Cultural exchange and environmental projects in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park near Lisbon, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  We are João and my son Pedro, living on a farm in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park in Portugal. I’m a sociologist, and Pedro hopes to become a cook. We enjoy sharing our connection to this beautiful region and welcoming people from different backgrounds into our everyday family life.
  
  Alongside our family life, we run a sustainable tourism project. Our Workaway exchange is separate from this business. Volunteers will only help with non-commercial activities in our private family spaces, not in accommodation, gardens, farm areas or other spaces used by paying guests or for paid experiences. There will be no guest-related duties, preparation of tourist activities, or work supporting the tourism business.
  
  Within these boundaries, help may include growing plants for our own use, caring for our animals and helping with everyday upkeep of our private spaces. We will explain the tasks and the distinction between private and business areas clearly before agreeing on a stay.
  
  For us, hosting is about more than practical help: it is an opportunity to share ways of life, knowledge and perspectives. I would be happy to share my knowledge of Arrábida’s history, culture and natural environment, as well as conversations about Portuguese society drawing on my background in sociology. With Pedro’s interest in cooking, food can also be a wonderful way to exchange recipes, traditions and ideas.
  
  We will take you around the Arrábida area to discover its landscapes, local culture and gastronomy. This region stretches from Setúbal to Cabo Espichel and combines mountains, the ocean, remarkable biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage—all around 45 minutes from Lisbon.
  
  We also hope to learn from you: about your country, language, food, experiences and approach to daily life. We would love this to be a genuine, two-way exchange, with time to talk, learn from one another and explore what makes Arrábida special.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Videography

  

  Sustainability

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Culture

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Beach

  

  Cycling

  

  Hiking
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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

  Staying with us is an opportunity to experience everyday life with a Portuguese family at the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park. We want this to be a genuine exchange, where we share our experiences and traditions while learning about yours.
  
  My life course has consistently led me to be curious and interested about other cultures and world visions. On the other hand, I can also introduce you to Arrábida’s cultural heritage, local traditions and natural environment. We will take you around the area, from Setúbal to Cabo Espichel, to discover the landscapes, history and gastronomy that make this region special. Actually, we've built (it's still under development and constant update) a website about that you can start exploring.
  
  We hope you get involved in activities about growing plants (their health and nutrition value), caring for animals and the seasonal rhythms of life on a farm. We are happy to share what we know, and equally interested in any skills or ideas you bring.
  
  Food is another lovely way to connect. My son Pedro hopes to become a cook, and we would enjoy exchanging recipes and discovering dishes from your home country. Everyday conversations can also offer opportunities to practise Portuguese and exchange words and expressions in your language.
  
  Above all, we hope to learn about your culture, experiences and perspective. For us, the value of hosting lies in mutual curiosity, shared experiences and the connections we build along the way.

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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 have a lot of things we need help with: identifying and tagging fruit trees and other autochthonous vegetation and trees; planting at the greenhouse and the orchard; petting and feeding the animals at the animal farm; designing hiking trails and other natural environment experiences; general help within the farm; small repairs; etc.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We can help with learning Psortuguese.
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  Accommodation

  A room within the house.
  
  You will have the chance to cook your own meals in our kitchen. A groceries list will be agreed (with a top up-value to be defined) so 3 meals can be prepared by the working person.

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  What else ...

  We have a 'working' car that might sometimes be used to ride around during your time off.

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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

  The internet connection is stable and medium speed (40 to 100 mb)

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Yes, we space for small / medium size vans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Chico & Miguel (5 months)

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