Join us in heart of Crete

Details

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  Description

  We are a family of five, with Greek and Swedish origin: my parents, Nikos and I and our 14 year old daughter. For the moment our project involves construction of a building with natural materials and passive solar design (we are in the last stages) as well as some small additions to that and refurbishment of the old building as well as paving and other outside tasks. Some of the tasks are paid for.
  Our aim is to downscale the production of the distillery that we run, and to use part of the distillate for making tinctures. We aim to welcome visitors at the distillery and run workshops on topics that we are interested in and that make a difference: Permaculture and homesteading, self care and mindfulness, community and sharing, crafts and arts, yes!!
  A permaculture plan designed for this place that we are to implement in stages.
  Young and old olive trees intertwine with oak trees, wild vegetation and small vineyards as well as fruit trees.
  The ommunal kitchen that has got a verandah with a wonderful view and the food is organic, fresh and sometimes wild.
  The place is situated in the beautiful heart of Crete, off the beaten tracks just outside of the small village of Prinias and the area is characterised as being of particular natural beauty.
  The mountains are nearby as well as the beaches in the south and the town of Heraklion in the north.
  If you wish to explore Crete this is a perfect place.
  We will be happy to host you here and if you are a family with children around our daughters age so much the better.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  WITH US:
  -Passive solar design, building physics/organic materials. Permaculture design and implementation.
  -Distillation.
  -Grafting.
  -Everything chicken form our daughter Kristina, she is an expert.
  - Cretan cuisine and homesteading, healing plants and tinctures
  -We will be happy to help you with the cultural exchange you are interested in.
  
  THE VILLAGE
  Prinias is a 3 minute walk away. It is a picturesque traditional village with two ''kafeneions'' , run by Rena and Evangelia, where the locals meet over a coffee, sometimes a raki with a meze or a meal. There is one Mini Market with the basics.
  
  THE AREA / HISTORY:
  -Ancient winepresses in the valley, carved out on the rocks and dating back to late Minoan times.
  -The archaeological site of Rizinia and the small church of Agios Panteleimon is on the opposite hill.
  -Take the map and trek to Agios Thomas, discovering the numerous hidden byzantine churches on your way.
  -Phaestos palace is a 25km drive and ancient Gortys 15km (bus connection going south)
  -The Minoan Palace of Knossos at the outskirts of Heraklion and the archaeological museum hosts the many findings from Knossos as well as the excavations from our area (bus connection)
  
  WINERIES:
  We are in a wine district and wine roads of Crete and you can take small trips to the nearby wineries.
  
  NATURE and TREKKING:
  The village is situated near the foot of mount Psiloritis with interesting landscape and vegetation.
  Depending on season you can admire the tiny orchids or pick oregano, thyme and other wild plants.
  The E4 path leads up to Prions mountain shelter and on one of the hills you catch a view of both the north and south seas at the same time. There is a canyon that begins in the forest of Rouvas and ends near the lake of Zaros.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

  Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.

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  Help

  For the moment we welcome people that are skilled in cabinetmaking, electricals, plumbing, masonry, steel and slabs.
  
  CABINETMAKING
  An eye for detail, skilful hands and problem-solving abilities.
  Tools and machinery is available on site.
  
  Organic materials, stone, bamboo, straw, clay, lime, hydraulic lime...
  
  ELECTRICAL and PLUMBING
  Electrical outlets and internet connection.
  A heating system is in place and needs to be tuned with the hot water from the distillation process.
  Some plumbing
  Photovoltaic Solar Panels : Planning and implementation.
  
  OTHERS
  Paving and Groundworks. Fencing, Landscaping
  
  DISTILLATION
  Would you like to learn the art of distillation taking over one of the daily 5hour circles?
  In September is the grape harvest and then for some months every autumn/winter we do the distillation.
  You don t need to have knowledge in the distillation itself, we will teach you, but high responsibility and alertness is a must as well as experience in simple mechanics and a multitasking attitude.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Greek: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Swedish: Fluent

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation is either in the village, in the attic of the communal kitchen or in the tiny house that is now being refurbished. Camper-vans. Tents for camping.
  For the moment the hot water shower is located outside and we use composting toilets.

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  What else ...

  LOCAL BUSES
  The local bus passes Prinias twice a week and many times a day through Agia Varvara, going to Heraklion or to the south beaches.
  
  NEARBY VILLAGES
  Agia Varvara is 3km away and has a Health Center, a Bank, Super Markets, a Post office and tavernas and cafes.The
  Asites has a taverna with a warm atmosphere and excellent Cretan cuisine.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Yes wired internet.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Upon agreement with you. Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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