Welcome to Krakhult, a small off grid farm running on permaculture principles north of Motala, Sweden

Infos

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  Description

  This is a small, rather old farm, in the centre of Sweden, 3 hrs south west of Stockholm, just north of the town Motala. Gunneli, 56, psychotherapist and physical therapist, live here together with Shaggy the cat, five hens and a rooster, as well as a few 10s of thousands of bees. Rafiqi, a 25 year old (horse) is also part of the family, but lives at a different farm.
  
  My goal is to one day be as close to self-sufficient as possible, but I'm still far from that today. However, I do my best in living a "circular" life, going along with Permaculture principles of making as small an inprint on the world as possible. I have only solar power, so my electricity usage/availability depends on the weather. I grow my own food, with the help of the animals (and my own) waste, and I do my best in salvaging what has been left behind by others to be used again. The farm is situated in the middle of the forest. All I hear is the birds singing and the wind going through the trees. An occasional car drives by.
  
  The layout of my farm follows my interest in Nordic Shamanism. The water well is in the north, the high mountain (to connect w spirit) is inte east. The fireplace is in the south. The main garden, the earth, is in the west. And in the very centre of the farm is the medicin wheel. One day it is to be filled with medicinal herbs!
  
  Even though the farm Is small, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. The garden is constantly growing and the houses always need maintenance. The oldest log-house (from the 1600th century) needs a whole lot of restoration, like lifting and exchanging the bottom layer of logs. This is where I'm hoping for some help!
  
  I lead a very simple life in the eyes of modern Sweden. During summer I have as much electricity I need, but no washing machine, besides the one w pedals. Wintertime not so much electricity... candle light is nice! The house is only heated by wood stoves. And there are fewer machines than most people are used to, like no washing machine or dryer for example. Besides that I only work part time (in the town of Motala), I do my best in keeping costs down.
  
  Previously I've enjoyed traveling a lot and also volunteering myself in various parts of the world. Therefore, I welcome the international company! I enjoy different languages, learning about different cultures, and just chatting away comparing lifestyles and learning from each other.
  
  I eat meat and fish, but also a lot of vegetables. Still, if you have difficulties seeing blood or accepting meat-eaters, this is not the place for you.
  
  These are some of my daily activities. If anything appeals to you - please, send me a mail!
  
  Looking forward to hear from you!
  
  Please note!!! This is not the best place for you if you are under 30 years old and on your very first volunteer trip. My experience with young volunteers is that they need companions, which is very natural. That will not be the case here though! Here you will be alone for some days sometimes, which means you need to really like being on your own, as well as being able to shoulder responsibility for animals, garden and farm as well as your personal needs - on your own! This sounds easy enough to most people, but in fact is more demanding than what you might think. The person who will be comfortable here needs to have a longing for the quietness of the forest and really wanting to be part simple and natural life along with Mother Nature.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique/internet
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  We share the work and the tasks around the farm and in the house as much as we are able to. That means you have to be prepared to clean your house, and take care of your own cooking at times. When time allows it, I'm happy to share a meal, talk and share knowledge and life with you.
  
  I have been doing many different things throughout my life concerning international contacts, traveling and learning new skills. This is why I like to continue with the international experiences, but now have them coming to me as it is more difficult leaving the farm.
  
  At the same time, life on a an old farm involves many different things, which vary a lot during the year. However, money still needs to come in to pay for food and housing, so I also need to work outside the farm.
  
  If you like swimming or canoeing I have a beautiful, large lake nearby. 10 min by foot or a short bike ride. Plenty of other small lakes around for fishing and swimming as well. There are also other, larger places to go swimming and boating, but a little further away. One of the largest sandy beaches in Sweden are situated in Motala!
  
  Without a car you are bit isolated here. However, there are bikes you can borrow to get to the closest busstop 3 km away. The bus will take you to Motala. From there you can take the train to Mjölby, Linköping, Stockholm etc.

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  Aide

  I'm renovating very old houses so any experience of carpentry is very appreciated. As well as any garden experience. I'm designing the farm according to permaculture principles.
  There could also be painting, arranging green houses, chopping wood, clearing out the woods, moving dirt etc, etc.

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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant
  Swedish: Courant
  Arabe: Débutant
  Allemand: Débutant
  Espagnol: Débutant
  Français: Débutant
  Turc: Débutant

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  Hébergement

  I have 1- 2 rooms available for volunteers in a separate house with a very basic standard of living. No running water. Outdoor toilet. Shower outside or in the main house. Outdoor kitchen, or in the main house. Wi-Fi throughout the house - but not during the night, no regular TV how ever. Once we have met, and if we get along well, there might be possibility to stay in the main house if desirable.

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  Autres infos...

  I lead a very simple and easy going lifestyle. I go to work in Motala some days, but some days work at home.
  
  I expect you to manage yourself more or less. Including cleaning your share of the house and your laundry. Of course I'm happy to share time and work with you when I'm at home, but be prepared to be in charge of your own cooking, at least when you are alone.
  The closest bus stop is about 3 km from our farm. The bus will take you to Motala where you can jump on the train for Stockholm (3 hrs) or Örebro (1 hrs) or Gothenburg (3,5 hrs) or where ever you like in Sweden. During the summer months there is also possibilities to take smaller trips by boat, on our small channel from Motala.
  I have bikes you can borrow, and when I go by car somewhere you are of course welcome to come along.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  There's plenty of room for vans etc. But I can't promise electricity 24/7

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  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  My cat is pretty scared of dogs and other larger animals. But if you keep your animal within sight, and out of sight of my cat, it's ok.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Un

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  at least 5 hrs per day

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