Join our small organic orchard in the south of Tupungato, Mendoza province, Argentina

Details

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  Description

  We are looking for a couple (so two people) for a week
  
  Nous cherchons un couple (donc deux personnes) pour une semaine
  
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  Hello!
  We inhabit ten hectares in the middle of Uco Valley near the Cordillera de los Andes at an altitude of 1200m.
  The Finca is nestled close to some of the highest summits of the Andes (Arenales, Tupungato Volcano, Aconcagua ).
  Extraordinary views are a daily and often hourly occurrence here; with both the sunlight and shadows constantly changing.
  This effect delivers a dramatic and magical mood to this place.
  
  Located in the Valle de Uco, the area is most famous for its agriculture: vineyards, fruit trees and walnut production.
  The air is pure and dry, the water is full of minerals and fruits and vegetables are fresh and consumed in season.
  This is Gaucho land just South of the city of Tupungato ( which means "el mirador de estrellas" in the Quechua language).
  
  About us:
  We have been traveling around the planet for 20 years and love to meet young free thinking people. We are native French speakers but we speak many languages. We find ourselves speaking mostly English with the workaway volunteers due to the fact that it is usually most practical.
  
  Catherine started a very small organic orchard (30 trees) here on the property. She banned pesticides so keeping the land free of weeds is a challenge.
  Richard has been working with Apple Macs since 1989. He would like to learn more, so international hackers are welcome (hacker means curious people).
  At breakfast, lunch and dinner we enjoy discussing Philosophy, Culture, History and the current state of the World as well as ideas on how to improve ourselves.
  We are interested in conversation and good vibes!!! We are looking for a win-win situation. We will provide hospitality to TWO young creative people at a time
  (couples or friends), in exchange for your best efforts and LABOR.
  
  We appreciate extroverted, educated people, who are Conscientious, Possess a Strong Work Ethic and take Pride in their Work.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The Cuisine
  We will be happy to feed you with the best products available. In the Argentinian countryside, eating animal meats is the tradition and we are carnivores.
  Of course we also prepare many vegetables, salads, fruits and desserts. Catherine is an excellent cook, the menu is most varied and you will not go hungry.
  We normally enjoy beer at lunch and wine with dinner.
  
  Unfortunately, it is too complicated for us to accept candidates with special diets like Vegan.
  The only supermarket that we could compare to TraderJoe's (USA) or Mammouth ( France) is 220 km away.
  Luckily, there is a local wine maker with a high-quality product and 13 bottles to choose from just 2km from us.
  
  Expectations:
  1. You Bring A Strong Work Ethic
  2. You don't come alone, but in pairs
  3. You Possess The Ability to Help Alone or in a Group
  4. You Possess a Good Attitude
  5. You Are Able to Follow an Instruction and Complete a Task in a timely manner
  
  Our History with Workaway:
  We have been hosting for 6 years now and We believe in this platform and venture. The vast majority of our helpers have been superb and more than 80 percent
  have been an excellent fit. Unfortunately, sometimes and more recently after the Pandemic, a larger number of candidates have missed the mark.
  Because of this we have had to slightly amend our approach. Moving forward, we now have a 2-day trial work period, which is considered a try-out or probationary period.
  The 2 days are extended by an additional 5 more days upon successful completion of the 2 day try out.
  
  We have found that our best volunteers tend to be self motivated, curious, and have a natural team and "can do" ethic.
  
  Supply and Demand:
  We tend to receive more individuals interested in this opportunity than actual spaces available. Generally we have space for 2 individuals.
  We hope to hear from you.
  
  Lastly:
  Please include the following in your response to us:
  1. Where have you worked in the past? What was your position?
  2. Please provide an experience or example where you went above and beyond your job description.
  3. Tell us why you believe you would be a strong candidate and a good fit here on the finca.
  
  
  Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.
  
  Sincerely, Richard
  
  THOSE WHO NEED NOT APPLY
  1. Lazy People who come alone. (you come in pairs!)
  2. Crazy People
  3. Those with Substance Abuse or Mental Health Issues
  4. Those Who May Struggle with Ethical or Honest Behavior

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  Help

  Environment:
  The flora and fauna here are both unique and diverse. Think high desert. There are many hours of sun exposure in this type of tasks.
  The property is flat, dry and covered in many native plants; cacti and shrubs, all of which possess thorns, needles, spikes and barbs.
  There are many types of bugs here, also spiders. Depending on the month and /or time of day, the weather can be a test.
  We experience both heat and cold and both can be extreme, sometimes on the same day. There is very little shade on the property.
  
  Tasks:
  The vast majority of the tasks are outdoors. It consists of weeding, shrub removal, troubleshooting irrigation, painting,
  moving stones and gravel, driveways / road repairs, pruning trees and plants, fence repairs, tending to burn piles, washing and drying dishes and kitchen clean up after ALL meals.
  In certain seasons there is much tasks involving the harvest of fruits and nuts.
  It is all physical labor, not heavy tasks but it does require an honest effort and a disciplined approach.
  
  Typical Day / Schedule:
  Because we will be neighbors and sharing our home for the week, we prefer to run a tight ship.
  We find that a consistent timeline benefits both you as a volunteer and us as hosts.
  This is a general outline but it tends to work well.
  
  9:00AM - 10AM Breakfast
  
  10:00AM - 1:30PM Helping Hours
  
  1:30PM - 2:30PM Lunch
  
  2:30PM - 5:00PM SIESTA - Relax / Free Time
  
  5:30PM - 7:30PM Helping Hours
  
  7:30PM - 9:00PM Relax/ Free Time
  
  9:00PM - Dinner
  
  11:00PM - Retire to your Accommodations

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  Languages spoken

  Catalan: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Nice fresh room with separate shower and toilet. Excellent mattresses, no noise at night, which means very good sleep.
  Shower with hot water . No moskitoes.

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  What else ...

  To answer well here there is still a lot to say.
  1. regarding your health we tell you clearly what we have learned; this part of the world is very dry! sometimes less than 20% humidity. The water in your body disappears through your skin without you realizing it. You should drink two liters of water per day per person. When we hike at altitude with the Andean Club we drink four liters per person/day.
  2. about your trip in Patagonia. Here we have all the maps of South America. You can count on us to give you a copy and recommend when and how to travel.
  How to survive temperature fluctuations. How to have a local currency account and practical questions.
  3. If you are walking at high altitude, be aware that hotels above 3000m have oxygen and can help you

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  YES. Any size. We had a 12 tons UNIMOG

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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