Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
Hi
My name is Swen, I am a 49 year old German speaking (but not German) divorced white male with no children. I was born and grew up in Namibia (Africa), studied Electrical Engineering in Cape Town, South Africa for two years, worked on UPS systems for 6 years, and bought our family business in 2002. When I took over the business it consisted of a service station and an automotive workshop with a total of 4 employees. I closed the workshop and added tyre services and expanded and computerized the shop that caters for the automotive market and automotive workshops. Our team currently consists of 50 employees and our inventory reached 10,000 line items from +-600 suppliers this year.
My business is located in Outjo, Northern Namibia. I love nature and would never be happy in cities or larger towns. I also love inventing stuff and I love good food. I "research" alternative health on the internet and practice organic living as good as possible. I do not believe in any religion, but I do believe in nature.
I am very shy and quiet as I come from a very anti-social family, but I long for social contact and family interaction. I am very dedicated, focused and precise and I will make a success out of every task given to me - eventually :).
I do not smoke and I am allergic to alcohol.
Interests
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Team sports
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Plant care
Pets
Outdoor activities
Nature
Music
Mountain
Languages
Hiking
Gardening
Fitness
Farming
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Cycling
Culture
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Camping
Books
Beach
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
German: Fluent
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 I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Some knowledge of:
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Helping around the house
More details about your skills
I have studied Electrical Engineering for 2 years and worked on- and managed UPS systems for 6 years. But ironically I am not very good with electronics. I think that I am rather better at business (reading and satisfying the customer's needs).
The stuff that I had to learn during the last 20 years are the following:
Computers, accounting and other software, management and personnel management :(, stock control, maintenance, design, organizing and everything else that comes with building and running a business.
From 2017 to 2023 I also managed the project of my new building for my business, including limited drawing and design of the building in 2D in AutoCAD, ordering of materials and quantity surveying, helping with the design and welding of the steel components, supervising all concrete mix designs, form works and casting, supervising the brick layers and plasterers as well as all other jobs to build a new 900m2 building on top of the old one, while still operating out of the old one. So I basically did everything myself, except the Aluminium windows and doors, the glass works and the security camera system.
We often joke about it, but there is a certain truth to it that in our country in order to survive you have to be a doctor, a psychologist, an architect, a builder, a teacher, a police officer, a security expert, a negotiator, an engineer, a mechanic, a hunter and a cook all at the same time. Some days this can really physically drain you, but on the positive side, life in Africa makes humans out of jellyfish :).
Oh, and I can cook. A little bit.
Age
50
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Gluten to a small degree, AlcoholSpecial dietary requirements
I am gluten intolerant. Out of that reason I try to eat gluten-, and sugar free, but I will eat anything when not at home, even if it is vegetarian. I even eat the flops that I sometimes cook or try to bake :).
Photos
Friends
Feedback
I learned a lot from Jacques during my stay (especially how to test new business ideas on a budget), but he also appreciated different perspectives from my side.
I also want to thank Eduardo for… read more
Besides from the plot being very quiet and peaceful, my room was also squeaky clean.
Just keep an eye on Ale when he is working, as he always wants to cut corners at the price… read more
The teachers at the institute are very friendly and welcoming, especially Pablo and Larry, who always made sure that I was involved in various activities.
I recommend… read more
