Ylva

Sweden
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Argentina - from Feb 2026 until Feb 2026
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Description
Hello!
My name is Ylva, and I'll soon be crossing the Atlantic to South America - without flying (so I'll learn to sail too!). As part of this journey I hope to make a longer stop in Peru to give a helping hand in one of all the great efforts taking place.

I'm a curious environmental engineer, and nature and sustainability lies close to my heart. I want to contribute to something good in my travel, and learn a lot along the way - from all different people, lives and cultures, maybe about the local ecosystems, problems and solutions, and all the practical work needed. I'm somewhat of a crafty person, I like to build, sow and mend things, and to work with some precision, and I also like to cook good food! But most of all I have a will to learn and do a good job, wherever and however needed. That always gets you pretty far :)

This will also be my first time in South America, which is very exciting, I have only travelled solo a bit in Europe before. I'm trying my best to learn some spanish beforehand, but I would love to practice even more with people I meet during my travels!

Thanks for reading about me, I hope our paths will cross ~

--
IMPORTANT NOTE!: I will be on a sail ship without internet between 27 October and 9 December, so I can't write or respond to any messages then. Once back on dry land, I will make sure to answer any unanswered messages!
Interests
DIY & crafts
Books
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Animals
Sailing / Boating
Politics / Social justice
Vegetarian or vegan
Plant care
Movies & TV
Charity work
Sustainability
Writing
Music
Hiking
Nature
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
I'm an environmental engineer, so I know a thing or two about environmental sciences, ecology, energy systems and engineering, but I'm also relly keen to learn more in practice.

I've been living in a community flat the past years, so I like to share space and life, and I have regularly cooked meals for many people, and also helped out with maintenance and upgrading the kitchen, etc.

Other than that I used to do all sorts of planning, organizing, building and even treasure keeping in my old student organization. I like to make things fun and nice for other people, and see projects through. For example, I could tell you about that time I led the effort to build a concrete "monument" of a recycling symbol to put outside our university building (the mold is in one of the photos)! No prior experience back then, but there it now stands to this day in all its glory!

I also know my way around excel and some programming, if that is of any use here.
Age
28
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  I mainly cook vegetarian or vegan, but I love to try new things and don't turn anything down

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29 Jan 2026

Left by host (Sustainable living center in ...) for Workawayer ()

🌿 Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for also recognizing the moments, people, and positive experiences that were part of your stay. I sincerely value every opinion, especially when it invites reflection and continued learning.At the same time, I feel it is important to offer context and clarity, not only to respond to your… read more

(Neutral )

28 Jan 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Sustainable living center in ...)

This experience was a bit mixed for me. It had some really great highlights of my trip that I am very grateful for: Going to the local waterfalls, and the absolutely stunning waterfalls and caves in Abiseo national park, and it was lots of fun to make chocolate with Ceasar (super friendly and fun!). Franks parents were also really nice (although I… read more struggled with my very limited spanish), and the pets Coco, Yuca and the hens. I got to try delicious jungle fruits and food by Frank and his mother (and from other volunteers!), and the place is just really calm and beautiful. Last but not least, I loved bonding and spending time with the other volunteers. Thanks to everyone for lots of truly amazing memories!

At the same time, some things I bothered me. There were some instances and things that made me feel like safety and well-being was not really the top priority it should be. Most clearly, one time I got lost on the way back to camp. It was dark and I had been left alone by the others, assuming Frank and another volunteer were not far behind (which, appearently they were). Luckily there was a bit of connection where I was, so I could write to Frank, but it was still about one hour alone until I was found. We didn't make a big deal out of it after, it was more of a joke, but looking back it is not a situation that should happen - a volunteer left alone and lost close to the jungle. After that I didn't have much faith that safety (or hygiene) were prioritized, but instead adventure and happy-go-lucky carefree attitude. The fact that some water bottles had algae growth, and that the old building structure had collapsed did not help...

Another issue when I was there was communication and management. You had to ask or you would not get much information (e.g., how to do things and safety tips, learning about bioconstruction and permaculture, plans for the project, what the money contribution is for, but also basic things like what to bring for excursions, any guiding on nature or history in Abiseo, etc etc). At the same time, there was rarely opportunity to ask, because Frank was often busy working on the new structure, or in town to buy food and supplies, or just tired after it all. He seemed especially overworked since his parents were there almost all the time (also unclear for how long), and they wanted to make progress on the new structure. I understand, I would be tired as well, but then I would not start a project that requires this level of work, management and communication from me. Is it then really a good idea to make room for more volunteers, when 5 volunteers is already a lot (also for the toilets that fill up in an instant...)?

Finally, as an environmental engineer, I wonder if this is really more sustainable than living in a city, with the resources and infrastructure - waste, water and energy management, more efficient transport and logistics etc. Also, while I loved the food cooked on the wood stove, I would rather not think about the emissions: particles and soot, greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfates...

(Good )

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29 Jan 2026

Left by host (Sustainable living center in ...) for Workawayer ()

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28 Jan 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Sustainable living center in ...)

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