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Description
After over 25 years as a commercial media professional, I've decided to take a break to cultivate a less boisterous path, free of the noise. I currently operate a media studio and live-in workspace, in harmony with indigenous gardening outside (complete with Andean superfood growing in the front yard).
Based in Cotacachi for over two years with many interesting and key local contacts affording an organic approach to cultural growth along with the local community, as well as healthy restoration of spirits, in a tranquil retreat for peace of mind.
I have a very important documentary project in development with a national organization and may need help with that as well, if interested.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
House sitting
Interests
Fashion or beauty
Farming
Sustainability
Videography
Movies & TV
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Culture
Performing arts
Astronomy
History
Music
Books
Cooking & food
Writing
Photography
Art & design
Architecture
Nature
Mountain
Beach
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Lots of opportunities to mix and learn local culture. Aside from bordering an indigenous area, there are multiple indigenous, musical and cultural contacts to connect with, aside from involvement in local production.
Aside from exposure to centuries-old traditions of indigenous Andes gardening on the property, Cotacachi is the musical capital of Ecuador. Quechua, the local indigenous language, has also been in the media as a developing trend in new forms of music. Here you can take advantage of multiple contacts with the local music scene you cannot find with standard cultural tours.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Well-balanced, occasional assistance with various levels of media production for a couple of nonprofit clients, to indigenous - based gardening projects, and house / studio maintenance and improvement.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Beginner
Chinese (Mandarin): BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Interested in learning/practicing European languages other than Spanish, as well as Mandarin and Japanese
Accommodation
Private bedroom and full bathroom for 1-2 people, and a couch in the living room. Clean, secure with external video and gated security. Free Ecuadorian coffee in the mornings (moka pot) with occasional breakfast depending on supplies for the day (usually stocked) and scheduling. Refrigerator can be used as long as respect for individual food is respected. If schedule permits, there is a local market every Thursday morning where you can meet most members of the expat and local communities.
What else ...
Wait for local taxis without calling is generally max 10 minutes, but often there is one passing by you can hail. Room for bicycle within the grounds. The property is nestled up a driveway that passes a neighbor's house, and they are pretty good about maintaining discipline on their dog and puppy, who are not around roughly 50% of the time, but otherwise may bark at you and nothing more. The neighbors also provide good security on top of the locked gate and external cameras. The mountain views are spectacular on a daily basis, even in the gloomiest/rainiest of days, which are outnumbered by the nice, pleasant days. Even then, it's a peaceful place to stay inside. It gets a little cold at night and the mornings (around 50F at worst) but there are a couple of heaters available for use if needed, although staying under blankets always affords plenty of warmth. There are no carpets or rugs so you may want to use slippers or socks at least when walking around. Shoes off and left inside at the door is always preferable but not strictly enforced. Cleanliness is the general rule, always after cooking or bathroom. Towels, toilet paper, trash bags always provided.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There are feral cats who come around for food off and on.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
