Come help us with eco building projects and gardening near Bucchianico, Italy

Details

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  Description

  My name is Cristina and I live with my partner Silvio and my daughter Gioia in the countryside on the Abruzzo hills between the sea and the Majella National Park  (in 20 minutes by car you can reach either the sea and the mountains). If you are looking for a tranquil, peaceful place to spend some time and do interesting projects, this could be the place for you!  We are somewhat isolated with very limited bus service. We are half an hour by bicycle (available for your use) from the closest village.
  We are custodians of a land, an enchanting place, where you can completely immerse yourself in the tranquility and harmony of the Mediterranean scrub! We grow fruit trees, aromatic and medicinal plants, which we transform by creating herbal extracts, herbal teas, essential oils, natural cosmetics, jams and other preserves for our own use! In the land there is a large olive grove of spectacular centuries-old trees, which we take care of by self-producing an excellent quality extra virgin olive oil! We strive to be as self-sustaining as possible. For the past 4 years we have been building our house using eco-construction techniques in earth works.  We use different construction techniques, always learning new jobs and thus stimulating our creativity and ingenuity! Silvio is a good carpenter and inventor, always ready to create new tools and machines that help us in the tasks! We are very happy to be able to host volunteers from all over the world who are passionate about learning new skills and living with us to realize our life’s project!  Cultural and creative exchange takes place by being together and sharing our experiences.  We are waiting for you !!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  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

  Plenty of opportunity for casual conversation, sharing cooking and having meals together. However, on the days we’re working off-site, you’ll have to prepare your own lunch.  I’m interested in improving my English and learning Spanish and I can practice Italian with you!   You’ll have direct experience with eco-construction. Practice with carpentry and creating tools. I can teach you to recognize local herbs and to produce herbal medicine, cosmetics, extracts and preserve. Walks in the mountains in places rich in beauty and history. Tranquility and peace.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We do tasks on the construction site all summer until the end of September! Currently we are building the partitions of the house with the quincha (raw earth) technique! Then we will do the raw earth plasters. The tasks are quite simple and intuitive and you learn quickly while having a lot of fun! In October there is the olive harvest! In January, the olive grove is fertilized, saplings and other plants are planted! In February-March we prune the olive grove with subsequent cleaning of the soil from the wood and the stumps, we make the cuttings of aromatic, medicinal and other plants! In the rest of the time the construction site is carried out, wood is made for the winter and flowers, herbs and seasonal fruits are collected which we then transform! Help in the kitchen, with the preparation of meals, and basic cleaning around the house to maintain a harmonious environment. You will have Sundays off and two other days during the week while we work off-site.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Italian: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: 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

  We currently rent a house 5 minutes away by car from our land.  We have the possibility to host the volunteers in a guest room, at home with us, where there is a double bed! So a maximum of 2 people who are willing to share a bed! Otherwise in the summer (from the end of April to the end of September) there is the possibility to camp on our land in a tent or to use the caravan (for now only 1 place). There, we have a very basic compost toilet, a solar shower and a summer kitchen, with a wood oven. We love to host our friends there, make pizza and use the produce we grow!! Our cuisine is mainly vegetarian but we eat a bit of everything!  We happily welcome folks who love to cook and share their dishes from around the world !!

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  What else ...

  IMPORTANT: The closest village Bucchianico is 30 minutes away by bike.  From the village, there are VERY few buses to reach Chieti where there is the train station. Sometimes we can give you a ride into town if we’re going that way. Near us there is the city of Pescara and Francavilla overlooking the sea. In 20 minutes by car you can reach Majella National Park full of wonderful paths, nature reserves and very interesting historical and archaeological sites (hermitages, abbeys, tolos, etc). Also in 20 minutes by car you reach the sea. Nearby there is the Trabocchi coast, the Abruzzo national park and a thousand other attractions!

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 5 hours a day, 4 days a week