Karina

Netherlands
Login to see last activity

Badges (3)

Profile is connected to:

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Watch my profile video

Please accept marketing-cookies to watch the video.

Profile information

Travel information

I am currently

Travelling

Activities i am interested in:

sailing, cooking, taking care of animals, horses, maintenance, technical skills, chess, languages
Description

Hands-on, flexible, reliable and fit woman, travelling around the globe to discover all what life has to offer.
People, certainly the young ones, animals, nature , art, movies, science, politics and taking the day as it comes inspire me. Every day is full of surprises.

I love to travel, to discover different cultures in all parts of the world anywhere. I feel I am a student for life. Professionally I worked the last twelve years as a teacher at a high school, teaching Dutch language and literature ( I miss the young ones, yes). I also had a career as a journalist/photographer, as an editor of magazines (golf, beauty&fashion), as a marketeer in the golfbusiness and in hospitality. Besides Dutch and English, I speak French, German and Italian (Italian I have to practice more -:)).

I love to create things or to feel satisfied after a good day of (physical) work. I am a mother of a 25 year old super daughter, who ‘coaches’ me in traveling since I left my job in August 2023.
Interests

Pets

Camping

Architecture

Videography

Outdoor activities

Music

Van life

Astronomy

Books

Languages

Plant care

Events & social

Cooking & food

Culture

Yoga / Wellness

Politics / Social justice

Water sports

Vegetarian or vegan

Sailing / Boating

Sustainability

Photography

Nature

History

Gardening

Fitness

Farming

Dancing

Carpentry

Art & design

Animals
Languages

Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I can teach English, Dutch and basics of German and French. At the University of Amsterdam I studied Dutch language and literature. The last 13 years I worked as a teacher at highschools in Amsterdam (Cygnus Gymnasium and KKC) and I worked with adults teaching Dutch as a second language so I can teach you my language, but also English! On the other hand I would love to learn any other language like Portuguese or to speak better Italian.

Find a language partner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Art Projects

Charity Work

Some knowledge of:

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Babysitting and creative play

Eco Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Able to teach about:

Being an elderly companion

Light maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Languages

Teaching
More details about your skills

I am a quick learner, not at all clumsy and interested in crafts and nature. So I love to do many things like taking care of animals, children, gardens, houses, kitchens (cooking), organizing and helping in building small projects etc. etc.
Age

67
What else ...

Since a year or so I rediscovered the chess game. If someone could teach me while playing together, I would love it. I am a swimmer, love to drive cars and ride bicycles. I am a reader and a writer, know something about wines and cooking.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  I don't eat animals

Website Safety

Feedback

12 Dec 2024

Left by host (Experience life on a horse ...) for Workawayer ()

Well, I think the best way of describing my experience with Karina is.... our place and she simply don't match!

(Neutral )

28 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Experience life on a horse ...)

I left after four days of work - 16-21 October - so I did not stay as long as we initially agreed. I really enjoyed working and eating with my co-workers Tilda, Greta (who both were about to leave) and Ernst, and the lovely horses with whom it was really easy to connect.

(Neutral )

28 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help around our family home ...)

I stayed three weeks in this beautifully situated house, on top of the hill. You have a simple bedroom to yourself and a ‘private’ bathroom. The rest of the house, like kitchen and dining room, is shared space.
Although I didn’t do any work in a vineyard according to the profile, which was a pity - the vines hadn’t arrived yet- I could make … read more

(Neutral )

21 Oct 2024

Left by host (Join our animal rescue centre ...) for Workawayer ()

Karina was a great volunteer to have at the foundation.
A hard working individual who looked to drive improvement at the foundation with some good ideas.

A mother figure for the younger volunteers we had at the time of her stay and always joined in on the evening activities.
Always came out on rescues and also watched most of the surgeries our … read more

(Excellent )

20 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our animal rescue centre ...)

Working for the foundation is the best thing you can do, if you want to make a difference in the lifes of vulnerable dogs and cats. I loved AAF and working there for two weeks. Looking back I am happy I experienced it all. Of all the workaways I have done this might be one of the toughest, because of the weather, the work and the no-shit mentality … read more

(Excellent )

View all

Photos

Show all photos

Give the gift of Workaway

Friends

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Communication:
(4.2)

Skills:
(4.2)

Observed house rules:
(4.8)

12 Dec 2024

Left by host (Experience life on a horse ...) for Workawayer

Well, I think the best way of describing my experience with Karina is.... our place and she simply don't match!

(Neutral)

28 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Experience life on a horse ...)

(Neutral)

28 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help around our family home ...)

(Neutral)

21 Oct 2024

Left by host (Join our animal rescue centre ...) for Workawayer

(Excellent)

20 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Join our animal rescue centre ...)

(Excellent)

21 Sep 2024

Left by host (Horse lovers' adventure near ...) for Workawayer

Hi Karina
I was a bit surprised to get your feedback after so much time had passed. Just a few things - I love the idea that Greg and I are newly-weds, but we've actually been together 20 years, so I'm a bit mystified by what you wrote. Also, when I spoke to you about the fact that you did not have the horse experience to really fit in here, you … read more

(Neutral)

20 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Horse lovers' adventure near ...)

The work with the horses was not very complicated. Host does know a lot about horses though, and although I just stayed for a week - she ‘fired’ me after two days - it was a learning experience. Personality of host is more suitable for (very) young adults, i.c. less experienced people who can be pushed around if necessary.
Accomodation was great … read more

(Good)

31 Aug 2024

Left by host (Help children and teenagers ...) for Workawayer

Karina is an amazing lady with an incredible energy!
She didn't mind to help me to learn Dutch and we have many the same words such as the alphabets, handuk for towel, asbak for ashtray, WC for toilet, knalpot etc. It was good to know it.
She always helped me to clean the kitchen when I took my son to school. I enjoyed talking about culture with … read more

(Excellent)

30 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help children and teenagers ...)

If you’re looking for living the authentic Javanese life, you’re here at the right place. With her team of young teachers Gaty runs an English school on elementary level with three different departments: one in Karanggedong, where her home is, one in Parakan and on Wednesday afternoons in Maron Temanggung. So every day I joined one of the teachers … read more

(Excellent)

29 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help our children learn ...)

The initial contact with Huong was very much okee, but when I arrived - according to plans- it turned out she was not there. Her sister was, but she could not speak English at all. When I used the translation app she grapped my phone out of my hands to read what I had written. When she needed my attention she poked my arm or called ‘Hello’, … read more

(Negative)

29 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help us in our hostel in Tam ...)

Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute

(Member cancelled stay at the last minute)

12 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help around the resort at ...)

Three weeks + one I stayed in Resort in Epule on the main island of Vanuatu, Efate. In between I took a break and went to Fiji, and host Tahnia welcomed me back after these two weeks which was very generous and hospitable. I loved to come back and experience this fascinating culture for a second time, with a second perspective.
It is a beach … read more

(Excellent)

3 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Assist with looking after our ...)

For everyone considering staying with this host: I had a wonderful time staying with these genuine friendly and generous people so I can recommend this place to all workers. I stayed in one of the apartments which belong to their modest holiday complex and had my privacy there, which was really great. Most days I could lend a car to do my stuff or … read more

(Excellent)

21 May 2024

Left by host (Spend time in a big, ...) for Workawayer

Karina is incredible.. cleaned things from top to bottom. Tidied up the linen closets and so much more. Cooked us delicious vegetarian food, helped with the parents - was kind and supportive of them. She goes above and beyond what is needed. You'd be lucky to host her!

(Excellent)

21 May 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Spend time in a big, ...)

Neri and her parents are very generous and charming people. If you’re (also) an automous person like me, you can eat your heart out at Neri’s place, taking care of the big and beautiful house and her old, intelligent parents. I cooked, cleaned, took the doggies for walks and went out for lunch and shopping with dad Tony and mum Pauli by car and I … read more

(Very good)

1 May 2024

Left by host (Join us and help out in our ...) for Workawayer

Karina was a delight to have in our company, if only for a couple of short weeks. The older you get in life; it's such a nice feeling knowing that someone has the maturity and experience to practically read your mind of what needs to be done. Thanks Karina, you were wonderful - On a personal note, I really enjoyed our down time in the afternoons, … read more

(Excellent)

9 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Join us and help out in our ...)

For almost two weeks I stayed at Christina and Kelly’s place and I enjoyed it to the full. They took me in last minute because my host in Nelson suddenly cancelled our agreement. Christina and Kelly are unconventional, friendly, hospitable and generous people who love to share their life. The tasks they asked me to do were very easy and there was … read more

(Excellent)

25 Apr 2024

Left by host (Help with some outdoor ...) for Workawayer

Karina stayed with us for 3 weeks and during that time she did a variety of tasks for us. She is a very competent organiser and cleaner and carried out her jobs diligently. Karina helped with our vintage and seemed to enjoy this work. Her strengths and interests are varied and many an interesting conversation was shared. Would recommend Karina to … read more

(Very good)

9 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help with our garden and ...)

Three weeks I spent at Shushila’s place and after a while - in the mean time another workawayer Kaia joined us - I got used to the way Shushila does things and lives her life, which made me enjoy my stay to the full. She is very friendly, makes lovely food and can really work hard which can be quite challenging. The jobs you’re asked to do are not … read more

(Excellent)

24 Mar 2024

Left by host (Help with our garden and ...) for Workawayer

Karina was very committed to working her hours on the property, and I appreciated her dedication. She is a good cook, positive, cheerful, and good company. She always helped cleaning up, inside and out, and shared my afternoon beach adventures joyfully. I would recommend her to others.

(Excellent)

13 Feb 2024

Left by host (Help us on our farm very ...) for Workawayer

Karina was with us for a week in February and helped us with a variety of tasks in that short period. She often worked outside helping us to organize various spaces on the property, using tools like a rake, shovel, wheelbarrow. She helped us muck out a stall and repair a fence. She was dedicated to completing the tasks and was able to follow … read more

(Excellent)

10 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Help us on our farm very ...)

Dear Laura, I want to thank you and Emanuele again for the opportunity you gave me to stay at your place and for the trust I experienced during my stay at your home. All in all I had a special and good week doing the different jobs. Thank you so much for your sincere kindness. I really wish you all the luck, health and love in the world! 🍀 ❤️

(Very good)

7 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Experience the Umbrian ...)

I stayed at this superior beautiful place one week in stead of the three-and-a-half weeks I planned to be there. To be clear: we did not match. Communicating with Anne is not that easy because she acts very busy. I loved the tasks though! I did some video editing and outdoor work like wood sawing and pruning, making a path. I stayed in a room in … read more

(Good)

29 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer

Karina è una perfetta workawayer, la sua forza, allegria ed entusiasmo fanno di lei una donna davvero speciale.
È colta, elegante, raffinata ma sa anche fare i lavori più umili come pulire lo sterco di cavallo...è una vera Milady!!!!
Abbiamo trascorso insieme momenti davvero indimenticabili ed è entrata subito a far parte della nostra famiglia. … read more

(Excellent)

20 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Look after rescued farm ...)

If you manage to end up here, you’re lucky! Host Dania, her artistic family ánd all the animals are the best! From the first moment I was there, they made me feel at home. They took very good care of me, as they are hospitable, friendly, social, relaxed.. I had so many laughs with Dania. She is really briljant! She also took me to her yoga class. … read more Lidia is the sweetest mom and the best Italian cook with all her varying dishes every day. I had so many unforgettable moments! On the beach we (brother Dante and we three women) searched for old Roman coins (found one!), we went to the honourable University of Messina because mom and daughter, both succesfull artists, received a certificate of service to the city…on my third day we celebrated a birthday with friends eating cake and singing songs!
Fresh eggs from the chicken, lemons, oranges en mandarins from the trees, for me to pick up… the surrounding of the place is really stunning with its views of the mountains at one side, and at the other of the Street of Messina where you can see the lights of Calabria’s Villa San Giovanni. These views made me feel so happy. Every morning seeing the sun climbing up against the sky… Okay, almost every day, in winter rain finds this area too!
To stroll around the city of Messina is a lot of fun, there are lots of intesting places (Il Duomo, Art Museum with two Caravaggio’s), and also a vegan restaurant! Go there! But I also visited the Eolian islands (by ferry), explored Catania, went to Reggio in Calabria and visit small villages (Ali Terme, Taormina, Cefalu) with beautiful beaches along the coast. The bus stop to the city is next door.
And last but not least: the animals! I really fell in love with all of them. Taking care of Penelope, Paride (horses), goats Arthur and Melino, special force (haha) Johnny and NakNak, the Ara’s, the chicken, the roosters, the inseparabile (lovely colorful small pappagalli) and the turtles is no punishment! Every morning was a feast to me.
I made friendship with all dogs, but big Nikita…she is so terribly sweet! She loves caresses!
This was my first very long workaway experience, I stayed here for almost seven weeks. The cosy studio (with stove, needed in the evenings in December and January) and a fully equiped kitchen gives you a lot of privacy which made my stay a very special and lovely experience. The shower and toilet are separated, but that never bothered me. I really enjoyed the quiteness. Mille, mille grazie, sweet Mondello’s, I will come back one day!

(Excellent)

13 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Help us to create a little ...)

Teresa was my first host! I worked with Teresa in her small village in the outskirts of Villa San Giovanni in May 2022 and had a great time! We cleaned up the winecellar and bottled the wine. Teresa also took me several times to her friends and showed me the most beautiful places in Calabria. Teresa is very cheerfull and open. I experienced the … read more

(Excellent)