Mike

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi there!

I'm Mike. I drove to Eastern Canada 22 years ago with some friends after a ski season out west and have been looking forward to getting back out since. We arrived last autumn and hunkered down for the winter. Now, the car's packed up, and we're on the move. Workaway limits your destination plans, so I just entered Nova Scotia, as that's where we are. However, we are completely flexible. If we find the right set-up, we'd head anywhere on the Atlantic Coast. It's all new and exciting, so we'd go anywhere out here.

Me
I was born in Canada but have lived in many other countries and only returned a year ago. It's been more than 15 years since I was in Canada for more than a visit, and I'm really enjoying it.

I'm self-employed, working in the tourism industry. I specialize in Sustainable Destination Development, helping small communities and businesses attract a long-lasting, high-quality stream of tourists. This work is extremely flexible, so contributing to a Workaway project is easy, as long as I have a space where I can work uninterrupted for a few hours each day. WiFi is a bonus, but having phone service works fine. I'm used to working off my data.

I'm an introvert with extrovert qualities, you could say. I enjoy having deep, thought-provoking conversations as much as I do solitude. I don't drink or party and lead a simple life. Reading, writing, exploring, cooking, enjoying a fire, and being part of new and interesting projects are plenty for me.

During my travels, I've gained plenty of work experience. I enjoy working with my hands, especially outside. I've also owned my own rural property and completed some major renovations on it, so I've got a lot to offer in terms of skills and experience. From cooking and cleaning to landscaping and DIY, I can help. I'm a jack of all trades but a master of none. Additionally, I can assist tourism businesses in promoting themselves, as that's what I do for a living.

I'm travelling with my two best buds and won't go anywhere without them.

Koru
A 4-year-old male Vizsla. He was born in Spain and is very well-travelled. He grew up around free-roaming chickens, goats, sheep, cows and horses. We lived pretty remotely for the first few years of his life, so he didn't have a chance to make many dog buddies. He's getting there, though. He loves to play, barks a lot when he's excited, and has excellent recall.

Pico
A 1-year-old male Vizsla. He was born on Vancouver Island. He was passed around for the first year of his life until joining our team at the start of this year. He's still learning, but now that he's getting the life he deserves, that learning is happening quickly.

Both of these Boys are super high-energy, better off-leash than on, love being around people and having cuddles, and have zero aggression. They're pointers, so they may chase, but their recall is excellent, and they've never hurt a fly .... well, maybe a fly, but nothing bigger, haha! The three of us are inseparable. If they can't go somewhere, neither can I. They have short hair with no undercoat and are very clean. They also entertain themselves while I work, either on a Workaway project or my own.

That's it! If you think we might be a good fit or have any questions, drop me a line. We're excited to contribute to some interesting projects while exploring this magical part of the world :)

Interests

Cycling

Languages

Music

Self development

Charity work

Van life

Sailing / Boating

Yoga / Wellness

Sustainability

Water sports

Winter sports

Writing

Plant care

Pets

Outdoor activities

Nature

Mountain

History

Hiking

Gardening

Farming

DIY & crafts

Cooking & food

Beach

Carpentry

Camping

Books

Culture

Animals

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
German: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm open to learning any new language, improve the ones I've been learning already, and teach English.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

Being an elderly companion

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Babysitting and creative play

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Hospitality/Tourism

General Maintenance

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Eco Projects

Teaching

Helping around the house

More details about your skills

I'm a jack of many trades, master of none: gardening, writing, painting, landscaping, woodworking, rendering, plumbing, cleaning, etc. I'm also fairly handy when it comes to basic repairs with machinery or vehicles, but nothing too professional ;) I have an extensive background in conservation and environmentalism, have several years of experience teaching English, and know my way around a kitchen. Recently, I sold my rural property in Northern Spain. It was surrounded by beaches and mountains. There was an orchard with fruit and nut trees, a large garden, and a tourist accommodation attached to the main house. We did two major renovations between the two houses within one year and built a heap of furniture.

Koru is very gentle. He'll find mice and other small critters, but mainly sniff them until they run away. Flies are the only thing that aren't safe around him. We had chickens running free on the property, and he did a great job protecting them and helping me rally them each evening. We've also worked a little with sheep and goats. He was getting good at it!

Pico's still learning but his development is going well. He sticks pretty close to me, so I'm confident he'll be okay around animals. The most damage he'll do is fly through the air and give you a kiss!

Age

44

What else ...

The Boys and I hike a lot and enjoy a good fire, snow, and water. We love being outside, even in the rain! We prefer autumn and winter to spring and summer, and cooler weather to hot. Having four seasons is important.

I enjoy water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, and surfing. I also enjoy snow and snow sports, trail running, and mountain biking. I love reading, writing, deep conversations, anything that calls for a laugh, and music (although I'm not a musician). I'm very interested in foraging and being involved in small, rural communities. I have a passion for food (cooking and eating) and find shopping locally incredibly important.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements
  White refined flour and refined sugar really mess with me. Other than that, pile it on!