Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Gardening, DIY & building projects, teaching & learning, travel, making new friends, impacting the world in a positive way.
My next destination:
England, United Kingdom - from May 2026 until Aug 2026 View all
Description
Hello, I'm Gary from Seattle, USA. Open-minded, friendly, and known to have a sense of humor. I am a retired non-profit fundraiser (Seattle Children's Hospital) and teacher (SE Asia) with a lot of DIY handyman, home maintenance, and gardening - landscaping experience. Am a self-starter and good at working independently.
I enjoy travel, meeting new friends, projects of all kinds, teaching, staying active including beach time, yoga, biking, hiking, and learning new skills.
Travel plans include the UK in May, June, & July 2026, and Italy in August, September, & October 2026. I look forward to meeting you online and discussing possibilities.
Interests
Beach
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Dancing
Winter sports
Yoga / Wellness
Team sports
Nature
Fitness
Hiking
Languages
Architecture
Books
Gardening
Sailing / Boating
Animals
Adventure sports
Writing
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Music
History
Farming
Events & social
DIY & crafts
Cycling
Culture
Charity work
Carpentry
Camping
Languages
Languages spoken
Italian: Beginner
Thai: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
Interested in teaching English (speaking, reading, writing) and learning to speak Italian.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
House sitting
Able to teach about:
Charity Work
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
I worked for Seattle Children's Hospital (USA) doing fundraising & event management for more than 20 years ... so am very good at project planning and organizing. I also have extensive handyman and gardening skills, both of which I enjoy doing a lot.
I have renovated a number of older homes (a passion) and built one new one - a learning experience that won't be repeated anytime soon.
In 2023 I spent five months helping friends in California restore a 65-year-old wooden sailboat (see photos) - an interesting, challenging, and satisfying project.
I have taught English and other subjects in Thailand for more than 10 years, mostly middle school & high school students but have also taught elementary (primary) students and university students / adults.
A long time ago I worked for the YMCA for seven years, managing youth programs including summer camps, sports leagues, and adventure trips for teens. I learned a lot about working with young people, much of which I still use today in teaching.
When involved in projects & activities I do my best to exceed expectations whenever possible. And I always try to have fun.
Age
66
What else ...
Traveling, teaching, and working on projects is enjoyable and rewarding for me. I also love the beach, yoga, hiking, blues music, vintage cars & bicycles, good fiction books, and quiet time.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
No
