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Description
MEG
My name is Meg, and I just turned 40!
Im so excited about our upcoming trip... it was a somewhat spontaneity ( impulsive) descision.. and Ill tell you how we came to decide to "Just DO it".
For the last 5 years we have been living with and caring for my Dad. He was a theatre professor by trade, with a big heart, vibrant energy and a terrific wit. After my Mum died, he decided to get his license to teach English as a second language and travel the world. He first landed in China, and shortly after got terribly ill. He had to abandon his plans for exploring the globe, and come home to Toronto. He was diagnosed with a rare and pernicious blood cancer, which he fought with grace, bravery, and a great sense of humour. Olivia, Garner and myself feel tremendously lucky for the opportunity we had to spend so much time with him as he declined. My Dad ,was very organized and specific about his death. I was set with the task of making sure all his final wishes where fulfilled. His absolute last wish was that his body be donated to science, what they didn't need was cremated, and that I threw those ashes in an ocean.
Which ocean? He said I could chose.
So Ive decided to visit as many as I can this year. He gets his last wish granted, and the trip he was so disappointed to cut short.
About Meg -
I'm an events florist in Toronto, doing large scale weddings and corporate events. I have worked for the finest Floral company in the city for the last 8 years- stemz.ca
Before flowers, I owned and operated a fabulous Mussel restaurant on the East Coast of Canada. (co-produced with Garner)
Before the restaurant, I made an amazing human being, Olivia ( co-produced with Garner)
Before the kid, I worked in the art and theatre communities of Toronto.
So looking forward to new, places and faces... and bodies of water!!
GARNER
I’m Garner. I’ve been cooking since I was about 14, and professionally for about 25 years, save for a few years I spent learning digital design for the web.
I’ve cooked for groups of 10-1000, and have a great understanding of diverse flavours and methods from many countries. I’ve prepared both fine and simple dining in boats, hotel kitchens, and restaurants. I’m comfortable cooking pretty much anywhere.
I’m also pretty creative, reasonably fit and mostly handy.
I currently hold a position as Executive Chef for an internet search giant, operating their daily in-house food services. As such, I’m involved with both the development and execution of their global food program, something I enjoy that will be hard to give up, even temporarily.
For a time, Megan and I owned and operated a successful seafood restaurant on the East coast of Canada, which we subsequently sold to our partners. They now operate several locations in Manhattan, NYC.
Megan and I have often joked that we’ve done everything in the wrong order; buying a house, celebrating the birth of our remarkable (and now 12 year old) daughter Olivia, opening a restaurant and then, finally, getting married.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Beyond family and culinary, my interests include all things digital, cycling, squash and recently target archery, which, with its required focus and varied outdoor locations, I’m discovering to be surprisingly meditative.
Taking this trip is important for me for several reasons; I think most importantly to take advantage of a very particular moment in our daughter's life when she’s old enough to make some sense of and absorb what it is we’re about to embark on, and not so old that she’d rather travel with alone or with friends.
Personally, I look forward to the practice of exploration and discovery, something that despite some travel in my life, I feel we could all use more of.
I look forward to meeting and working with you, In whatever capacity we find ourselves in.
G
OLIVIA
Hi! I’m Olivia, and I’m traveling the world with my parents!
I like to play piano, bass guitar, ukulele, sing, draw, talk-A LOT, and hang out with my pets (two cats and a turtle)! As of now, I’m 12 but my 13th birthday is just around the corner. Last year, I was given two kittens for my birthday, Rebel Rebel and Major Tom. They’ve definitely grown into their names. Sasha (my turtle), is ferocious, and bares a lot of attitude. I got him on the first day of Kindergarten which was 9 years ago exactly, a few months prior to me writing this.
Although, my mum wasn't planning on him lasting this long. You see, when I was younger, I really wanted a dog, but of course, there's no getting a pet without proving your responsibility. My mum figured Sasha would die within a few months, she’d then blame it on me and my inability to feed the poor guy, therefore, not having to purchase and care for a huge animal. Well, I write to you today, to whomever may be reading this, that Sasha is better than ever, and I still don't have a dog. But that’s just the way it goes, I'm told.
I started playing piano around the same time I got Sasha. Nine years later, and I'm just now understanding the need for practice. I really like learning and playing Disney songs, such as “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, “Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmatians, etc. They’re a lot of fun! I especially like them because there are lyrics, so when I'm alone at home I can sing along to my heart's delight!
Recently, I started a ‘Gender Equity’ club with my best friend. Later, we were invited to a conference where we spoke about how to manage gender based violence in our communities, it was amazing. I’m a good student, and for the most part I enjoy school. I’m more of an independent worker, but I work well with other people too. My favourite subjects include: Art, Music, Drama, and Language, mainly because you can express yourself and your ideas creatively and easily in each one, and also because they’re not gym. Gym is the worst.
Thanks for reading, and hopefully I'll see you soon!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentMore 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.
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Teaching
House sitting
Able to teach about:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
I am Meg - a professional events and weddings florist and all round flower and plant lover! I have been professionally in the floral industry for 10 years. I am also a certified Yoga instructor. Garner is a Chef, and has been cooking for the last 35 years. He also has a keen ability with many things "tech" and he enjoys both cycling and target archery. We are also traveling with our daughter Olivia who is 13, and fueled by music. She studies piano, bass and ukulele. She has a wonderful way with other kids, and is in love with Benedict Cumberbatch.
Age
48 & 58
What else ...
We have booked July 2017-July 2018 to see the world... we are open to new experiences, different types of work, or helping people learn our various skills!! We expect, and encourage your family to consider all 3 of us as a working team, -we are.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Feedback
Photos
Friends
Feedback
Starting with a birthday dinner, some gardening, weeding, digging in the dirt, building an new path, more cooking and very pleasant company and make music together including a tiny concert. The kids got on so well with them and so did we. Very good decision to… read more
Thank you Thank you Thank you ... It was so gerat to have you here in Torridon and it was amazing what the tree of you brought to our "litte" Project here . Especially this event we could not have wished for anyone better, accomplishing beautiful cooking, flower arranging and keeping the kids happy - we really hope… read more
We felt instantly welcomed. The work was gratifying, and it was exciting to assist in the final stages of their exciting project. The nicest people, and sweetest kids. Already planning to see them again!
