Jeff & Sylvie

United Kingdom
Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Description
We retired a little early at the age of 56 from careers in project management and teaching in order to travel around the world, not to see tourist sites but to experience what it's really like to live overseas among small communities and to give back. We have been nomadic for the last three years, working for NGOs in Ethiopia, India and Costa Rica, generally in the areas of creating Income Generating Activities for villagers and animal welfare. When back in Europe to see family, we do lots of house and pet sitting. We adore learning new skills in one part of the world and training others in them in another. We also love all things cultural - history, heritage, music, reading, films, etc.
Interests
Movies & TV
Cooking & food
Books
Animals
Nature
Charity work
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Eco Projects
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Art Projects
Able to teach about:
Babysitting and creative play
Being an elderly companion
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Charity Work
Languages
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
More details about your skills
Jeff
- project management experience of 30+ years
- accountant by profession
- finding income generating activities and arranging training and micro finance
- fundraising and grant applications
- software: Excel and Adobe Premier Pro for filmmaking
Sylvie
- teaching experience of 30+ years (English and French from early ages to adults including college level, beginners Spanish and philosophy for children)
-translating and editing texts
- cooking/nutrition
- tidying/decluttering
- rearranging furniture and possessions for different effects
- help in the garden
- recycling, upcycling and composting
- help looking after pets /animals
Age
62 & 61
What else ...
We are both crazy about films - from silent to modern era, from Hollywood to Bollywood, Our favourites are the classic films from the 1930s/1940s. Jeff has a MA in Film Studies and has made films as a leisure pursuit.
We love food. Sylvie is passionate about ingredients and cooking. She loves, learning new skills and not just in the kitchen! She also likes singing , reading including reading aloud and good stories/ legends.
Jeff love games - He taught chess in an Ethiopian school and likes to organise treasure hunts for his nephews and nieces. He plays football and tennis. He has taught softball to his colleagues
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  Sylvie is very intolerant to dairy products except ghee/butter
- Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian/ vegan

Feedback

23 Mar 2024

Left by host (Help on a woman empowerment ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Jeff and Sylvie are beautiful people, they supported us in all the different ways we requested. They are very experienced and knowledgeable people, but still they are very flexible and easy going. They supported projects both for my parents and me, whatever was requested. I am a new host and they supported me by writing a volunteers guide, product… read more

(Excellent )

22 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help on a woman empowerment ...)

Meera is an inspring, beautiful and strong yet gentle person who has been selfless in creating an NGO to help women living near the slums of Delhi to make an independent living. It was a privilege to help her and get to know her, and we really hope to stay in touch. Meera is one of the most caring people we have ever met. She continuously made… read more

(Excellent )

24 Feb 2024

Left by host (Help, farm, teach and live ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Jeff and Ms. Sylvie from UK for their incredible contributions during their one-month tenure with us. Throughout their time here, they brought immense value and dedication to our mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mr. Jeff's meticulous research and… read more

(Excellent )

17 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help, farm, teach and live ...)

Wow, where do we even begin? The community at the Foundation - the leaders, teachers and all the boys - was the most beautiful we have ever encountered. It was such an honour to see how the place has turned around the lives of those with intellectual disabilities and given them hope and dignity. Children and youth who were once hidden away in… read more

(Excellent )

8 Apr 2023

Left by host (Volunteer at our Learning ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Sylvie y Jeff estuvieron durante 6 semanas, una pareja maravillosa, servicial que aportó muchas ideas de su perspectiva.

Sylvie durante su voluntariado ayudó mayormente en la cocina, con su buen gusto y aportes de recetas nuevas que estamos usando para la comida de los niños.

Jeff estuvo ayudando en trabajos administrativos, auditorias y… read more

(Excellent )

20 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Volunteer at our Learning ...)

We had a special and memorable experience! The place is peaceful, stunningly beautiful and so are the people living and working there. The leaders and whole team are inspiring and friendly, and it was an honour to help in some way towards their important work. We learnt a lot with them and cannot thank them enough for their kindness, their… read more patience and all the laughter! We felt very protected in a loving and beautiful bubble during our entire time at the project, but received even further proof of how amazingly generous and friendly everyone was, when one of us took ill (nothing to do at all with the place) The support we received, both practical and in every possible way, is unforgettable…we are ever so grateful to Alicia, Greg, and everybody for everything. It was heart-warming, it was incredible. Please thank everyone for us again. We were happy to share a beautiful, comfortable, clean, and well-equipped home with delightful volunteers, all thanks to the way in which they selects its volunteers and looks after them.
A few practical tips for future volunteers:
1- In general, it is difficult to be on this workaway without at least some Spanish. Most of your colleagues from Guatemala will generally not know more than a few words of English, not enough to communicate. At times, Spanish is also the only common language between all the volunteers. The onus is on volunteers to be able to understand and make themselves understood in Spanish. It does not have to be perfect Spanish but it does need a degree of fluency.
2- The only ATMs accepting foreign cards are the bright yellow 5B ones.
3- It can be cold at night during the winter. We were wavering on whether to bring hot water bottles or not. In the end, we did not because of the weight. Boy, did we miss them. Definitely bring thermal layers, but a hot water bottle would come in very handy, and you can leave it there for other volunteers or for the use of the project if you don’t want to carry it back.
4- Tecpan is a lively town and we warmed to it, but it is not a centre of international gastronomy! Bring with you plenty of condiments (ketchup, mustard, decent vinegar or olive oil, peanut butter, tahini, Marmite etc what you enjoy having) and spices you are used to. Most things can be found in Antigua or Panachajel but unless you arrive at the project through these places, you will arrive from Guatemala City straight to Tecpan and will have to spend the first few days/ weeks only with what you find in Tecpan. That is, unless you come with Walter and ask him to stop for you to go shopping at La Torre shopping centre.
5- Working gloves: a pair of gardening gloves and a pair of rubber gloves or vinyl gloves will help your hands.
6- Last but not least, buy a Guatemalan TIGO data sim card on arrival. Claro did not cover the Project area for us.

¡Tuvimos una experiencia especial y memorable! El lugar es tranquilo, increíblemente hermoso, al igual que las personas que viven y trabajan allí. Los líderes y todo el equipo son inspiradores y amigables, y fue un honor ayudar de alguna manera en su importante trabajo. ¡Aprendimos mucho con ellos y no podemos agradecerles lo suficiente por su amabilidad, su paciencia y todas las risas! Nos sentimos muy protegidos en una burbuja amorosa y hermosa durante todo nuestro tiempo en el proyecto, pero recibimos una prueba más de cuán increíblemente generosos y amables fueron todos, cuando uno de nosotros se enfermó (nada que ver con el lugar).. recibimos ayuda, tanto práctica como en todas las formas posibles, es inolvidable…estamos muy agradecidos con Alicia, Greg y todos por todo. Fue conmovedor, fue increíble. Por favor, gracias a todos por nosotros de nuevo. Estábamos felices de compartir una casa hermosa, cómoda, limpia y bien equipada con voluntarios encantadores, todo gracias a la forma en que selecciona a sus voluntarios y los cuida.
Algunos consejos prácticos para futuros voluntarios:
1- En general, es difícil estar en este workaway sin al menos algo de español. La mayoría de sus colegas de Guatemala generalmente no sabrán más que unas pocas palabras de inglés, no lo suficiente para comunicarse. A veces, el español es también el único idioma común entre todos los voluntarios. La responsabilidad de los voluntarios es poder entender y hacerse entender en español. No tiene que ser un español perfecto, pero sí necesita un grado de fluidez.
2- Los únicos cajeros automáticos que aceptan tarjetas extranjeras son los 5B de color amarillo brillante.
3- Puede hacer frío por la noche durante el invierno. Dudamos sobre si traer bolsas de agua caliente o no. Al final, no lo hicimos por el peso. Guau, los extrañamos. Definitivamente traiga ropas térmicas, pero una bolsa de agua caliente sería muy útil, y puede dejarla allí para otros voluntarios o para el uso del proyecto si no quiere llevarla de vuelta.
4- Tecpan es un pueblo animado y aprendimos a disfrutar del pueblo, ¡Pero no es un centro de gastronomía internacional! Trae muchos condimentos (salsa de tomate, mostaza, vinagre o aceite de oliva decente, mantequilla de maní, tahini, Marmite, etc., lo que te gusta tener) y especias a las que estás acostumbrada. La mayoría de las cosas se pueden encontrar en Antigua o Panachajel, pero a menos que llegue al proyecto a través de estos lugares, llegarás directamente desde la ciudad de Guatemala a Tecpan y tendrás que pasar los primeros días/semanas solo con lo que se encuentra en Tecpan. Es decir, a no ser que vengas con Walter y le pidas que pare para que vayas de compras al centro comercial La Torre.
5- Guantes de trabajo: un par de guantes de jardinería y un par de guantes de goma o de vinilo ayudarán a tus manos.
6- .Por último, pero no menos importante, compre una tarjeta SIM de datos TIGO de Guatemala a su llegada. Claro no cubrió el área del Proyecto para nosotros.

(Excellent )

View all

Friends

Feedback

23 Mar 2024

Left by host (Help on a woman empowerment ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

(Excellent )

22 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help on a woman empowerment ...)

(Excellent )

24 Feb 2024

Left by host (Help, farm, teach and live ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

(Excellent )

17 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help, farm, teach and live ...)

(Excellent )

8 Apr 2023

Left by host (Volunteer at our Learning ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

(Excellent )

20 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Volunteer at our Learning ...)

(Excellent )

16 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Jeff and Sylvie arrived in our home at a peak of a challenging week for us and immediately made themselves useful in everything they could. besides working here with so much love and good will (we gave them a task and left them alone- after a few hours all was finished nicely and accurately) they also helped us in the house by cooking, organizing… read more

(Excellent )

16 Dec 2022

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help us enhance sustainable ...)

We only spent one working week with Orly and Eitan, but what a wonderful week it was! Despite joining them under unusually challenging circumstances because both were unwell in different ways at the time, they welcomed us into their house, life and charities like long lost friends and fought through pain every day to give us a grand time. Their… read more

(Excellent )

22 Nov 2022

Left by host (Come help on a small goat ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

It was a joy and privilege to have Sylvie and Jeff helping on our farm, we were so lucky to have them here, such a friendly, wonderful, caring, hardworking, enthusiastic , responsible, punctual and willing to work couple you wont find..
they took on every task we asked of them with a smile, even though a lot of the work was new to them, and at… read more

(Excellent )

21 Nov 2022

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Come help on a small goat ...)

In retrospect, we only have one regret about our stay in Ezuz helping Celia and Dror with their goats: it is that we stayed for only one month. Just as we had acquired a sense of confidence with the grazing and had grown to feel part of the very small community that is Ezuz, and to cherish the magical light and landscape, it was time to… read more leave.

Celia and Dror are some of the most kind, patient, caring, generous, warm and genuine people we have been lucky to meet. They know so much too. They entrusted their goats,ie their livelihood, to us and took the time to teach us a little of their skills. They were understanding with our mistakes and gave us ways to improve. They also were extremely fair with the work hours...if possible, we try to complete tasks on the day they were given to us and in our experience, that was the first time any host said... "enough, you have done enough for today, the rest can wait until tomorrow: go rest, eat and drink something". They also were generous with their praise, making our efforts feel appreciated.

They provided plentiful food for us to cook in the "caravan" ...not a caravan by European standards but a spacious two bedroom mobile home in its own garden with its own washing machine in a convenient place in the village. In fact our "caravan" was pretty much the same size as many of the dwellings we encountered around Ezuz. And it had a brilliant air cooling system for hot parts of the day.

Goat herding can be tough and tiring, there were lots of flies and a lot of sun, so come prepared with the toughest working or walking boots you can (some thorns like nails), mosquito repellant (in case you arrive when there are mosquitoes) and sun protection lotion with a high factor. If you are a small to medium size, there is a good range of working clothes and hats for your use in the "caravan". Otherwise, bring old long sleeved shirts and long trousers that you won't mind leaving behind (the clothes may be torn by thorns during the herding and will get dirty anyway in the afternoon. If arriving in late autumn early winter, also bring a sweatshirt or warm layer for early mornings and evenings. There are plenty of parkas and coats at the "caravan".

Also bring a camera. The light in Ezuz is magical and there is a lot of wildlife (antelopes, rabbits, foxes, hyenas, all sorts of birds ). If you can, bring binoculars. If you are into star gazing, there are dark skies over Ezuz. (Celia and Dror, had thoughtfully placed a torch for our use in the "caravan").

Ezuz is a very peaceful place. It feels remote and untouched by world events, yet the area is rich in history. If coming with your own transport, there is much to explore ( Nabatean city in Nitzana, Mitzpe Ramon and its crater etc) in your time off.

For digital nomads, there was enough time in between the morning and evening work sessions to complete a few hours of work. The Wifi is strong but sometimes it can disappear for a few hours at a time for the whole of Ezuz (it happened only once for us in a whole month). There is a good table to eat and work at and plenty of plug sockets.

Day off: There is only one bus leaving Ezuz early morning and coming back fourteen hours later. When we needed to go to the main town Beer Sheva, we twice stayed overnight. Dror kindly drove us to a different bus stop after the morning graze and we came back by the Ezuz bus the day after. So, it felt like a two day rest.

Celia and Dror worked alongside us at their farm and never ever have a day off . We felt truly privileged to have met them and share a moment in time with them.

Herding goats was way out of our comfort zone but it was such an exhilarating experience in an amazing place on earth. We hope you will have a chance to share in this experience and enjoy it as much as we did. So we can only encourage anyone who is dreaming of herding goats to come to work with Celia and Dror and enjoy their hospitality and warm welcome.

(Excellent )

23 Feb 2022

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Education for horse ...)

For a review of our amazing and beautiful experience with the horses, we left a testimonial for Claudia to put on her site galapagoshorsefriendsofficial.org
Please remember the "official" bit.

Claudia is a person with a huge heart which is dedicated 100% on animals and their welfare. The charity is at a crossroads just right now and needs a lot… read more of technical help - that, in turn, means it needs good volunteers who really want to help to allow it to become more sustainable. The rewards are being in the Galapagos in a studio that serves as volunteers room, tack room, meeting room and office and one that is well equipped with a proper gaz cooker and oven and a shower dispensing hot water, a rarity in the area. The work with the horses happens in the morning and admin/ technical work in the afternoon...or you can probably do just a three hour stint of tech work and miss the horses but that would be such a shame...of course, "horse people" such as those with Parelli experience can probably just focus on the horses. In any case, it is worth putting in the extra time both to spend time with the horses and to help this very important charity. WiFi is available in the volunteers room and is about as strong as elsewhere on Santa Cruz, so fine for emails etc but less so for streaming.

There are a few practical considerations to bear in mind. First is the weather: think Ireland or Normandy but warm. It rained regularly even in the dry season, so a rainproof layer and a warm layer are a must. Second, there are no gates or stiles to Galapagos pastures. Instead, you pass through barbed wire fencing. so take old clothing that you will be happy to leave behind...(all the more room for souvenirs and ecuadorian made clothes are of excellent quality). Third, Santa Rosa in the Highlands, the place where the farm is situated, is 15km from the main town, Puerto Ayora. Fortunately, you can flag down the buses which run regularly on the Baltra road, just off the the lane where the studio is. (it is a very short and pleasant walk from one to the other). In Puerto Ayora, you will find supermarkets, shops, travel agencies, cafés, bars, nightlife and, contrary to what you might have read, a plentiful supply of ATMs. For the nightlife, ask Angel, Claudia's co-worker: he is a great guy, cool ,competent and very kind. For tours on days off, we recommend Uniquely Galapagos. Also, within an hour's walk from the ranch, you will find El Chato, a giant tortoise reserve and a must visit and Los Gemelos another excellent visit. You will find most of what you need in town but at an extraordinary price for often an inferior quality to what you are used to. So, a good tip is to bring any condiments you feel you cannot live without ( Marmite anyone?). Without a joke: tomato ketchup, strong mustard, good soya sauce, your favourite candies etc.

The Galapagos are a meat and fish eater paradise. All free range and organic. It is fine too for vegetarians: great local eggs and cheese galore but vegans need to cook for themselves as there only very few options for eating out.

Other things to bring: sunblock (it sometimes feels burning just crossing the yard); a hat with neck cover or wide brim (or buy in Puerto Ayora), clothes pegs, insect repellent for your skin (for the horseflies not for mosquitoes), a soothing cream for after bites and after sun. a sun protection t-shirt that can be worn in the water and some surfing shoes are two things we wish we had with us for walking on the beach, excursions etc.

Thank you Claudia for an unforgettable experience.

(Excellent )

15 Feb 2022

Left by host (Education for horse ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Sylvie and Jeff had stayed with us for 6 weeks and have left a milestone of good work at my project.
They shared their professional skills and where extremely helpful in all the different aspects we needed to progress.
Sylvie even joined us in an important meeting with local authorities and helped with many translation work as much as helping to… read more

(Excellent )

1 Apr 2021

Left by host (Huge Bird Sanctuary Coffee ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Amazing. The best Workaway experience as a host yet. Diligent. Caring. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. To sum it up, you are lucky to have them. I’d give Jeff and Sylvie 10 stars if I could.

(Excellent )

29 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Huge Bird Sanctuary Coffee ...)

We had such a beautiful and peaceful time on Phil’s coffee plantation. We fell head over heals in love with his dog Rodi who we cared for throughout our stay. Our stay was in fact more like a house and pet sit than a regular workaway. Phil’s staff made us feel as if we belonged to the place. The staff consists of a maid who comes in twice a week… read more

(Excellent )

10 Mar 2021

Left by host (Homeschool a wonderful kid at ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Jeff and Sylvie are really missed on our house. We were really delighted to have hosted them!

Jeff supported my organization in the search for funds, identifying every possible donor.

Sylvie has a lot of experience teaching and cooking. So she take over my son education on his free time so I could work more on my organization. She also helped… read more

(Excellent )

8 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Homeschool a wonderful kid at ...)

What an amazing adventure! Daniela’s place is 50 metres from the beach, so swimming every day became routine and surfers can also benefit. It is also in a forest and surrounded by monkeys and birds. We stayed for one month and it was wonderful to live off grid, in nature. (Mosquito repellent, sun protection, poncho or light rain jacket for the… read more

(Excellent )

27 Jan 2021

Left by host (Help with a social ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

We are really delighted to have hosted Jeff and Sylvie!
Jeff supported us in the search for funds for our social innovation project, identifying every possible opportunity for sustaining the project (private funds, forms of self-financing, participation in tenders).
Sylvie has been of huge help to us for the daily activities, for the restoration… read more

(Excellent )

25 Jan 2021

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Help with a social ...)

We stayed here for over two months and it was like a beautiful dream. We would have stayed much longer were it not for Brexit. The social cooperative became a second family for us. The leaders of the team, notably Silvia, Virginia, Gabriele, Ivan, Jenny and Daniele have a true goodness and beauty within them and the strength of character to enable… read more

(Excellent )

5 Oct 2020

Left by host (Come and help us on our ...) for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

I can say nothing but positive things about Jeff and Sylvie.
They have done a lot of work here. And always as cheerful and friendly. It was really nice to have them at our farm.
They helped us in the garden, they completely reorganized a whole piece of the garden, and also with (a lot of) weeding, according to Jeff it was addictive hahaha they… read more

(Excellent )

29 Sep 2020

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Come and help us on our ...)

Our almost two month stay was a great experience. We had no knowledge of horses beforehand and ended up learning a lot. Our favourite tasks were feeding some of the horses and leading some from the pasture to a stable. Mucking the stables was calm and grounding and really felt like a form of meditation. We got involved in some regular maintenance… read more

(Excellent )

16 Jun 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

Jeff and Sylvie are absolutely fantastic. Sylvie cant stop working, you could tie her to a chair and she would drag it over to the kitchen or out into the garden. Cleaning, cooking sorting, innovative ideas for the home. Sylvie is a real treasure. I hope she felt as appreciated as she was and that she will come back with Jeff one day SOON. The… read more

(Excellent )

15 Jun 2020

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host (Welcome to our family on the ...)

We made some amazing memories at the castle....meeting beautiful people, going on wonderful walks at the weekend, playing Dixit and other board and card games most evenings, watching films in the castle's very own cinema, dancing in the kitchen while cooking as a group and just the experience of living in a grand castle with acres of stunning land… read more

(Excellent )

To leave feedback make sure you are logged in & your account is online