Badges (4)
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Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
At home
My next destination:
Alaska, United States - from Jul 2024 until Aug 2024 View allDescription
I am retired now and occasionally consult for non-profits. Today, my world is mostly about travel. I am an experienced Couchsurfer having hosted (or been hosted by) more than 200 people (mostly young backpackers and Europeans on their "gap" year) from all over the world at my home. I totally enjoy people and many who have stayed with me return for visits and still maintain contact with me as their "US uncle." I have also stayed with many folks all over the world and truly enjoy travel that has me connected to people.
In 2018-2024 I have completed 9 workaway experiences. All 5 stars and all so different and amazing: I have worked in Tangier and Bangkok at a hostel/ hotel as a receptionist and bartender; I helped mix clay and build structures at a Buddhist commune outside of Khon Kaen, Thailand, as well as cook for 35 people; and in Vietnam and Morocco I taught English. (Please see my workaway references.) I look forward to more travel in 2024-2028
Meditator, philosopher, chill, open-minded, self-motivated and a team player.
My references attest to my hospitality and ability to make strangers quickly feel like friends and "at-home." I am an AirBNB host for over three years with a perfect 5 star hospitality track record. I am interested in work experiences in almost any part of the world.Interests
Movies & TVTechnologyPetsEvents & socialPerforming artsSelf developmentOutdoor activitiesNatureCooking & foodHikingCultureCharity workBeachLanguages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco ProjectsArt ProjectsSome knowledge of:
GardeningBabysitting and creative playGeneral MaintenanceCreating/ Cooking family mealsHospitality/TourismCharity WorkLanguagesHelping with Computers/ InternetTeachingMore details about your skills
I am able to meet and greet guests, room cleaning and maintenance, courteously resolve guest issues, pet sitting, gardening, know Microsoft Office products, reservation system software (quick learner of any software system), tour guide, process improvement consultant, non-profit consultant (See my LinkedIn profile for more). PADI Advanced Diver and diving since 1986. Bartending skills are still there from my many years as a barkeep.
I am very willing to learn skilled trades. Don't get me wrong... I can handle a hammer and nails. But willing to learn/do masonry, mosaic, ceramic. I spent two college summers doing lawn cutting, landscaping and gardening at a very large private sanctuary. I have been a meditator for many years and recently completed Vipassana 10 day meditative training. I have started to recommit to yoga for health and well-being. Happy to commit from 2-8 weeks to my host's needs and to represent their business in the best possible way.
Meditator, philosopher, chill, open-minded, self-motivated, team player.Age
67
What else ...
My passport lists me as Vincent, but I am Jim to all my friends. Happy to share my personal profiles on AirBNB (I have been a "Superhost" for all of the three years I have been hosting) and on Couchsurfing to add to my references as being a great host.
I taught high school for two years before becoming a State of Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have skills working with families and children as well as with clinical patients who have emotional and behavioral challenges. I easily mix and get along with young and older folks.Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
No
Feedback
Great communication skills, always eager to help around, it was genuinely a pleasure to know a great man like Jim.
I would whole-heartily recommend anyone to host Jim and I hope we'd meet again some time in the future.
Thanks again Jim!
Friends
Feedback
Great communication skills, always eager to help around, it was genuinely a pleasure to know a great man like Jim.
I would whole-heartily recommend anyone to host Jim and I hope we'd meet again some time in the future.
Thanks again Jim!
He is a very kind person, very smart and caring. He came with us with warm heart, he shares all experience to our students here, we have been learning too much new things from him, a person with vast knowledge and experience.
He take care students as his children, always ask students about lesson,… read more
I have never regreat a single moment he was with us. One of our best volunteer so far. He always went an extra mile for… read more