Skills

Our Skills & Experience

Below you'll find the relevant skills and experience that we've built up over our many years of house sitting, and that we gathered from our life experiences before beginning this journey.

Pets, of course!

We've lived with and cared for dogs, cats, fish, chickens, turtles, gerbils, and horses. Actually Danielle is a self-diagnosed cat addict and is a member of Cat Addicts Anonymouse on Facebook as well as a regular donator to cat rescue organizations and shelters like Hawaii Island Humane Society, Luigi's Rescue, and Tenth Life. We both have a special skill with timid and skittish cats.

[Photo: Snuggles with Sammy in Langkawi, Malaysia]

Gardening

Danielle lived and worked on an organic fruit & vegetable farm for 5 years and was the assistant gardener for an ashram for several years as well. She has experience in many areas of gardening and farming, including greenhouse and orchard management. Her specialties have included melons, heirloom tomatoes, and fruit trees. And Torsten has some gardening experience as well by now!

[Photo: Dani's dream come true at Eel River Farm in Redcrest, California]

Admin Assistance

Danielle has years of experience in bookkeeping, office management, and transcription, as well as a long career as an editor and writer. These skills come in handy to keep your logistical needs (such as mail, paperwork, and third-party communications) seamlessly managed while you are away.

[Photo: Khalisi helps Torsten with work. In Ramat Gan, Israel]

Security

Torsten spent 4 years working as a security guard for two different security firms in Germany. He also has a background in the martial arts, including Judo, Kendo, Capoeira, and fencing. His meditation training lets him maintain awareness and respond quickly and calmly to any urgent situation.

[Photo: Torsten & Brett survey the landscape in Mitzpe Ramon, Israel]

Off-Grid & Remote Living

We've both spent significant periods of time living in remote areas far from town, oftentimes off the power and water grid. We love the beauty, peace, and solitude that this experience provides.

[Photo: Torsten cuts wood for the wood stove in Marvāo, Portugal.]

Pet Photography

Animal photography is one of Danielle's hobbies – in fact she's a bit obsessed with it! She loves putting time into capturing adorable moments with your beloved pets to share with you regularly during your trip.

[Photo: The boys loved napping together. With Cooper in Kamuela, Hawaii]

Pet Yoga

Danielle has found that pets love doing yoga with her! It's a great bonding activity, and she often learns a thing or two from them.

[Photo: Danielle and Khalisi do yoga together in Ramat Gan, Israel.]

Pet Meditation

We've found that pets appreciate our calming daily meditation practice, and that they often love to join in with us!

[Photo: Torsten meditating with Khalisi & Yakool, Ramat Gan, Israel]

Cleaning

Danielle was a professional housecleaner for 2 years and worked in food service (with lots of heavy cleaning) for 5 years. Torsten is a great help as well. We make sure to leave your place better than we found it. This includes an end-of-sit clean.

[Photo: Spic-and-Span kitchen after a good cleaning. In Kamuela, Hawaii]

Language

Torsten speaks German, English, and intermediate Hebrew. Danielle speaks English, intermediate German, and intermediate Spanish. We always try to learn some of the basics of the local language when in a new country.

[Photo: Grocery shopping in new countries is always an adventure! In Langkawi, Malaysia]