Merel

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Travelling through New Zealand in my campervan! Enjoying the beauty, nature and waves, but looking for some more community :)

Description

Hi there! My name is Merel, 32 y/o Dutch girl originally from the harbourcity Rotterdam. I have been travelling for the last 3 or 4 years already, mostly in and around Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Solo, with a partner, in communities, hostels, homestays and in a van.

I am on my journey to become a better surfer. I started surfing in Indonesia 2,5 years ago, and of course it completely ruined my capacity to surf in anything else than perfect point breaks, haha. I am very keen to work on that in Central America!

The next couple years, I want to spend more time working with my hands (I love to build!), dancing!! (I did some salsa but need a refresher haha), living in communitites, travelling around on a motorbike (I used to race with my R6, but thank god I have lower standards now) and SURFING!

I work online as a freelance projectmanager/editor/event organiser/everything-gal in the field of (youth) literature, education and anything cool in the cultural field that has to do with making the world a little bit better. That means practically I need some hours every day or some full days in the week to I can focus on work ánd a proper internet connection. Happy to be flexible with hours and everything.

I have a hard time believing that I will ever be able to buy a house in Europe, so my current goal is to buy a sailboat and live in and travel with that. But first, I need to learn how to sail on the ocean (was a sailing instructor on fresh water lakes ;) ). So I am also very keen to explore that!

I am probably one of the happiest creatures you will find, and i love to sing, dance and make music, to talk about art and literature, to cook together (I am a chef ;) ) and discuss life and politics. I hope i see you all soon :)

Interests

Writing

Carpentry

Plant care

Water sports

Languages

Dancing

Nature

Outdoor activities

LGBTQ

Events & social

Music

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Sailing / Boating

History

Gardening

DIY & crafts

Culture

Beach

Cooking & food

Art & design

Camping

Books

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I would really love to learn Spanish! Doing my Duo Lingo and having some language cards, but what I actually need to practise in person! My French could also use a fresh-up, since I am SUPERgreat at ordering drinks or hotelrooms, and talk about wine, but that's kinda it.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

Eco Projects

Art Projects

Gardening

General Maintenance

DIY and building projects

Helping around the house

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Able to teach about:  

Hospitality/Tourism

Creating/ Cooking family meals

More details about your skills

I have worked in hospitality industry for a long time and did four years of cooking school. i worked a lot in bars and restaurants, and did a lot of big caterings (weddings, parties, etc.). Now I am a happy house chef, but can still make delicious meals. I'd love to help in a bar or restaurant, as long as i have contact with people (guests or coworkers :) ).

The last couple of years, i have worked as an eventorganizer and projectleader, in social projects using my degrees in literature and art (for instance in libraries, musea, big art projects, community projects). Here i have become a great organizer, good with people and volunteers. I would love to help doing some bigger projects!

For a couple years i have grown my own vegetables, so I have a bit of knowledge there :). Not on such a big scale, but i learn fast!

I have some skills in maintenance (good at painting, sanding, i know my machines).

At last, i would really like to learn some new skills! I can also make music, paintings and photographs but I wouldn't consider myself as such an artist. But I will gladly show my skills at the campfire :) :)

Age

32

What else ...

A big personal goal is to become a better surfer! That is why I mostly travel to surfspots and I'd love to find a workaway where I can live and surf everyday. I'd also like to do motortrips and want to learn how to sail and kitesurf better.

Furthermore I make music (sing, guitar, piano) and started writing my own songs in covidtimes. I would love to spend more time playing, performing and writing.

And as last: I would cook together! Let's have cozy nights, with a guitar or piano, a game of chess, good beers or some amazing poetry.

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
  if possible, I would love to eat meatless, most days in the week :) but I easily adapt to any menu offered.