Profile information
Description
I am an honest and reliable single woman enjoying the diversity of our beautiful world.
I am keen to help others out and through 'Workaway' find ways to contribute my skills.
I am an avid gardener and I enjoy cooking and cleaning. I am now retired. I was a vocational education teacher and also worked in hospitality for many years. I have lots of transferable skills with particular strength in customer service. I am a friendly person who fits into most situations.
I have been a Workawayer in Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Russia, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and New Zealand working in diverse roles including teaching English, hostel customer service, reception, painting, creating, gardening, childcare, cooking and cleaning. I have also lived in Nepal for four months, working for an organisation looking after vulnerable kids. I adapt very quickly to new situations.
I love travelling! I have travelled extensively and enjoy different cultures and the pleasure of exploring. I like to meet new people, experience and learn new things and I would like to continue to learn about life, different cultures and the world. I also enjoy creative hobbies; the outdoors; swimming, dancing; playing cards, board games, snooker; internet research and reading and writing.
Interests
Sustainability
Plant care
Events & social
Drawing & painting
Culture
Cooking & food
Nature
Gardening
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
Being an elderly companion
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Charity Work
Art Projects
Some knowledge of:
Babysitting and creative play
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
More details about your skills
House and pet sitting; Cooking; Cleaning; Gardening; Sewing; Teaching English as Foreign Language, Reception and Administration; Hospitality work/Tour guide; Car and motorbike license
Age
61
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
No
Feedback
29 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer ()
It was great to have Gemma join us for a week
She was capable and skilled and had many exciting stories from previous experiences
Gemma has a positive and solution orientated outlook able to contribute well to the tasks and join in well and lead some of the community activies that were on that week. Including hosting an important guest when I was… read more
She was capable and skilled and had many exciting stories from previous experiences
Gemma has a positive and solution orientated outlook able to contribute well to the tasks and join in well and lead some of the community activies that were on that week. Including hosting an important guest when I was… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Discover Waiheke Island ...)
I stayed at Jeanine's place a few weeks ago and had a nice and unique experience.
There is always plenty to do in the home and the studio. I did some sewing, some sorting, some cleaning, some cooking and attended some local events which were great.
I got to see a fair bit of the beautiful island and of course admire the amazing views from the… read more
There is always plenty to do in the home and the studio. I did some sewing, some sorting, some cleaning, some cooking and attended some local events which were great.
I got to see a fair bit of the beautiful island and of course admire the amazing views from the… read more
(Very good
)
7 Dec 2016
Left by host (Be part of our conscious ...) for Workawayer ()
Gemma was a GEM! We loved having her stay and finding her in the garden with a big smile. She was thorough and worked well without supervision. She did a great job on a sewing project and was very versatile in her knowledge of things in general. We always love to see our volunteers enjoy each others company, and she was a wonderful roommate… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Be part of our conscious ...)
I am sad to finish my Workaway here. It is such a magical place amongst nature. The work was easy, flexible and fun; I enjoyed making flower arrangements, making mosaic wall hangings, and doing Tai Chi and Buddhist philosophy.
I also spent time cleaning the beautiful casitas in this tropical getaway in a little village on the Costa Rican coast.
I… read more
I also spent time cleaning the beautiful casitas in this tropical getaway in a little village on the Costa Rican coast.
I… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Gemmа is a very nice, gentle person, so very helpful, responsible, trusty, digent hardworking and creative.She is very friendly in interacting with our children and integreated very fast and well in our family
We will wish your the very best on yor way and hope, to see you again!
We will wish your the very best on yor way and hope, to see you again!
(Excellent
)
2 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Come and help me with ...)
It was a pleasure to stay with this family and help in any way I could. I enjoyed taking the baby for walks, playing with Vera and doing some cooking and cleaning in their lovely apartment.
They are a very nice easygoing family and Irina encouraged me to see the sights of St Petersburg and even helped me go to the ballet.
Thank-you for a great… read more
They are a very nice easygoing family and Irina encouraged me to see the sights of St Petersburg and even helped me go to the ballet.
Thank-you for a great… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Friends
Feedback
29 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer ()
It was great to have Gemma join us for a week
She was capable and skilled and had many exciting stories from previous experiences
Gemma has a positive and solution orientated outlook able to contribute well to the tasks and join in well and lead some of the community activies that were on that week. Including hosting an important guest when I was… read more
She was capable and skilled and had many exciting stories from previous experiences
Gemma has a positive and solution orientated outlook able to contribute well to the tasks and join in well and lead some of the community activies that were on that week. Including hosting an important guest when I was… read more
(Excellent)
8 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Discover Waiheke Island ...)
I stayed at Jeanine's place a few weeks ago and had a nice and unique experience.
There is always plenty to do in the home and the studio. I did some sewing, some sorting, some cleaning, some cooking and attended some local events which were great.
I got to see a fair bit of the beautiful island and of course admire the amazing views from the… read more
There is always plenty to do in the home and the studio. I did some sewing, some sorting, some cleaning, some cooking and attended some local events which were great.
I got to see a fair bit of the beautiful island and of course admire the amazing views from the… read more
(Very good)
7 Dec 2016
Left by host (Be part of our conscious ...) for Workawayer ()
Gemma was a GEM! We loved having her stay and finding her in the garden with a big smile. She was thorough and worked well without supervision. She did a great job on a sewing project and was very versatile in her knowledge of things in general. We always love to see our volunteers enjoy each others company, and she was a wonderful roommate… read more
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Be part of our conscious ...)
I am sad to finish my Workaway here. It is such a magical place amongst nature. The work was easy, flexible and fun; I enjoyed making flower arrangements, making mosaic wall hangings, and doing Tai Chi and Buddhist philosophy.
I also spent time cleaning the beautiful casitas in this tropical getaway in a little village on the Costa Rican coast.
I… read more
I also spent time cleaning the beautiful casitas in this tropical getaway in a little village on the Costa Rican coast.
I… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Gemmа is a very nice, gentle person, so very helpful, responsible, trusty, digent hardworking and creative.She is very friendly in interacting with our children and integreated very fast and well in our family
We will wish your the very best on yor way and hope, to see you again!
We will wish your the very best on yor way and hope, to see you again!
(Excellent)
2 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Come and help me with ...)
It was a pleasure to stay with this family and help in any way I could. I enjoyed taking the baby for walks, playing with Vera and doing some cooking and cleaning in their lovely apartment.
They are a very nice easygoing family and Irina encouraged me to see the sights of St Petersburg and even helped me go to the ballet.
Thank-you for a great… read more
They are a very nice easygoing family and Irina encouraged me to see the sights of St Petersburg and even helped me go to the ballet.
Thank-you for a great… read more
(Excellent)
27 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Looking for help at our Eco ...)
Working in the mountains near El Valle de Anton was a wonderful experience in a peaceful and beautiful location. Brandon, Maylin and Will are very special kind people.
The Eco Lodge is very eco friendly and has chickens, dogs, fruit and vege plants and a lovely little river. There are movie nights, pancake breakfasts, and a separate volunteers… read more
The Eco Lodge is very eco friendly and has chickens, dogs, fruit and vege plants and a lovely little river. There are movie nights, pancake breakfasts, and a separate volunteers… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Gemma is a lively and enjoyable person to have around, hard working and she also entertained us all with plenty of stories around the dinner table. An excellent "workawayer" who we thoroughly enjoyed hosting. We would have liked her to stay a bit longer!
(Excellent)
24 May 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Renovating Old Stone Farm ...)
Chevrel and Alan are lovely people and it was a great experience working on their farm.
I enjoyed the gardening very much and also did lots of cooking in the big kitchen which had everything needed including heaps of organic food. It was so nice to have things straight from the garden, and I especially emjoyed my first time eating artichokes.… read more
I enjoyed the gardening very much and also did lots of cooking in the big kitchen which had everything needed including heaps of organic food. It was so nice to have things straight from the garden, and I especially emjoyed my first time eating artichokes.… read more
(Excellent)
28 May 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us with German in İzmir, ...)
It was a lovely experience staying with the family and playing with the boys. Ayse is very friendly and easygoing and I quickly felt like part of the family.
I was able to do day trips to Ephesus and Cesme and went for a weekend to Cappadocia and Pamukkle.
Thankyou so much Ayse for your suggestions, and for your warm hospitality and welcoming… read more
I was able to do day trips to Ephesus and Cesme and went for a weekend to Cappadocia and Pamukkle.
Thankyou so much Ayse for your suggestions, and for your warm hospitality and welcoming… read more
(Excellent)
26 May 2016
Left by host (Help us with German in İzmir, ...) for Workawayer ()
Gemma is one of the most beautiful people we have ever met. Her personality is really friendly. She played games with our boys and taught them a lot of English words. She is a very good teacher, she is patient with kids and has a great way to play with kids. She became a friend of us and my mother also:) I would highly recommend her as a Workaway.… read more
(Excellent)
24 May 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Stay for free in beautiful ...)
This program is amazing and very rewarding for all participants. It is extremely well run and the coordinators are super helpful, caring and organised.
I loved everything about it from the city tour and lunch, the bus journeys, the timetable, the activities, the venue, the food and especially the people.
We all quickly became friends, the… read more
I loved everything about it from the city tour and lunch, the bus journeys, the timetable, the activities, the venue, the food and especially the people.
We all quickly became friends, the… read more
(Excellent)
1 Apr 2016
Left by host (Chat with our students, ...) for Workawayer ()
Gemma is a wonderful person .Although she stayed for a short period, everybody loved her. She's a very sociable nice and helpful person.We all wish she had stayed longer.I really recommend Gemma to any host who needs an active, energetic helpful and friendly volunteer.THANK you so much Gemma we will be more than happy if you come again to visit… read more
(Excellent)
1 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Chat with our students, ...)
I worked in Berrechid for a short time and really enjoyed it. It is a fantastic opportunity to talk with locals about all sorts of topics.
The staff and volunteers are so nice and we did lots of cooking and talking together.
The staff and volunteers are so nice and we did lots of cooking and talking together.
(Excellent)
18 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help to make a new guesthouse ...)
I totally enjoyed the short time I was at the Riad. I loved talking to all the guests and helping out.
The manager Wadie is kind and thoughtful and creates a welcoming and inclusive atmospere.
I certainally recommend volunteering here for a genuine Moroccan experience.
The manager Wadie is kind and thoughtful and creates a welcoming and inclusive atmospere.
I certainally recommend volunteering here for a genuine Moroccan experience.
(Excellent)
3 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Thank you Gemma! We had an amazing 2 weeks experience with this lady from the beginning to the end. Gemma is a fast learner, after a while we show her how things work, she learned it and nailed it. Loooooool. She knows how to soak up the atmosphere and even makes friend with some customers. She is an actual boom to make people open their mouth… read more
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Cool cafe welcomes dynamic ...)
I totally enjoyed a memorable week volunteering here. It was fantastic to speak with so many diverse Vietnamese people, stay in a local area, and enjoy the company of the staff and other wonderful volunteers.
Thankyou for an amazing time.
Thankyou for an amazing time.
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help out in a recently opened ...)
Helping here was a wonderful experience.
There is a nice atmosphere at the hotel and the jobs were diverse and interesting. The dutch couple running the place were very very nice, kind and considerate. They were inclusive of all volunteers and always showed appreciation and support to us. We shared lots of meals, drinks and excursions… read more
There is a nice atmosphere at the hotel and the jobs were diverse and interesting. The dutch couple running the place were very very nice, kind and considerate. They were inclusive of all volunteers and always showed appreciation and support to us. We shared lots of meals, drinks and excursions… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Gemma is a hardworking lady and shows a lot of energy. She was open to all kinds of jobs, but we were very happy with her talent for painting flowers on the walls of the rooms and giving our staff members English lessons. She initiated the class herself and it was clear she is a teacher in her professional life as the staff enjoyed it very much.
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Gemma is a wonderful and easy going person to have around and helping! She is very social, always smiling and autonomic. Gemma, we have enjoyed your stay so much! Thank you so much for your commitment to the nature/butterflypak, your great help, your warmth and humor. We are really looking forward to meat you here again in the future! THANK YOU!… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Join us and inspire visitors ...)
Thankyou Olaf and Ineke for giving me the opportunity to work in your magical park.
I totally enjoyed. working on reception, guiding and telling people visitors about the park and about butterflies.
This was a wonderful workaway experience and recommended to anyone who lives nature.
I totally enjoyed. working on reception, guiding and telling people visitors about the park and about butterflies.
This was a wonderful workaway experience and recommended to anyone who lives nature.
(Excellent)
