Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Our next destination:
Portugal - from Aug 2025 until Nov 2025 View all
Description
Pawn and I lived in San Francisco, California until dreams of traveling the world overcame us. So we quit our jobs, sold all of our belongings except what we are carrying, and set out in November 2016.
I was a Gardener Supervisor for the city of San Francisco. I have extensive experience in gardening, landscaping, planting, and use of landscape tools and equipment. Prior to this career I have been a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, an English teacher in South Korea, and a tech worker in Silicon Valley. I can speak French, Spanish, and of course English.
Pawn is originally from Laos. We met in 2009 while I was teaching English to Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang. Growing up in Laos on a rice farm means that she is a fantastic Gardener. She can grow anything and is a master of innovation. She also is a wonderful chef, give her some random ingredients and she will make something delicious. She speaks 4 languages: English, Lao, Khmu, and Thai. She loves photography and nature. Most impressive is her joyfullness and constant laughter.
In June 2023 we made Portugal our home, and we love it!
This means we will be seeking workaway opportunities all over Europe, especially Greece and Italy.
We can arrive last minute to take care of your garden, house or pet sit. Please reach out to us if you need such help.
Interests
Technology
Water sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Astronomy
Adventure sports
Fitness
Culture
Events & social
Sustainability
Self development
Photography
Plant care
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Languages
Hiking
History
Gardening
Cooking & food
Charity work
Books
Architecture
Art & design
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Khmer: Fluent
Lao: Fluent
Thai: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateMore details about my language interests
Experienced English teacher TESL certified
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Gardening
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
Life at a Farmstay
Animal Care
Charity Work
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
We are incredible landscape architects. We transform ordinary gardens into extraordinary gardens. I feel it is our raison d'etre.
We love to plant, design gardens, build fences, trellises, stone paths, stones patios, rain gardens, permaculture gardens, dry stone river beds, koi ponds, fountains, etc... We have designed entire landscapes for hosts in Spain, Sweden, Ecuador, Australia, Hawaii, France, and others. Our philosophy is to use as much material that already exists on site. Thus we make fences out of pruned branches, walls out of found rocks, and propagation of existing plants. These are just a few examples. This saves our hosts big money. Also some of our designs have been absolutely breathtaking which a professional landscape architect would charge dearly. I am so proud or our work and would be happy to send you some photos.
In addition to garden work we have much experience with house renovation. We are excellent painters, carpet layers, creating tile mosaics, furniture repair, etc...
We have been entrusted with house sitting on several occasions as well. Dogs and kids love us which I take as a sign that we are on the right path.
I have English teaching experience and a TEFL certificate. Also, I am a master of witzelsucht. Pawns greatest skill is the kindness and compassion she shows everyone.
Age
58 & 40
What else ...
We are a very friendly and easy going couple. We have no dietary restrictions and are very flexible, vegan, vegetarian, and meat are all fine with us. We Love to try new foods and regional cuisines.
Pawn can cook some mean mok, laab, and tam mak hoong.
So far we have visited 40+ countries since we left the US in November 2016. Almost all of our hosts have become friends and we have had several job offers along the way.
We see no reason to change this incredible way of life. We don't have a house, car, or even a phone, but never felt richer. Meeting people like you is what gives us the greatest joy. Thanks
for your consideration.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
noSpecial dietary requirements
no
Feedback
17 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Experience country life with ...)
Staying with Ashley and Adrian was fantastic. They are very kind and helpful hosts. Regarding our work, they allowed us total freedom to do and create whatever we wanted on their amazing property. They trusted us in their garden which really motivated us to work even harder and try to make an impact in our 2 week stay. They also were concerned… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jun 2024
Left by host (Experience country life with ...) for Workawayer ()
It was a pleasure to host Pawn and Wayne :) They were very motivated and energetic, going to work at 8 am most days and just transforming our whole garden. We are super impressed with them and all they got done in two weeks. Apart from creating two beautiful fireplaces in the garden, planting everything out beautifully, weaving willow gates and… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jun 2024
Left by host (Join us for an idyllic stay ...) for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn stayed with us for two weeks in April/May. They are experienced in gardening and did a very good job. They are creative and make the most beautiful work in the garden. They improved a patio, cut a overgrown hedge and other trees and bushes, weeded and planted roses and the garden looks much better now. They are very friendly and It… read more
(Excellent
)
3 May 2024
Left by host (Help with landart and open ...) for Workawayer ()
Amazing people! We loved having Wayne and Pawn stay with us during April. They are both very inspiring, self motivated and kind people - always cheerful, helpful and very creative. They did a great job in the garden and contribute with a lot more then we could ever dream of. Early every morning they went to the garden, even though the weather was… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with landart and open ...)
This is a 5 star ***** workaway experience all day, everyday. Pawn and I have done around 35 workaways since 2016 and this was 1 of our best. First of all Synnove and Jens are the most kind and generous of hosts. They provide money for your own food as well as Jens cooking delicious dinners every night. We also had such comfy accommodations, with… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Friends
Feedback
17 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Experience country life with ...)
Staying with Ashley and Adrian was fantastic. They are very kind and helpful hosts. Regarding our work, they allowed us total freedom to do and create whatever we wanted on their amazing property. They trusted us in their garden which really motivated us to work even harder and try to make an impact in our 2 week stay. They also were concerned… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2024
Left by host (Experience country life with ...) for Workawayer ()
It was a pleasure to host Pawn and Wayne :) They were very motivated and energetic, going to work at 8 am most days and just transforming our whole garden. We are super impressed with them and all they got done in two weeks. Apart from creating two beautiful fireplaces in the garden, planting everything out beautifully, weaving willow gates and… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2024
Left by host (Join us for an idyllic stay ...) for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn stayed with us for two weeks in April/May. They are experienced in gardening and did a very good job. They are creative and make the most beautiful work in the garden. They improved a patio, cut a overgrown hedge and other trees and bushes, weeded and planted roses and the garden looks much better now. They are very friendly and It… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2024
Left by host (Help with landart and open ...) for Workawayer ()
Amazing people! We loved having Wayne and Pawn stay with us during April. They are both very inspiring, self motivated and kind people - always cheerful, helpful and very creative. They did a great job in the garden and contribute with a lot more then we could ever dream of. Early every morning they went to the garden, even though the weather was… read more
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with landart and open ...)
This is a 5 star ***** workaway experience all day, everyday. Pawn and I have done around 35 workaways since 2016 and this was 1 of our best. First of all Synnove and Jens are the most kind and generous of hosts. They provide money for your own food as well as Jens cooking delicious dinners every night. We also had such comfy accommodations, with… read more
(Excellent)
22 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer () for host
(We welcome help at our ...)
Our stay with Werner was so wonderful. We really enjoyed the gardening work and the other projects we worked on. The accommodations were nice and the setting is magnificent! How can you beat the mountains of rural Switzerland? Werner is an amazing artist with so many projects even including helping people in Kurdistan. There are many ways in which… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Wayne & Pawn are the best work awayers so far, and having over 100 mostly great people pass through, that says a lot. We handed our 1 million dollar home to them and they mastered our garden and farm to another level. Wayne is the master of landscaping and gardening, he moved our plants and put them in the right location, and re-arranged our… read more
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2021
Left by host (Come explore Glacier National ...) for Workawayer ()
When I first heard from Wayne about his interest in he and Pawn coming to Montana, I thought " These two would be perfect", and we were not disappointed! Pawn and Wayne are lovely people, hardworking, respectful, super creative and talented. They transformed our yard, built us a beautiful stream, "stumpery garden" ( a woodsy garden with lots of… read more
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Come explore Glacier National ...)
Debbie and Eric were excellent hosts. They provided us with our own mobile trailer home which was so comfy. We had always wondered about how it was to live in 1 of these and it was great. We love landscaping and they let us go crazy with our imagination. We appreciated the ability to use our creativity. Eric is such a cool guy and Debbie was the… read more
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer ()
What a pleasure to meet and work with Wayne and Pawn! I only wish their visit could have been longer and, of course, no pandemic. I “reserved” the Ranch for them months ahead of time as I felt it was important for health and safety to not have other folks at the same time. We stayed in close touch while they made their way to Arizona.
I needed a… read more
I needed a… read more
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Need help with an earthbag ...)
We had a wonderful stay at Marcia's oasis in the desert. We did mainly gardening work which was right up our alley. Marcia gave us tasks then allowed us to work as we wish, never micro-managing us. This freedom enabled us to vary our work and led to much creativity. This made our days just fly by. She is a very kind and compassionate host that… read more
(Very good)
22 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn are an absolutely delightful couple. They are seasoned workawayers and I really appreciated how they just got on with cleaning up and beautifying the garden. Their stay was all too brief, but we spent good times talking over meals and a glass of wine. Any host would be lucky to welcome these super folk!
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with DIY and outdoor ...)
We loved our stay with Sue and Chris. They are both kind and friendly folks with whom we felt very at ease. The accomodations were spacious and comfy. It's so nice to have your own space with a kitchen. The work was great since they allowed us to concentrate on the garden. Sue is very sweet and took us to area sights in our free time. Nimes city… read more
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help in our garden close to ...)
Pawn and I have been doing workaway for 3 years and this was the best experience so far. Let's start with our hosts, Kjell, Margot, and their son Mikael. They are the kindest, most generous people that we have met. Kjell, a chef, cooks the most amazing meals. He introduced us to Swedish cuisine with delicious dishes such as Swedish meatballs and "… read more
(Excellent)
21 Oct 2019
Left by host (Help in our garden close to ...) for Workawayer ()
Pawn and Wayne - the nicest people ever! …so positive, nice, helpful, interesting, respectful, creative, easy going, diligent and hard working!
Dear hosts if you ever get the chance to host this lovely couple, take it! It was a pleasure to have Pawn and Wayne here. Our dinners were so interesting and funny. Pawn is the kindest person you can… read more
Dear hosts if you ever get the chance to host this lovely couple, take it! It was a pleasure to have Pawn and Wayne here. Our dinners were so interesting and funny. Pawn is the kindest person you can… read more
(Excellent)
5 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Come and help to estorate an ...)
(Negative)
1 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer ()
(Neutral)
13 Jul 2019
Left by host (Help us and our dogs in a ...) for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn were fantastic volunteers. They were always so pleasant and loved working in the garden. They helped us immensely with our properties. I also learned a lot from their experience and knowledge. They cared for our dogs also, walking and playing with them. If you have the opportunity to host Pawn and Wayne please take it. You will not… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us and our dogs in a ...)
Ron and Janet are superb hosts. The accomodations were super comfy, location is breathtaking, and we met so many great people. We stayed 5 weeks and were tempted to stay longer. This is a primo workaway.
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer ()
What can i say about Wayne & Pawn other than AMAZING ,they are the sweetest and one of the best couples i have had as volunteers , they did a wonderful job with the tasks and more , got along with the customers and volunteers alike and always were ready to lend a hand no matter what time of the day it was , i thank you guys for everything and im… read more
(Excellent)
20 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Come and join us at amazing ...)
The 2 things that really stand out about our experience were the location and our host Adam. Adam is such a nice guy and treats everyone with warmth and kindness. As a boss he is very fair and will try to accomodate special work requests etc.... Also he knows the places to visit, best restaurants, what to avoid, and never seems to tire of helpng… read more
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2018
Left by host (Help me create a beautiful ...) for Workawayer ()
Pawn and Wayne are fantastic landscapers and it has been absolutely amazing to have them here on my Finca. They have made a huge transformation of large parts of my garden. Parts that I thought could not be used for anything have been beautifully landscaped . It has become a paradise with winding paths through the trees with lots of flowers and… read more
(Excellent)
18 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help me create a beautiful ...)
Tina is such a wonderful host. She is so kind and spiritual so she really makes one feel welcome. The rooms are very comfortable, any food you want she will provide, and she is always available to listen. Most importantly for Pawn and I was the trust she showed us in the landscaping of her garden. We love gardening and she embraced our ideas and… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us with our ...)
Damjan and Bilijana are great hosts. They are very kind and generous and really made us feel at home in Macedonia. They took us many places and also gave us much free time which allowed us to explore on our own. The work was never overwhelming and it was always appreciated. They are quite busy with their careers so really can use a hand on their… read more
(Very good)
21 Sep 2018
Left by host (Help us with our ...) for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn are amazing people! They are always in good mood, always with interesting things to talk about. It was a pleasure to have them around us for one month. They helped us with many things: propagating lots of plants for our future garden, building beds for composting and wormiculture, weeding, painting, moving stuff, cooking amazing… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2018
Left by host (Join our Buddhist center and ...) for Workawayer ()
Everything you read about this couple is true :) Wayne and Pawn are a sweethearted dreamteam. Reliable, self- motivated and easy to get a long with. We all enjoyed their company and are very thankful for their help! Anytime again!
(Excellent)
15 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Where to begin? Wayne and Pawn are adelightful and our first experience of hosting a coûple ( something we are very keen to continue doing). Hard working, great company and very discreet, we could not have been happier. Our outside space is all the better for their stay with us and I would highly recommend Wayne and Pawn to any potential hosts.… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Various help needed near ...)
The location is a charming historic medieval village. Our hosts Jacques and Nikki were generous with their hospitality. The wine flowed like water, the food was always plentiful and delicious, and the room was so comfy. In addition they have a charming son who always made us laugh and a cute boxer named Gigi. I suppose the only downside was Gigi… read more
(Excellent)
8 May 2018
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with general maintenance ...)
This was the best workaway experience ever! Danny, Saya, and all their friends are the best. We had an absolute blast. We were scheduled to stay 3 weeks instead we stayed 4 months. The star of the show, however, is the greatest dog in the world, Konbu. He is so friendly and lovable. It was so much fun taking him snowshoeing in 3 feet of powder and… read more
(Excellent)
8 May 2018
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help with childcare, ...)
Sebastian and D'Arcy are generous and welcoming hosts. We had an amazing 1 month stay with them. Our task was trying to tame the gardens on their huge property. They were always willing to but tools and gear to get the job done. They never micro-managed us but instead sought our opinions and knowledge. They cooked us wonderful meals which were… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Volunteer out our lovley home ...)
Staying with Richard and Carol was like staying with family. They are warm and friendly hosts with whom we felt very comfortable. Carol loves to cook so the food is awesome and the wine flows like water thanks to their generousity. We both enjoy gardening so the work here was right up our alley. They entrusted their beautiful home to us for 3… read more
(Very good)
16 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer ()
It was serendipitous that Wayne and Pawn stayed at our home for almost 4 weeks, 2 while we were away on a holiday.
Wayne is a skilled landscaper and it was in his hands we left our newly planted property. It was wonderful to arrive home and find everything thriving including many new plantings he had achieved in our absence. Wayne also extended… read more
Wayne is a skilled landscaper and it was in his hands we left our newly planted property. It was wonderful to arrive home and find everything thriving including many new plantings he had achieved in our absence. Wayne also extended… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer ()
We were happy to have Wayne and Pawn stay with us a month. They really understood tropical gardening and worked so well . They could be left with a task and when you returned it would be amazing . Both happy and perfect for workaway as they are both skilled. Pawn has a natural flare for cooking and gardening . Wayne knew what hard work was about.… read more
(Excellent)
15 Apr 2017
Left by host (Enjoy the simple life at our ...) for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn came for a short time - and we opened the exception as they had skills that we needed at that stage!
They supported us kindly and wisely.
Wayne is calm and easy going personality. Pawn has a lovely smile and Lao style cooking.
Great couple and it was a pleasure to host them.
We much appreciated and recommend them!
They supported us kindly and wisely.
Wayne is calm and easy going personality. Pawn has a lovely smile and Lao style cooking.
Great couple and it was a pleasure to host them.
We much appreciated and recommend them!
(Very good)
11 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Enjoy the simple life at our ...)
Staying with Pomei and her partner Shayne was a wonderful experience. We learned so much in our short time with them. They have a wealth of knowledge about gardening, biodynamics, ecology, reforestation, etc...that they were happy to share with us. Aside from this they are kind, generous, and fun folks to spend time with around the fire looking at… read more
(Excellent)
31 Mar 2017
Left by host (Wildlife and nature lovers' ...) for Workawayer ()
Great people and really good cooks, especially Pawn. Amazing food which is healthy and so full of flavour. She can make a great meal of whatever is in the fridge and cupboard. They will try anything, and happy to help.
Coming from city life they weren't very good at understanding Stand Alone Solar Power Systems, but I think at least they learned a… read more
Coming from city life they weren't very good at understanding Stand Alone Solar Power Systems, but I think at least they learned a… read more
(Excellent)
19 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Wake up to a lovely view of ...)
Erika and Henry are 2 of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. They treated us so well that we felt like part of their family. It is not often that we have felt so comfortable in someone's home as we did here. It was so much fun taking care of the animals and working in the garden that it didn't feel like work. I hope in the future that I… read more
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Landscaping towards ...)
Pawn and I had an amazing time with Zack. He is and interesting, funny, and generous host. The work was always varied and while there is much to do the days go by very quickly. The property is 2 minutes from downtown Nelson which makes it easy to do stuff after work and on your 3 day weekends. We were able to learn a lot about permaculture,… read more
(Excellent)
1 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Superlative comments are barely enough to describe the fun and productive period we shared! Wayne and Pawn were here for a month, and welcome back anytime - but they have greater plans. Their pleasant dispositions provide welcome cheer to any domestic situation.
Both Pawn and Wayne take initiative and truly complete any task. I expect to read… read more
Both Pawn and Wayne take initiative and truly complete any task. I expect to read… read more
(Excellent)
11 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer () for host
(Help us with our retreat ...)
Our host Jenny is an incredible woman with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Her vision of creating sacred spaces are inspiring and made us feel we working on something bigger than ourselves. She really cares about her workawayers as evidenced by providing any foods we requested (vegetarian) and putting us in fantastic accomodations. This was… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer ()
Wayne and Pawn are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Quietly competent, hardworking, natural leaders they came with a rare skill-set, Pawn is highly skilled in cooking and kitchen management and looked after the whole volunteer team with her culinary delights. Wayne is a skilled landscaper. An absolute pleasure to have. Highly… read more
(Excellent)
