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

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    After many years in education, I am focusing my attention to studying and practicing Buddhism. Hosting travellers from all over the world has had a huge impact on our lives. Community living can be a challenge but we have made connections that have lasted many years and for that we live in gratitude, joy and Kindness. After a short pause, I am ready to host short term guests.

    I am a Mindfulness instructor and Adult educator working at our local college.Zen life has been gradually taking over. In the present moment, I am focusing on living a simpler and sustainable life. I have many connections with different communities in Victoria and a strong link with my Brazilian “chosen” family as well as many long time friends. I am currently attending to some Buddhist training that involves classes, reading and writing. 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. We enjoy daily walks in our neighbourhood, with the ocean close by. As I start to reduce my workload, I can spend more time in the garden or meditating and practicing yoga. We are very active in the outdoors, cycling or kayaking. I love cooking and travelling. Summer is our yoga in the park time, with lots of opportunities to practice close by.

    Hoping to 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 female guests or couples without dogs. Thank you.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • 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 at least three times a week. Also, we like to go hiking, walking and cycling, often with friends and neighbours. In the summer we also do some kayaking. We have two exta bikes for guests to explore the area and travel around with ease. We love to cook and we are also open to trying new dishes from around the world. We have a tiny yoga/meditation studio in my backyard and a friendly dog who loves company.

  • Help

    Help

    We encourage our guests to dip into meditation if they would like to. We welcome help in the garden 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 gardening. We created a meditation labyrinth in the front yard and 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

    Separate outside studio bedroom or indoor bedroom and shared bathroom
    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 15 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • 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

Host ref number: 669241445338

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Photos

The image depicts a house with a garden adorned with candles, set against a dark night sky. The house features a red staircase and a red car parked in front.
The image depicts a woman with long hair and glasses standing in front of a scenic backdrop of mountains and water, wearing a scarf and jacket.
The image depicts a backyard garden with raised beds, featuring two burlap sacks filled with soil, surrounded by lush greenery and a red chair in the background.
The image depicts a serene sunset over a body of water, with a small town or village situated on the shore, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky.
The image depicts a woman sitting on the porch of a small, wooden house with a gray roof and a blue door, surrounded by potted flowers and lush greenery.

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