Eco-sustainable project in Cefalù, Sicily, Italy

  • Favourited 1016 times
  • Last activity: 24 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    After many years of observing the situation of the world from an ecological, social and political point of view, we believe that living in the countryside following an ancient path that binds us to the Earth with her cycles and rhythms, could be the answer to many of our ills. A form of activism, perhaps the cure. That's why we work most of the day and most of the week, cultivating awareness towards the Earth and towards our relationships. So keep in mind that the best way to approach this project is to participate actively and take into consideration that coexistence requires personal work from everyone involved, and our main goal is to always create a safe and open space to do so.

    We feel a strong desire to share our lifestyle that could perhaps help facilitate this transition for those who want to return to the Earth, in which ever way that might look like.

    Together we are Uba (Palermitano), and Zara (Sicula-Australiana).
    After traveling abroad as a cook for almost 10 years, Uba decided to come back and contribute to this beautiful land, filled with contrast. This project began in his search for the answers to many important life questions. It has not been an academic research, but a personal one, focusing on himself and the environment, followed by experiences in permaculture, regenerative agriculture and bio-costruction.
    On a very different timeline and on the other side of the world in Australia, Zara had sought out very similar experiences which eventually brought her here to Uba and her motherland, Sicily!
    In November (2023) we welcomed into the world our son, Vito, and have not yet commenced taking volunteers. We are now open to receiving requests for volunteers in April (2024)!

    We share 3 hectares of land with 2 dogs, 3 mamma goats and their babies, and a bunch of chickens. The land is full of spontaneous edible plants, olive, citrus grape, and fruit trees, and part of our work is maintaining and expanding this abundance. We grow vegetables during the winter and summer, aiming to satisfy all of our needs. Day by day we are always looking to introduce good habits to our life, based around the persistence and consistency in our daily work. We like to start the day early, to then be able to reflect and share what we have learnt together at the end of the day around the dinner table.

    The song of the birds and the flow of the river form the ideal soundtrack to carry out this work!

    We are just two here, now with a little one in arms, but we aim for community with the number of volunteers, family, friends and neighbours that pass through and get involved. Any comfort you might enjoy here is thanks to the work of those who have been here before you. Taking care means giving those who come after you, better conditions than before.

    Considering that we try to consume as much possible as we manage to grow and produce, we collect our spring water to drink, knead and bake bread, make cheese, wine and much more, we ask that whoever wants to participate, does with sensitivity in every form of consumption. We encourage use and discourage abuse.

    If you feel like joining us and helping to bring this project forward, we are happy to hear from you!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Our daily work aims to maintain and support our most basic needs like having a comfortable and healthy place to sleep, growing and cooking our own food, creating beauty through the land, taking care of our relationships and community in any way, shape or form... Coming here is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in an active lifestyle intimately tied to the land.

    Like this we all grow better!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    The year begins with the pruning of olives and fruit trees, grafting and maintaining the winter vegetable garden. From spring we begin to prepare the soil for all the summer abundance to come. There is plenty of help needed in the weeding of vegetable gardens, seasonal harvests and transforming produce into food for our bellies and to keep our pantry well stocked for throughout the year.

    Meanwhile, we are devoting much time and effort into completing a new clay structure, of which hope to finish by the beginning of summer, to host travellers in a different way. As we go along, we too are learning and experimenting with all things bio-construction.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    Italian: Fluent
    French: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    In summer, the sleeping arrangements will be in tents that are provided. For the rest of the year there are indoor spaces. If it makes a lot of difference to you, please just ask us before arriving.
    There is a shared kitchen and bathroom. Keep in mind that our living area, especially when it is cold outside, happens to be the kitchen and dining space too, so in a group we definitely fill this small space to its maximum capacity!
    Please only bring biodegradable/soaps and natural hygiene products. We share three vegetarian meals per day and snacks, a large part consisting of products from our land hence you will find only very nourishing and integral, that reflects a deep love for the richness of this land it’s food culture.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We are located 5km from the town of Cefalù, it is not so easy to reach on foot but in the summer we often go to the beach together.
    We rest on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, but we are open to special arrangements. This project is very suited to people who really want to get involved and live like we live (which involves a lot of work), and have an opportunity to experience the reality of working with the land.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

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

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Max 25 hours with 2 days off

Host ref number: 695137992594

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