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A touch of Zen in a multicultural family in Victoria, BC, Canada

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    After many years in education, I am focusing my attention on studying and practicing Buddhism. Hosting travellers from all over the world has had a great impact on our lives. Community living helps us grow and we have made connections through Workaway that have lasted many years. Now, we live in gratitude, joy and Kindness.

    I am a Mindfulness instructor and educator. Zen life has been gradually and slowly taking over. In the present moment, I am trying to live a simpler and sustainable life. I have many connections with diverse communities in Victoria, especially my Brazilian “chosen” family. I completed Eco-Chaplaincy Buddhist training now maintaining a daily practice as my anchor.I am vegetarian but occasionally I enjoy some sustainable sea food.

    Kai, our ‘human’ dog, is an important member of the family. He likes to accompany us in all adventures but he is now aging and needing special care.

    We enjoy daily walks in our neighbourhood, with the ocean close by. In the Summer we spend more time in the garden. We are very active in the outdoors, walking, hiking, cycling or kayaking. Summer is our "yoga in the park" time, with lots of opportunities to practice close by.

    Gently, we continue to make our garden a sanctuary. Our labyrinth was a project completed with the help of many friends and some very dedicated workaway helpers. The maintenance is ongoing.

    At the moment we can only host guests without pets. Only vaccinated guests, please. Thank you.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Politics / Social justice
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Sustainability
    Pets
    Self development
    Movies & TV
    Events & social
    Culture
    Charity work
    Plant care
    Music
    DIY & crafts
    Books
    Photography
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Writing
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Camping
    Mountain
    Dancing
    Beach
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Cycling
    Adventure sports
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We are a multicultural family with lots of experience traveling the world. We speak English and Portuguese fluently. Besides a daily meditation practice, we enjoy yoga. Also, we like hiking, walking and cycling, often with friends and neighbours. In the summer we also go kayaking. We love to cook and we are open to trying new dishes from around the world.

  • Help

    Help

    We welcome help in the garden during Spring and Summer and with house organizing, painting and cleaning. We also appreciate people who have some experience and can work independently. At the moment we can use help with clearing spaces, and decluttering. The labyrinth maintenance is ongoing. Simplifying is the main goal at the moment, so some skills in organizing would be a great asset.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Portuguese: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Private bedroom with shared bathroom or outdoor studio.
    Close to ocean and village shopping
    5 kms to downtown Victoria

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Our home is located on the traditional territories of the Lkwungen speaking people: the Esquimalt , Songhees and W̱SÁNEĆ nations. We acknowledge their welcome and graciousness to our family to live here. We honour this land and the ancestors who cared for it. Andersen Hill is close by and was used for harvesting Camas. It offers a beautiful view of the Salish sea and the Olympic Mountains. We are committed to a path of truth and reconciliation.
    Oak Bay is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Canada. Our street is quiet and neighbors are friendly. Walking around Oak Bay can be quite magical and we are grateful to live in such a special place. Down town Victoria is only a 17 minute bike ride away. Our family welcomes guests to be part of our lives and exchange stories and experiences. We have been hosting workaway guests since 2013 and have had a wonderful experience, making friends from all over the world. Please, no smokers only. Thanks!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Space in driveway for short term campervans

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Kai (12 years)

Host ref number: 669241445338

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