Francesco

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I was born on the beautiful Island of Elba in Italy and raised partly there and then, from the age of ten, in Australia. Nowadays I'm an Italy-based vagabond - often in Reggio Emilia, where my partner Andrea lives - exploring the myriad ways to live closely to Mother Earth and always open to falling in love with the beauty she bestows upon us and the marvellous people who cherish her.

My life is peppered with stints of living, studying, and more around the world, including India, the US, UK, Thailand, and Sweden, among others. These experiences might give you an insight into some of my personality traits: I'm open, curious, cosmopolitan, a polyglot, at times restless, sensual, generous, and hungry. I love to learn, both from others and from experience. This trait has left me with degrees in comparative studies of religion, environmental studies, and a PhD in humanistic geography. But, it has also led me to study and practice permaculture and Fukuoka-style natural farming, spend a period as a Buddhist monk, as well as being an apprentice in primitive living skills ranging from bow-making, foraging, shelter construction, nature awareness, and animal tracking. First and foremost I've been a generalist, but I hope not one lacking depth.

This is what brings me to Workaway: the desire to learn, to be transformed, to contribute to the beautiful projects that I find on here by sharing myself, my energy, my knowledge and skills. Most importantly, perhaps, is my desire to encounter companions along the journey of this life.

Last, a note: as you'll see, I have many interests. Don't take this list as one of areas and skills I'm an expert in. Do take it as an insight into what might tickle my fancy!

Interests

Sustainability

Self development

Farming

Culture

DIY & crafts

Beach

Camping

Hiking

Mountain

Nature

Outdoor activities

Carpentry

Cooking & food

Books

Drawing & painting

Gardening

History

Languages

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Greek: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm a Cambridge University-qualified English as a second language (ESL) teacher, so can happily help you with improving your English, if so desired. I'm also always open to learning and practicing languages I don't know well.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Light maintenance

Helping around the house

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Some knowledge of:  

Eco Projects

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Teaching

Hospitality/Tourism

More details about your skills

First of all, I'm in good health and relatively fit, meaning I can assist with manual tasks with ease.

I'm told I'm a very capable cook, and particularly enjoy being in the kitchen. Whatever your garden produces or you are able to procure locally (foraged food, whether plants, meat or fish is what excites me most!) I can make something decent out of it, for you and for guests and volunteers.

I have experience and some knowledge in many other areas: foraging, fermentation, nature awareness, animal tracking, hide tanning, permaculture, Fukuoka-style cultivation, basket-making, bread-making, bow-making, course design, teaching, activity monitoring and evaluation, writing, translation, and some others. Some of these skills are more developed, alive and recently exercised than others, and the practice of some excites me more than that of others.

Currently I'm particularly interested in learning more about woodworking and carpentry.

Age

40

What else ...

I may not be seeking to stay with you, but may be in touch if I'm traveling in your area to connect. I'm not one to lose an opportunity for a meaningful exchange, after all.

Also, my partner Andrea lives in Reggio Emilia. While his mode of living doesn't allow him the flexibility I have, he tries to get away and join in my experiences when he can. I'm very grateful to hosts that are open to occasionally accommodating him when I'm collaborating on a longer-term basis, though I also understand if that's not an option in some cases

Also, as this wasn't an option: I'm not a smoker, and may not smoke for months at a time. But if the moment and the desire arise, I might have a social cigarette while with company.

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