Profile information
Host rating
70 %
Last replied
25 May 2025
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi there! Let's introduce us to you. Marcel is a native Romanian, who lived for 40 years in the Netherlands and came back to his roots. He used to be a navy officer, an engineer and entrepreneur with good skills in working with natural materials. He can fix almost anything. Vanessa is Dutch. She works as a social lawyer, but has also been a food writer, so knows a lot about (good) food.
A few years ago we bought an old cottage in Romania near the Black sea. Our dream: to have it restored - by keeping the ancient character alive - and to be able to host (friends of) friends in the summer months.
The 'worst' is done: laying a sewer, putting a fence, restoring the roof. But there is still a lot to be done....
We need help with gardening, making a gazebo from used materials, painting and carpentry.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Marcel can teach you all about construction, working with natural materials, beekeeping, growing fruits and vegetables, wine making and preserving food. He loves to share his knowledge with you. We both love home cooking. Vanessa knows a lot about food history and loves to help you to improve your cooking skills. We’ll show you the local rural markets, fishermen and farmers, let you taste local delicacies (including beverages) and indulge you regularly in traditional (mainly healthy) Romanian homemade food of the season with pure, local ingredients.
We'll let you experience a historically very interesting area (with Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains), which is a melting pot of cultures that have been living side by side peacefully since centuries, healthy sea air, beautiful countryside, traditional villages and yet the comfort of modern life and partying is also nearby. You will find the people extremely hospitable and the simplicity of life will enchant you. Cheese is still made by hand, horses and chariots are common sight, only local products are sold on the markets and fishing is still done manually in little open boats. You will learn to embrace the simple , yet good life.
Help
WE NEED HELP WITH: The vegetable garden, making a gazebo with used materials (wood, stones ad clay) the restoration of the cottage (woodwork and painting) and it would also be nice if you would like to cook occasionally.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Romanian: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: Intermediate
Russian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We have a few rooms (for yourself) available in the house, and we have a caravan and a home made gypsy wagon to sleep in. There is a hot shower and a fully equipped kitchen.
WIFI: We have a good functioning WiFi.
HEALTH ISSUES: If you need medical assistance, we have a hospital nearby (only 4 kilometers away). In the village there is a small pharmacy or you can visit one of our natural pharmacies, they are very skilled in treating you with plants.
What else ...
GETTING THERE: If you arrive by plane, from Bucharest Airport there are several busses on a daily basis that go straight to Mangalia, which is 4 km. from our place. There is sufficient public transport going from and coming to our village.
DAYS/ AFTERNOONS OFF: You can stay around, enjoy the beach or explore the area. We have bikes at your disposal. You may cycle around the countryside. There is public transport nearby that can take you up to as far as Constanta or to some nearby towns and beach resorts. The region is also famous for its vineyards, so you might consider paying them a visit. If you like to treat yourself, you can obtain a health cure at Techirghiol. If you like the Ibiza lifestyle, enjoy the party in one of the hippie beach clubs in close by Vama Veche. Sunday mornings we usually go to the rural market in Mangalia. You may join us as you wish, it’s quite an experience!
LOCAL AREA: The Dobrogea region is along the Black Sea and full of history. The Greeks, Romans and Byzantines lived here, and there is a large community of Turks, Tatars, Macedonians, Greeks, Lipovanes, all with their own cultural heritage. The beach is at 10 minutes walking, you can sunbathe, swim and do water sports. . Mangalia (Callatis in Greek times) is at 4 km, has old Greek remains, an interesting archaeological museum and the oldest Mosque in Europe. There is a beautiful countryside, but along the shore there are a lot of beach resorts.
Gotten excited? Please contact us for further information. We are looking forward to meeting you!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Feedback (4)
Although the communication wasn't always perfect, resulting in some misunderstandings.
Sometimes Marcel was really talkative and open, but sometimes he got upset about little things which was rather irritating.
The farmer market was nice.
You have to like drinking wine a lot if you want… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(3.5)
Cultural exchange:
(4.3)
Communication:
(3.0)
Although the communication wasn't always perfect, resulting in some misunderstandings.
Sometimes Marcel was really talkative and open, but sometimes he got upset about little things which was rather irritating.
The farmer market was nice.
You have to like drinking wine a lot if you want… read more
