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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
14 Sep 2023
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Details
Description
Avalon, compared to the other villages in the Valle degli Elfi, is the most easily accessible village both by public transport and on foot, and remains in the west of Pistoia, towards Empoli. Hospitality is one of the founding bases on which Avalon was born and developed since 1995. The hospitality we offer lasts for a week, with the desire to create excellent and fruitful relationships. If this does not happen it will be the task of the community and yours to greet us with gratitude and see you next time;). Videomakers and the like are welcome, but without expectations. Being filmed and / or interviewed is part of the personal choice of the inhabitants so we cannot guarantee that this will happen. The room we offer for guests is a loft dormitory in which more or less 7/8 people can sleep comfortably, (it is presentable and clean if those who live there leave it better than they found it). We believe that mutual understanding also occurs through work, which is why we like to cook meals together and eat them together. Often we are many for this reason the agreement is that each one washes his own plate and cleans some pot that has been used for the preparation of the dishes. Water in Avalon, as in any part of the planet, is a precious commodity, so we take care to use it sparingly and to use biodegradable products in order to preserve our beloved land as much as possible. Our "toilets" are .... the forest! So you have to get a hoe and water, make a hole and then cover it;): it is sustainable, simple and very hygienic but we recognize that it is not for everyone! There are two showers, one inside and one outside. Hot water is not available at all hours of the day. The jobs to be done in a place like this are many and vary from season to season: collecting wood from the forest, sawing wood, cleaning the common areas, helping out for any meetings in Avalon, as mentioned, helping in the kitchen, etc. The presence of children here in the community is "important": at the moment there are three / four children (it is a variable number) plus a one-year-old child.
In order to preserve their growth, but also the integrity of any adult who is here, as a resident or visitor, we have decided not to drink alcohol (except during special moments of celebration, always in a very moderate way and after having agreed with those who have lived in the community for some time), not to use drugs, not to smoke indoors. If you take psychiatric drugs, please let us know before your arrival. If you feel these are severe "restrictions" for you, think carefully before continuing this trade. The use of mobile phones and laptops is only allowed in private spaces. We separate common and personal waste and ask you, please, to take them with you when you leave. Cash is common. With it we buy food that we are unable to self-produce (yet!), And other primary goods that can be useful to the whole community. We believe and practice the Economy of the Gift so we trust that each guest will leave a conscious and responsible contribution for the time they have spent here with us. We use the circle as a means to voice our emotions, to make decisions and even more specifically to find ourselves as a tribe. Circles are at home (ie they only involve "resident" people), or general ones you are invited to participate in if you like.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will find a welcoming place, after some days you'll feel like you are at home. We love to inspire people to create other realities like this all over the world. You'll have the opportunity to practice community life and all it concerns, both practical and relational side. You can learn many pratical skills, depending on your interest.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We especially need help in autumn, during the harvest of olives,we are looking for people able to prawn olive trees and also climbing on top to collect them.
At the moment we are searching also for people with DIY skills to help fixing the roof and repairing stuff in the house.
We need help in the kitchen cooking meals and cleaning.
Languages spoken
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer accomodation in a big guests room with double or single matress. please bring yoir sleeping bag or bed sheets. We have some extra blankets.
It's possible to camp with a tent outside, the weather is nice most of the time.
Food is simple and generally vegetarian (if one day we cook meat, there is also vegetarian options) we try to use natural and organic food as much as we can. We prepare our meals and we eat together. If you have special needs, you can cook on your own.
What else ...
Avalon is located in the hills between Larciano and Cantagrillo (Pistoia). IF YOU ARRIVE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ON FOOT: in this case there are two options, one: - from Pistoia - from Montecatini Terme. 1) from Pistoia station, take a bus to Cantagrillo. From Cantagrillo get off at the intersection with the Fantasy bar and take Via Baco, towards Cecina di Larciano. It is a fairly long route with several bends to climb and others to descend (almost an hour and a half walk). You can do it on foot or hitchhike. Whatever your choice, at some point, after the hairpin bends that go down, on the right, you will find a sign with the words "Agriturismo Campofiorito". Take the dirt road and walk as if you were to reach the farm, we are just 700 meters ahead. 2) (shorter on foot, you won't find any "Avalon" sign, but you will arrive safely if you follow the signs). From Montecatini Terme station take bus U806 to Montevettolini (or if the timetables are not congenial to you from Montecatini to Monsummano and from Monsummano to Montevettolini (check timetables). Once in Montevettolini, ask for the church of Madonna della Neve and take via "Capanne di Roncore". You will find some junctions but always continue on "Capanne di Roncore". At some point you will find "Fattoria le Vedute" (you are therefore on the right path), and after "Sorgente del Prefetto" street that you will take. It goes beyond the "Nencetti Power". After another 10-15 minutes of climbing you will find a brick house on your left and a small tin hut on your right. This is the time when you have to turn right (street just in front of the brick house) and continue straight. You are already practically inside Avalon: you find an intersection and go left and walk: then you will arrive at the house of Avalon !!! When you arrive, ask for Giannina or Vittoria. BY CAR: we are 700 meters after the "Agriturismo Campofiorito" in Monsummano Terme. Arrive up to the farmhouse and follow the road on the right which seems apparently narrow. (Don't worry it's not). Park at the first clearing on your left and then continue on foot for 300 meters. You arrived! NB: If you arrive from the Pistoia side, no problem, but if you arrive from the Montecatini Terme or Monsummano side, make sure that the navigator lets you go through via Pozzuolo. It Is Easy;). . . When you arrive, ask for Giannina or Vittoria. Good journey and see you soon! ;).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a parking space at 300 m from the house
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
