Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
13 Dec 2023
Feedback
21
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hello, We are Cam and Vera. I (Cam) am originally from California. Vera is from Porto in the north of Portugal. We met while both living in New York back in 2016. We decided to trade in the pace of NY for the lifestyle of Alentejo. We purchased a property just outside the town of Cercal do Alentejo. It's wonderful, and we love it here, but the place has been neglected for some years and needs some tending to. I am looking for a few people to help me care for the land, and help in the kitchen while developing this into something of an eco-friendly guest stay. I worked as a freelance photographer for many years so I have much to learn about horticulture/permaculture, so someone with a bit of a background in that would be great but not required. Also, someone with decent skilz working with power tools and a little construction knowledge would be of good value, It's hard to make time to care for the 4hectares of land and also dedicate time to photography as well as grow this business.
I am an open-minded person that believes in Live and Let Live. We welcome people from all over as long as they too are tolerant and accepting of people from different places, orientations, or backgrounds. I am usually always pretty upbeat and positive and enjoy meeting and working with people. If you come to do workaway here, I will give you some projects, tell you what I'd like to accomplish, and be open to your suggestions. Most of the time I will give you the space and freedom to handle whatever project in a way that suits you unless I want something specific.
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
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If anyone is interested in learning about photography I am happy to share my knowledge and experiences from working as a commercial photographer in both LA and NY for the past 15 years. We can also provide a fun friendly environment from two people that have travelled much of the world.
Help
There are many outdoor projects; such as but not limited to: cutting and trimming trees, cement work, building a wood deck & pergola, organization of a disorderly garage, oiling wood decks, painting/staining wood, and creating walking paths along a hillside. Much of this is physical labor but it is working in a beautiful environment surrounded by nature with a cute little town within walking distance. Having some confidence with power tools and being able to take ownership of a project is encouraged.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
You will be provided your own living accommodation on our property. A bedroom equipped with its own toilet and shower. There may possibly be other guests in the same house in which case you will share the kitchen and living room.
For handling food, i will give you a weekly allowance to shop for your own goods. Many people have dietary restriction that i do not have. Your accommodation will have a proper kitchen (Fridge, stove, sink, microwave, & cooking essentials like salt/pepper oil, etc.) so you can prepare meals at your leisure. We are a short 10 min walk to town for any provisions you may need /want.
What else ...
We are located about 2hrs south of Lisbon and only a 15min drive to the beach. There is public transportation that can take to and from our town of Cercal to Lisbon and other neighboring towns. There are great surf breaks and cute beach towns nearby. We are also located directly along the Rota Vicentina. These are kilometers of trails for hiking and biking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We do host digital nomads. There is a common space with decent wifi for working. The wifi here is on satellite so it's not as fast as a fiber optic direct connection. However, we have had numerous long stays that have been happy.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (12)
We spent the first two weeks with other workawayers chosen by Cam, we are really grateful for this! The work was varied and enjoyable, and we were able to use the yoga studio and the swimming pool. The house was good and comfortable.
The other weeks we continued some projects like… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
We spent the first two weeks with other workawayers chosen by Cam, we are really grateful for this! The work was varied and enjoyable, and we were able to use the yoga studio and the swimming pool. The house was good and comfortable.
The other weeks we continued some projects like… read more
Work was diverse and fun and we could explore the Cercal area where the hikes are amazing.
I had a wonderful workaway experience meeting new people and interacting with Joaquim who takes great care of the land.
It is a beautiful place surrounded by nature among cork trees and eucalyptus.
The jobs we were assigned were quite challenging but gave us a lot of satisfaction. Creating paths in the woods, painting large terraces, cutting and storing wood, cleaning the woods, etc.
Sometimes Cam worked with us, but… read more
Work in the garden was very rewarding,mostly i was on my own,but we did interesting rural wall project with Cam as well.
Good luck with all your projects!
Cherry on the top: the accomodation… read more
