Events & social

DIY & crafts

Cycling

Culture

Cooking & food

Charity work

Camping

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Portuguese: Intermediate
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
French & Portuguese

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

DIY and building projects

Eco Projects

Animal Care

Art Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

Life at a Farmstay

Charity Work

Languages

General Maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

More details about your skills

I consider myself a well-organized person, which allows me to multitask effectively and complete pending tasks quickly. I am a fast learner with a positive attitude, and I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds. In my previous jobs, I have interacted with individuals of all ages and cultures, and I believe I have a natural ability to connect with them, understand their needs, and make them feel comfortable.

Through my experiences in hostels, outdoor tourism, and volunteering projects, I’ve developed strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments. I also know how to cook and manage a kitchen, a skill that reflects both my background in culinary training and my commitment to a vegan lifestyle.

Above all, I bring enthusiasm, flexibility, and a genuine passion for creating welcoming spaces where people feel included and cared for.

Age

33

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  penicillin

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  Special dietary requirements
  Vegan