Nicole & Simon

Travel information

We are currently

Description

We are Simon and Nicole, two empty nesters, on a 'middle-aged gap year'. We took the decision to 'down tools' in Australia and take time to travel, learn and connect.

With both of our children off to university, our house rented out and our little cavoodle Charlie spending the year with Grandma, we are looking for opportunities to utilise our skills and experience but most importantly to learn and experience new things.

So far, we have had the privilege to WWOF on a small holding in Wales including doing some woodwork and painting a bakery building. We worked as seasonal staff, chefing and waitressing, working 10 hour+ shifts in a busy restaurant in Cornwall. We are currently on a vineyard in Tuscany for two months helping out with a range of farm and outdoors tasks. Land clearing, strimming, mowing, olive harvesting, DIY, rehabilitating a vegetable garden and looking after the animals.

When we sat down to think about what we wanted out of this year, we agreed that engaging meaningfully with others and our work is of central importance.

So, if you have an opportunity for two hard working, keen and self-sufficient middle aged Aussies - we are the ones for you!!!

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I am qualified English as a second language teacher. I have taught primary, secondary and adult classes. I have most recently been working in a primary school in Australia as a classroom teacher. I am leaning Spanish. I started with some online group lessons in Australia and after 10 weeks travelling in Spain have the basics. I am keen to build upon this.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn

We're interested in:  

Gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Eco Projects

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Babysitting and creative play

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Languages

Teaching

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

Nicole
- Qualified Primary, Secondary English, Secondary History and English as a Second Language Teacher.
- Diverse experience teaching in private and government schools in Australia, Singapore and the UK.
- Over ten years in senior corporate communication roles, predominately in the not-for-profit sector.
- Experience working across digital platforms, media, government relations, marketing, publications, internal communications and event management.

Simon
- Senior IT executive with extensive global experience working successfully with finance, customer service, marketing, sales, and product teams.
- Worked in community organsations including the Surf Club and Australain Rules Football Club in the role of President. Treasurer and Ground Manager.
- DIY, general maintenance skills from working with boats, motorbikes and home renovation projects.

The thing that stands out about us is our can do attitude. We are problem solvers. We have highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. We thrive off collaborating with others but are also happy to work independently. We are quick learners and are looking forward to the opportunity to apply the skills we have from our careers to other things.

Age

51 & 52

What else ...

We love being outdoors. Walking, hiking, swimming, bike riding. We are active and fit and enjoy combining travel and exploring with outdoor pursuits.
As parents we loved the opportunity to play board games and cards as a family.
Simon has always had an interest in fixing things. He can do all general handyman and electrical jobs. Motorbikes, cars and boats are all key interests.
We both enjoy cooking. Simon has done a couple of cooking courses and is a BBQ master. Nicole enjoys baking and has an interest in clean eating.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Nicole - I have Coeliac disease and am allergic to gluten - please refer to dietary requirements

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  Special dietary requirements
  Nicole - I have Coeliac disease. I require a strict gluten free diet. I easily accomodate this through preparing meals and limiting processed foods.