Help me on my land with my dog, cat, and chickens, and have a magical experience in Pico island, Azores, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hi, Jess here, I am living on Pico island in the Azores, the gorgeous Portuguese archipelago consisting of 9 volcanic islands. I moved here from the UK 7 years ago to be a whale watching and guide and now work as an English teacher. I live with 2 cats, Amora and Pumpkin, and Flea the dog, they are all rescued from the streets of Pico and are absolutely wonderful, more on that later.
  
  I own a piece of land and am building a tiny house with the vision of working more and more on the land, growing food, enjoying community life and helping animals.
  
  I love nature in general, the ocean, diving, snorkeling, marine life, as well as enjoying life on land with friends and listening to music. I am a busy, productive person that likes to make the most of life, but also enjoy peace and relaxation! I like to go on walks and am trying to maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The island is simply a magical place, with charms yet to be discovered. I've learned some things while building my house and I look forward to sharing my lifestyle here in the Azores and a memorable experience with you.

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  Help

  As I only bought my land in 2024 there is quite a lot to be done there, some tasks bigger and more immediate. I will be finishing the tiny house and there are various tasks that can be done at the same time, for example, pruning/removing trees, weeding, planning/idea generation, and caring for the chickens. I would love to hear what skills you feel you could bring to the land :).
  
  I ask volunteers to do their share of cooking, and mainly cleaning up after yourself, and just generally helping out and keeping the house in a clean and tidy state. Enthusiastic cooks are very welcome :). Proactive, helpful, people who like the idea of community living will be well suited for this opportunity.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  I only cook vegetarian food, but I occasionally eat fish. No problem having meat/fish in the house, however meat/fish and cheese will not be provided.
  
  I am mostly looking to host one volunteer at a time, however if you are highly skilled I will consider a second :). There is one single room, a mattress in the living room, and a double room that I'm normally in. Then there is the kitchen, dining room, living room, and the bathroom.
  
  The house is a little old but has character, and is very nice and cosy, there is also a garden. The house is in a quiet town with a few cafes/bars and swimming spots.

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  What else ...

  One very important thing. Flea, my rescue dog, is by no exaggeration scared of people. She doesn't bite but barks quite a lot at first and when I say "you must ignore her completely and let her come to you" I really mean it and would really appreciate those who respect this. The poor girl is clearly traumatised and it's so much less stressful for everyone if she is ignored and given the time and space she needs. People always fall in love with her, she is very loveable, but really needs time to trust new people. Many become determined to gain her trust and it's always a beautiful moment to see that happen, eventually! Once she trusts a person she is extremely loving and gently asks for affection. She is a calm and obedient dog, especially with people she trusts. All volunteers must be ok with this situation.
  
  Pico is a fairly quiet place with a population of 15,000 but is also an attractive tourist destination due to it's incredible nature. It is quite agricultural, lots of fields, lots of cows but with some nice shops/restaurants/bars etc. Therefore please expect a fairly calm place, especially in winter.
  
  Pico is an isolated place with unreal nature, and includes activities such as: climbing the highest mountain in Portugal, Pico mountain (2351m)! - hiking - whale/dolphin watching (Jess worked as a guide, very good place for whale and dolphin watching!!) - scubadiving - snorkeling/swimming - museums - cheese and wine tasting - caves - lakes - visiting neighbouring islands Faial and Sao Jorge by ferry, other islands bit further away but also accessible by flight and more.
  
  There is limited transport available on this island, a bus with very limited times, taxis, ferries to the other two islands close to us.
  
  Pico has 4 seasons in a day!! So expect sun, rain and wind. Summer, weather wise, is the best season to visit, spring/autumn varies quite a bit, winter having the most rain and storms, but still wonderful and an adventure ;). Winters are quieter, and feel fairly short compared to the UK for example, cloudy but no snow or frost (only on the top of the mountain :)). Please bring clothes for all potential weather.
  
  Pico is truly magical place, everyone falls in love with place. I hope to connect with you, work together, laugh together, and ensure everyone is getting something from this. A pre video call is a must!

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  As I am an online English teacher I need a fairly good internet connection and when I have classes this must be kept in mind for digital nomads ;)

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There isn't space directly outside the house, but nearby it will be fine.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Yes, dogs are welcome, but needs to be discussed. My cat doesn't like other cats to avoid stress we sadly do not welcome cats. Dogs must be well behaved and comfortable with our existing residents. It is also important that dogs don't bark so much because of the neighbours :)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  Flea

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