Cultivating diversity, sustainability and social bonds in Apulia, Italy

  • Favourited 584 times
  • Last activity: 19 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hey friends! 🌾 Imagine a vibrant crew of 30-somethings from various corners of the globe deciding to trade the hustle for the simple joys of farm life. That's us! 🚜

    We stumbled upon a rundown house and a sweet chunk of Puglian land, and guess what? It's been a never-ending DIY adventure ever since! 🛠️ Picture it like a perpetual construction journey – always evolving and forever full of surprises! 😁

    Our mission? To turn this slice of paradise into a 'third place,' a spot where people from every corner can come together, connect, and sow the seeds of friendship through the magic of farming.
    We're not just talking the talk; we've walked the walk by renovating our cozy abode in true DIY fashion. It's a work in progress, and we wouldn't have it any other way! 😄

    We're an open house, rooted in agriculture and a deep respect for nature, but our main gig is creating a space for gatherings and exchanges. 🌿 Just to set the record straight – we're not a farm, and none of us founders are pocketing salaries. Nope, it's all about the joy of communal living and building meaningful human connections.
    So, when you pitch in to help us whip up goodies like olive oil, jams, and tomato sauce, know that it's all about self-sufficiency, funding our place, and building local networks during markets. Oh, and by the way, we're a non-profit crew, all about community and good vibes! 🏡✨

    Now, about our lifestyle – it's rustic, with the simple comforts of city homes nowhere to be found. Sustainability is our jam – think dry toilets, outdoor showers, and camping in our pine forest or sling a hammock under the stars – rustic vibes guaranteed!

    No fixed residents here – you might stumble upon a duo, a squad of ten, or a lively crew of fifteen at any given time. It means we swing between moments of absolute calm, almost boredom, where one must embrace tranquility and solitude and then dive headfirst into hard work, sprinkled with bursts of epic fun.

    We're all about the fire's cozy glow for a chill evening, but don't be surprised if we're also cooking up some spontaneous adventures. Whether you're an early bird tackling the sunrise or a night owl embracing late-night vibes, you're our kind of person until you are proactive and you respect the work of communty, the engagement and their work!


    But wait, there's more! When we're not busy perfecting our green thumbs, we're lending a hand to seasonal workers who swing by during the summer tomato season. We accompanying them to the supermarket 5 km away from the rundown, abandoned homes they temporarily call theirs. We provide them with electricity to charge their phones, cooking materials, gas cylinders, and the chance to wash their clothes.

    We believe that small daily acts of assistance, welcoming interactions like sharing a coffee or a laugh, can bring back a sense of humanity where our system has erased it. ☕💚

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • 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

    Embarking on a cultural exchange with us is akin to stepping into a vibrant intersection of knowledge, culture, and experiences. Our journey into permaculture, which commenced three years ago, has been a continuous exploration. While we don't claim expertise, we are eager to share the intricate process of observing, planning, and reflecting that permaculture demands. Rather than a one-way teaching approach, our focus is on creating a collaborative space where we exchange ongoing experiences and learnings.

    Within our tight-knit association, we are fortunate to have skilled professionals in the construction sector. These experts in masonry, plumbing, and electrical systems generously share their insights. Given our constant evolution, you'll find abundant opportunities to actively engage in building, renovating, or repairing alongside these seasoned individuals! 🌱🔨🛠️

    But the learning doesn't stop there. Immerse yourself in the intricacies of horizontal organizational techniques, a fundamental aspect of community life. Discover the art of transforming agricultural products into consumer goods, acquiring practical skills that bridge theory and application. Delve into the rich social and economic fabric of Southern Italy, a fascinating backdrop for your journey. Connect with volunteers from diverse backgrounds, enriching your cultural perspective.

  • Help

    Help

    Depending on the time of year, there's always something cooking, and when it's not, well, get ready for some hand-weeding therapy! So, pack your ultimate meditation playlist because weeding by hand is a full-on meditative experience.

    If you were to come in spring, you'd be busy preparing the summer garden, pruning the olive trees, and taking care of seedlings in the greenhouse. If you chose summer, you'd be involved in harvesting fruits and transforming them into jams, liqueurs, and syrups, as well as participating in house renovation activities. If you opt for autumn, you'd be occupied with the olive harvest.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Italian: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    In a quaint little revamped cottage, courtesy of our DIY skills. It might lack charm or luxury, but those fluorescent yellow walls tell tales. Memories dangle on the walls, echoes of the 200+ global volunteers who've left their mark here! 🌟
    Our cozy home is mainly for snoozing, especially in the winter months and during the olive harvest. Summers are all about the great outdoors – we camp it up in the pine forest! So, pack your camping gear, and if you're missing anything, we might just have your back! 🏡⛺🌲
    The kitchen is the heart of our home, buzzing with shared meals among volunteers. Picture this – two porches framing our communal tables, a garden sheltered by two cherry trees, offering a view of the area's most breathtaking sunset. Oh, and did we mention the pizza oven? It's not just for baking pizza; it lights up both the oven and the party vibe whenever it's fired up.🍕🌿🍽️

    Now, when it comes to facilities, we've got two compost toilets and an outdoor solar shower for those refreshing moments. And fear not, during the colder months, we have a warm shower indoors to keep you toasty.🚿

    When it comes to food, breakfast and lunch are always shared among all housemates, and we've got you covered! While we don't follow a specific diet, we lean towards a vegetarian cuisine because the Mediterranean nature spoils us with incredibly tasty produce.

    As for dinner, we don't take charge of providing it, but more often than not, we channel our inner culinary wizards. Like good housemates, we pool resources, ideas, and hands, and somehow, we always end up enjoying a delightful meal and sharing a good glass of wine together. 🍷🍲✨

    We've got a fridge dedicated to volunteers' personal food. Of course, feel free to whip up and savor meals exclusively for yourself if that's your groove. Flexibility is key! 🍽️🌟

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We reside five kilometers from the town of Spinazzola. We have a car at our disposal for daily errands and necessities. We daily make trips to the town, so if you need to buy anything, you're welcome to join us. As the town is only a 45-minute walk along a very flat path, volunteers often organize outings amongst themselves, either alone or together, to spend a relaxed afternoon in a bar, take a leisurely stroll, or even go for a run. We are working on getting bicycles to make available to volunteers. Currently, we have just one.

    Spinazzola, nestled in the Alta Murgia National Park, sits a bit off the main track with limited public transport. No worries, though! Rent an electric bike right here in Spinazzola and explore the cyclist-friendly trails of the national park. Craving beach time? Hop on a bus to Barletta or discover the enchantment of Trani. Immerse yourself in history at Canosa's archaeological museum, relish the charm of Altamura, or wander through the ancient wonders of Matera or stroll through the narrow alleys of Old Bari. We'd be more than happy to accompany you and pick you up from the Spinazzola station.
    And of course, when possible, you're welcome to join us when we head into town to meet our friends.🚴‍♂️🏞️✨

  • 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

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    we already have cats and a scared dog so animals are welcome but they need to be able to behave around other animals

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

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

Host ref number: 756958829792

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Cultural exchange: (5.0)

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