Melissa

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! I'm Melissa and I have just quit my laptop-based job in tech in the city of London in search of a new life and career with animals. I've lived in London for the last 10 years and am desperately seeking time in the real rather than concrete jungle, so I'm setting off on a solo trip around Central America to volunteer with animals and immerse myself in new cultures.

I've spent the last 2 years volunteering every week at Stepney City Farm in London, providing love and care for our donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, and many chickens, ducks, and geese.

I've been meat-free for two years and care passionately about animal welfare. My long term life dream is to set up or help run an animal sanctuary to provide love and care for animals that would otherwise struggle.

Manual labour suits me too - I much prefer being outdoors than on a laptop and love doing physical challenges and work as well as using my brain. I've boxed competitively for the last few years and am physically fit, strong, and capable. I love adventures and trying new things.

The best word to describe me: enthusiastic! :)

Interests

Vegetarian or vegan

Water sports

Team sports

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Nature

Outdoor activities

Pets

Music

Languages

Mountain

Hiking

Farming

Fitness

Events & social

Cycling

DIY & crafts

Charity work

Camping

Books

Astronomy

Adventure sports

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I studied Spanish to the highest level at school and would love to remember all my forgotten vocabulary. One of my goals for my travels is to come home as close to fluent in Spanish as I can.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Hospitality/Tourism

Life at a Farmstay

DIY and building projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Animal Care

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

Animal care: feeding, mucking out, grooming, hoof picking. Already experienced with goats, donkeys, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, geese, ducks, and chickens.

Dog walking and socialising: I grew up with several dogs and am a regular dog sitter at home for friends and family.

Basic DIY: assembling furniture, putting up shelves, using a power drill etc.

Exercise: running, boxing, hiking, kayaking, the list is endless

Cleaning and housekeeping: I have lived mainly on my own and taken care of my flat for several years.

Computers: I have a Computer Science degree and have worked with technology for the last 10 years.

Administration: I am very methodical and organised, and have been self-employed running my own business for the last 2 years.

In addition to all of this I love to learn, try new things, and I am not afraid to get my hands dirty!

Age

36

What else ...

Nothing makes me feel more alive than being outdoors discovering something new or completing a physical challenge (e.g. climbing Kilimanjaro, running a marathon, competing in boxing matches).

I love seeing planet Earth in all its shapes and forms.

At home I love music, regularly go to gigs and concerts, and will always say yes to playing any kind of game :)

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Penicillin

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  Special dietary requirements
  No meat