Help us start a self-reliant permaculture learning community in Northern Portugal, Sande

Details

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  Description

  Hi there!
  
  We are Luana, Dennis and our son Inti (3yo). We bought a Quinta (farm) close to Marco de Canaveses in North Portugal with our long-time friends Sasja, Sophia and their son Lamar, who are currently still working and living in Amsterdam, where we all met. We're from all over, a mixed bunch you might say. The thing we have in common is our aspirations of an ecological and inclusive future for humans and other life forms.
  
  
  Our Background.
  
  From 2010 till 2012 we travelled South, Central and North America where the seed for a different life was planted. It was the first time we came in contact with community living and permaculture and it was love at first sight. After returning to Amsterdam to study, work and save up for our next big trip. We packed our bags again and between 2017 and 2019 we traveled, worked and volunteered all over Asia and a tiny part of Australia. Our mission this time was to use WorkAway as a way to research and get to know different intentional communities, eco-villages and permaculture projects.
  
  In Amsterdam we have been very active in non-profits. Working towards environmental sustainability and social equality. One of our biggest projects has been Taste Before You Waste which has been founded by Luana and Sophia. It’s an organisation where we reduce food waste and create awareness by giving surplus food a second chance at one of our donation-based community dinners, cultural events or workshops. Our Quinta is next big project.
  
  
  Our Quinta.
  
  The property is a beautiful 3,6 hectare forest with two houses, a ruin, a caravan and a couple of outbuildings. There are fruit and nut trees, streams and water basins and birdsongs throughout.
  
  We see ourselves as stewards of the land, which is already a safe haven for many animals and plant life. We want to lead a calm life in contact with nature where our children can run freely and connect to their surroundings. We would like to regenerate the land and nurture our local ecosystem, based on permaculture principles. We intend to practise self-reliance and create a place for learning, sharing and giving back to our surroundings and community. The idea is to invite people of all ages and backgrounds to our Quinta for an immersive experience on how to live a more ecological and connected life. A place where individuals and families have a community and support system with whom they share childcare, education, skills, opportunities, harvests and of course friendship, celebration and inspiration. Our common house is the heart of it all - where we can host workshops and small-scale cultural events, as well as a learning co-op for children from the area.
  
  
  Ideal for.
  
  Heart-centred, free spirits, interested in practicing an ecologically sound and more connected life. We're ESPECIALLY OPEN TO FAMILIES with (young) kids for Inti to play with. And people with knowledge and experience in unschooling, forest schooling, permaculture veg gardens, animals, watering, strimming and chainsaw, building, carpentry etc etc.....).
  
  We are also open to DEDICATED LONGTERM VOLUNTEERS AND RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE PROJECT.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  First of all, staying with us you will have the chance disconnect from fast-paced life and re-connect with the beautiful nature that surrounds us. We're huge foodies and love sharing home-cooked vegetarian meals. We're happy to share our knowledge in wood work, construction, cooking, conserving, crafts, natural cosmetics, beginner herbalism, education, child care, yoga, music, permaculture, ecology, sociology, and community organising. If you're into languages we cover many between the three of us. So you'll get to practice Spanish (our main language), Dutch, English and Portuguese.
  
  We're free spirits and travellers at heart and have loads of experience as volunteers ourselves. We believe to have an idea of what a great WorkAway experience entails.
  
  Even though we haven't been here long, we are on great terms with our Portuguese neighbours and we've already managed to integrate ourselves into the community of likeminded local and international people with similar projects.

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  Help

  We (Luana, Dennis and Inti) just moved on to the land in Oct. 2022 and until the start of Feb. 2023 it wasn't even officially our property. So now that the documents are signed we can finally start! And there is SO much to do!
  
  The buildings are in great condition, except for some paint jobs that need to be done, curtains to be sown and hung and shelves put up here and there.
  
  The land/forest itself however has been neglected for many many years. At this moment it is so overgrown that some parts are impenetrable. We need all hands on deck to clear and protect it in time for the fire season. Some of the fruit trees need pruning. The waterworks (basins, channels and catchment systems) need to be re-habilitated. We would like to improve our compost system, build a compost toilet and chicken run/coup and start a veggie garden.
  
  If you enjoy children:
  We appreciate you spending time with Inti. He is a lively, talkative and very energetic boy who loves riding his blue "motor" cycle, climbing in trees and going on forest adventures.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Croatian: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Italian: Intermediate
  Portuguese: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Luana is always happy to practice her French or Italian. Dennis really needs to learn more Portuguese :)
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  Accommodation

  We have different types of sleeping arrangements available:
  
  The Campervan.
  Our home for the past 3 years. A tiny home with (almost) all the amenities you need. Fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven, gas stove and running water. High-sleeper (1.40m), convertible dining/work area and single bed. Perfect for couples and families. You would however be using the bathroom in the main house (which is accessible at all times). At least until we build a compost toilet and outside shower.
  
  Big tent.
  If you prefer camping in the middle of the forst we can offer a big tent with twin mattress. Kitchen, living space and bathroom can be shared with us in the main house.
  
  Small tent.
  Best for a single person who likes simple living in contact with nature. We can provide a sleeping mat but you would have to bring your own sleeping bag. Kitchen, living space and bathroom can be shared with us in the main house.
  
  Own tent.
  Flat, shady spaces in the middle of nature there are no lack of. You are welcome to bring your own camping gear and set up camp. Kitchen, living space and bathroom can be shared with us in the main house.
  
  Own Campervan.
  There are flat, easily accessible and shady spaces. We can provide water/refill, and a space to dump your grey water. Kitchen, living space and bathroom can be shared with us in the main house.
  
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  Type of exchanges:
  Full board = A place to sleep/park-up & 3 vegetarian meals a day (mostly organic): max. 5 hours per day 5 days a week.*
  
  Half board = Sleeping / park-up space: max. 3 hours a day 5 days a week.
  
  *Families choosing full-board will be asked for an extra contribution (monetary or in work) for the meals of the kids.

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  What else ...

  Our surroundings:
  - The Douro river is 2km away. There are many walking trails and river beaches in the nearby area.
  - The town of Marco de Canaveses is a 15 min. drive, we go several times a week and are happy to share the ride. There you can find nice cafe's and restaurants and many cultural events.
  - The Roman archeological site of Tongobriga is also a 15 min. drive.
  - The bustling city of Porto is a bit more than an hour by train away. We're happy to bring you to the nearest station.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  There is no fiber internet at the property, but we get a good phone reception and use a mobile 4G hotspot for our own online work (Zoom video-calls, emails etc.). This works fine for us. If you need internet the best is to get a Portuguese internet sim-card for €15,- every two weeks. This way we can ensure that everyone has enough bandwidth to do their online work properly :)

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There are flat, easily accessible and shady spaces. We can provide water/refill, and a space to dump your grey water. Kitchen, living space and bathroom can be shared with us in the main house. Any vehicle up to 3500kg. can easily access the property via cobble-stone road.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Pets welcome as long as they stay outside of the houses/sleeping quarters. MUST be CHILD-FRIENDLY!!!!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Full board: 5 hours a day, 5 days a week --- Only sleeping/parking-up: 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.

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