Slow and quiet life with donkeys in Puerto de Béjar, Spain

Details

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  Description

  • 17 years living with donkeys, always focused on respectful and honest human–animal relationships
  • 11 years running the Sanctuary in the Algarve, Portugal
  • 3 years traveling on foot together with the donkeys through different regions and natural areas
  • Built a successful project while maintaining a strong ethical approach toward the animals
  • No exploitation — animal welfare always comes first
  • Since October 2025: after major fires, increasing mass tourism and growing human pressure in the Algarve, I decided to leave and search for a quieter and more natural place. Currently staying in the province of Salamanca in Spain, along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, while continuing the transition toward a more remote and nature-based place in the Pyrenees
  • Currently creating the next stage of the project: moving toward a remote place in the Pyrenees focused on nature, silence, simple living and meaningful connection with animals
  • Future vision includes retreats, nature experiences and a sanctuary-style home for donkeys and other former farm animals
  • Goal: offer people the possibility to reconnect with nature in a calm and authentic environment without commercial animal use

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Animal Care

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Videography

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Pets

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Writing

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  • Most of the exchange happens naturally through daily life together with the donkeys and in nature.
  
  • If you are interested, you can learn many parts of nature and animal documentation — from simple camera work and filming to storytelling, editing, colour grading and creating honest, non-staged videos.
  
  • You can also experience what a calm and genuine relationship with donkeys and other animals can look like when there is time, attention and no pressure involved.
  
  • There is also some possibility to learn about simple natural gardening and food forest ideas.

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  Help

  • In the Algarve, I dedicated myself to permaculture gardening and creating a food forest, and I will continue this at the next place.
  
  • Right now, the focus is on building the future of the project and becoming more visible through video and documentation — not for commercial reasons, but to share a different way of living with animals and nature.
  
  • Do you enjoy simple camera work or have a little experience with filming? I am looking for someone who can help document daily life with the donkeys by carrying or setting up the camera and simply keeping an eye on the picture while filming.
  
  • No professional experience is needed. Patience, calmness, and an interest in nature and animals are much more important.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  Portuguese: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  • This place is a former pilgrim hostel. Accommodation is simple, calm and homely.
  
  • You will have your own room. There are basic sanitary facilities (shared bathroom, shower) and a kitchen available.
  
  • Food is simple. I usually cook basic meals (e.g. stews), and you can also prepare your own food.

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  What else ...

  • The area is open, with old paths, stone walls, woodland and grazing land. It’s well suited for quiet walks, observing nature, or simply being outside without any specific plan.
  
  • The nearest town is Béjar. It can be reached by bus from larger cities. From there, it’s possible to walk to the location or take a short taxi ride.
  
  • This is a quiet place, and a calm, low-noise environment is important, especially on the property.
  
  • A respectful and mindful way of living — towards both the place and the animals — fits best here.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  5 donkeys (Cameron, Lucia, Josefina, Federico, Luisa) (2023 years)

  A small group of five donkeys living and moving together. Used to people, but require calm and consistent handling.

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