Help a family with a cultural project in Sicily Italy; and above all help our three kids learning English, Piano and Drums ;-)

Italy

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28
Last activity
21/09/2019
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2019

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Description
Hi!
We are a family of 5, myself Barbara (42), Francesco (48) plus Niccolò (9), Lisa (7) and Nina (18 months, born in June 2017). We moved a few years ago to beautiful Siclily, in the city of Siracusa and its little jewel island of Ortigia (Unesco site).

We own a space right in the center of the island which is a restaurant and sometimes a cultural center aimed to support art and culture.
Type of help
Babysitting / child care
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Other
Language practice
Art project
Help with Computers / internet
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Sicily is a gem and has a lot to offer to people willing to witness 3000 years of history and cultural identity. ORTIGIA is a main touristic location with lots of people, activities and positive energy.
We will share a bit of our Italian tradition and habits and our babies will overwhelm you of joy and craziness.
Help
We are looking for someone willing to play with our three kids that would feel happy teaching them some English, Piano or Drums; sometimes we might need little help for general maintenance and in that case we ask for it clearly once we get in contact. When our guest has good artistic or cousine skills sometimes we like to engage him/her with our project as well.
Languages spoken
italian, english, french, rumenian, bit of german
Accommodation
We have a little private suite-room with its own kitchen and bathroom and 2 other rooms with queen size beds and balcony which share the same bathroom. On top of the house there is a little living-room and a terrace where you can enjoy the sea which is just couple meters away from the house. There is a common house-kitchen as well to cook yourself.
The house has a total of 4 rooms that can be occupied by artists or paying guests as well.

We live couple blocks away from there.
What else ...
Every day activities would be swimming and sun-bathing, walking around, meeting people from all over the world and visiting the many other UNESCO heritage sites of the area, starting from Etna Vulcano to Noto etc. See you soon.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 max (max 25 hours/week)

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Feedback left by and about host (28)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.5)

Communication:
(5.0)

29/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Elise)

Ver Nice Time with Elise.

It was easy to connect to her and have her coming, in couple on days, to our house. We did not spend many days together but we can say that any time we were hanging out she was always smiling, she always looked happy, positive and willing to help and stay with us. She has great communications skills and a good attitude… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Elise) for host

Barbara and Francesco have a lovely family with gorgeous kids that were great to hang out with. Even though we didn't spend a lot of time together I really enjoyed my stay on Ortigia. Both Barbara and Francesco were extremely hospitable and always made me feel welcome in their home. They truly have a beautiful house in an amazing location on the… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah )

Very Nice time with Sarah.
It was a pleasure meeting Sarah. Sarah is a positive, gentle young lady. Sarah is very respectful and wait to be introduced to our kids before starting giving her best, either teaching piano or playing with them.

We did non spend many days together though she was able to leave in our memories really nice moments; she… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sarah ) for host

Our first workaway experience and it could not have been more amazing!! <3
Barbara and Francesco and their WONDERFUL kids was just amazing and lovely! We had a wonderful time, lovely accommodation, the best company, fun tasks, fun stories and times at the dinner table! Amazing, giving and fun family. The wonderful pictures is a perfect reflection… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Joel & June)

June and Joel... LOVELY GUYS!!!

Me and my family had really funny, lovely easy going days with them as they are always positive, always courious, always willing to help and share their energies and skills. Everithing went very smoothly from the very first day as we had been knowing each other for ages. We felt really confortable in letting them… read more

(Excellent )

14/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Joel & June) for host

We were 7 weeks with Barbara, Francesco and the children and the truth is that they do not reach the words to thank them for our stay. From the first moment that Francesco kindly went to look for us at the bus station, to the jobs with which we helped them, the music classes, the moments with the children, the shared dinners, the lunches and… read more

(Excellent )

16/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Aurelia)

I know, it's strange to rate a workaway that doesn't have a pic in its profile and tell the community that they were a great find... but that's what it was.
We trusted them because we had a very nice mail exchange before inviting them and realised straight away that we could trust them and have a nice time together.

About them... Mil is a very… read more

(Excellent )

16/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin )

I think that almost an year went by since Benjamin was with us. I apologise with him for not having left a feedback earlier but he really doesn't need... HE IS A SUPER GREAT MATE!!!
He is always Positive, always Happy to cooperate, always able to give the right consulting and went he takes over one of your task he always complete it better than… read more

(Excellent )

01/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin ) for host

There is a give and take with Workaway. I have found that the best Workaway experience is achieved when both the host and the volunteer are always striving to give more than they have received. Granted, when I choose a host, I’m typically seeking out small family run businesses creating something new and exciting for their local communities, so it… read more is has been difficult to find someone not of this standard. Of course, Barbara and Francesco were no exception.

During my two and a half weeks working with Barbara and Francesco, it was often difficult to tell who was volunteering for whom. When I arrived in my new private apartment, I discovered Francesco furiously working to clean my room. When he’s not working long days making sure Barbara’s local restaurant is the best it can be or spending every possible free minute with his two children, Francesco works as a flight attendant for an Italian airline. The more I got to know Francesco, the more I realized how much of himself he freely gives to others. He will always put the needs and comfort of others over his own, whether it’s making sure you’ve had enough gelato for the day or that you feel you are doing only the jobs that “are more fun.”

I spent most of my working time with Francesco getting the restaurant ready for the looming busy season in Ortigia. We were able to reach an agreement deviating from the traditional Workaway model, compressing a week's work into just a few days, as time was of the essence. This worked out splendidly as it allowed for almost an overwhelming amount of free time, which I was able to productively spend learning some Italian from a local language professor Barbara recommended. When the restaurant was up and running, I was also offered all my meals there for free. Their vegan concept is a wonderful surprise in Sicily and I was able to quickly find my favorite dishes.

When I wasn’t eating at the restaurant, Barbara and Francesco welcomed me into their home to spend family dinners and watch a few films together with their two adorable children and their nonna. Spending time with a growing family is not always a luxury found on Workaway but when the opportunity does arise, it always feels so comforting to be grounded again with people like Barbara and Francesco who take you in and treat you like one of their own. With such a large family, and a third baby on the way, Barbara is one of the most loving, and motherly people you will ever meet. Like Francesco, she will always make sure you are comfortable, well fed, and achieving your goals. Barbara was not only so kind as to connect me with a local Italian language professor but also help connect me with potential future hosts looking for help with their own businesses.

Barbara and Francesco are also ambassadors to the kindness and generosity overflowing from the people of Siracusa. Their staff at the restaurant are always excited to share their new desserts and cocktails, teach you new Italian phrases, or even offer their personal recommendations for things to do around this area they love so much. As this unique creative space invites so much interesting conversation with guests, musicians, and the staff alike, each night it felt impossible to stay away from the restaurant, and even after leaving, impossible not to come back.

(Excellent )

16/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan)

Dylan is an always smiling, positive young man. Any time he is willing to cooperate and any time he will do it with his catching smile. Dylan is a smart, strong guy that can fit in any situation and task. He helped us with little painting, moving forniture and above all having some nice time together.
We trusted him from the very first moment and… read more

(Excellent )

14/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicola)

Nicola was a stroke of luck in our life. We had recently moved to a new town and were about to start a new life/business adventure, with all the stress and fears that such moment can cause to a young family with kids, when the "workaway" Nicola appeared and brought to us energy, enthusiasm, joy, emphaty and above all lots of music and smiles.
We… read more

(Excellent )

07/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nicola) for host

3 years ago, my first workaway started here. By now, this 'exchange' has become something more personal as it's expanded into an ever-growing family, with Barbara and Francesco at the core.
They welcome you with open hearts and a generosity beyond measure.
Their project offers a platform and outlet for all creative minds whilst their restaurant… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (caroline) for host

Barbara and Francesco are wonderful, generous hosts who are truly inspirational people. l wish them continuing sucess with their cultural centre and restaurant. Work is relaxed and flexible, the food in the restarant is some of the best l have ever eaten and the accommodation is clean and comfortable. Ortigia is a beautiful place to visit, l met… read more

(Excellent )

09/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Fé & Nina) for host

Barbara and Francesco are two of the most generous persons we've ever met. Our stay with them was amazing, in the centre of Ortigia. We had our own small apartment which contained everything we needed. This is probably the best place in Syracusa; the food is amazing (when you're vegan or not) and the staff is super friendly. Every time we came… read more

(Excellent )

10/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Eliane & Romy) for host

This is a suuuuper friendly Family!!! We lived with them for a month and stayed in their nice apartment. They introduced us to lots of people and showed us new places, gave us tips, told us stories about the country.... The children are wild but super lovely! :) Thank you very much for the stay with you!

(Excellent )

12/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Barbara) for host

I really had the time of my life at Ortigia! Barbara and Francesco are not just amazing, easy-going and nice people but what they do is also something that cannot be ignored. Bringing artists to this vegan restaurant, spreading sustainable and councious ideas and combining it with music and other kinds of arts is really the best thing. This was… read more

(Excellent )

12/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Nils) for host

I stayed with Barbara, Francesco and the two kids for one month in the beautyfull Ortigia. As my first Workaway expierence I am so happy about choosing this place!
Performing circus in school and kindergarten, tasting amazing sicilian food with Francesco, preparing with Barbara and moreover having a very adventurous and great time with the kids… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Quetzal)

You are a special girls! We all wish you the best!

(Excellent )

21/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Quetzal) for host

Staying with Barbara and her family for a month was a wonderful experience I won't soon forget. Barbara and the rest of the family are doing something incredible with their restaurant and cultural center, from making delicious vegan food to exhibiting varied musical and artistic performances. As a workawayer you get to watch, enjoy, and be a part… read more

(Excellent )

20/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Agata) for host

I had very nice experience in Ortigia. Barbara, Francesso, Marco and everyone who works there was so kind. Work here was very interesting and inspiring. In my spare time I could explore beautiful places in the area. The apartament was great located, a few minutes to the sea. Also vegan food was extremally tasty.
Thank you for everything Barbara… read more

(Excellent )

19/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Kim)

Kim is a BEATIFUL Person!!!
She spent two months with us sharing her knowledge of yoga. She is a great teacher. She is very friendly and extremely passionate and focused on sharing the benefits of yoga and a plant-based diet with everyone she meets, other than Her students. She always makes herself available and never hesitates to remind… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Kim) for host

I was blessed with the great fortune of sharing during the months of June and July here. Barbara and Francesco and everyone that work here are incredibly friendly and helpful allowing you to feel immediately “at home". You will enjoy, not only an incredible beautiful cultural center with a wide variety of music and art, but also the most… read more

(Excellent )

09/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host

The entire team were really welcoming and so helpful, even when I had exhaustion-induced first day jitters! Barbara always made sure we were happy and is a very fair lady. Francesco was so warm and inviting, it was a shame we didn't get to spend more time with him as he was away.
The accommodation is everything you could need with private… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (Lotte) for host

Barbara and Francesco had just a week in between other guests to host me, but it sure was worth the experience. They are in particular are amazingly inspiring places, creative and full of life. I spent the week in the cute apartment above the restaurant and helped out with shifts in the vegan kitchen. (a dream! in the kitchen with 2 Sicilian… read more

(Very good )

19/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Karen)

Karen is the most lovely, genuine, discrete and reliable person we have met so far through all our experiences. She arrived to our house in a very stressful moment and she has managed to cope with our nerves ;-) and be always helpful and smiling.
She has shared with us her knowledge and experience on organizing cultural events, she has an… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host

Ciao! :)
Barbara and Francesco are my hosts who share their domestic and work life with me; I'm honoured, and so happy and grateful for the cultural immersion.

Like a dream, I'm in this UNESCO city with a progressive family starting and managing an amazing arts place for social progress (complete with bar and restaurant). I feel proud to be a… read more

(Excellent )

09/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Josep Maria & Cristina) for host

They are a nice and friendly family. We stayed with them in August. We could visit interesting places around the zone, we tasted good italian food and we learned more about italian culture. The weather there was really good and we could sunbathe whenver we wanted. They gave us all possible commodities, help and the place where we stayed was really… read more

(Excellent )

05/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (SooYoung) for host

I had an amazing experience with Barbara and Francesco. I stayed with them for three weeks in July. They are some of the friendliest and welcoming people I’ve ever met. The work hours were very flexible and I had so much time to explore the beautiful island the family lives on called Ortigia as well as cities Catania, Taormina, Noto, etc. All the… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 218694854136

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