Eileen

Germany
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Bordeaux, France - from Mar 2025 until May 2025
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Description
I am a German-American designer, sewing enthusiast, and illustrator who dreams of someday having my own home to renovate.

I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and moved to Germany 5 years ago to deepen my language and cultural knowledge - another bonus was not being 150k in debt after graduating! I studied Industrial design at the HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd and traveled every chance I got. I’ve lived in Tel Aviv, traveled through Egypt, Jordan, Palestine. I became an enthusiastic ultralight hiker and recently completed my first two-week hiking and camping trip through the Balkan’s.

My passion project is working together with seniors to solve problems they have with clothing - I’m trying to learn more about garment constructions to design elegant adaptive clothing.

I'm excited to begin my Workaway journey to meet inspiring people and begin to learn another language :)
Interests
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Self development
Charity work
Cooking & food
Photography
Gardening
Blogging
Drawing & painting
Books
Art & design
Animals
Fitness
Yoga / Wellness
Camping
Mountain
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
More details about my language interests
I would love to learn french! I can teach or help with German or English, as I speak both fluently.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Teaching
House sitting
Some knowledge of:
Babysitting and creative play
Being an elderly companion
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Able to teach about:
Languages
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
I am quite strong from years of sports! So any physical work on a house, yard work, Gardening, following plans and instructions- are all not a problem for me :)

I used to teach kindergarten gymnastics so I am comfortable with kids and working with parents.

I can also illustrate, design, create websites, solve problems, and more due to my design studies.
Age
24
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  Pescatarian (I eat fish but no other meat)

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1 May 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening and DIY ...)

I stayed for 1.5 weeks with Kay and her dog Brom in La Sigueniere. It was a very peaceful and personal setting with lots of deep conversations and meditative (though educational) work. Brom is and elderly deaf dog who dances when he gets your attention and is a playful companion if you enjoy fighting him for the dog toys. Kay is very friendly,… read more reflective, and easy to talk to. She has previous renovation experience and recently completed a botanical bachelors degree, so I spent the week learning from her experience in renovation, gardening, and reflecting on personal life experiences.   We shared meals- often Croissants for breakfast, charcuterie board for lunch, and cooked a meal for dinner. Kay buys lots of lovely local foods- the cheeses were my favorite, though our glass of wine in the evenings was also a highlight! I also loved the daily sunset tradition- we would grab a bag of chips and two drinks and seat ourselves in the yard, overlooking fields and the setting sun.

While I was there, it was a bit cold and rainy for the season, so we completed tasks indoors. We focused on cleaning and repainting the walls and ceiling of the annex house. We did some yard work- Kay planted and cleared land while I trimmed the dozens of lavender hedges. I would have loved to be outside more because Kirsten is a trained botanist and is very knowledgeable about local plants and animals. This was eye opening and an exciting learning opportunity for me!

Kay is also a great conversationalist. She is extremely insightful, reflective, and has so much life experience and stories to share- or to give advice about. Kay has a fascinating international background, having lived in the UK, Germany, Australia, and now France), though language-wise, neither of us have extensive French-language knowledge (maybe next time, Kay?:)

I also worked part-time online at my other job during my stay. Kay was flexible with this schedule and I was able to complete my workaday hours on my non-online-job-days. The internet is reliable and the house is calm for easy concentration, plus Brom enjoys the company when he is indoors. In warm weather, working outdoors is an option ;)

The property here is beautiful and a good place to learn about renovation projects! It is a tiny village, so there Is not much within walking distance, but with a car or bike you may have more options. I did do some excursions with Kay while I was there- like going to the local food market together on Friday :) I am still in touch with Kay and look forward to my next stay! Thanks Kay <3

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