Melanie

Netherlands
Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information

I am currently

Travelling

Activities i am interested in:

I'm currently in Costa Rica! 🇨🇷
Description

I love to be challenged, learn new skills and connect with people. I am looking for a more primitive way of living and work with my hands. I always worked in healthcare with adults and children, and as much as I liked it I am now ready to expend my skills and broaden my horizons.

I love nature, camping, animals, good conversations, movies, good food, cooking, organize, music, and playing guitar.
Interests

Fashion or beauty

Languages

Drawing & painting

Books

Sailing / Boating

Team sports

Cycling

Sustainability

Culture

DIY & crafts

Hiking

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Movies & TV

Hitchhiking

History

Gardening

Plant care

Music

Events & social

Cooking & food

Beach

Photography

Charity work

Self development

Camping

Yoga / Wellness

Animals

Nature

Farming
Languages

Languages spoken
Dutch: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner

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.

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

I'm interested in:

Charity Work

Art Projects

Eco Projects

Light gardening

Teaching

Creative DIY projects

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Light maintenance

Some knowledge of:

Babysitting and creative play
More details about your skills

I graduated in Social Work and have worked with a lot of target groups. I'm very interested in personal development and also did a coach training course. I also have a lot of experience in catering.
I'm very social and also a quick learner. I like working with my hands, build things and work in the garden.
My native language is dutch and I can express myself well in English.
Age

34
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

Website Safety

Feedback

4 Mar 2026

Left by host (Share daily life and ...) for Workawayer ()

Hello Melanie, we were extremely grateful to have you stay with us on the farm. I realize that most of what you said you learned was already inside you waiting to be expressed at the right opportunity. Your memories for life were realized because you showed up generous, kind and determined to make your visit a great experience for all involved. … read more

(Excellent )

24 Feb 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Share daily life and ...)

my experience at the Finca is one I will have in my heart and soul for the rest of my life.

I stayed with Franklin, Reyna and Angel for 3,5 weeks. I've learned new things every day! about agriculture, safety, smart habits, about working as a team and what works in that and what not, how to use tools in a proper, sustainable and safe way and … read more about the beautiful nature of Costa Rica.
Angel is open for every question and although he only speaks Spanish and me myself un pocito, he communicated with me in a way I could understand and he always did his best to make me understand. He is very funny and has a great sense of humor. He has a lot of knowledge about the land he's working on and talking with him not only improved my Spanish but also made me a wiser person. We shared a lot of laughs, history and opinions with each other. I pruned avocado trees and banana trees, raked a whole lot of grass and leaves and took care of fruits and veggies by giving them water, picked them on the ripe and right time. You can always ask if it's okay to pick something and I'm sure you can have some fresh fruits or veggies anytime. I enjoyed taking care of everything on the farm.
The work hours (Monday till Friday from 6AM till 12PM with one hour break) for me were perfect, I like to wake up early and start my day right away with physical activity. At 9AM we ate breakfast with Reyna and Franklin and I really felt the hospitality and the care every single meal. By the time it was 12 o clock work was done and I went to my own cabin and made myself big lunch with fresh products from the market Franklin took us to every week. There's a lot of free time, in the weekends and after 12, I did a bunch of stuff like going to the city, went for diners at great restaurants, saw an oxcart museum and went on a weekend trip to La Fortuna with bus. The accessibility is easy because there are a lot of Ubers and I also walked a couple of times to places. To understand the busses for me was really complicated, but Franklin is very helpful in explaining how things work.
I felt really safe at the Finca, the wildlife here is very different than the one I'm used to (I'm from Holland, our wildlife consists of cows) and because of Franklins attentiveness, reliability and the way he puts safety first I felt confident to explore and make mistakes.

Dear Franklin, I enjoyed every minute on your farm and I'm grateful for your time, hospitality and all the things you told and taught me. Your smart habits, tips and tricks and resourcefulness (especially when it comes to sustainability) were so refreshing to me and will stick with me for the rest of my life and made me a wiser and better person. I go home with new habits and tips and tricks that I will definitely use. My next paintbrush will stick with me for a lot of years. my next project with wood will be efficient and sustainable. The next time I want sauerkraut, I will not run to the store, instead I will make it myself.
I notice a voice in my head that says: "be mindful". That's your mantra that I made my own. That, to me has inestimable value. Thank you.

Tell Reyna I said Hi!

Melanie

(Excellent )

24 Feb 2026

Left by host (Pet care and relaxation at a ...) for Workawayer ()

Mel is awesome! She really helped me a lot and kept me updated and sent me pictures while I was gone. She’s super sweet and funny and just a nice vibe to have around the house. Always helpful and making sure the animals were okay. They all really loved her and miss her already! Thanks Mel!

(Excellent )

24 Feb 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Pet care and relaxation at a ...)

Yeah, where can I begin? By saying my stay at Meli's beautiful home will be one I will remember and cherish forever.

I stayed at Meli's place for 6 weeks and I had a wonderful time. The work is easy, the hospitality is beyond amazing. I lived together with other WorkAwayers and sometimes with Meli herself when she was home. It really felt like a … read more

(Excellent )

View all