Experience outdoor family living on the Island of Mljet, Croatia

Details

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  Description

  We are a family of three living on the island of Mljet (Croatia). Joško has spent a big part of his life on Mljet. Janna was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to the island seven years ago. Together, we have a 1.5-year-old daughter.
  
  Mljet is a small island in the southernmost part of Croatia, home to just 1,000 residents during the winter. We live on the island’s west side, in the National Park. Our village, situated in the heart of the park, has a population of only 30 people.
  
  We spend our days enjoying the outdoors by tending to our gardens, vineyard, and orchards. When we’re not working the land, we love hiking and exploring the island.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Videography

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Animals

  

  Astronomy

  

  Photography

  

  Plant care

  

  Writing

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Cycling

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  At our place, you can experience what it's like to live on a Croatian island outside of the tourist season. There aren't many foreigners on the island, so you'll automatically see Croatian culture in its purest form around you. Joško is Croatian and can tell you a lot about the island and how his ancestors lived on Mljet.
  
  Besides, you'll also get a taste of Dutch culture due to Janna's background. You'll hear a lot of Dutch as well, since we are raising our daughter in three languages: Croatian, Dutch, and English.
  
  We don't expect to be together all the time, we will spend time working and, according to both your and our preferences, enjoy leisure time together as families.
  
  We have a diverse set of skills and knowledge. For some topics, we know the basics, while for others, we have more detailed expertise. Some examples include:
  -How to build traditional dry stone walls
  -How to prune olives
  -How to make wine
  -Gardening in a Mediterranean climate
  -How to prune grapes and fruit trees
  -Fishing
  -How to involve young children in daily tasks
  -Filming and editing

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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

  We are looking for another young family (of three) to join our daily life on the island. Every day is different, and so are the tasks, depending on the time of year.
  
  We love spending time outdoors as a family, but there are many tasks that are physically demanding, and with a small child, it’s not always possible to be present for everything. In practice, Janna focuses on caring for our daughter and managing household tasks, while Joško takes the lead on the more physically demanding work in our orchards.
  
  We’re looking for a family to join us and take on a similar division of tasks: a ‘dad’ who can help with the more physical work, such as clearing land in our olive orchards or building (gardens) with rocks. We are also hoping for a ‘mom’ who is interested in joining Janna in raising a child on the island. As moms, we can enjoy gardening, cooking, light maintenance tasks, and exploring the island together.
  
  It’s important to note that we are not looking for a babysitter. Since there are so few children on the island, we would love to connect with another family.
  
  We’re more than happy to share our knowledge about caring for olives, cultivating grapes, gardening, and all the other work we do here.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Croatian: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  During the summer months, we rent out two apartments. In the winter, these apartments are available for you to stay in, so you’ll have a fully equipped apartment to yourself. We do store a few items in the apartments during the winter, so it may look a bit less neat.
  
  The apartment includes a bathroom, kitchen, living room (which can also be used as an extra bedroom), and a bedroom. It is perfect for a family of three. We also have a camping bed or a single bed available for a child. The apartment offers a beautiful sea view, and you will have access to Wi-Fi and hot water. The apartment can be heated with the air conditioner and a small portable heater.
  
  Since we ask for a maximum of 15 hours of work per week, meals are not included. However, on some days, we may provide a warm meal and share dinner together, though this is flexible. A small supermarket is located 5 kilometers away, offering basic supplies. Please note that accommodating specific dietary requirements may not be feasible.

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  What else ...

  We would highly recommend (and prefer) a family that comes with their own car. This way, you’ll make the most of your time on the island. While we are more than happy to show you around the National Park, we can't promise we can drive or guide you further, as our daughter is extremely carsick and we cannot take her with us. Having your own car ensures that you can explore the entire island, as there is also no public transport.
  
  We can provide you with standard mountain bikes, but please note that the road is hilly, so they are best suited for use within the National Park. Inside the park, you'll find two saltwater lakes, a 12th-century monastery, several Roman ruins, and endless hiking trails to explore. Beyond the park, the island also offers sandy beaches and beautiful (sea) caves.
  
  We will be living in the same house, although you will have a completely private apartment. Therefore, we kindly ask that you respect quiet hours during sleeping times. Additionally, we do not allow pets.

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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

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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