Kathryn

Canada
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
Activities i am interested in:
Completed a workaway in Quito, Ecuador, spent a week in Banos de Agua Santa, Ecuador. Then San Cristobal, Galapagos until mid-Aug, now back to Quito for a week, then Cuenca, Ecuador; all workaways.
My next destination:
Toronto, Canada - from Jun 2025 until Jul 2025
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Description
Growing up, my siblings and friends would always say I would make a great social worker or anything customer service related. I guess they all found me very sociable, friendly, considerate, empathetic, reliable and not afraid to let my principles guide any situation which arose. I didn’t become a social worker, but I have always been involved in the services industry; be it as a cashier, hostess at numerous restaurants, or retail outlet in my teenage years, to eventually becoming a manager of global customer services. I worked in many sectors as a services lead; retail, hospitality, software development companies, healthcare services etc.

I am a curious person by nature, and have a lot of compassion and empathy for those less fortunate and/or need help. I didn’t do the backpacking abroad in my teens or early 20’s, but I have always been keen on traveling whenever I had the opportunity. I found myself to be a single parent when my daughter was 4.5 yrs old, so with her growing needs, she was my sole focus until she reached university age. In more recent years, now with my daughter married and other circumstances, I finally have the opportunity to travel. I found how much more meaningful it is when you have someone to share experiences with. My friends don’t have time to travel with me as they have their own families to travel with, but it isn’t about traveling with someone so much as it is about who/whom you meet and experiencing the true culture of the destination.

Therefore, needless to say among the top rewards of being able to travel, is the experience of meeting people from all over the world. The wealth of insight one can gain from traveling and meeting others is invaluable!

I am truly interested in making a positive impact to a host’s environment, and in exchange I would reap the reward by exchanging my culture with everyone I am fortunate enough to meet.
Interests
Sustainability
Culture
Performing arts
Animals
Hiking
Cycling
Team sports
Fitness
Plant care
Photography
Pets
Astronomy
Fashion or beauty
Languages
Self development
Charity work
Writing
Music
Events & social
Cooking & food
Art & design
DIY & crafts
Dancing
Yoga / Wellness
Politics / Social justice
Nature
Blogging
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Taiwanese Hokkien (Taigi): Intermediate
Taiwanese Mandarin: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I have an interest in learning Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, French and Portuguese. I would be happy to teach English to beginners or intermediate learners.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Teaching
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
Gardening
House sitting
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
Babysitting and creative play
Helping around the house
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Animal Care
Able to teach about:
Art Projects
Languages
More details about your skills
As mentioned, my entire background has been in the services industry. I have worked as a cashier; a hostess, a payroll clerk, a bartender, a waitress and many positions in the hospitality industry. I have been a manager in restaurants and software development companies. I was also involved with writing/documentation/editing in the software industry. In a community service role, I led as a program developer for seniors and inter-generational relations; organizing many events for senior homes. I ran and participated in fashion shows and fundraisers. I was a registered massage therapist and worked as a manager at a women only gym, using my anatomy skills to enhance what I was able to offer the clients.

I am a creative individual focusing on arts and crafts for seniors and children. I also create age and physically appropriate exercises. I truly enjoy dancing, singing and teaching English or anything I have an aptitude for to those with less experience.
Age
60
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  Mosquito or other insect bites cause an allergic reaction in me.
- Special dietary requirements
  I need to have low sodium and I have a sensitivity to dairy and gluten, but can tolerate them in moderation.

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14 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us and help our students ...)

I had the privilege to be invited by the institute in Cuenca to volunteer at the school, leading the students in English conversational classes.

The accommodations: I had a private room that was at the back of the main school house; akin to a nanny's quarters in the back of a house. I had my own private bathroom (as I was the only workaway there… read more at the time; but if the other room was occupied, then you would share the bathroom). I had my very own kitchen as well. My room was comfortable with a lot of cupboard space to hang your clothes and drawers. The bed was very comfortable and there was a desk for my laptop.

The work: It never felt like work. I enjoyed speaking with the students and appreciated how eager and enthusiastic they were to have conversational classes with the volunteers. I was honoured they shared their experiences, hopes and goals. I also held activities which made it more fun for the students to learn English - I had a cooking class for both the morning and afternoon groups; we made Dutch pancakes. I also taught the students Hula dancing and we managed to complete an entire song and they were wonderful!

Special notes: The staff were very helpful. The communication was very clear and if I needed anything, someone was always there to help. I was given a schedule when I arrived, and there was a chance to make slight adjustments if need be. I liked having a schedule so you knew where you needed to be at all times. The teachers also helped me by asking the students if someone was interested and available to accompany me to Turi (an area on a mountain top with an amazing view and there are shops and restaurants there), as well as the zoo. I also went with a student to the historical center. I had a lovely time.

I cannot thank Michelle, Clever, Jose, Jonathan, Nina, Carina, Joshua and Carolina enough for all their help and support, and for running this school. It's incredible what an impact they have on the students. Keep doing what you do best, I was honoured to be a part of enriching the students' lives. Thank you for the opportunity!

Don't hesitate, jump on this opportunity to volunteer at C.E.I. if you have the chance. The city is great and safe. The people are very nice. The school felt like another home for me. You will love it! Oh, you also get to play with 2 adorable dogs, Chico, a Chihuahua mix, and Rafaela, a Shih Tzu.

(Excellent )

10 Sep 2024

Left by host (Join us and help our students ...) for Workawayer ()

We were so lucky to have Kathryn stay with us for around two weeks, but we wish it had been more! She worked with our students, suggesting different activities for them in which they could practise their English while having fun. Everyone loved the pancakes!
We're really going to miss Kathryn! She's such a beautiful person and always willing to… read more

(Excellent )

25 Aug 2024

Left by host (Come, let's exchange our ...) for Workawayer ()

Kathryn is a great person, organized, patient and so brave to decide to enjoy the life traveling around the world.
My family and I had the opportunity to practice English with a high level and also taste Sukiyaki (a Japanese dish) who was prepared by Kathryn with the main ingredient "love".
I wish all the best in her next adventures.

(Excellent )

22 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come, let's exchange our ...)

I had the privilege of staying with Guissel and her family.
Her home and my accommodations: G's place is a beautiful 2 level townhome with 2.5 baths and I had a spacious and sunny private room. I also had a private bathroom next door to my bedroom. There is a huge rooftop balcony, as well as another veranda through the sliding doors next to the… read more kitchen and dining room. The home is tastefully decorated and very spacious. On her floor, there are only 2 apartments, and the other one belongs to her sister and her family. So it feels like a giant house with only a door between the 2 spaces. It was safe and I felt very comfortable. You can cook your own meals in the kitchen with a gas stove and a full refrigerator. Just outside the apartment, you have a bakery next door on the left and a produce store (fruits and vegetables) to your right. The larger grocery store, supermaxi is about a 20 minute walk away.

The work: teaching Guissel English occurs in the evenings for the more formal one on one sessions as she works during the day and is currently taking an English course in the early mornings. She is very busy. We also have informal conversations as you interact with Guissel here and there either when you have a question for her, or running into each other in the kitchen or hallway, and sending text to each other via WhatsApp. As Guissel is only asking for 2 hours in the evenings since she is busy from 7am onward, the rest of your work hours are to find opportunities to teach the family English. Those are less formal, but no less important. The entire family are eager and enthusiastic about learning English as well as learning about your background and culture, whatever you would like to share with them. They in turn, are happy to share their culture and family history. Thereby, the informal conversations play out this way; from sharing. It's important to encourage them to speak English and not only rely on translation through each others' phones. Some times you require the translation, but it is a good idea to ask them to repeat the English version after you help them construct the question or sentence. As much as they want to learn English, it is easy for anyone to fall back to their native tongue. You just need to encourage/push them a little.

Besides the home, my accommodations, the work involved, I would like to share what really made this workaway so special. Guissel and her family are super kind, generous, patient, giving, supportive and warmhearted. I was made to feel completely welcomed and soon a part of their family, actually, from the first few seconds I felt they welcomed me into their family. They were also all so eager to ensure I wasn't bored, had a chance to see the highlights of Quito, offering to take me on an outing Sunday when everyone had the day off, welcoming me to join in daily activities each member of the family do; such as going to the gym with Guissel, helping myself to a yoga mat in the room, going for an early brisk walk with the sister, her husband and their dog around 5:40am-they drive 10 minutes to an old airport now turned into a beautiful park/green space, and a lot of people are out there walking (some with dogs), jogging, running, and bicycling), and joining the mother who goes across the street to a recreational center and exercises with some friends for an hour from 7-8am daily. I went to do some deliveries with the sister, their mother and G's nephew. These are products that Guissel's company handles. In those outings, the sister would point out different parts of the city for me, and it gives you another chance to help them with their English. After completing the deliveries another day, the family drove me to Quito's city center and historical center. We parked and walked around for a while, and they treated me to Espumilla (a loved local dessert that looks like ice cream, but it is not, made from whipped eggs and guava, known as guayaba in Ecuador). On Sunday, Guissel had an urgent delivery for a client, and she invited me to join her for company and another chance for us to have conversation in the car in English. After the deliver was complete, she took me to a town in a valley called Santa Ana de Nayon. It reminded me of Banos, but not as upscale as Banos. It was wonderful that it was only a 10 minute drive away and all of a sudden we were in a completely different area. The temperature in Nayon is about 2-3 degrees higher, and it was a sunny day, but it is a dry heat there, no humidity, so I was in my happy place. The streets were lined with beautiful flower shops, other stores and a lot of restaurants. It was not expensive there at all. There was even a festival going on with people dressed in costumes and dancing throughout the streets. It was so lively and fun. I loved it there and was so glad G took me out that morning.

In conclusion, if you have the opportunity to have this family host you, grab it. They are such a wonderful and beautiful family. So caring, kind and generous! They even gifted me with an Ecuadorian shawl.

When I visit Ecuador again, I will definitely be in touch with Guissel and will make plans to see the family.
Thank you Guissel, Olga, Soledad, Bernaby and Franko. Also a shout out to Henry and his mom, the neighbours and amazing bakery owners, and to the others I met: Raquel (G's niece), Jahir and Viki (Bernaby's nephew and niece). It was wonderful and my honour to meet all of you!

Muchas gracias por todo!!! 🧡
Kathryn (Kate)

(Excellent )

19 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help out with our artistic ...)

I highly recommend staying with this host and the family if you have the opportunity! Everything was as described, from how beautiful and artistic the hotel is, to the great communication, exchange of culture, wonderful guests and staff, to an environment one can only dream to be in.

The family welcomed me and showed me to a lovely private hotel… read more room with my own bathroom. This was on the 3rd floor with a large outdoor area that you have to yourself, with an awesome view of the 3 main streets leading to the ocean. You can see the palm trees and the ocean and enjoy the lovely breeze.
The instructions and directions were clear and if you had any questions, they were always ready to help. The work involved starting at 6:30am to prep for breakfast prior to guests' arrival at 7am; replenishing any items that run low; taking egg orders from the guests and relaying them to the cooks, then serving the prepared eggs; clearing the tables as guests finished with any items, and helping clean up the area when breakfast is complete at 9am. You are done cleaning by 9:30am usually. You can eat breakfast when there are no more guests arriving, or eat a little later which I did as I don't eat until 10:30am. After you complete breakfast duties, you help check out guests (some times they leave early), and that involves ensuring you have the room key and possibly calling them a taxi. You also check-in any new arrivals. All the instructions will be provided, and generally you are done by 12noon. If there are any check-ins after that, the family will be available in the afternoon. Some times if you are around, they may ask you to check someone in after 12noon. So the work was easy enough if you know how to keep house, but in order to be successful and find fulfillment, you would be a naturally friendly person who is happy to serve guests.

You have the rest of the day, after 12noon to go exploring the town, it's great! If you need a couple of days off in order to visit another island, just speak to the family ahead of time so you can plan out what days work best, when there are fewer guests.

I found environment I was in, the decoration of the hotel, the staff/family and guests, made me happy. The place is beautifully designed, by the owner himself, David. You will see his artwork throughout the hotel as well as at the airport. The colours and what is displayed is so cheery and creative, you can't help but wake up and be happy seeing it all. The guests have told me the same thing.
Words can't even describe how wonderful this workaway was for me. The family are so welcoming and warm. They made me feel like I was a part of their family. They treat all the staff and guests so well, and that is a very important factor in the services industry, which I have been a part of all my working life.
Of course being in the Galapagos is a dream in itself. The animals you will see, the weather, the atmosphere. It was all so wonderful.
I am glad to hear I am welcome to come back in the future and I will definitely visit the Galapagos islands again and of course I would love the opportunity to stay here again.
Many thanks to David & Jenny (mama), Andres (away while I was there, but was very attentive communicating with me prior to my arrival and toward the end of my stay), Jenny (daughter, who was my main contact on location, who gave me very clear instructions and so warm and accommodating), her husband Rob (thanks for all your help carrying water jugs, opening jars, giving me directions and tips etc.), Oliver (Olie) & Mia (Jenny & Rob's kids), who were so smart, creative, well-behaved and fun to be around, Blanca, Rosa and Luis (staff who helped me in kitchen duties and were very patient with me as I don't speak Spanish). Thank you all of you! I hope I was able to give back something in return and you learned about my Canadian culture and my life experiences. Muchas gracias por todo!

(Excellent )

9 Aug 2024

Left by host (Help out with our artistic ...) for Workawayer ()

We hosted dear Kathryn during the month of August and we can say she has been a responsible, proactive and easy going volunteer to have in our family and our hotel crew, especially with so many tourists around and busy hours. She got along well with our staff and family, since we had also many family members visiting us, with kids too, and did a… read more

(Excellent )

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14 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us and help our students ...)

(Excellent)

10 Sep 2024

Left by host (Join us and help our students ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

25 Aug 2024

Left by host (Come, let's exchange our ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

22 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come, let's exchange our ...)

(Excellent)

19 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help out with our artistic ...)

(Excellent)

9 Aug 2024

Left by host (Help out with our artistic ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

7 Aug 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Kathryn helped us so much during her staying! She was always happy to help us with the speaking class with our students! All the students liked Kathryn and they are already missing her. She was so helpful with activities she proposed to do with the students such as Hula dancing.
Kathryn is always with a smile on her face and knows how to help the… read more

(Excellent)

22 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help our community learn ...)

Overall, I truly loved my experience with the host and his family! I also loved the staff members who were involved in teaching, sales and media/marketing. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, supportive and kind! They even went out of their way to help me and another workawayer with things like picking us up from the airport, purchasing/replacing a… read more stolen phone, help with purchasing our bus tickets to go to Banos; providing rides to the mall, and giving instructions and directions to anything we were interested in.

It was great to be able to help the local students learn English. The time spent with them, one on one or sometimes with 2-3 students was very rewarding and fulfilling. The students are eager to learn and are enthusiastic about studying English.

There are opportunities to suggest any creative activities you feel will benefit the students to learn English in a different setting other than in class or conversing with the teachers and workawayers. For example, one activity by another workawayer was to teach the students Yoga; what a great way for the students to learn new terms and at the same time, it benefited their physical, mental and emotional well-being. I taught the students Hawaiian hula dance. It was so lovely to see how different this was for them and how well they embraced learning a new dance form. Hawaiians tell stories not through books, but instead, their stories are told through dance, made up of arm and leg movements, smiling faces with Hawaiian music. We also taught a cooking class; I taught a class 2 of the mornings, and the other workawayer taught a different cooking class on another afternoon.

I rated the accuracy of the host's profile at 4/5, but I would have liked to rate it 4.5/5, however, 1/2 points are not available. I also feel the accuracy can easily be 5/5 with a small change here and there. The accommodation is actually just less than 2km away from the institute; about a 22 minute walk. The profile reads 'it is close'...but to be accurate, it is about 2km away. This is a heads up for those who may find that difficult, but to be clear, we had no problems walking the 20 minutes each way. So this is a minor issue.

I rated the communication as 4/5, and again, it could have been 4/5/5 if 1/2 points were available. The reason for deducting the point is partly because I don't have any background in Spanish and that contributed to the slight communication issue. It isn't that you have to know how to communicate in Spanish, but it would be helpful. I was able to learn a few basic Spanish words from the team at the institute. I would suggest a meeting with the host/family closer to the beginning of your stay rather than later. This is to set expectations for both sides as you can agree on a schedule of days and times of work vs days off, and who to let know when you may be involved with other activities and may need some time to prep for an activity, or something else.

I didn't mention the lunch they provide when you are working. This is a nice touch! I really appreciated the 1 full hour lunch break, as I am a slow eater. You will enjoy a full lunch, usually it includes a soup, a starch of some kind like rice or mote, and some kind of protein (chicken, beef, pork or fish) and a juice. It is delicious!

The institute is in a brand new beautiful 3 story building, very spacious and decorated very tastefully!

If you like interacting with eager minds full of enthusiasm to learn English, experience cultural exchange from the people of Quito, Ecuador, as well as from other workawayers coming from all over the world, and having a host family and staff who are so kind, helpful, supportive and fun, then you will find it very rewarding and fulfilling to take this workaway opportunity. Enjoy!

Thank you to Esteban, Tamy & Victor, the family! Thank you to the staff: Sarahi, Luis, Prince and JuanJo! Of course, many thanks to all the students who shared with me their stories and their goals! I had a very fulfilling and rewarding time at your institute and I hope I was able to bring some great experiences to all of you in return!

Wishing all of you many many successes with the institute. Keep on learning English! ❤

(Excellent)

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