Matthew

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Currently in Dublin, Ireland

Description

The path less traveled could sum it up. I have valued helping others over pursuing a career. The satisfaction of contributing has its own rewards. Finding ways to make work fit my lifestyle rather than the other way around. Though I am not some wandering vagabond or ascetic monk. I do like to pursue what interest me and that involves learning new things. I have a degree in psychology from many years ago that I used as much as a bartended for the political elite in Washington, DC as when I advocated for runaway children outside San Francisco. Later I received a masters in special education focused on students with learning disabilities. I used my experience and skills in urban agriculture, fine woodworking and visual arts in the classroom to make standard curriculum more accessible to bright talented students who just happen to not meet the normative standard. Though in the end my rebellious inner child never could find peace within the stiff confines of the education system. As an autodidact and haptic learner I found joy in making art, working with wood, building urban gardens, understanding the mechanics of things, and just volunteering in general.

Interests

History

Plant care

Hiking

Culture

Camping

Astronomy

Architecture

Beach

Self development

Nature

Outdoor activities

Art & design

Cooking & food

Dancing

Sustainability

Farming

DIY & crafts

Sailing / Boating

Gardening

Carpentry

Drawing & painting

Politics / Social justice

Yoga / Wellness

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Would like to continue to improve my Italian

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

Languages

Eco Projects

Being an elderly companion

Teaching

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Life at a Farmstay

Hospitality/Tourism

General Maintenance

More details about your skills

For the past 4 years I have been working with an Italian winegrower. I have worked closely in managing the winery operations from manual harvesting to bottling. I also perform many of the duties in managing the vineyards including supervising small crews of workers during pruning as well as harvest. I can operate a wheeled vineyard tractor as well as the crawler tractors. I have experience operating an excavator. I have experience with chainsaws and many other powered tools such as augers, wire-trimmers and electric pruning shears. I enjoy woodworking using both manual and power tools. I am passionate about composting and vermicomposting. I have worked on intensive urban micro farms utilizing low tunnels and larger hoop houses. I have some beekeeping experience.
- I have over ten years experience in hospitality mostly as a bartender. I am passionate for wine and its role with food and culture in general.
- I have worked in art museums, art galleries and auction houses in the fine art departments. I have also produced and sold art to both domestic and international buyers, mostly oil painting and drawing. I have also produced some site specific installation work.
- Having been a special education teacher in schools where each student has a laptop I have general computer competency. I can perform a range of tasks from creating spreadsheets to making screencasts, to creating digital imaging and editing among others.
- I have worked as a family crisis counselor, supervising street outreach for unhoused youth and a shelter for teenagers as well as a crisis hotline.
- I use a balanced diet, yoga, Pilates and meditation to maintain health.

Age

54

What else ...

- I am a duel USA / Italian citizen (I hold both passports)
- I am legal to drive in the EU but I am currently in the process of receiving an EU driver’s license

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