Help creating a peaceful rural family oasis in Western Algarve, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hello, nice to meet you!
  My name is Eve, I'm a retired English teacher and a big animal and nature lover, and I have been spending most of my time in this beautiful part of the Algarve for almost 20 years now, so I have a fair bit of local knowledge and I am happy to pass on my best tips for getting the most out of being here!
  
  Since I retired a few years ago I have been taking care of this peaceful small land in the west Algarve, which was initially completely overgrown, and have slowly been revealing the beautiful olive trees and other native plants growing here. The land is mostly flat and level ground so all easy to access, with plenty of trees giving natural shade. There are a few designated 'chill out zones' where you can relax in a hammock or on a sofa or sun lounger, in sun or in shade, depending on the time of day/ season.
  I have installed a compost toilet with washing facilities, and a water system which distributes the rain water to various points along the land, as well as to the main kitchen, and we are currently working to build a small shower enclosure.
  
  The land is situated about a kilometre outside of the village of Barão de São João, with its 2 minimercados, lively bars and cafés and a small local weekly market selling fruits and vegetables, fish, baked goods and other foods.
  
  Behind the village, the rolling hills are home to a vast area of forest reaching almost to the west coast, where you can find many walking/ hiking trails, cycle routes, circuit training and picnic areas.
  The famous Via Algarviana passes through the edge of this beautiful woodland and attracts hikers and walkers from all over the world, who come all year round to savour the delightful scenery, stunning views, and warm hospitality of the region.
  
  I love my local community for the diversity of peoples and cultures, and for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere .
  Being so close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and yet close to large areas of forest, mountains and nature reserves, there really is something for everyone here.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Writing

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Pets

  

  Gardening

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Beach

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Dancing
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There are plenty of opportunities for social activities, theatre and music events in the local area, as well as the chance to join members of the local groups currently working towards improvements in land management systems and biodiversity.
  We also have many local classes in yoga, Breathwork and other movement and health related topics that you can attend on a drop- in basis.
  I would like the opportunity to share/ exchange knowledge and skills, and especially love to show visitors and guests around or to pass on information relating to our local area.
  Having spent a lot of time around the area for many years, I have a fair bit of knowledge of the area to share my best tips with you!

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  Help

  Looking for help with garden related tasks especially at this time. You would be helping mostly alongside the host..clearing, weeding, pruning and planting. Some help on olive trees, if you like climbing!.
  Also maybe building a compost enclosure or digging drainage ditches, depending on the weather. There may also be help needed with cleaning, or preparing and painting wooden doors inside and/ or the wooden cladding on the outside of the building.
  Last but not least, if you love to cook, or to sew, these skills will be very much appreciated! There is a sewing machine available.
  Happy to pass on skills and information/ knowledge related to the work in hand.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Would love to practice my Portuguese speaking with a native Portuguese speaker too
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation would be either in a comfortable heated caravan with a double bed and its own full kitchen, or you could bring your own tent. There is also a parking space available for a small camper van.
  There is a separate compost toilet with washing facilities, and a shower cubicle is currently being built on the side.
  At the start of your stay I will fill the cupboards and fridge with basic provisions to enable you to cook your own meals and snacks. Anything else you may require can be easily bought in the village shops just 10 minutes walk away. Once a week I will usually drive to Lagos with its big supermarkets and twice weekly organic veg markets, and can give you a lift. There you can buy a bigger selection of food, treats and any other items you may need.
  I may also be cooking a meal for us all to share sometimes, if our dietary needs and food preferences are similar.
  
  In exchange for 3 hours work a day, 5 days a week ( must be a bit flexible with hours as my schedule may vary from week to week) I am offering a comfortable private caravan with its own outdoor area, mains electricity, full kitchen with fridge, dining area, and a comfortable double bed.
  
  I will fill the food cupboards and fridge with essential food items so that you can cook your own meals, and there are 2 mini mercados in the village, about 10 minutes walk away, so any other requirements are easy to obtain. I would also be available at least once per week to drive to the town of Lagos, about 10 km away, where there is a much bigger selection of foods including twice weekly organic food markets.
  
  You will be provided with gas for cooking, and drinking water, tea and coffee are always available.
  Depending on my schedule I may be preparing a shared meal on some days, if our dietary needs and food preferences are similar.

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  What else ...

  The village of Barão de São João is only about 10 minutes walk away and has various bars, cafés, and restaurants. There is a bus service from there to the town of Lagos, around 10km away, with a multitude of activities and events to choose from. Here you can hire a scooter or bicycle, or catch a bus or train to many other places near and far.
  Of course, having your own car would be even better as it gives you so many more options for things to do in your spare time, especially if you want to explore the many beautiful beaches around the south and west coasts, perhaps finding waves to suit your surfing experience, sampling fresh sea foods and other culinary delights, exploring the cobbled streets of tiny villages, or simply chilling out with a cool beer or local fire water called medronho, enjoying a beautiful sunset.
  Or head to Lagos to enjoy its colourful night life and rich history, Monchique with its spas and green hilly landscapes, and the highest point of the Algarve..Foia, with panoramic views across to the coasts, Aljezur with its castle and rich history..
  
  Please note that even though I am now retired I am still quite physically active every day, although I am sometimes slowed down due to arthritis.
  There are some days when I can work for hours and other days when I need to rest more. Most week nights I like to rest quite early, in my own caravan. I also love to chat, or play loud music sometimes and dance. Having fun is still a big part of my life!
  
  Guests are expected to respect the hosts rules for no fires or bbq's as we are in a high risk area for fire.

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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

  Internet access is mostly good, but serious digital nomads may need an additional back up reliable data provider. Work space can be provided in main building by arrangement for specific days/ hours, or you can make use of the table in the caravan if you're staying in there. It would be ideal for you to be a cat lover as my cat is very friendly and will always be happy to see you for some strokes and gentle attention! Unfortunately I am unable to host anyone with a dog as my cat has had some dreadful injuries caused by dogs attacking her over the last 3 years, and is understandably afraid of them now.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Due to small size of the land and narrow access only small camper vans can be accepted.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Luna

  Luna my 3 year old cat is my only pet and my almost constant companion. She loves humans who she senses to be animal lovers, she's sweet, gentle and friendly and loves to play. She has had bad experiences with dogs in the past and so unfortunately I am not able to host anyone with a dog at this time.

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