Help me create a self sufficient life in the deep countryside near Druviena, Latvia

  • Favourited 42 times
  • Last activity: 29 Feb 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello, my name is Elza and I'm on my way to create a self sufficient life in the deep countryside of Latvia. I am artistic kind of type and I’m crazy enough to believe - it’s possible to build a house with a minimum amount of funds and no man by my side.

    This is gonna be the third year of a building process, but the dream of a place I can call my own is already several years old. Since then I have gone through several life lessons and understood a lot by going through them. I have spend one season in the cold trailer at the deep white Latvian winter and another one without electricity in a abandoned house. Most of the days spending in an environment unequipped for modern conveniences. All of that - so that the life I live would be more appropriate with my core values. The mind of youth is a bit reckless and able to bear a lot, now its time to settle in a bit more comfortable life... Still by grounding the ideas for more harmonious future.

    Now that the land is written under my name, I can start to build! In a first year we dug a well, collected different kind of building materials, renovated windows, connected to the electricity source and made the foundations for the house. In the second year - we made the pie for the floor, band sawed all the wood material for the house, built a shed and made all the joints for the wooden frame. All of that mainly through the voluntary camps and barters with the people close by. As it is not a typical way of creating, this serves me as a spiritual journey as well - realizing how to get through all the difficulties of life the easy way and acknowledging my true power through all of this. And it works!

    I would deeply appreciate If you would choose to help me to make this goal even more real!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

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

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    This is gonna be an opportunity to experience a rustic lifestyle deep in the Latvian jungle. We Latvians have a deep understanding of natural processes - we know how to take care of land, how to use the cyclical power of nature and how to make and maintain our own sustainable household. We still have a connection with the knowledge of our ancestors - we celebrate ancient celebrations and sing songs coming from the past. In the place I'm situated, there are many people with an deep knowledge of these processes. Here we carry out the old ways in a new vision.

    As I'm a part of an bigger community - there are different kind of events, rituals, master classes and meetings here. You're gonna be welcomed to join in all of this!

    As the main project for now is to build a house - it is gonna serve an opportunity to learn new skills regarding house construction and experience a team work while doing that.

  • Help

    Help

    I'm searching for the help to build my forest cabin. The base of the house is already there, the next step for this spring would be to connect all the joints for the wooden frame. Then insulation (probably hempcrete), placing and painting of the windows and doors, a wall of burnt boards all around the house.
    And who knows, maybe everything needed for moving in next winter! Which means some inner work for adjusting the environment of the house - building a wood stove, arranging the floor, putting up the tiles, water system, toiletry and making some cabinets.

    As in countryside, there will always be some wood chopping tasks and work with chainsaw. And some grass cutting, of course.

    The experience in these fields would be nice, but anyone with a skilled set of hands and head on it's shoulders could do this. Advisers, construction worker and extra help when needed will be present.

    P.s. I'm also in search for a skilled man who could be a leading help in house building + roofing - process all summer long (~April till September). For someone dedicated, experienced and being able to work on his own I'm willing to pay a salary. More info in a private message.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Latvian (Lettish): Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner
    Russian: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    Would be interested to enrich the range of words and expressions. I'm ready to share my knowledge.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    For this summer there is a huge room available in the house across the street. Its under construction right now, but with some help of yours we could make it quite homey! There is a possibility of sharing this space with other workaway people, if you don't mind. There is also a small, separate room available. Plus, there is always a possibility to choose to live in the middle of nature by using a tent or a hammock.

    Toilet is situated outside. For eco friendly cleaning and refreshing rituals it is possible to use the river. There is also a water from the well and possibility to create an outside shower. Closest shop is 8km from here, if needed, I can bring you there by car. And there is an garden and a forest full of berries and mushrooms!

    I'm ready to cook a vegan breakfast and lunch for every day of your stay. And give the materials for your dinner.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    On your time off you can visit forest trails, go on an bike rides or contemplate in the meditation spot right next to your trailer. Or just lay down in a hammock and sit by the fire. This is the highest point of our small Latvia (300m above see level) - it is possible to visit observation towers or see other natural phenomena.

    If you're coming by car, I will give you an more precise location in a message.
    If you're coming by bus - here is a buss that has the last stop right next to my land. It comes from the city called Gulbene, but it is quite a big circle around if you come from the capital of Riga. I can pick you up at the buss stop some km from here called Liezēre or Ozoli (Liezēres pagasts, Madonas novads), Mentes - if you come from a side of Lithuania and Velēna, if you come from Estonian side.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    There is electricity on the spot and my phone works as a rooter. Definitely we can arrange something!

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    There are plenty of space for that!

  • 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?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 154788262736

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