From: United Kingdom
Individual account
Estonia, Russia
15/03/2018 - 15/04/2018
I'm a translator and occasional writer from the UK, aged 60. Over the past 18 years I've worked as a volunteer all over western Europe (initially for the WWOOF organisation on organic farms) and in a couple of countries in eastern Europe, as well as in India and Nepal. Having worked for many different hosts, I'm well used to getting on with other people and fitting in with their lifestyles.
I grew up in the wilds of Wales so I'm not bothered by isolation or tough conditions. I've done farm-sitting and house-sitting in the UK, France and Italy and am happy to work on my own when required.
As well as travel, my interests include writing, reading, cinema, art and architecture, and hill-walking. I like to cook (particularly vegetarian/vegan and making preserves and desserts). I'm always very interested to experience new cultures and ways of life.
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Farmstay
Other
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Animal care
Helping with Tourists
Charity work
Language practice
As a long-term Workawayer, WWOOFer and HelpXer, I've had experience of animal husbandry (sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses and ponies, hens), gardening, crop care, woodland clearance, strimming and brush-cutting, etc. I've worked as a lambing assistant for 2 months (2009, Gloucestershire) and 6 weeks (2011, Cornwall) in the UK, and on goat farms in Ireland, Spain and Wales.
I've helped out several times in B&Bs in Italy and France, too: my first experience as a helper was spending 4 months in Tuscany as a kitchen assistant/chambermaid/gardener. I've also learned a good deal about growing vegetables, flowers and some fruits from working on an allotment in England.
My native language is English; I speak good French and Italian and a little Spanish. I have an English teaching qualification (Cambridge CELTA) and am happy to help hosts and their families improve their English. I also have first aid certificates and a driving licence; I've recently learned how to use a sewing maching and upcycle clothes, and I'm always keen to learn new skills.
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
61
British
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Mainly vegetarian but very flexible.
