Help with my pets, cottage and trees near Tortosa, Spain

Details

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  Description

  Hi! Hope you are doing great. I'm Joan, a 49 y/o high school teacher who lives in the countryside with his dog, cat and sheep. From time to time, we can also add to the list my children and friends, even though they are not half as well behaved as my pets ;)
  
  My cottage is in the middle of an olive grove, very close to the Tortosa-Beceite mountain range. It’s only 6-7 km away from Tortosa, an old and small city with plenty of historical sites, services, shops, pubs, restaurants… In the natural reservation you’ll find forests, wide open spaces, springs, waterfalls and natural pools that invite you to take a bath.
  
  
  The Ebro river flows through Tortosa before reaching the nearby Mediterranean sea. It gives its name to the region - Terres de l’Ebre in Catalan-, which is characterized by the diversity of its landscapes, charming towns, friendly people and generous leisure and cultural offers. Thus, neither the beach nor the mountains are too far away, there is always something to do if you feel like going out and a very reasonably priced train ticket could take you to Barcelona, Valencia or Zaragoza in 2-3 hours.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You could say I know some things about the agricultural lore of my region - "realistic, millenia tested permaculture adapted to the Mediterranean environment", to use the current counterurban lingo. Thus, depending on the season, it’s quite possible that you’ll see me planting, pruning or grafting trees. I also tended my land for a while as a farmer, so if you are interested, I can teach you how to look after olive, almond and carob trees - in fact, in my land you’ll find almost every fruit tree that can grow in a dry Mediterranean “finca”.
  
  Amongst the many things I’ve done in my life, I worked in landscaping projects in some of the driest regions on the Earth, so you could say I’m a bit of a plant freak - in case you haven’t noticed yet! Earlier in my youth I also did my good share of professional building, plumbing and electricity works while I worked as a musician on the weekends, so you never know what you are going to end up doing if you come to my place ;) I’m also an avid forager, so I can share with you my knowledge of wild edibles if you are interested in the topic.
  
  Last but not least, I’m a humanist specialized in contemporary history and thought. I’m also licensed to teach high school level Spanish and Catalan, so if you are interested in learning these languages, I think I can help you polish your “hola, ¿qué tal?”.

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  Help

  My main interest is that you make sure my three pets are fine and there are some inhabitants in the place while I’m at work - if you are not sightseeing or doing other things, of course. I’d also appreciate some help maintaining the house, keeping the land clean and restoring a nearby open sky mine. Don’t worry, one thing at a time! ;)
  
  From September to July I’ll be coming on the weekends from Barcelona, but most of the time a nice and friendly Italian friend of mine will be housesitting the place and making sure you feel at home.

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  Languages spoken

  Catalan: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Right now I can provide a bunk in the main building.
  
  There is no WiFi and the phone data signal is so-so but good enough to see videos and send messages. There's running water and electricity.
  
  I’m fairly easy going (max. 2 hours of help per day). For this and many other reasons I’ll gladly explain if requested, I decided we go Dutch with our food expenses.
  
  I'm sure you’ll be clean, careful and respectful with my kitchen, so you can use it freely. You can also use the shower and the toilet, even though I encourage you to do certain businesses outdoors for the good of the Planet - I'd provide you with a little hoe for that purpose ;)
  
  BTW, although I rarely eat meat, I’m not a vegetarian.
  
  Please write the word "gravera" in your request so that I know you have read and understood this text.

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  What else ...

  Things to do and travel distances/times:
  
  -Tortosa and its many interesting places to visit (Gothic cathedral, museum, castle, Ebro river…): 10 minutes by car.
  - Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza: just a bit more than 2 hours by train from Tortosa.
  - Many nice sand or gravel beaches: around 30 minutes away by car.
  - Beautiful towns in the Matarranya region: 1 hour by car/bus from Tortosa.

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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

  I'd love to host digital nomads, but there's no WiFi... The phone data reception is not very good, but enough for not very demanding tasks. However, the nice and quiet library of Roquetes is relatively close.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There is plenty of room for caravans. No need to bring your own vehicle, but being capable of moving around autonomously is a plus. I can provide you with a couple of old bicycles, but keep in mind the nearest town is around 6 km away!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 2 hours a day, 5 days a week

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