Lionel is an anthropologist, musician, and sailboat enthusiast who enjoys restoring both his home and his competition sailboat. He lives in a spacious 150 m² flat above the theatre run by his cousin and partner. With over twenty years of experience hosting travellers through networks such as Couchsurfing, BeWelcome, Trustroots, HelpX, Servas, and HelpStay, Lionel now offers a help exchange opportunity in Belgium where guests can combine hands-on projects with cultural and personal exchange. His home is just six kilometres from Les Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure, an area rich in outdoor activities and scenic spots, making it an ideal base for exploration.
Help Exchange Opportunity in Belgium: Tasks & Roles
This help exchange opportunity in Belgium invites guests to contribute in a variety of ways. Visitors may help restore a sailboat, hold materials during assembly, sand, varnish, paint, or work on home improvement tasks. For those with an interest in academic work, translating Lionel’s anthropology courses or Wikiversity research from French into other languages is also possible. Beyond practical tasks, guests can share musical knowledge, practise languages such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, or German, or take part in community projects, including collective gardening or local musical gatherings. Sharing stories about your culture and life experience is a meaningful way to contribute. Quiet time is also valued, so guests are free to relax or do nothing whenever needed.
Help Exchange Opportunity in Belgium: Living & Getting There
The flat includes two fully furnished bedrooms, with a third already suitable for sleeping. Each room has a Velux window, two single beds, a small wardrobe, and a desk. Guests have access to a washing machine, dishwasher, sewing machine, and folding bicycles. While there is no wired internet, a laptop can be borrowed to use with personal mobile data.
The flat is accessible by car or train from Charleroi. From the central station, travellers take the train towards Couvin, alight at Walcourt station, and walk about two kilometres to reach the flat. Once there, it is easy to explore the region on foot, by bike, by sailboat, or via the local train network. Children and pets are welcome as long as they remain calm, and a small terrace is available for outdoor relaxation.
Help Exchange Opportunity in Belgium: What Else
This help exchange opportunity in Belgium offers more than just practical tasks. Lionel is happy to share his knowledge of music, sailing, computing, and anthropology, and enjoys learning about almost anything. He does not smoke and asks that guests refrain from smoking indoors. Meals are organic; while he eats meat, he does not cook it himself. He has a particular fondness for Belgian beers and chocolate. Guests can choose to join in projects, participate in activities, or simply enjoy quiet time at their own pace. The focus is on sharing, learning, and connecting in a respectful, relaxed environment.
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