Michael

United States
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Exploring this world through new experiences whether alone or within a community I am always interested in joining up people
Description
Grew up in Northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL (Arlington Heights), studied Marketing at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Moved to Yuma, AZ in July 2015 to become an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America). Basically, VISTA is the U.S. domestic version of the Peace Corps designed to send people across the United States to alleviate poverty by building capacity for their sponsoring organizations.

I'm an avid adventurer and enjoy connecting with locals, sharing their story. I'm a CouchSurfing host and guest, rock climber (mostly bouldering), Rugby back, professional volunteer, served on the Board of a Nonprofit organization, been a Leader for many volunteer events, promoter, graphic designer, content creator, marathon runner, tough mudder finisher, dog walker and cat cuddler for Humane Society, and I am deeply interested in traveling the world to meet people, learn, and continue the journey.

CouchSurfing Profile: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/michael-frisella
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/michael.frisella.10
Travel Blog: https://www.vividjoysofuncertainty.com

My Past and Future Workaways
1. Harvesting Olives for Olive Oil Production in Sciacca, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 (5 - 28, October 2017)
2. Harvesting Olives and Odd Jobs in Furci Siculo, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 (5 October - 15 November 2017)
3. Dog and Cat Boarding Shelter in Orte, Italy 🇮🇹 (16 November - 1 December 2017)
4. Guest Reception and Tour Guide In Hostel Miran in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 (20 December 2017 - 9 January 2018)
5. Cheesemaking and Milking Goats 🐐 🐐 🐐 in Begoviči, Montenegro! 🇲🇪 (10 January - 25 March)
6. Painting 👨🏻‍🎨, Carpentry 🪚 , and Wedding Photography 📷 at Yoga 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Retreat in Palairos Lefkada, Greece 🇬🇷 (3 - 30 April, 2018)
7. Small farm holding 👨🏻‍🌾 in Karnobat, Bulgaria 🇧🇬(7 May - 1 June)
8. Teaching English 👨🏻‍🏫 and Childcare in Saint Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺(4 - 21 June, 2018)
9. Teaching English 👨🏻‍🏫 in Saint Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺 (22 June - 15 July, 2018)
10. Guest reception and Bartender 🍹🍻 Hostel 🏨 in Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭(16 July - 9 August, 2018)
11. Dairy Cow Farm 🥛 🐮 👨🏻‍🌾 in Ogimi, Okinawa 🏝️, Japan 🇯🇵(3-27 June, 2023)
12. Glamping; maintenance and construction ⛺️🎩👒⛺️ in Yongin-si, South Korea🇰🇷 (June 29 - July 26)
13. UPCOMING…..Hostel, constructing an Ice 🧊 Plunge 🛁 🥶 and Bartending 🍹in Koh Phangan Island, Thailand 🇹🇭 (August 6 - September 6)
14. THIS COULD BE YOU!!!
Interests
Winter sports
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Photography
Outdoor activities
Nature
Self development
Sustainability
Languages
Hitchhiking
Movies & TV
History
Hiking
Gardening
Fitness
Farming
Events & social
DIY & crafts
Culture
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Camping
Books
Beach
Architecture
Animals
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
More details about my language interests
I have a TESOL CERTIFICATE IV from Australia Pacific College. I have taught classes in Melbourne, Australia.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Languages
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Teaching
More details about your skills
Manual labor, heavy lifting, quick-learner, avid-reader, graphic design and content creation, social media marketing, video editing, website & logo design, basic landscaping and gardening, self-taught cook, amateur theater actor and drama experience including improvisation, and previously a nanny for a 12 year old girl and 14 year old boy.
Age
37
What else ...
CouchSurfing Profile: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/michael-frisella
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/michael.frisella.10
Travel Blog: https://www.vividjoysofuncertainty.com

My Past and Future Workaways
1. Harvesting Olives for Olive Oil Production in Sciacca, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 (5 - 28, October 2017)
2. Harvesting Olives and Odd Jobs in Furci Siculo, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 (5 October - 15 November 2017)
3. Dog and Cat Boarding Shelter in Orte, Italy 🇮🇹 (16 November - 1 December 2017)
4. Guest Reception and Tour Guide In Hostel Miran in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 (20 December 2017 - 9 January 2018)
5. Cheesemaking and Milking Goats 🐐 🐐 🐐 in Begoviči, Montenegro! 🇲🇪 (10 January - 25 March)
6. Painting 👨🏻‍🎨, Carpentry 🪚 , and Wedding Photography 📷 at Yoga 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Retreat in Palairos Lefkada, Greece 🇬🇷 (3 - 30 April, 2018)
7. Small farm holding 👨🏻‍🌾 in Karnobat, Bulgaria 🇧🇬(7 May - 1 June)
8. Teaching English 👨🏻‍🏫 and Childcare in Saint Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺(4 - 21 June, 2018)
9. Teaching English 👨🏻‍🏫 in Saint Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺 (22 June - 15 July, 2018)
10. Guest reception and Bartender 🍹🍻 Hostel 🏨 in Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭(16 July - 9 August, 2018)
11. Dairy Cow Farm 🥛 🐮 👨🏻‍🌾 in Okinawa Island, Japan 🇯🇵(3-27 June, 2023)
12. Glamping; maintenance and construction ⛺️🎩👒⛺️ in Yongin-si, South Korea🇰🇷 (June 29 - July 26)
13. UPCOMING…..Hostel, constructing an Ice 🧊 Plunge 🛁 🥶 and Bartending 🍹in Koh Phangan Island, Thailand 🇹🇭 (August 6 - September 6)
14. THIS COULD BE YOU!!!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

Website Safety

Feedback

30 Jul 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about the tropical and ...)

By far one of the top experiences you could ever hope for. This is a truly an authentic, unique, and genuine Workaway. It's the reason to travel and work along the way. Okasan, Otousan, Kotomi-San, Keiji-San, Nikka-San, Aimi- San, Karoo-San, Byu-San, and all the amazing volunteers. I learned so much from everyone. I am grateful for all the… read more

(Excellent )

2 Aug 2018

Left by host for Workawayer ()

We accepted Michael as a best friend or even as a family member. Michael is very good with children. Maxim liked very much to communicate with him. Michael put things in order in the kitchen, setting the kitchen utensils and plates in the best possible way. He also helped us in the fight against weeds.
The rest of the merits and requirements for… read more

(Excellent )

1 Aug 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help our family with English ...)

Duration of Stay: June 4 - June 14. My shortest Workaway and I decided to leave early.

The good; Gennady and Maxim are quite the Father-Son duo. I enjoyed getting to know them both while experiencing Russian life at the southwest edge of Saint Petersburg city. We explored Gatchina Palace together, played numerous UNO games, and had many laughs.… read more I was provided a bed in the common computer/playroom where Gennady and Maxim normally sleep. Nearly all food was provided and cooked by Gennady and their family. A few meals I was allowed to cook for the family. I accompanied Maxim and Gennady to Horse Therapy where we saw newborn baby kittens and Maxim sat on a horse. We also visited a Gennady's friends house and had a nice barbeque dinner. Maxim's birthday occurred while I visited which turned into an extra special day filled with a large indoor playground at the mall and plenty of delicious ice cream (Sundaes and Rootbeer floats). Most days we would wake up have breakfast, play video games, and

The not-so-good: I struggled personally with the lack of work schedule here. Much of the time is spent at the apartment. I felt underutilized in the sense of not having a clear work plan for teaching English. I had originally suggested a lesson plan. We did not use this. Additionally, I had difficulty sleeping due to the sleep schedule of the family. Nights tended to go into 1 or 2 am and that time was spent in the computer/playroom where my bed was located. It was challenging for me to find the private time. The apartment is cluttered. A workawayer with decluttering and organizational skills would be a big benefit. Focus on one room at a time. Allow the family to help as well.

Suggestions for Host: provide a clear schedule of days on for work and days off. Set expectations on hours as well. Learning English takes practice and patience. Questions and learning language Apps are great. Following a lesson plan with English-speaking travelers can be hugely beneficial. As travelers, we also want to explore the world around us. Happy to do it with each other. Other times we like to go out on our own.

Suggestions for Workawayers: Set your work hours and days and expectations for the work before you arrive. Adjust accordingly. After a few days circle back to your expectations and see how they are matching up to the actual work. If you need to adjust them together, do so. If you are someone who needs a defined work schedule and expectations focus on getting that before arrival. Make sure you both agree.

:asterisk_symbol:This is a mixed review. If I could put "neutral" with the feedback publicly available, I would. However, due to Workways "no negative feedback" policy, I decided to be honest about my experience and listed "good" as my rating.

Gennady and Maxim, thank you for all you provided me and helping me to realize more about myself in the midst of personal challenge. Always be learning. Challenge yourselves to explore the world around you. I hope to see you both again. Take care.

Cheers to your Journey!
Michael

(Good )

8 Jun 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help at a small family run ...)

Kali, Kali, Kali! What is there to say about this place and the wonderful hosts of Kali, Zara, and Carla. I was located near Karnobat about an hour away and by chance had an acquaintance to meet and stay at this hostel for a weekend. When I learned about the place being a Workaway host site as well it just all came together. Kali needed painting… read more

(Excellent )

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30 Jul 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about the tropical and ...)

(Excellent)

2 Aug 2018

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

1 Aug 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help our family with English ...)

(Good)

8 Jun 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help at a small family run ...)

(Excellent)

6 Jun 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Stay in a rustic village near ...)

This Workaway is a must! The Smallholding is a fantastic team comprised of Robert, Timo, Sasha, 7 dogs (Wally, Stanley, Ratzo, Sonja, Malcho, Lindy Lu, and Antonia "The Hund"), 5 sheep (Churchill, Lucy, and three gals), 4 female pigs (2-3 months old when I arrived in May 2018), and 3 cats. Here's my take:

Robert, is a master of experimentation… read more and action. He does a lot of research into farming and gardening methods which become many of the Workaway projects. One of our experiments was how to utilize the existing old tires to make a feeding trough for the pigs. We were able to successfully put this together and the pigs had none of it and decided to destroy it. Back to the drawing board. Robert taught me how to enjoy farm life by working hard and taking breaks under the beautiful gazebo. Of many memories, the last night sticks out with a dual "investigation" to determine the source of music coming from the village. What ensued was pure Bulgarian culture with plenty of Rakija, "Bulgarian dog" (pig), and traditional dancing. Robert's stories are legendary, his humor is what you expect of a witty British guy who is well traveled. He's always attentive to the needs of his volunteers and made sure I was well taken care of. He encourages the time off with plenty of suggestions from Burgas to Istanbul. Both I traveled to during my stay. I'll need to send you a list of Jazz songs so you can "hear the music" ;-)

Timo, the all-around smallholding tool and equipment expert. He taught me more than I could have imagined. Patience is a strong virtue here. Timo taught me to drive manual mini-tractors, operate a big farm tractor with seeding machine, bail lucerne, operate a construction rammer, mix concrete, and make a garage ramp. Of the many projects we worked on, one of my favorite jobs was seeding the lucerne field. Timo seems to be able to fix anything. He's great to talk to about his own travel stories. His biking journey with Antonia is amazing. He loves carrot cake...scratch that, Cheesecake ;-). Thank you for all you taught me and the great conversations we had along the way.

Sasha knows dates of many historical facts that will blow your mind. How she remembers not only the event but the details of the event are beyond me. While we didn't spend much time together we all shared wonderful conversation meals under the gazebo.

Location:
The village of Stan Stefano is small. I spent nearly all my time on the smallholding land while in the village. Burgas is a great weekend getaway. Timo was kind enough to give me rides to Burgas. Otherwise, trains from Karnobat to Burgas are cheap. In Burgas I recommend Hostel Chi (say "Hi" to Kali, Zara, and Carla for me), Papa's Beer, and a walk along the Sea Gardens. Istanbul is a 7 hour bus ride one-way. Buses leave from Burgas midday and midnight. Cross two borders. I hitchhiked with no problems (Read my blog post here: https://www.vividjoysofuncertainty.com/the-journey/hitchhiking-to-istanbul-turkey).

Food:
The summer kitchen is well stocked by Robert with all the necessities and some treats. End of May is cherry time. Raspberries not long after. Throughout the summer and autumn, there are many more vegetables and fruits. Plums unless the oinkers are feeling like getting a bit saucy.

Sleeping and WiFi:
I stayed in the caravan which was spacious and comfortable. May is a fine month with temperatures during the day not too hot and cool nights. I always had the window of the caravan open. WiFi was great the whole time I was there.

Thank you for everything Robert, Timo, Sasha, and all the animals. I am excited to follow the progress along with the YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

Cheers to your Journey!
Michael

(Excellent)

2 Jun 2018

Left by host (Stay in a rustic village near ...) for Workawayer ()

Well Michael finally left this morning and it feels like an amputation insofar as he was a very useful and resourceful cog in our ever expanding wheel

This GUY provides what is written on his packet, 'Give Him a Job and he gets it done', and MORE. Not only is Michael a willing worker, but a very nice guy too and myself, Timo and my Wife (when she… read more

(Excellent)

23 May 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and help on Lefkada ...)

A BIG THANK YOU to Antonio (Adonis), Helga, Antonio's Father, Mata, Mozi, Glaska, and all the friends and family. To my fellow Workawayers, Mario, Irene, Felix (Phoenix), and Danny (Dunny). We pulled off a Greek Wedding! How about that!

Do yourself a favor and go Workaway with this group. Adonis has so much enthusiasm you can't help but catch… read more

(Excellent)

16 Apr 2018

Left by host (We are family trying to ...) for Workawayer ()

Michael is definitely one of the best workawayers we ever had. Really a big help. Ready to do any task, very independent, he was able to do tasks alone with all our goats. Kids love him!
I was really impressed that almost all our talks about cheesemaking he wrote down later.
Although dangerous for our glasses, he made a great job washing dishes… read more

(Excellent)

30 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (We are family trying to ...)

I spent 75 days on Olga and Andrews farm. I learned so much! You learn quickly what your role is and immediately begin working with the goats, milking, taking them out for a walk (grazing) in the hills, and general needs around the property. Olga is an excellent cook and makes the best-baked bread in Montenegro! You will not go hungry here, I… read more

(Excellent)

18 Jan 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Looking for English speaking ...)

My time spent in Mostar during the low-season for travelers was spectacular. While there weren't many hostel guests during this time each guest experience was meaningful as I was able to spend time with all the wonderful people, guide them in the city, and go on various adventures with them. Miran and Mya are wonderful hosts, along with their… read more

(Excellent)

2 Jan 2018

Left by host (Help in a family-run animal ...) for Workawayer ()

Michael stayed with us for a short period but had a huge impact! From the moment he arrived to the moment he left, he helped us in innumerable ways, going so far above and beyond what was expected that he blew our minds! He is an extremely dedicated and methodical worker who can deliver no matter what is asked of him. He is organized, focused, and… read more

(Excellent)

1 Jan 2018

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help in a family-run animal ...)

Excellent Workaway, really enjoyed my time here with Daniele and his family. The help is straightforward; clean, feed, prepare new kennels, welcome pet owners, and their pets, fix up and maintain the property, etc. I worked here for two and a half weeks at the end of November. I found the host through Last-minute workaway list and was warmly… read more

(Excellent)

3 Nov 2017

Left by host (Come and help me with a ...) for Workawayer ()

This is what I love about workaway, the possibility to meet great people and share with them experiences, stories, life! Michael arrived at the farm at the beginning of the olive harvest and it was an amazing help, I am happy I met and hosted him. Always eager to help, interested in farming and olives production, he did a great job! At the same… read more

(Excellent)

29 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and help me with a ...)

So much to say about this wonderful experience. Alessandro's olive farm in Sciacca was my first Workaway experience and I couldn't be more fulfilled. I arrived at the beginning of October and stayed three and a half weeks during the olive harvest. I worked with other workawayers from Pietro (Poland), Teresa (Italy), and Amanda (New Zealand). An… read more

(Excellent)

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