Experience village life, nature and local traditions near Apuseni mountains, Curechiu, Romania

Details

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  Description

  My name in this village is Doamna Lili, or Olandeza. In 2024 , after years of searching in Balkan countries, I became the owner of a property with a view in the munți metaliferici. The region is scarsely populated. Most people used to work in the mines. When these were closed , they had to find other means of income. The villagers have a veggie garden and chickens. And one or more cows. Or sheep/goats/pork. It is a green hilly scenery, the Apuseni mountains are nearby.
  Since i retired I can focus on the garden and orchards. The cows from neighbours are welcome guests. Their bells can be heard in a pastoral soundscape with crickets, birds and occasionally a barking dog.
  The people are friendly and love visitors. There is a little shop/bar down in the village. In the evening at 7 it is Ursu (brand name of Romanian beer ) time: socialising with the locals.
  From my place you can walk to the woods. The small town Brad is at a 25’ drive.
  There are museums (about minerals, gold and traditional village life). You could visit caves or a Spa (Geoagiu Băi or Vața Băi). Or go hiking in a narrow canyon (Cheile Cibului).
  Dance a hora, listen to folclor songs at a festival , enjoy the ‘port național’, e.g. embroidered costumes.
  Go to the market with fresh food .Or to an Orthodox monastry. In almost every village there is an old wooden church.
  Nature is very rich, i’d love to guide.
  I speak also Romanian, Dutch , German and French.
  Occasionally my family or friends come to visit. The one’s who have been here want to come again. My household has no animals yet.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Farmstay help
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Performing arts

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Art & design

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling

  

  Dancing
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We can visit elderly neighbours. They prepare food in a woodoven. I learn from them every time , the language and recepies. They tell about history and local costums. Next to me is a small museum.
  I am a musician, we could teach each other songs and play together.
  Depending on the season we may help in a claque: a group of neighbours working a day together. Afther that they enjoy a homemade meal together, in a relaxed atmosphere.
  
  I look forward to host helpers from Romania and abroad. With other ideas and experiences. This place needs some landscaping, let’s exchange ideas.

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  Help

  Fruit picking and conserving. This is for my personal use only.
  Prunes, apples, pears, berries, peaches and walnuts. I am working & learning as well. We’ll be making jam and compote. But i also want to dry fruits. Make juices and țuica ( local brandy/Pálinka). Well: the neighbour does it for me in fall.
  Wood chopping; i will not be asking for any help with electrical tools for this task.
  Tending to the garden.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Romanian: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  There are 2 rooms in the main house. In the small house there’s another room, toilet, bathroom and kitchen.
  No luxury, heating the boiler with wood, or simply enjoy a cold shower.
  Intend to build an extra compost toilet.
  If you have special diet wishes : we’ll figure that out together. In town i get supplies, there are fridges and a freezer. A stove, an electric oven and a water cooker
  I can cook a variety of dishes, although i am not a Chef.
  The small shop in the village sells basics and white bread.
  If we feel like it we’ll cook outside on a fire, in a large cast iron kettle or have a barbecue once in a while.

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  What else ...

  There is no bus in summer, so I could drive you to excursions.
  No cigarettes, alcohol or drugs

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  There’s a level camperplace at the entry. Electricity available.Gray water in a ditch.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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