James

United States
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
I am planning to open an eco-accommodation for both guests and digital nomads, featuring unique events (social, ecological, traditional craft)
Description
2025 UPDATE:

CAMPER VAN OBTAINED (in France)

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I'm James, from the Central Coast of California (Santa Cruz County) home of the Redwoods!

KEYWORDS
Curious, Philosophical, Inventive, Conscientious, Industrious, Goofy-Serious, Independent, Social

SKILLS
A willing learner. Not specially skilled. I am able-bodied and can pay attention to detail. Interested in the workings of small business or self-sufficient projects (see below)

PRESENT GOALS
Experience a back-to-earth / sustainable setting in the model of a business (tourism / event / retreat center type). Gain insight into operating a tourism / event business. Acquire hands-on skills along with "perspective". Discover more ways in which people can come together with purpose and benevolence. At the least, experience more self-sufficiency.

FUTURE GOALS
My life goal is to start a multi-purpose event and nomad center (www.fairfox.net)

I would like to gain more direct experience in this realm. It would incorporate elements such as: personal growth, crafts, health and wellness, self-expression, trickery, music, fitness, etc.

FAMILY BACKGROUND
I come from a good and loving family. My father is a dynamic and passionate business owner and CEO of a medical supplies distribution company which my grandparents started out of their garage in 1974 (North Coast Medical). I have gained perspective from working with the company, in the warehouse and inside sales but it is not my "calling", ultimately.

My mother is a beautiful and loving woman with much energy: she is an artist and landscape designer. They are no longer married. I have one younger sister (a painter) who lives in Hawaii.

My grandparents also helped increase my curiousity of the world outside the US and cultural & intellectual appreciation.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Tour guide, Sales, Independent Marketing. Many unfinished university experiences in my 20's (in Europe, mostly). Not too much here!

ABOUT ME
I'm a cheerful and thoughtful guy who loves interacting with various people, which is my main interest in travel. I like to make others feel good. Sometimes that's blending in, sometimes sticking out! I am sensitive and social, for sure, but also highly independent: I need time on my own. I can work in groups or alone, but I tend to want to be a leader of a group. I try to bring something positive to the group I find myself with.

Although I can seem quite carefree and lighthearted, I actually care very much about finding a way to work hard and contribute to others and the world. I value truth, honesty, fairness and communication. People tend to get the impression that I am a somewhat mysterious and experienced person, but I'm not as much as I may come off as...

LIKES / DISLIKES

I don't like dishonest or rude, loud people. I generally don't like modernity, ideologies, poor music, unhealthy food, lifestyles, and I don't watch TV.... I like nature and thoughtfulness.

Above all, I value authenticity even if it's something not exactly admirable... AUTHENTICITY is admirable in itself.

HOBBIES
I used to be an active drummer, but circumstances have prevented me from that. I like to cook, be active, explore and enjoy nature. Swimming (especially cold water) and sauna is another favorite activity. I like to dance and am exploring performance arts (the clown).

I enjoy learning about and experiencing culture, world literature, history, politics, and music, etc. What can I say, I am like a sponge -- absorbing as much as I possibly can from my environment, and at times if I'm squeezed, I can ooze it all out and share with whoever happens to be around!

Story telling and even slowly writing some short, experimental memoirs of my travels.

CONCLUSION:
All in all, I am a strongly independent minded person, thoughtful and also quite warm in heart. My friends would say I am a very "original" person who doesn't conform. But at the same time, I am NOT known as a rebel or extremist, in character, but sympathetic.

I've done a handful of these WorkAways in the US, Canada, and Europe now over the years! I believe something like a half-dozen.

Physically, I am tall, strong and in great health -- so I can be useful doing anything or learning something new. I will not be lazy and wait to be gotten out of bed, or anything like that!
Interests
Winter sports
Carpentry
Adventure sports
Camping
Performing arts
Music
Movies & TV
Farming
Events & social
Charity work
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Yoga / Wellness
Writing
Self development
Outdoor activities
Nature
History
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Dancing
Culture
Books
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Helping around the house
Some knowledge of:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Able to teach about:
Teaching
More details about your skills
Good with people, tourism, attention to detail, learning something new or teaching others.

I'm not a skilled craft person, per se -- But I'm always willing to try something new!
Age
34
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  No

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19 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help create an ecovillage ...)

My short stay pre-season with Laura was pleasant and satisfying. I especially liked how I got to manage my own projects with as much ability as I had while also receiving guidance whenever needed in a helpful spirit. I got to build a small retainer wall which was challenging at times, but fulfilling! I was comfortable, there was good company, and… read more

(Excellent )

22 Nov 2024

Left by host (Join our non-profit NGO and ...) for Workawayer ()

Wow, what an amazing secret brother from another mother meeting... it was a wonderful time at our place building the School of Wholeness with James - an open, helpful and a really interesting prospect :) over time we found out that we have some deeper connections and really enjoyed the time, got some practical things done and even met in Latvia… read more

(Excellent )

5 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our non-profit NGO and ...)

I had a good time staying here with another workawayer, coincidentally. The work was straightforward and was well balanced with relaxed and structured. Got some good building experience. Giris is really passionate about what he does and is really knowledgeable and easy to hang out with. His wife is very sweet and makes food with a lot of care.… read more

(Excellent )

18 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Return to nature and help ...)

I had a pleasant stay with Yelena in this small village recently. Although my visit was short, we connected well and found satisfying discussion everyday. I enjoyed walking around the region and taking her fun dogs for walks. The property itself is cute and humble. I had the task of doing some scything and things like that. I felt Yelena was very… read more

(Excellent )

17 Nov 2024

Left by host (Return to nature and help ...) for Workawayer ()

James visited for about a week and helped me with a few odd jobs in the house and the laborious task of cutting and clearing a mass of overgrown weeds and grass. Very much appreciated!! 🙏😊✨️

More valuable for me though where the deep conversations we shared on a variety of topics, both personal and business-related... and the lovely long walks… read more

(Excellent )

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19 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help create an ecovillage ...)

(Excellent)

22 Nov 2024

Left by host (Join our non-profit NGO and ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

5 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our non-profit NGO and ...)

(Excellent)

18 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Return to nature and help ...)

(Excellent)

17 Nov 2024

Left by host (Return to nature and help ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

17 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer ()

James was a great guest. He helped us a lot with enthusiasm and collaborative spirit. He has a refined intuition and great understanding for people and you can have very pleasant conversations with him. We sincerely thank him and recommend him to all hosts

(Excellent)

16 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening on our ...)

The farm is nestled in the middle of a breathtaking valley. Every direction looks like a different painting. It was a joy to be there each day (January). Thank you Luigi & Lena for welcoming me for a short visit. I had the opportunity to clear some vines off the side of a building, remove some old fencing, dig some ditches, etc. The border collies… read more

(Excellent)

7 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Due to a cancellation, James came to help out for a week and was very obliging and helpful with Xmas decorations and general chores including walking and exercising our dog Daisy.

(Very good)

6 Dec 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening, ...)

Thanks for accommodation me for a short visit! It was a pleasant stay.

(Excellent)

27 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Explore the lovely Danish ...)

Thanks, Sigard! It was a good time spending time with you, helping you with the place, and being on the island.

This place would be great for someone who sees potential in a big, converted farm house.

Sigard was very welcoming, warm, and and attentative. I would say he is someone who genuinely enjoys life! He was open for different kinds of help… read more

(Excellent)

25 Jul 2022

Left by host (Explore the lovely Danish ...) for Workawayer ()

James was my very first Workawayer (and I did indeed prepare a feedback some time ago, but apparently not correctly finished). It was a pleasure to host James who was very helpful and positive. A very good first experience. Thank you James.

(Excellent)

24 Apr 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Experience nature and learn ...)

Accommodating, warm and hard working! So glad I had the opportunity to spend time with you, George! Thanks for being you. You were very attentive and what you've done inspirational to me.

(Excellent)

18 Apr 2022

Left by host (Experience nature and learn ...) for Workawayer ()

It was a pleasure to meet James and work with him. We has some good laughs and our interaction throughout his stay was generally quite meaningful and thought-provoking. He helped mainly with the renovation of our flat which was the priority at the time. So painting and odd jobs were the main tasks..and moving furniture etc. It was a real help… read more

(Excellent)

11 Dec 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn new skills and nurture ...)

I was connected with Nóra last autumn and winter (2020) even though at the time they were not on Workaway (I recently suggested the site to her) from the suggestion of a Hungarian contact I had made years back.

My experience began just like a Workawayer, however -- I helped out doing some installation of electric fences (in Hungarian, you… read more literally say an "electric shepherd") with someone also involved with their historical re-enactment group -- check Ég Zendület on Facebook. I was living in the city of Szeged nearby, so I took a bus to the nearby town of Makó (short and easy) and was picked up from there.

The place is really cozy and genuine, just like Nóra, and whoever else you might meet, like her parents. They all speak English very well (she was raised in her childhood years in the US) and are intelligent and eclectic, without being too far in any one of those directions. Rounded like good stones.

I get the sense that Nóra is very well suited to accommodate different types of people, as long as they are willing to show up and express interest in things -- and isn't that the point, after all? At that time, Levente wasn't in the picture, but I've spoke with him over the phone a little and seems like quite the snug pair for Nóra, A jolly man with a very good mustache -- making a lovely picture to be apart of in your stay at Bogárzó! (which I believe means something like, "buggy") He's from Transylvania and the goat master, as I understand.

I have to say that honestly, the great plains did not speak to me immediately. I felt unstimulated, eerie. But eventually something clicked, especially after seeing the sunrise come brilliantly over the horizon, after a spirited winter solstice feast I joined. By the way, any such event here is from the heart and joyfully spent! But the life on the plains is something peculiar, I can't quite put my finger on it...

I'm so very confident that these bunch of folks are ambitious and crazy enough that I just might join them in making more come to life -- as I'm looking for potential in Hungary myself! So yes, perhaps you too will come here and give-up your modern day comforts, or will be inspired in such a way down the line!

It's certainly not a place where you are going to be getting ideology shoved down your throat (worthwhile to note in these special times we live) but it is a place in which you are free to engage, free to express, free to get into the real experience of the place in it's own time.

My final remark is a personal one: Nóra is the antithesis of "jaded"! Be by her and just enjoy life!

Long live Bogárzó!
Huj-Huj-Hajra!

(Excellent)

14 Nov 2021

Left by host (Learn about animals and enjoy ...) for Workawayer ()

Was a pleasure having James working on my farm. He was very helpful with everything from cooking and cleaning to manual labor on the farm. We also became good friends! I hope to see him again in both of our travels. :)

(Excellent)

9 Aug 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about animals and enjoy ...)

Best Workaway I've been to in the States! Beautiful place, cool project, and Tommy is a swell guy. He enjoys the company of others and knows how to work hard!

(Excellent)

8 Dec 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come explore the Great Lakes ...)

Rick and his wife were welcoming into their tidy home. It was a nice place to spend some week or two (how long I stayed).

Something I thought, they really appreciate being out here in Michigan and have a passion for wildlife. I think they are good upright people and not so hard to talk with! They have a neat story about their life in California… read more

(Excellent)

8 Dec 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come see Lake Superior and ...)

I was their second workawayer and they did a great job like seasoned hosts, I thought. It was pretty relaxed. There's a sort of list of chores and projects that could be done if you had the desire to do so. I was also lucky enough to use an extra car there. The surrounding area was pretty nest to experience, the lake etc., but I didn't do that… read more

(Excellent)

24 Oct 2019

Left by host (Create nice memories and ...) for Workawayer ()

It was a short stay for James, but a lovely one overall. James helped us with cleaning the cabins, painting, landscaping and a few more little tasks. Always up to the task !

(Very good)

14 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Create nice memories and ...)

A straightforward opportunity. peaceful surroundings and job itself simple. Accommodating and flexible staff. Workawayers have their own house to stay in nearby (up to 6 persons). They do a good job organizing and there is a fun night once a week.

(Excellent)

13 Sep 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Experience an ecological way ...)

I had a short but good stay with Julia (she made an exception for a a short visit due to her travel plans). I got to experience some usual orchard maintenance, like using a scythe, and some small construction project (building a terrace on the house). Other than this, there were some small tasks with preparing food and maybe an opportunity to ride… read more

(Very good)

8 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us and enjoy castle life ...)

I stayed for 5 nights and helped for 4 days. I thought it was a good experience and all went smoothly. The mansion is a real treasure and you have the opportunity to help. There is also other work to be done in the river.. I get I was accommodated well. I recommend it. Arianne is warm and Bernard is quite jovial.

There will probably be other… read more

(Excellent)

29 Dec 2017

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Hey James, thanks for helping us here for several weeks! We appreciate your detailed comments and suggestions for improvement, and yes we have already instituted a discussion about a training program for workaway volunteers and indeed, for our certified teachers as well. Your comments already resulted in new games and activities within the "native… read more

(Very good)

27 Dec 2017

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with Native English ...)

Americana is a relatively new school that seems to be run with a sense of seniority and obvious growth. As a volunteer, you will have the advantage of being apart of a thriving school run with certain enthusiasm and popularity. I think that the stipend that is offered is really quite excellent, especially for this country, so it should be good for… read more someone who does not want to expend much (or any) of their own resources.

My experience at Americana was all around above expectations, in terms of what was offered and how. Ultimately, it was not the right fit for me, but was almost completely my own doing or preference (I will explain more later). The work hours were flexible and very reasonable (we did negotiate a different schedule, to work less each day, rather than two days on two days off - I imagine someone could do either way). At first, you will shadow Daniel to get the hang of the ropes. Basically, your task is to talk about whatever you can talk about, and hopefully following some of the days topics. Most of the time, however, you will follow little games or small talking prompts. Admittedly, some of the "games" were rather newly introduced and many failed to gather the interest of the students (as well as myself). I suppose that is the nature of any language school, however the vision statement of the school should not be lost to the petty tragedy of stale games, ineffectual routine, during the time spent with the volunteer native speaker (20-30min per class session).

The best part of the experience, I found, was getting to share some stories with Ukrainians and hearing about theirs. Cultural differences to be found, aplenty. They will take genuine interest in you and will want to know honest things about you. In this sense, the games are null, yet conversation about you, the volunteer, is fruitful. Hopefully, you are someone willing to talk about yourself while still remaining clear and somewhat simple in your speech (which I found difficult and frustrating to do at times, my own weakness).

I was one of the first volunteers. Although the school is run with promptness and professionalism, the training and guidelines, or expectations, as a volunteer, seemed to be vague and lacking effort. It was assumed by Daniel, the coordinator of the school, that this was "mindless work" but I do not believe is the case, in the slightest, especially when it comes to dealing with A1 or A2 level speakers (I was continually challenged by B level speakers too). What Daniel expected seemed to be different from what the teachers expected of class time (he seemed to encourage informal discussion the teachers pushed for structured and menial "games" to play, which was only relieved by going off the beaten course, but the teachers often let me to fluster about in my inexperience rather than being prepared to aid in the discussion. In my opinion, the time that the students have with the native speaker should be as "native" as possible. Sometimes games or structure is needed, but there should be a clearer expectation here, and more training on dealing with language learners, especially in the beginning, as well as more investment into games which are actually fun or engaging (there seemed to be low effort into choosing interesting / varied games) but I expect this will change for the better quickly.

Other than this one main area of constructive criticism, which really didn't bother me too much (although more structure may have prevented me from not taking my responsibilities more seriously; I unfortunately lost my interest in the position and started to cary too strongly a non-shalantness in my demeanor), you will find that you are in relatively good hands. I have no doubt that Daniel (and his Ukrainian business partner, Marion) know where improvement is needed and perpetually strive towards it, as is the same in all businesses. The success of the school is a testimony to their keen sense of business operations. In fact, there were talks of expanding the buildings as well as obtaining a separate apartment for volunteers, perhaps even a hostel. Again, I would like to state that the operations of the school are above expectations, and I have to have some slack since I am only one of their first volunteers. The job they offer is a really great deal for a volunteer and I certainly recommend it!

As it stood for me, I stayed with Daniel in his apartment which was about a 30 second walk to the school, on the main (charming, popular) street. The apartment was fine and comfortable, but did not offer a private room (fine for me). Daniel was always rather chiper and I consider him to be an honest and straightforward individual, which are great qualities to have in a manager, never overbearing or judgemental. He's also fun to shoot-the-shit with or just joke around, but he certainly won't get on your nerves too much or keep you up talking too late. Good sense of keeping your space, will not ask too much of you.

Chernivtsi is technically a small city but the locals all refer to it as a big village. Perhaps that has to do with the attitude people have with each other. Everyone knows each other, I suppose. Daniel might tell you that you are like a rock star when you are here, and that is partially true, I found. It is certainly a quaint place and very manageable. I enjoyed going to the open market and buying good, local food to cook. There is also a small splay of different "hipster" sort of places to go for coffee, beer, or what have you. I also heard that there is a Philharmonic and theatre. Personally, I found myself in an underground breakdancing hall one night and I met some interesting people who were quite welcoming and friendly, but it's not like everyone on the street is like this. You will have to come to Ukraine and see for yourself, just as I am still finding out what it's like to travel here! Next week, I plan on going to the Carpathian mountains with a girl I met here, who's really just my type, not the typical that I expected... Not a bad place to go off the beaten path! Go for it!

(Very good)

4 Jun 2017

Left by host (Looking for a couple, help ...) for Workawayer ()

James helped us out for a week, he is very nice hard worker and open. We recommend him :blush:

(Excellent)

2 Jun 2017

Left by Workawayer () for host (Looking for a couple, help ...)

Anna is a welcoming hostess and I had a good experience here. I did some gardening work at their home, which is near to their guesthouse, which they run as a business. There are no hard demands and everything is well taken care of. There also seems to be some other work available, helping with some building sometimes.

It is a very quiet town. The… read more

(Excellent)

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