Raphaël

From: Martinique

Account Type
Individual account
Travelling to
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Iceland, Japan, Nepal ... more
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Iceland, Japan, Nepal, Peru, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United States, Vietnam
Travel dates
13/03/2017 - 12/03/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
154
Badges

My status
At home
Description
⚠️ *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️⚠️
DEAR HOSTS,
BEFORE READING MY PROFILE (AND CONTACTING ME), PLEASE NOTE:
I am EXCLUSIVELY interested in projects or endeavors involving permaculture (especially food forests/forest gardening and urban permaculture), natural & regenerative farming, syntropic farming, agroforestry, reforestation & afforestation, guerilla gardening, herbal medicine, acupressure massage, tea cultivation & production, natural building, pottery, holistic practices and artistic activities, bushcraft, primitive skills, ancestral knowledge, ocean conservation or sailing – as I would like to learn and share more about these subjects. Thank you for your understanding.
⚠️ *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️⚠️

➡️ WHO AM I

Hi, I'm Rafa! 👋

I'm a 27-years-old green pirate from Martinique, a beautiful French island located in the Caribbean.
I'm on a journey to reinvent my life and myself.

I've been traveling and volunteering since April 2017 (mainly in Europe and Asia so far) as I'm driven by a desire to enrich my knowledge and get more inspiration about permaculture (I took a certified Permaculture Design Course in March 2018), natural farming, agroforestry, natural building and sustainable/regenerative ways of living among other things. The end goal would be to set up my own project back in Martinique while making a significant impact around my community and aiming for a simple life in harmony with Gaia.

➡️ MY INTERESTS

I'm particularly interested in learning more about:
– Permaculture, natural, regenerative and syntropic farming (+ ancillary activities like agroforestry, biodynamics, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, herbal medicine, …)
– Natural building (adobe, straw-bale, bamboo, stone, earthbag houses, domes, kerterre)
– Environmental sustainability
– Self-sufficiency
– Alternative ways of living and consuming
– Low-tech
– Bushcraft, primitive skills & ancestral knowledge
– Rewilding
– Green activism
– Holistic practices

I cultivate other interests, specifically in the artistic/creative field such as:
– Writing poetry: I created a literary project called "Le vagabond bleu" where I share haikus since January 2016. Feel free to check my work at www.levagabondbleu.fr if you're interested.
– Playing music: I'm a happy owner of bamboo Native American flute that I love bringing to life when I play it. You can check my work at www.soundsofwaoma.com
– Reading books: I usually read about many different subjects such as permaculture, philosophy, spirituality, psychology, ect. My Kindle is never far away.
– Leading Gong fu cha (the Chinese art of serving tea) sharing/drinking sessions and formally informal ceremonies: I'm always eager to serve tea to friends and fellow human beings that I meet along the way. It's also a way for me to bring my mind to the present moment and put the others before myself while dissolving a bit of my ego in every cup that I serve. Feel free to follow my tea journey here: www.instagram.com/aboutleavesandclouds/

I'm currently re-learning Spanish (and started to explore Mandarin) and practicing meditation (zuowang) + yoga (asana sequences) on a daily basis. These days, I'm also trying to learn acupressure massage, something that I would like to combine with traditional Caribbean herbal medicine in the future. Physical, mental and spiritual health is indeed an important part of my life. I try to eat local food as much as possible. I'm pescatarian (vegetarian eating fish), I don't smoke and I don't drink alcohol.

➡️ WHY I WANT TO TRAVEL AND WHERE

My main goal at the moment is to learn more – through volunteering experiences, people, and places – about permaculture (and other related interests) in a theoretical and practical way as I envision to set up my own project back in Martinique. I took a certified PDC (Permaculture Design Course) and NBC (Natural Building Course) in Thailand in March 2018 as I wanted to enrich my knowledge.

I try to cultivate a certain open-mindedness by staying a curious person since learning is a solid habit of mine, always looking for ways to improve myself, help others, and broaden my horizons every day. That's also why I want to travel in order to:
– Experience new cultures, ways of life and points of view ;
– Embrace uncharted waters ;
– Meet and help all kinds of fellow living beings ;
– Share and receive all kinds of knowledge (being like a sponge).

Regarding my travel itinerary:
So far, I already had the opportunity to volunteer in Europe (Sicily, Spain, Portugal) and to help within organic farms, permaculture projects, alternative communities and other environmental/social endeavors around Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea). The next step would be to make my way to Hawaii, then South & Central America, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. However, I give myself a margin of flexibility while embracing the uncertainty of the future.

Most of my Workaway experiences have been positive so far and I hope that I could be useful to you and that you'll be willing to welcome me and count me as your friend.

Looking forward to meeting you! 😉
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Charity Work
Art Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
Permaculture, farming, natural building, arts (poetry, music, gong fu cha), general maintenance, online marketing, computer-related tasks
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
Age
27
Nationality
French
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian (Pescatarian)

Photos

Feedback

18/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Meditate and help others in a ...)

It is such a unique, powerful and beautiful catalyst to foster and cultivate the kindness of one's heart… Describing the singularity of my 25-days-stay wouldn't do justice to this place. You have to come and experience it with your entire being and involvement. I can only be deeply grateful for everything that it gave me and that I was able to… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2019

Left by host (Help with growing food, ...) for Workawayer (Raphaël)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Neutral )

05/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help with growing food, ...)

A great deal of missed opportunities and paradoxes. That would probably sum up my experience at the farm.

While I'm extremely understanding regarding his situation --text redacted--, Xavier (the host) was hardly directly involved in the daily activities and other farm-related tasks as he was mainly (and busily) working in his office. The tasks… read more

(Good )

02/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Come and stay at our jungle ...)

My 5 weeks stay at Dina's place was quite a roller coster as I got dengue fever and experienced a significant breakdown. I'm very grateful for Dina's support and kindness during this unexpected event. She also accepted to host my girlfriend for a few days as a last minute request, for which I'm thankful.

Work-wise, I was still able to offer my… read more

(Excellent )

29/08/2019

Left by host (Come enjoy and help us in our ...) for Workawayer (Raphaël)

We have had some good workawayers who have come from time to time. Raphael ranks right up there in the “best” category. We were so lucky to have him for 5 busy weeks. He applied his knowledge in permaculture to add many useful infrastructures to our small garden. Utilizing discarded wood and patiently removing all of the nails therefrom (in bare… read more

(Excellent )

27/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Come enjoy and help us in our ...)

No words could truly describe how deeply grateful I am for the time that I spent staying and helping at the center with Dada-ji, Bodhi and the tribe of fellow volunteers. This place is a true gem that knows how to nurture love, harmony, peace and happiness.

Dada-ji is a very considerate, thoughtful and kind soul that always supported my work and… read more

(Excellent )

12/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Looking for help in the ...)

While I found Mr. Shan very friendly and his project's mission genuinely altruistic and meaningful, please be advised: this is definitely not your typical Workaway.

It spent 9 days there (I was planning to stay for 2-3 weeks but decided to shorten my stay for obvious reasons that I'll bring up in a few seconds).

There was clearly a lack of… read more structure, organisation, directives, involvement and transparency:asterisk_symbol: leading to very confusing situations. Also way too laid-back, as we were kind of left to our own devices ; some days (if not most of them), there was simply nothing to do (for all day) or to help with. Therefore, it was very difficult to be proactive as the environment wasn't cultivating any incentive to do so. There was very little communication with the other volunteers, as Mr. Shan wasn't really around most of the time. The suggested schedule wasn't even properly "enforced" ; being on time seems to be pointless. And when some activities were taking place, most of them seemed to be organized in a rushy way.

Overall, I do not recommend this place (at least, in its current state). I found this experience quite disappointing (almost misleading and deceiving) and was quite tired of all the situation (a feeling that was also shared by some of the volunteers that were here at the time). A lot of opportunities were missed doing, helping, engaging, and sharing more with each other (skills, knowledge, culture). Not even to mention that we learned very little about tea at the end (quite a paradox). Such a shame and a waste, really. I'm also quite surprised by the other reviews, all 5-stars positive. We definitely didn't experience the same thing, that's for sure…

On the bright side though, we were able to visit some areas in the mountains and their villages, home of beautiful landscapes, to drink several kinds of delicious teas, to pick some tea leaves, and I'm grateful for all that – even though at the end, the whole thing felt more like doing a touristic tour than a real volunteering.

I wish Mr. Shan all the best with his project and hope that he will take this feedback (that simply and honestly states the facts) as an opportunity to really improve (mainly regarding the management of the volunteers) and not as a personal attack. Also my kudos to Simon that, I'm sure, will be a great asset for helping the project going forward.

Thank you,

Raphaël

:asterisk_symbol:PLEASE CAREFULLY NOTE: They refused to refund me the 5 days that I didn't spend there (I had to pay upfront but decided to shorten my stay, as previously mentioned) with the argument that they have a no refund policy (which wasn't clearly stated beforehand). Very, very dodgy… You are warned.

(Neutral )

07/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Organic gardening and ...)

Well, this was undoubtedly a blasting experience!

I'm very grateful for the ~3 weeks spent there. You definitely feel being part of the community along with your fellow volunteers. You have significant flexibility and liberty margins regarding the projects to be involved in (gardening, natural building, artwork, cooking… quite a variety), which… read more

(Excellent )

11/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Be a part of our team for an ...)

Om & Day,

Thank you for your hospitality. I'm grateful of the different exchanges that we've made as I was able to learn interesting cultural bits done in traditional ways.

You have a beautifully located place with a lot of potential. It's a gift that you must cherish.

I hope the project and your vision will continue to support the local… read more

(Very good )

09/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Come and help out at ...)

It is always a hard task for me to leave feedback on Workaway, especially when it comes to expressing all the positive aspects from an experience like this one.

In all honesty, coming to Taiwan wasn't part of my original plan. I came with zero expectations, as I usually do wherever I travel. And yet, what a fantastic ~2 months stay in here I had!… read more

(Excellent )

08/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help with farm and farmers ...)

Alicia & Mei Shy,

I would like to thank you for letting me be part of the farm and helping you during these 2 weeks in Penang. I definitely had a really great time!

I especially appreciated the friendly community around as I meet numerous lovely people (and funny ones, that's for sure!) through the different events that have been organized at… read more

(Excellent )

19/02/2018

Left by host (Help at our regenerative ...) for Workawayer (Raphaël)

Rafa was really easy going and willing to do anything. During his time here, he welcomed every task with an open heart. He was very focus, and he was picking up concept that he could use for his future project at the exotic Martinique. Rafa was also an early bird, that's great for farming projects. He learned really fast and always asked if he… read more

(Excellent )

18/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help at our regenerative ...)

Xin,

I definitely don't know where to start but I have surely lots of things to say. I'll try to be brief.

Malaysia wasn't part of my travel itinerary. It didn't cross my mind even once. I had zero expectation when I came. And yet, for a first 2 weeks experience in Asia, what a beautiful surprise it has been. Fwa!

First of all, you did a… read more tremendous work at the Farm considering the condition of the land's soil in some places. The result is a well balanced and organized system that you should really be proud of.

I was well received and I immediately felt at home. Your uncle and aunt are definitely one of a kind and your other relatives and friends were really friendly. Lots of good moments and laughs, not to mention the food and the tea (both abundantly available, it was insane).

I had a great time volunteering with the crew, Pablo and Laura, that I miss already. I wish them all the best for their future travels and I hope that we will meet again. It was particularly challenging for the three of us (mostly Laura and I) to explain to people where we come from since almost nobody knew where were located El Salvador and Mexi… Martinique. But oh well, this definitely gave us lots of odd situations to laugh about.

The work was quite varied (I really liked this aspect) and I learned interesting things: we mostly helped in the gardens (doing maintenance, mulching, harvesting, and other odd jobs), preparing the markets, making bread (and pizza), coconut oil (I nearly died in the process) and syrup.

Some other highlights of my stay:
- The markets: The local one was clearly my favorite. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the people and the food.
- The tea house: Experiencing this opportunity – to drink delicate teas while receiving valuable tasting advices and knowledge from the "tea master" – in a beautiful, peaceful and intimate setting was truly fascinating.
- The funerals: This is not something that one can see every day. It was interesting to see this done in the traditional way through the collaboration of the relatives and the local community, the ceremonies, the chants, and the prayers.

Again, I really would like to thank you deeply for your hospitality, your kindness, your passionate mind for your project, and for offering me an authentic experience of Malaysia. It was definitely a "coup de cœur".

I will see you in June for sure ; I'm looking forward to seeing and helping you again.

Hasta la próxima!

Raphaël

(Excellent )

12/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Welcome to our organic farm ...)

I'm very grateful for having had a great ~3 weeks experience staying at Diogo's farm!

It was interesting to see the diversity in the crops growing in the greenhouse and outside (okras, peppers, tomatoes, cabbages, eggplants, basilic, moringa, limes, avocados, beans, papayas, mangos, strawberries, …) and I had the opportunity to learn several… read more

(Excellent )

04/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Volunteer with a German ...)

I couldn't thank you enough for your hospitality and kindness, I had a wonderful ~3 weeks stay and it was a pleasure for me to help all of you!

My work consisted mostly in picking up and cutting chillies, filling up some flasks with chilli powder/oil, and other various jobs in the garden. And I must say that I was quite impressed by the number of… read more

(Excellent )

13/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help with our bio-organic ...)

I spent a month helping within Xavi's organic farm in Manresa where It was a real pleasure for me to contribute! I had the opportunity to see the different aspects of his farming small business, to be involved in a variety of jobs and switching between them as I learned many things in the process!

His hospitality and generosity are top notch and… read more

(Excellent )

17/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help on a permaculture ...)

I had a great 1-month-experience helping Jesus and Dara with their permaculture project! I had the chance to be involved – among other things – in some of the daily gardening tasks, the website's development, the construction of a solar drier (unfortunately interrupted by the weather), and a few other odd tasks around their peaceful land. Some… read more

(Very good )

11/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raphaël) for host for (Help start a Permaculture ...)

Ciao!

I have a lot to say (and I will ; see PS), but I'll try to be brief for this feedback.

I stayed more than one month a Giorgia's in Sagana, helping her with its permaculture project.

Giorgia is a girl full of life, a true kindness giver, always singing and caring for nature. I was very lucky to meet her and it was a real pleasure!

I had a… read more

(Excellent )

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