Off grid experience between the mountains and beach in Tonalá, Mexico

Details

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  Description

  Welcome to our newly established little Ranchero where the sun rises over the mountains and sets over the beach. The wee farm is located between Tonala and Puerto Arista in the beautiful state of Chiapas Mexico.
  My husband is a retired Electrician who can fix almost anything. I am a retired farm girl with a background in Holistic Nutrition who contracts as a private chef from time to time. I also regularly make food items from scratch including sourdough, fermentation, condiments, cheeses, yogurt, and more. We are firm advocates of work/life balance and make a point of going to the beach or spending time in nature several times a week.
  Ours is a newly established farm that ticks most of the boxes but is missing the finishing touches inside as well as outdoor form and functional areas. We are considering developing a social media presence as a side hustle but have no idea where to even begin.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Carpentry

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature

  

  Beach
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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

  This tranquil parcel of land is 3Ha in size with 2 Off Grid houses with independent solar, water well, and Wi-Fi. The houses are mostly finished but are lacking finishing touches and some character. The goal is to expand our orchards and livestock such that we can live off the land as much as possible. At the moment, we have 4 rescue dogs that act as guard dogs and 2 tom cats that sleep all day and hunt all night. Neighboring farms are small, family-owned dairy operations and mango orchards where workers go to every day to perform their duties. It is commonplace to wave or chat with locals when out and about. You won’t find big food nor cartels here!
  The town of Tonala has a variety of churches, markets, plazas, restaurants and mezcaleros to submerge yourselves into. There are some ruins to explore nearby called Iglesia Vieja. Puerto Arista, Cabeza del Toro, and Playa del Sol are humble seaside villages with humble menus and chill atmospheres. You can use our kayaks and beach equipment at Boca del Cielo where the water is calm. Everywhere you go, you can take in the relaxing vibe of the locals, expand your Spanish, and partake in some fresh seafood.

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  Help

  The skills we would appreciate from the Work Away family are some help with construction of alfresco/outdoor kitchens, outdoor showers, a chicken coop, and a dog run/shelter. The farm itself always needs fence repairs, and pruning/propagating/transplanting of trees/plants plus making organic biochar, fertilizer and pesticides. The house interiors could use some additional cabinetry, hanging doors and trim, window coverings, and completing the roof/ceiling. If you possess social media content development, this farm may be of interest to you too.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  A good grasp of Spanish is a benefit but not necessary. Most locals are comfortable using Google Translate.
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  Accommodation

  Guests are welcome to enjoy the 2 bed/1 bath casita whilst working on the farm. The Casita is stocked with basic necessities to may your stay comfortable and secure. The main house has a plunge pool and a fire pit to lounge around and awe at the star filled sky.
  
  We provide fresh squeezed juice, eggs, coffee/teas, homemade yogurt, jams, and sourdough bread (muffins, etc) for breakfasts should you not want to eat with us in the mornings. Your kitchen will be stocked with many basics to whip up your lunches or snacks (oil, vinegars, spices, etc). Family style dinners will also be provided during the 5hr work days. Did I mention that I am a private chef? I can cook most cuisines (Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, etc) including vegetarian and vegan menus. Together we can develop the menu when you arrive, and we can go to the market to get fresh supplies.

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  What else ...

  Most days here are bathed in sunshine, even during rainy season, and the “Norte” winds blow often to cool everything down. Tonala has a population of approx. 85k and has virtually anything you could want including an expansive market open 7 days a week and a bus terminal with national service. Puerto Arista is one of the more popular seaside villages with exceptional seafood and cold beer. The closest international airports are ~2hrs drive away in either Tuxtla Gutierrez or Tapachula.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Tiny

  Wiggler

  Bandi and Lucky

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