Sydney (Vicki)

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I'm a very adaptable and practical person that can 'make things happen' having managed many big projects as a career. I am flexible in what I do and have experience in many areas - from basic DIY to farming, and, customer service to teaching English. I love meeting and talking to people from all around the world and am very open to what work I do for you. Whatever it is, I work hard and have the initiative to look and see what needs doing without having to be told all the time.

I grew up in a NZ farming family - though I haven't lived on a farm since my childhood. I will be happy working in rural environments, particularly if they are in areas where national parks and wildlife are nearby - and I'm very keen to spend time also in polar environments. But really anywhere new to me, and new families or people I work with, is so interesting, that I will be happy anywhere!

I have raised three girls and really do enjoy all ages - including the teens. I also used to teach English as a second language and am happy to do this if wanted.
Past careers:
Primary = Project Manager - large projects in IT and business change
Technical writer
Teacher - English as second language
Casual jobs - house sitter / pet sitter / yacht sitter, waitress, customer service - retail, fruit picking, events organisation, nanny, companion.

I am a non-smoker, happy to eat most things, respectful of your home and family. I am older than the average work-awayer but hope that wont put you off - I am fit and energetic and physically strong - often more than people much younger than me.
I’ve have moved around the world bringing up my girls in many countries and have slow travelled a lot - that is what I prefer. I have also spent nearly 3 years circumnavigating the world in a small yacht and another 6 months (on a cat) through the Solomons, PNG and Raja Ampat - plus a few other shorter trips.
I love seeing wildlife in its natural home, love hiking, love swimming in the ocean rivers, and lakes, and love hearing peoples’ stories and learning about their day to day living and about their country or area and the way of life there.
I can’t wait to meet my future hosts and being part of their lives and them mine - even if it is just for a while!
Cheers and I hope to hear from you.
Sydney
(PS my legal name is Vicki, but I have been known as Sydney since I was young so much prefer it! :-) )

Interests

Mountain

Beach

Camping

Van life

Self development

Languages

Nature

Blogging

Writing

Winter sports

Water sports

Sailing / Boating

Hiking

Photography

Animals

Languages spoken

English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
German: Beginner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Babysitting and creative play

Art Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

Being an elderly companion

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Teaching

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Able to teach about:  

Helping around the house

Languages

More details about your skills

Hi
I love helping people and talking to people so happy in receptions type roles or roles where getting on with people is important. I have moved around the world and lived in many places and countries so think I have a great ability to get on with pretty much all people of all ages from all places.
I speak English and conversational Spanish, with a basic level of French and German.
I am a project manager by trade so good at planning and organising - but mostly at communicating and motivating to make things happen, and at dealing with issues that come up.
I have had many past careers from customer service in a hotel to teaching English as second language. I am flexible and adaptable.
I'm from a rural background which I think has made me quite practical and hardworking. I am happy helping with most things from gardening to animal care and renovations (not that I am qualified to do any plumbing or electrical work etc). I am a quick-learner and willing to try things.
Just one warning - my skills don't stretch to fabulous cooking - so if you're looking for an amazing cook I'm not the one - I stick to basics!!
I'm looking forward to working with you.

Age

62

What else ...

Well other things I enjoy - definitely writing - I publish some articles etc.
Also games, having fun with others around a BBQ or fire or wherever, trying new things, learning new things.
I also love taking photos and want to learn a lot more - and would like to learn more about video and making you tube clips etc.

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
  No