Live off-grid, practise meditation and help with house and garden projects near Viseu, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hello and welcome,
  My name is Ed, 32 yo, from the UK, and I am living off-grid in central Portugal, in the Magic Mountains (Serra da Arada), with my lovely cat Nimi. I am driven by the desire share the joy of meditation, the beautiful vision is building cabins for people to use for solo retreats, as a non-profit venture with guests paying only by donation. I would also love to host more group meditation retreats in the future. 🧘✨
  
  The property has stunning views, peaceful vibes, stone house with renovation in progress, terraced areas available for gardening, and some forested hillside. I have plenty of solar power, strong Wi-Fi, compost toilet, solar shower, and year-round drinking water from a spring. It is generally very peaceful, but I am close to a small village so it is not completely isolated here, which actually many benefits! Although it is still necessary to drive to the nearest shop.
  
  To fund the initial build costs I am currently working from home online, so a lot of my time is occupied, leaving many small (and some not so small 😉) tasks which I would really appreciate the help with. I feel like this is a great opportunity to share and learn together. When friends have stayed with me recently on a work-away type basis it has felt very mutually nourishing whilst also helping on a practical level, this is why I'm extending the invite here on workaway.
  
  My goals for the land here for the next few months include include: House renovation (insulating the roof, walls, floor) installing a new larger solar system, designing a new water system, clearing the garden space, managing wood supplies, improving the surface of the rough access road, hosting a meditation retreat for friends in July,
  
  There are plenty of friends nearby of various nationalities (as well as friendly local neighbors), we often have lively social events, markets and so-on.
  
  My hobbies include: Juggling, acrobatics, learning to DJ, playing the cello, learning Portuguese
  
  Being able to share my time and this space with others while working on these projects would be a dream come true, I hope you are inspired to join me :)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Optionally sharing morning and/or evening meditations together.
  I can introduce you to friends and neighbors in the local area, social events and so on. Showing you the beautiful places nearby would be fun for me too. I am learning Portuguese and would love to practice more.
  I am excited to meet new people, to connect and share what I have

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  Help

  There are many tasks available ranging from building, plumbing, gardening, forestry, digging, carrying, cooking, cleaning.
  I'm keen to make use of your skills as best as possible by being flexible, and not demanding anything you are not comfortable with. If you have a particular skillset I can prioritize those tasks.. "make hay when the sun shines" 🌞

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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

  Van-travelers can park up very easily, and I have two small tents with full sleeping gear that I can lend. With a shady spot under the oak tree for Summer camping, and flat terraces for year-round camping. In bad weather you are welcome to stay in the house, but this is also the communal space so is not really ideal long term.

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  What else ...

  I have had some lovely experiences volunteering at other projects in Portugal, so I know how it feels when things work just right 👌 I'm aiming to keep things very relaxed and respectful.
  
  I first fell in love with this area due to the beautiful waterfalls for swimming and lush verdant forest,
  with mountain hikes, waterfalls and river swimming.
  
  The nearby town of Sao Pedro do Sul is very scenic with some lovely spots by the river to hang out. I've found some great spots which I'd love to share with you!
  
  Public transport is not so great for site-seeing, a car is necessary, (don't worry, I like sharing😋), but you can also get a coach to the nearest cities (Viseu, Porto, Lisbon).

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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

  I have a full-speed wifi connection and plenty of electricity.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  I have plenty of space to fit vans, under the shade of the big oak tree, or in full sun. The access track is quite bumpy but should be fine.. I manage it in my car all the time.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I have a cat, and previous guests dogs have chased the cat which does not feel great for me, so if you are able to prevent this from occurring then your animals are welcome

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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