Holly

United States
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
The greatest piece of the advice I’ve ever received is to “Live life at the edge of your comfort zone.” I am always looking for ways to do exactly that!

I’ve always had the desire to learn about the world, and in turn, learn about myself. From athletics to theater and a variety of student groups, I quickly understood that I was not going to fit in one box. I started traveling solo in between semesters when I was 20, and have since visited 15 countries by myself, including packing up my bags and moving to Portugal for a summer internship. My work leads me all over North America, and I have been on the road for the last 18 months for my source of income, working in the live music industry. Every day I am fortunate enough to see the impact that music has on people.

I am looking for an opportunity to work with animals, although I am able and willing to do whatever you may need (physical labor, harvesting, cooking, social media, etc). I fell in love with nature & wildlife as a child; If my parents were ever looking for me, it was a safe bet that I was climbing a tree, playing in the woods, or creating a little habitat in our yard for a bug or squirrel to live in. I have learned in my early adulthood that the things that bring me the most joy are often what I loved doing back then (Although I’m pickier with which trees I’ll climb). I always say the greatest compliment I’ve received throughout my life is, “Our (insert animal) loves you, he/she never acts that way!” I have always felt comfort spending time with animals, no matter if it’s horses, dogs, or rats, and luckily it seems that sentiment goes both ways.

I grew up in Western Washington, north of Seattle, and moved to Montana for college. Both have plenty of trees, mountains, and water, not a bad combination! I find great value in getting outside daily, whether I’m going backpacking or walking to get fresh air. I am highly active, and have done sports my entire life, all the way through the collegiate level. I mention this because it gave me a great deal of respect for my mental and physical health, and fostered strong self-discipline.

I believe in saving our world, one step at a time. I’m hopeful that looking out for our fellow men and women will change many issues that my country is currently struggling with. I work in an often high-pressure environment, but have never forgotten to live by the golden rule: Treat other how you would like to be treated. When I one day own my own place, I am most looking forward to creating community with my neighbors, and creating a beautiful garden to share.

Although I am new to Workaway, I am hoping someone takes a chance on me. I have no criminal background, I no longer drink alcohol, and I don’t do drugs. I will work hard independently or in a group, always be kind, and communicate as much or little as you would like. I look forward to hearing from you, and answering any questions you may have! Take care!
Interests
Nature
Plant care
Mountain
Pets
Photography
Gardening
Farming
Fitness
Culture
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Camping
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I’d love to grow my Spanish skills.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Art Projects
More details about your skills
I work well with others, and independently. I’m not afraid of learning something new, because novel experiences intrigue me.

I enjoy and work well with animals, whether that is cleaning stalls, feeding or giving them some attention. I also enjoy and work well with humans just to be clear, and can definitely pitch in if outreach/social media tasks are needed!

I’m physically strong and enjoy manual labor and repetitive tasks. I work very well when I know exactly what I am supposed to be doing. Teach me once and you’ll never have to teach me again!
Age
24
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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Feedback

9 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

It took me a long time to make the decision to leave this review.
At first I thought about leaving it unanswered but I think that would be proving all the bad things being said about me
. First of all, I want to say that the accusations being made are completely false or taken out of context
. I would like to start from the beginning. Without a… read more

(Negative )

26 Feb 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Stay in a fun living ...)

Overall, I am grateful for my two months here..

Giovanna and Nestor are the heart and soul of the Estancia. Giovanna cooks beautiful meals for everyone and also cleans/maintains the home. Nestor cares for all the cows and animals in the fields, as well as some horses. He also takes care of all construction projects around the farm. They both… read more taught me a lot through their hard work and I admire them deeply.

I saw this place change during my time volunteering. In my first month, my tasks included gardening, caring for the dogs, general cleaning and occasionally helping Nestor with herding sheep. Like many other reviews state, the work was relaxed and flexible.

In my second month we became a place where tourists could visit, which added the tasks of us volunteers. When tourists visit we were expected to entirely clean the house and yard in the coming days, wake up early to cook breakfast, guide rides (if there were enough horses that were safe to ride), schedule all activities and entertain the guests all day, every day. We were working far past the stated hours. This would’ve been fine, except we were never told when they would be arriving, and the tasks were extremely unclear. It became a stressful situation when it didn't have to be.

The rest of my review is my honest opinion after my experience. I know this means I won’t be able to return, but it wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t telling the truth to people thinking about coming here.

The hardest reality to come to terms with is the following: When it comes to the animals under Juan's care - horses and dogs - their wellbeing is NOT the priority. I found this very difficult to be apart of. I have minimal horse experience and was giving injections and digging maggots from wounds of horses with no supervision. While this was a unique experience, it was irresponsible. It became clear that if volunteers do not step up to take care of his wounded animals, they will suffer and eventually pass.

One day one of the dogs went missing, and I went walking for hours over the next few days to try and find her. He did not go out and search for her, and we found out days later she was dead. However, when he lost his sunglasses, a whole search party was conducted. As an animal lover, I find this extremely difficult to understand.

In addition, there is a flea infestation in the house that wasn’t taken seriously until he found out tourists would be coming. Each day we struggled finding a clean place to sleep, ending up outside in hammocks or on the floor. I will forever have scars on my body from the hundred plus bites I’ve gotten over the weeks, as the problem was never properly solved. To my knowledge it’s still an ongoing issue.

The other volunteers I shared my time with changed my life for the better. They were all emotionally strong, intelligent, and hardworking women that I am so thankful to have crossed paths with. During the good and bad days, I always felt safe and happy with them, and it’s why I stayed longer even when everything changed.

I learned a lot about myself and the world through this experience. I am thankful for the rides, dog snuggles, food, and beautiful landscapes here. I’m proud of all the blood sweat and tears I put into this place, and hope the sauna I built is enjoyed by everyone. Juan told me from the first day to treat this place like my home, which I felt was true throughout. I hope there are some fundamental changes to this place when it comes to caring for the animals. And eventually employees that can support the potential for a tourist opportunity. I wish the best to future volunteers and the estancia.

(Good )

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9 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Negative)

26 Feb 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Stay in a fun living ...)

(Good)

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Come and enjoy stunning Österlen in the very South of Sweden

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