James

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I am a passionate gastronome from the US with ancestral roots in Abruzzo and Sicilia. Recently graduated from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, I am looking to gain more knowledge and insight into Italian culture through hands-on experiences.
My biggest passion is food- where it comes from, how it was grown, who produced it, and what wine it pairs best with! I am open-minded and love to learn about new cultures, foods, and ways to live.

Interests

Dancing

Plant care

Pets

Culture

Languages

Nature

Mountain

Movies & TV

Music

Performing arts

Outdoor activities

Politics / Social justice

Self development

Sustainability

Team sports

Winter sports

Yoga / Wellness

Farming

Fitness

Gardening

Hiking

Events & social

Cycling

Books

Camping

Charity work

Cooking & food

Beach

Animals

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I studied abroad in 2005 and became a proficient Italian speaker, but my skills have regressed significantly. I would be very interested in learning Italian again- whether through class, or hands on work (ie: farming, etc.) I am also happy to teach English, my native language.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Life at a Farmstay

Hospitality/Tourism

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Charity Work

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

I grew up in my family's grocery store business, and have spent much of my career in management, so I understand processes, efficiency, and working both individually and as a team towards common goals. Within this realm, I have also worked as a training manager, and have experience when teaching new skills (as well as lots of patience).

Customer service and helping people have always been a core part of my prior jobs, and are tasks I very much enjoy.

In my past career, I was a project manager for WWF, working with companies to reduce their food waste. Sustainability is a strong passion of mine, and I try to contribute to making a healthier and better planet whenever possible. I have experience in gardening- at my home in the US, I built raised growing beds and connected them to an electricity-less, automated drip irrigation system I designed, linked to rain barrels.

Until I moved to Italy in 2024, I managed rental properties since 2013. I am handy for basic projects, as well as running numbers to stay profitable, if you are doing the same.

Finally, I am an avid cook and am very interested in both learning and sharing recipes and techniques. English is my native language and am happy to teach it if asked, and am very interested in advancing my Italian language skills.

Age

41

What else ...

I am both independent and a communal person. I am happy to explore/travel on my own in my spare time, however, I thrive off other people's energy and will rarely turn down the opportunity to eat, drink, and chat with others.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Seasonal allergies

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  Special dietary requirements