Left by Workawayer () for host
(Gardening and caring for the ...)
Be aware of this workaway host: Name Sami
Feedback about Host: (I think other workawayers were too scared of him to say anything)
My recent experience with this host was extremely disappointing and contrary to what was promised in our initial communication. This is a summary of my grievances:
1. Misrepresentation of Tasks and Expectations:
•
… read more I was told I would be engaging in marketing and social media work, using my camera and drone. Upon arrival, I was informed that I would not be doing any photography but rather performing “girlfriend tasks”, this immediately made me uncomfortable and I said I prefer working with the men outside even though I dont mind making food 3 times a day as agreed. I was then made to do hard physical worksuch as clearing forests, carrying wood, raking leaves, and even cleaning the host’s home. (i did it with a good attitude and a smile).
• In addition, the host made inappropriate and patronizing comments like upon arrival he showed me photos of me saved on his phone and said “you dont look like this” pointing to me in full makeup at a gala evening vs me coming from 2 planes and not sleeping for 2 days while travelling far, including suggesting that I sleep over in his cabin the first night and both the evening and next morning saying I must think of myself as a girlfriend to him and perform “girlfriend things” and I can have a easy days if I just give him massages. rather than the agreed-upon tasks. When I refused thats when things got bad.
2. Inappropriate Behavior and Boundary Violations:
• The host asked me to provide massages, which I refused. Following this, I experienced punitive treatment: my food was taken away, and I was denied adequate meals. I also had to buy my own toilet paper and didnt dare ask for my clothes to be washed in his machine or even use a proper shower. There also isnt any wifi as the advert suggests, only in the hosts cabin.
• I worked more than 5 hours a day during my stay and was not given any proper meals or shown any appreciation for my hard work. in fact he did not even greet us despite us walking far to collect wood, and doing back breaking work to prepare him wood, clear his fields, harvesting the last produce and cleaning it, raking leaves and more. Despite bringing a bottle of wine all the way from South Africa as a gift, my food was taken away as punishment after I refused to provide physical favors.
• The host spoke negatively about other Workawayers, calling them “stupid,” on various occasions, which created a toxic and unwelcoming environment.
3. Lack of Respect and Punitive Actions:
• On one occasion, after refusing to give him a massage , the host stopped greeting me and behaved coldly. When I requested food leftovers from the first night, he made me throw it away to the chickens, despite my aversion to food waste and my clear expression of concern and hunger. He gave me expired cheese as a reparation, one orange and some chicken.
• He later refused to offer any guidance or support when I got lost one evening as my phone died on my way home and I had to charge it somewhere in another village trying to navigate the complex bus system on the thousand of archipelageon islands. He suggested I take an Uber, dismissively stating, “take Uber; your parents are rich.” which is an insult as I showed him my parents beach house for a possible home swop on the first evening and also super mean as he could have just suggested the correct bus and saved me 70 euros.
4. Unsafe and Uncomfortable Living Conditions:
• The cabin doors did not lock, compromising my safety. I also asked for one of the men who helped on the farms phone number and Sami refused to share his details. I really needed a friend and someone in case Sami tried to do something. I couldnt believe when he told me that I should not speak to the other workawayers because then he needs to pay them. And also they are autistic and wants to be left alone. When I did meet the other workawayer I had a false expectation- they were lovely and happy to chat.
• The sauna, which was the only place for showering, was smoky, difficult to light, and required showering with a bucket. This left my hair and clothes smelling like smoke. And spending 2/3 hours every late afternoon nurturing the fire to get ir hot enough to shower and sauna.
• The host falsely advertised amenities such as fishing, community life, meals, and the use of an outdoor hot tub, which were all denied once I arrived.
5. General Host Conduct:
• The host was patronizing, unhelpful, and made degrading remarks that made me, a well-traveled and capable adult, feel unwelcome and disrespected. His treatment was both misogynistic and demeaning, reducing me and other Workawayers to feeling like “dumb children” under his watch.
Misconduct Observed:
• False and Misleading Representations on Workaway
• Unfair and Punitive Treatment
• Inappropriate and Misogynistic Behavior
I can provide screenshots about our agreement before I came fo do the workaway.
This host did not provide the safe, supportive, and enriching experience promised. I strongly caution Workawayabout this host and hope that necessary actions are taken to prevent future volunteers from enduring similar treatment.
Animals
Videography
Yoga / Wellness
Writing
Winter sports
Nature
Photography
Performing arts
Sustainability
Sailing / Boating
Plant care
Pets
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Drawing & painting
Farming
Fitness
Hiking
Gardening
Fashion or beauty
Events & social
Dancing
Cycling
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Beach
Art & design
Adventure sports
Gardening
Languages
DIY and building projects
Life at a Farmstay
House sitting
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
Art Projects
