John

Travel information

I am currently

Description

My name is John Eck, I live in Red Hook, New York (90 miles north of New York City) and have recently retired from 40 plus years of teaching in the Humanities. I have also taught English in Chad (Peace Corps) and Tanzania, and secondary school history, government and geography in Pennsylvania, the Washington, DC suburbs, New York City and Montana. I am planning to fulfill a long held promise to myself to live, work and travel in Europe and to experience history and geography there first hand. Italy (Sicily in particular) fascinates me historically, culturally and geographically. I have long desired to situate myself where I can explore the place I have encountered in my studies over the years. Having spent a month traveling around Sicily in 201 , I'm seeking to return and explore further this remarkable place while learning Italian and engaging in meaningful work.

I am happily married with three grown children and three grandchildren. When not teaching I derive my greatest pleasure from being outdoors, whether in work or play. I am an avid biker, skier, hiker andbackpacker. Back country wilderness hiking and backpacking are year round activities for me. No matter what the season I am always comfortable in the outdoors.
I am an avid swimmer and have taught and coached swimming over many years.

At home, when I’m not reading history and literature and keeping up with current events, I enjoy gardening, maintaining our house and yard and hauling, splitting and stacking wood for our heat stove. In addition. I farmed a plot of land in a community garden and farm. There I also participated in planting, cultivating and harvesting for the local food bank. I am in good physical condition and walk between 5 to 8 kilometers per day as part of my dog walking retirement business, which I do throughout the year in all kinds of weather.

I am mature, hardworking, self-motivated, resilient and low-maintenance. Whatever the job, I get it done well, complete and in a timely manner. I think you’ll find me pleasant company, good with children and pets, intellectually engaged and a helpful person. I have always tried to balance physical and intellectual rigor in my life. I look forward to hearing from you and hope that what I have to offer matches your needs.

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
French: Fluent

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

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Some knowledge of:  

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

In addition to my professional teaching skills, I have many, many years of property and lawn maintenance skills. This includes painting, mowing, wood splitting and stacking.

Age

71

What else ...

I speak French. I cook and do normal household chores. I have spent several summers as crew on a tall ship and have done historical interpreting about the age of sail.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  no