Help us with DIY and spend some time in magical Sicily, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Hello, we are a small family of three, Grandma Maria (94) Dad Maurizio (62) and me, Sade (33).
  I'm currently travelling so for the moment I'm only a virtual link between my dad and the workawayers.
  We live on a small land (1.5 hectars) in Sicily, near Linguaglossa, below the marvellous volcano Etna and just above the seaside of Fiumefreddo. Yes, it is a little paradise. We also have a beautiful white horse, our beloved Cypro, and three dogs who believe they're still puppies.
  We consider this place like a medicine for the soul and our goal is to someday have a centre that can assist people in their healing journey, but for now we're not a business, just a family.
  My father is currently busier than usual because he's taking care of his elderly mother and it's hard for him to do all the work on his own. If you join them, you'll bring some youthly freshness to the house, you'll enjoy my grandma's laughter (known as the sweetest lady ever) and my dad's heart-felt conversations and they will become your adoptive family in Sicily.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  In exchange for your help, you can enjoy the peace of our beautiful land and a simple life, you can use our home as a base to explore the island that has a lot to offer.
  If you wish, you can learn some typical sicilian and italian recipes, my dad can teach you how to make pizza, tomato sauce from scratch, homemade jam and other preserves.

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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

  The house is still unfinished that's why we really need volunteers who have an understanding of construction work, like placing tiles, setting pipes, electrical work, placing shelves, painting, using machinery and a general aptitude for DIY jobs. It's ideal if you have done any similar works before because it makes communication easier but all my father really wants is an extra pair of hands because he's doing all the work himself. You will not be working alone.
  
  Depending on the period, we could also need some help with ex. cutting grass, watering and planting flowers, plants and trees, cleaning the stable, feeding dogs. If you come at right time in October/November you could do some olive picking and also enjoy our delicious olive oil.
  If none (or few) of the above activities seem right for you but you enjoy cooking, cleaning and general housework it may also be possible for you to stay when we don't have other volunteers.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent

  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

  You would have a large bed in one of the rooms on the top floor, unfortunately the room is still unfinished (no tiles, no paint on the walls, no door - but no one is stays upstairs) and we don't have any furniture but we can provide a little cabinet and a rack to hang your clothes. (This is where I sleep when I'm there, it'd not fancy for sure but the sunrise you can watch from the window makes up for it.)
  The bathroom is on ground floor.
  You would also have the option to camp if you wish to, there is plenty of space but make sure to bring your rain tarp because (especially lately) rain is quite unpredictable.
  
  You will receive vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner on your work days and breakfast/brunch on your days off - my dad is an excellent cook (when he's inspired he'll even bake cakes to spoil my grandma who has a sweet tooth and you'll be able to take advantage of that!)
  
  We will pick you up from nearest train station so you don't have to worry about how to get there.

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  What else ...

  There is a lot to explore around here:
  -Take a trip to hike on Mount Etna
  - Hike at Alcantara river
  -Stroll around Linguaglossa and Piedimonte Etneo
  -Go to the beach in Fiumefreddo
  -Check out the Alpaca farm nearby
  -Visit the city of Catania (an overnight is recommended especially if you want to experience the very active nightlife - I can connect you with my friends who will be happy to show you around)
  -Visit the famous town of Taormina (only a short train ride away)
  -With the train you can easily reach lots of interesting places, like Acireale or Siracusa.
  (My dad will drive you to the train station any time you need)

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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

  There is plenty of room around the land so you can come in your van!

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We'd have to talk about it, but it's possible

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week