Experience the olive harvest and learn about Catalan culture in Ginestar, Spain

Details

• 

  Description

  Experience the olive harvest firsthand in Ginestar, Tarragona, Spain. You will have spectacular views of the Ribera d'Ebre, and you'll see spectacular sunsets almost every evening. Harvesting olives is not difficult work, and you'll love the small town of Ginestar and the larger town of Mora de Ebre nearby. The beach is just 30 minutes away!
  
  I speak English and I work on Spanish and whatever languages you speak! Fun fact, I also lived in Egypt for 3.5 years, and travel the world extensively.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  Farmstay help
• 

  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Culture

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  History

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Writing

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Camping

  

  Beach
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The finca is on the mountain 2 km above Ginestar, and we will barbecue sometimes and go to the village for meals together sometimes. That way we get a chance to talk and learn from each other about Catalunya and where you are from. You'll learn some Catalan words associated with the harvest, too. The Castle of Miravet is nearby as is the home of Joan Miro and an early home of Picasso. There are events in the communities nearly every weekend!

• 

  Help

  In October or November, we will harvest olives using a mechanical harvester, manual combs, and nets to catch the fruit. We work in teams of 3 or 4 to harvest about 500 trees. Using the nets, we gather the olives and place them in buckets. From there, we go to the olive mill (you can help if you want - it's fascinating to see how olive oil is made). We will work about 5 hours a day, and there will be plenty of time to explore the Ribera, nearby walking/hiking trails, and the beach. I'll teach you about olive groves and maintenance, as much or as little as you like.
  
  The olive finca is a hobby, and it is not registered as a business in Spain.

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  I'm happy to help you with Spanish and English, and I would love to learn about your language!
• 

  Accommodation

  The finca does not have a house, so you can camp in a tent on the property or I will arrange a rental home or flat nearby. I will have breakfast items, and at lunchtime (comida it's called in Spain) we will eat together on the finca. We can barbecue, sample local restaurants (there are a number of good ones in the arear), and occasionally prepare something in the rental kitchen.
  
  Options to be arranged with the WorkAway volunteers.
  I can provide a tent and bedding or
  I will lease an Bnb nearby
  Workaway volunteer will be able to park an RV/Caravan if they wish on the finca.
  
  We will share most meals, but some meals could be on the Workawayer's own (with ingredients I provide) if they wish. At times we will go to restaurants for local fare, and other times I will barbecue or cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• 

  What else ...

  Transport: From Barcelona airport, you can take the train to Tarragona or the bus to Salou. I'll pick you up. Public transport from Ginestar is a little spotty, after all this is a rural area. I will be happy to take you to public transport hubs or just take you to the places you want to visit.
  
  I do not smoke, but it's fine if you do (just do it outdoors and police your filters).

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  There is good mobile/cell service on the mountain and of course in any rental homes.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  There are plenty of spaces on the finca that are level and available for campers/caravans. There is a dumpstation in Ginestar.

• 

  Can possibly accept pets

  The finca is an open space without fences, so your pet will need to stick by your side or be in a crate or on a tether.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  Hours expected

  5 hours a day, 5 days per week.