Melode

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hola
I'm Melodé (pronounced 'melody') from South Africa.

I've lived and worked on 3 continents (Africa, Asia, N. America) and I've travelled to Europe. Now, I've left my corporate job behind to start my "adult gap year" and tick off a new continent by solo-travelling in Central and South America!

What I'm doing:
I prefer slow travel and getting to know people - I realised long ago that yes, you can see all the famous places in a week, but you can also live in a city for years and never experience all of it. I might not hit all of the most famous places before my budget runs out but I want to feel like I've gotten to know the places I do end up visiting.

I don't have a plan as much as an outline:
I've been to Costa Rica & Panama in Feb and now I'm in Ecuador from March and Peru, Bolivia and Chile after that

What I've done:
I worked as an English teacher for most of my career (kids and adults) and for the past 5 years I've gone back to my tech roots, working as a ERP* business analyst/project manager/ tech support. *(sales/CRM/HR/ finance system etc).
I've also done some au pair/Nanny jobs and have lots of experience with kids.
I grew up pretty rural so although I'm not an expert, i understand living off the grid and getting my hands dirty. I'm comfortable with any farming related tasks and I'm quick to learn too.
My hobby is detailed nail art so I'm pretty sure I can paint, color or draw anything you come up with (if i have enough time haha)

Although I don't have many references here yet, I've used Couchsurfing as a host and surfer for years. Feel free to ask and I'll share the link to that profile.

Feel free to ask me anything. Hopefully we're a good match 🤘

Interests

Sustainability

Self development

Culture

Writing

Languages

Drawing & painting

Cooking & food

Plant care

Music

History

DIY & crafts

Books

Art & design

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Camping

Yoga / Wellness

Mountain

Languages

Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
Korean: Beginner
Vietnamese: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I have lots of experience teaching English to all ages and I would really like to learn Spanish to help me on my travels

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

House & pet sitting

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Some knowledge of:  

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Art Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

More details about your skills

I've lived in 4 different countries, both by myself and later with my husband (who is staying home this time). I have lots of random skills that comes with having lived independently for almost 20 years.

I studied Mathematics and Computer Science (programming) at university and worked in the industry for the past 6 years as a project manager/tech support/business analyst/do-er of whatever needed to get done.

And before that I was working in education. I have lots of experience teaching English (and maths!) from 3 years old to adults. I've also worked on curriculum creation.

Lastly, coming from South Africa, where hardware stores are as common as the mart on the corner, I'm pretty handy and practical around the house and garden.

My favourite skill though, is that I have spent 10 years mastering doing gel nails and nail art haha. If you need paintings, signs, drawings or anything like that, I'm yer girl!

Age

33

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