Badges (4)
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Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Activities we are interested in:
we are looking for hosts in February/march 2024 in California
Our next destination:
France View all
Description
Highly interested in house/pet sitting or
any short workaway stays near los angeles in February 2024
A little bit about ourselves:
Elke: After living for 13 Years in USA I'm fluently in English and love to practice the language and teach other people. I've taught Zumba in Germany and the states. In Germany I've worked in an organic food store which I enjoyed a lot. Back in the States I have decorated many houses and worked in different retail stores.
I'm good with animals and I love training dogs.
I can work hard and I'm sure no task is too big for me.
Martin: I am an musician and traveled a lot of countries. I love to cook. Walking the way of St James from Austria to Santiago de Compostela for 4 month in 2007 was a great experience.
Together we are a good team!
We love to explore new countries and meet new people.
Like to get involved in your family life with all it's duties.
Even though our own kids are adults now we still like to play with yours.
We are flexible in our schedule because we don't have a residence of our own by choice.
We are outgoing and open minded.
We love animals and love the nature.
We work well together but also as individuals.
We work independently and see the work.
We could continue with what we can do but the best is you just give us a chance to show you what we are capable of. And in case we can't do it, we definitely want to learn.
Our own car makes us flexible. It’s a bit bigger so we have to make sure we have space to park our campervan.
Recently we signed up for house and pet sitting which we also enjoyed. We took care of airbnb guest while the owner have been away. Walked their dogs and fed the cats and chickens. Of course not missing out on cuddle time.
Our philosophy of life is: Don't worry, be happy
Interests
CarpentryMountainNatureWinter sportsVan lifePhotographyPlant carePetsMusicFitnessGardeningDrawing & paintingDIY & craftsDancingCooking & foodCampingBeachArt & designAnimals
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
Art Projects
Some knowledge of:
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
More details about your skills
House work, Gardening, hosting and cooking, Children and pet care, Handy man work, cleaning. Experience in restaurant and bar.
And anything else we can learn!
Dancing(zumba) and music ( accordion)
Age
57 & 54
What else ...
We love life and all the things it has to offer. So far we have so many great experiences with workaway and house sitting that I could write a book about all the people we've met.
For now we don't want to go back to a basic 9-5 life. Workaway is so much more rewarding.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
noSpecial dietary requirements
no
Feedback
29 Jan 2024
Left by host (Help us with daily life in ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
I was so lucky!!
Elke and Martin are the best and most experienced workaways I ever had in my house. They helped to renovate a small apartment. They work like professionals . Were able to build everything, paint the whole place and also cleaned it. They perfectly complement each other.
I am looking forward to welcome them back in march.
Elke and Martin are the best and most experienced workaways I ever had in my house. They helped to renovate a small apartment. They work like professionals . Were able to build everything, paint the whole place and also cleaned it. They perfectly complement each other.
I am looking forward to welcome them back in march.
(Excellent
)
27 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help us with daily life in ...)
we had an awesome time at thesi. an honest welcome and a good balance of working and enjoying good food and good company makes us come back in march. we spent most of the working hours at her vienna flat and could use the spare time to explore the town.
thank you thesi for welcoming us back to look out for frufru, lillie and Pauli.
thank you thesi for welcoming us back to look out for frufru, lillie and Pauli.
(Excellent
)
22 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
We are so lucky that Martin & Elke reached out to us! We only got to spend one night with them, showing them around, before we left for several weeks and they took over house duties and caring for our animals. They were excellent communicators, always cheerful and smiling and we knew our home was in great hands! I left a looooong to do list and… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help with our garden social ...)
we had a wonderful time at our FIRST workaway in America!! even though we didn't spend more than one evening together we've bounded in the first second.
we have been taking care of their chickens, garden, house and tom cat Felix during their vacation aboard. we enjoyed the nature and the beaches here, which are basically a 5 min drive away .
we… read more
we have been taking care of their chickens, garden, house and tom cat Felix during their vacation aboard. we enjoyed the nature and the beaches here, which are basically a 5 min drive away .
we… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Feb 2022
Left by host (Join our organic gardens in ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke and Martin wintered with us in 2021, sorry it took so long to write but thats life. They were such happy campers and we got alot done, always with a smile and a laugh. They painted, built, cooked, danced, played music and stayed light-hearted in times of the shitty covid concerns. Elke was a sport hanging in the olive trees with me and the… read more
(Excellent
)
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Feedback
29 Jan 2024
Left by host (Help us with daily life in ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
I was so lucky!!
Elke and Martin are the best and most experienced workaways I ever had in my house. They helped to renovate a small apartment. They work like professionals . Were able to build everything, paint the whole place and also cleaned it. They perfectly complement each other.
I am looking forward to welcome them back in march.
Elke and Martin are the best and most experienced workaways I ever had in my house. They helped to renovate a small apartment. They work like professionals . Were able to build everything, paint the whole place and also cleaned it. They perfectly complement each other.
I am looking forward to welcome them back in march.
(Excellent
)
27 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help us with daily life in ...)
we had an awesome time at thesi. an honest welcome and a good balance of working and enjoying good food and good company makes us come back in march. we spent most of the working hours at her vienna flat and could use the spare time to explore the town.
thank you thesi for welcoming us back to look out for frufru, lillie and Pauli.
thank you thesi for welcoming us back to look out for frufru, lillie and Pauli.
(Excellent
)
22 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
We are so lucky that Martin & Elke reached out to us! We only got to spend one night with them, showing them around, before we left for several weeks and they took over house duties and caring for our animals. They were excellent communicators, always cheerful and smiling and we knew our home was in great hands! I left a looooong to do list and… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help with our garden social ...)
we had a wonderful time at our FIRST workaway in America!! even though we didn't spend more than one evening together we've bounded in the first second.
we have been taking care of their chickens, garden, house and tom cat Felix during their vacation aboard. we enjoyed the nature and the beaches here, which are basically a 5 min drive away .
we… read more
we have been taking care of their chickens, garden, house and tom cat Felix during their vacation aboard. we enjoyed the nature and the beaches here, which are basically a 5 min drive away .
we… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Feb 2022
Left by host (Join our organic gardens in ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke and Martin wintered with us in 2021, sorry it took so long to write but thats life. They were such happy campers and we got alot done, always with a smile and a laugh. They painted, built, cooked, danced, played music and stayed light-hearted in times of the shitty covid concerns. Elke was a sport hanging in the olive trees with me and the… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help me with little projects ...)
We've been with Marcus' as his first workawayers for 5 weeks and we had a great time. We stayed in his fully equipped apartment and it couldn't have been nicer. Fireplace, tv, italian coffee maker and grigio the cat which stayed with us some times. The work was clearing the woods, veggy garden, painting, cleaning, chopping wood, just anything you… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help me with my garden, my ...)
We had a fantastic time with Alessandra and her boys and many of her friends. She took us to beaches and sightseeing to introduce us to the area. We had a spacious room for ourselves. We helped in and around the house to give her some quality time with the boys. We had bonfires in the garden and the boys got really attached. Always hard to leave a… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke and Martin are two really nice people! Both are really good in cooking, Elke makes best Indian/Chinese kitchen and Martin knows original Austrian dishes!
They are positive and funny, Martin brings the typical Austrian music with him.
My kids loved them, doing zumba with Elke and some magic jokes with Martin made them immediately open their… read more
They are positive and funny, Martin brings the typical Austrian music with him.
My kids loved them, doing zumba with Elke and some magic jokes with Martin made them immediately open their… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2020
Left by host (Looking for some help with ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
ELke and Martin stayed with us for 5 weeks. It was a very good time. They helped both in and around the house. They did jobs on their own and they did them very well. They are a very good company and easy to get along with. As they are experienced workawayers it was very easy to introduce them into our home and farm. We had good talks and passed 5… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Looking for some help with ...)
We've stayed with Jutta and Marco for about 4 weeks and would choose this beautiful place again. Since they have so many feedbacks already which describe their place I will skip on that. To wrap it up in just some words : Many things to learn about farming, great food, cosy room, great company and worth to stay there!!
Definitely stopping by again… read more
Definitely stopping by again… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke e Martin stayed with us for 2 weeks and we had an extremely good experience!
We got in contact with them and immediately, within few hours, they answered enthusiastically, showing since the first moment reliability and professional attitude. Moreover they are very nice people, always smiling, easy going and of good company.
We asked them to… read more
We got in contact with them and immediately, within few hours, they answered enthusiastically, showing since the first moment reliability and professional attitude. Moreover they are very nice people, always smiling, easy going and of good company.
We asked them to… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Come and help us in the best ...)
This is a host which we can highly recommend!
The family is absolutely lovely and invites you into their lives right away. The work was easy and on our own schedule. We were lucky and stayed in one of their b&b rooms and felt like home. They are generous and easy going the location of the b&b is in a cute village with some bars and restaurants. If… read more
The family is absolutely lovely and invites you into their lives right away. The work was easy and on our own schedule. We were lucky and stayed in one of their b&b rooms and felt like home. They are generous and easy going the location of the b&b is in a cute village with some bars and restaurants. If… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
we've had a great exchance experience with Elke and Martin: fun couple, very respectful of each one spaces, easy going, flexible, extremely helpful and pro-active in the vineyard and at home...and always positive vibes! Recommended :)
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help us make wine at a ...)
We had a great time on the wineyard, learned a lot of things how the wine is growing and what hard work it needs to get a really good wine. We had always excellent food, homemade bread, visited many different places like Tortona, Alessandria, Chiavari when we had our days off. Feli, Massimiliano, Stefano and Oskar where always friendly, funny,… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help with some cleaning and ...)
We have stayed with Francesco, Anna, Emma and Jaspers for two weeks and really enjoyed the freedom they gave us. It's a young and modern family who is busy all day and we appreaciated being able to spend some time with them. The work was super easy , from walking the dog twice a day to cook dinner and some cleaning and painting jobs. We could… read more
(Very good
)
22 Feb 2019
Left by host (Help with gardening and ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Two fantastic people who worked so hard to help us with all kinds of jobs we needed.
Elke is a great zumba instrucice we miss our lessons and Martin as well as being an excellent handyman plays the accordion in a fantastic way. Thanks to the good moments spent together
Elke is a great zumba instrucice we miss our lessons and Martin as well as being an excellent handyman plays the accordion in a fantastic way. Thanks to the good moments spent together
(Excellent
)
11 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help with gardening and ...)
We had a wonderful time in Angelo Terme with Isacco and his family. Always treated with great home made italian food. On top of some garden and housework Martin played music at the restaurant and we had zumba lessons with family and friends. It's very easy to socialize in the bar near by the appartment and we also made friends very quickly. The… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Friendly, open-minded and ...)
What a wonderful family!! Filled with laughers and smiles. Especially Tamino the little one! He just makes you smile all the time :-)
Unfortunately we just stayed a week with them but during that time we accomplished a lot.
We had a great time and always had delicious food and a cosy warm room.
Mattsee itself is an adorable village and the bus… read more
Unfortunately we just stayed a week with them but during that time we accomplished a lot.
We had a great time and always had delicious food and a cosy warm room.
Mattsee itself is an adorable village and the bus… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Jan 2019
Left by host (Friendly, open-minded and ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke and Martin stayed for 1 week at our place and we had a great time together. They did fabolous work in our house and helped us more than we expected. Martin even worked on saturday to finish the tiles in the basement and Elke cleaned the house as it was never cleaned before.
We had some nice talks and they also played really lovely with our… read more
We had some nice talks and they also played really lovely with our… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Garden and villa help on the ...)
We have been with Åsa for a month and didn't really want to leave. We have worked a lot of odd things in and around her beautiful house and got rewarded with good food and wine. We didn't miss anything and would come back any time.
Too bad that we couldn't fit Charmy, her sweet dog, in our luggage.....
All the best for you Åsa and thank you for… read more
Too bad that we couldn't fit Charmy, her sweet dog, in our luggage.....
All the best for you Åsa and thank you for… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke & Martin have stayed with us for 4 month over the hot season this summer. They helped us with everything around the house and as well they took very good care of the guests that stayed in our Villa.
The big advantage of Elke & Martin is that they can work independent. I left with my family for 6 week of summer vacation and that worked out… read more
The big advantage of Elke & Martin is that they can work independent. I left with my family for 6 week of summer vacation and that worked out… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Enjoy nature and this little ...)
We found this wonderful place through another platform and invited the host to workaway, because we think more workaway travelers should get the chance to stay here.
Vence and Saint Paul are close by and always a perfect place to visit with many galleries and little shops and restaurants. To go to Nice is easy by bus or with the car you can be… read more
Vence and Saint Paul are close by and always a perfect place to visit with many galleries and little shops and restaurants. To go to Nice is easy by bus or with the car you can be… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Come and enjoy gardening, ...)
Maja and Christian have been wonderful hosts. The arranged everything to our best comfort and we felt welcomed from the first moment.
We had a great time with them working together a few hours a day. They took us on a bicycle tour to the lake and showed us around. For a few days we watched their cats and guniea pigs and harvested fruits and… read more
We had a great time with them working together a few hours a day. They took us on a bicycle tour to the lake and showed us around. For a few days we watched their cats and guniea pigs and harvested fruits and… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jun 2018
Left by host (Come and enjoy gardening, ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Martin and Elke stayed 10 days with us, we had a wonderful easygoing time, while together working, and found a well cared house and animals when coming home after 5 days out. They know by themselves what to do and do the work independently. They have done a very good cooking and bread baking in our solar cookers. We enjoyed the music with the… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
We had a very good experience with them. Very efficient couple. They set up good part of the garden according to our request. You just need to ask and they get immediately the point. Martin is a very talented hand worker. He loves to play with wood and is able to find every time the right solution, also when working on a budget and giving a new… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Come and help with our ...)
We had a great time with Cynthia, her kids and Massimilliano. We got clear directions on things we should do and it was never too hard. Our room was cozy and we had enough free time to explore the area. The food was delicious and the house was always filled with energy. The kids are adorable and we felt in love with them. Unfortunately we didn't… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Workawayers welcome to ...)
We have been at the farm for about 4 weeks and we loved it. Even the weather couldn’t hold us up from working on finishing touches. Marco welcomed us and even his friends helped us feeling home while he was away. A lot of jam sessions at the farm with friends and another workawayer. We enjoyed the special spirit at the place and found some new… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2018
Left by host (Workawayers welcome to ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke and Martin stayed almost four weeks with us. Just by their way of communicating (even before their arrival) we felt a very strong connection with them straight away. As we were not around for three weeks, Elke and Martin took over our place and treated it as if it was their own. They always kept everything going although they were facing… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Beautiful Rural farmhouse in ...)
We have been at Carl and Maria' s place 4 weeks in February to watch for their house and dog Tommy while they have been on vacation.
We had a pleasant stay in their studio which has everything you need. Tommy the pitpul is a super sweet cuddle dog and we trained him a bit during our walks through the area which is amazing. The near by village has… read more
We had a pleasant stay in their studio which has everything you need. Tommy the pitpul is a super sweet cuddle dog and we trained him a bit during our walks through the area which is amazing. The near by village has… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke & Martin, came to help me in January, they had some amazing ideas, re my wooden shelving project from Martin, and beautiful flower art for my living room walls from Elke, they both helped with painting my Spanish metal doors and railings leading to upstairs, this has helped me a lot :blush: I also very much enjoyed the music nights &… read more
(Good
)
3 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help me to sort out my ...)
We stayed almost 3 weeks with Kerry and her lovely cats.
Kerry is a very good cook and provided us with everything we needed and showed us around the nearby towns.
During the winter months the house get's a bit chilly but the fireplace and a heater in our bed room helped us to warm up at night.
Work wise we did a natural wood shelving unit she… read more
Kerry is a very good cook and provided us with everything we needed and showed us around the nearby towns.
During the winter months the house get's a bit chilly but the fireplace and a heater in our bed room helped us to warm up at night.
Work wise we did a natural wood shelving unit she… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Martin and Elke fitted in from day one. They are exceptional workaways - ALWAYS ready to help, regardless of how many hours they are been working for, respectful of our personal space, and incredibly capable. Beyond that, they are wonderful people, bringing interesting experiences to share, and the whole family loved having them around. Good luck… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Workout buddy and general ...)
This is a happy and welcoming family.
The kids are helpful, very nice and lovable.
The family lives with workawayers most of the time so they know how to plan out their days and involving us in their family/work live.
We had plenty of free time and Chris is a great cook and loves doing that but also enjoys if we cooked. While staying for four… read more
The kids are helpful, very nice and lovable.
The family lives with workawayers most of the time so they know how to plan out their days and involving us in their family/work live.
We had plenty of free time and Chris is a great cook and loves doing that but also enjoys if we cooked. While staying for four… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2017
Left by host (Help us with renovations and ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke was almost overly grateful because, via a mutual friend, we 'rescued' her from a not-so-good experience.
However, because we had students occupying all rooms at Noyant, Elke had to stay on her own at our 'project' home, 20-minutes away but I think she enjoyed the cosiness of Chapière and she certainly worked hard on any jobs I could give her.… read more
However, because we had students occupying all rooms at Noyant, Elke had to stay on her own at our 'project' home, 20-minutes away but I think she enjoyed the cosiness of Chapière and she certainly worked hard on any jobs I could give her.… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Help us with renovations and ...)
I've stayed with the family 2 weeks in November 2017. I will always be thankful that they have helped me out with my last minute request. They welcomed me with an open heart and I am going to miss them.
I had the farm house all to myself and they have provided me with more than I needed. I went to their house a couple of times to interact with the… read more
I had the farm house all to myself and they have provided me with more than I needed. I went to their house a couple of times to interact with the… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Aug 2017
Left by host (Learn about bio-veggie ...) for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
This was our first experience as hosts and Elke and Martin's first experience as workaways, so neither of us knew quite what to expect. But from day one we all got along like a house on fire discovering lots of mutual interests, and with masses of cross cultural sharing of information - Shamsiah is Malaysian, Adrian English, Elke is German and… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
(Learn about bio-veggie ...)
Shamsia and Adrian are our first workaway experiance and they spoiled us with their amazing food and great accommodation. We learned a lot and we are good friends now. We couldn't have asked for more. The work was fun and rewarding in every aspect. After work we went canoeing, or visited their friends which welcomed us to their families as well.… read more
(Excellent
)
