David

From: New Zealand

Account Type
Individual account
Travelling to
Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo ... more
Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Nepal, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom
Travel dates
27/06/2011 - 30/11/2021
Badges

My status
Travelling
Description
Traveller and food writer from New Zealand, always looking forward to new challenges and experiences. Currently I want to learn as much as possible about sustainable farming and food production. I'm often working on writing projects, too, so having a bit of free time for this, while also enjoying new places and a bit of structure/work, is what I like about Workaway.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Some knowledge of:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
More details about your skills
I get along easily with people and I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. I am always willing to learn and enjoy doing physical work. My particular areas of expertise are cooking and writing. I'm very comfortable adapting to new situations, having spent decent chunks of time living in different places and doing many different jobs over the past few years.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Age
30
Nationality
New Zealand
What else ...
Sociable and outgoing. Passionate about food, music, books, travelling, history, and meeting interesting, funny, or inspiring people.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
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Photos

Feedback

23/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Come lend a hand on our ...)

Thank you Nathan, Alicia, Teresa and everybody here for such a magnificent experience!
This is such a fabulous place for anybody keen or curious about organic farming. Nathan and Alicia are fantastic hosts and the farm is beautiful, nestled into gorgeous countryside just a short walk to the stunning coast and not far from cute and quirky Cardigan.… read more This is a fantastic place to visit if you want to get some real hands-on, on-farm experience, learning about permaculture and organic vegetable growing not only in terms of soil, planting and producing, but also on the commercial and market side, seeing the connection with local communities and the practicalities of making a workable living from sustainably grown vegetables while maintaining a healthy family life.

Nathan and Alicia are passionate and driven, not only at home on the farm but also as active voices for change on a political and social level through their involvement in various grassroots organisations, displaying a genuine drive to bring about change for a better food system. This has been an inspiration to me, and I am so grateful for the invaluable experience I have picked up just from being around them for a short period. They are also incredibly welcoming, friendly, and very funny! I was made to feel at home right from the start, and I had such a lovely time working on the farm, playing with the animals, discussing food policy over tea and fresh baking, slamming the judges and contestants on Australian Masterchef while eating Nathan and Alicia's DELICIOUS dinners, getting schooled in cards by Scarlett in front of the fire, talking rugby with Muriel, and musing over ambiguous life, study, and existential questions with Talullah. Unfortunately, I had to cut my time relatively short, but I really hope to be back again in the near future, as this place has so much to offer. I hope I managed to return the favour in kind with some overall positive contributions!

Many, many thanks again to Nathan, Alicia, Teresa, Muriel, Talullah, Scarlett, Rocket, Finzy, Luna and Juno for giving me such a great experience. I learnt a lot and had a lot of fun with all of you, so I hope it's not too long before I can return again and see how things are going.

Good luck for getting through the winter, and best wishes for cracking into springtime. I look forward to being back at some point in the near future.

Thanks again and best regards,
David

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by host (Help us at an Organic rice ...) for Workawayer (David)

David, an extraordinary volunteer and friend! We would recommend him to any host. David is always keen to help and learn, extremely curious and interested in what surrounds him. He contributes to the people and the place by bringing in good vibes, ideas, care, and support. He puts himself in what he does, he commits body and heart in what he… read more

(Excellent )

16/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Help us at an Organic rice ...)

Fantastic. This is such a wonderful place, in so many different ways, that I really don’t know where to start. You will be welcomed with big smiles and warm hearts, not only by Zulaika, Captain, Kakak, and the wonderful workers, but by people in the village and visitors to the farm, which all really makes you feel at home (well, that is if you’re… read more lucky enough for your home to be an incredibly beautiful place surrounded by pristine jungle, fruit trees, and coo-ing gibbons!). The work timetable and style is perfect, always challenging and engaging but never mundane or repetitive, with plenty of rest, relaxation, variation, and free time; but also extremely rewarding work and projects with results you can see, even within a short period. The plots I spent most of my sweaty days weeding ended up going to the birds rather than to harvest; but oh well, farmer life :) I take solace from the fact that I got to see the vegetable garden cleared and take shape as a workable cultivation space within less than a week. You win some, you lose some!

I came because I was curious to learn about organic rice farming, but I didn’t realise I was coming to the best possible place to learn - whether by attending one of Captain’s or Zulaika’s workshops, learning by doing in the rice paddy, or just watching Jai make it look easy to level a plot of land, Jun transplanting rice plants in his sleep, E catching fish you didn’t even know were there, or seeing Kakak somehow remain so serene and relaxed as she de-bones anchovy fillets one-by-one to cook for a million people, without ever leaving longer than two minutes between outbursts of her wonderful, contagious laugh.

I have enjoyed and gained SO much from my two visits (and counting) to the farm, and not only in terms of organic farming. It is a truly inspiring place that feels so good to be a part of, even for a moment. If you are looking for your first introduction to organic agriculture, this is ideal; but also if you’re more clued up but want to learn specifics on things like SRI, fermenting fertiliser, integrated agriculture, polly-bag urban farming, seed selection, sustainable soil management, et cetera, et cetera, you really couldn’t be in a better place. Last but not least, of course, is the food - but it would take a feedback form longer than any I know in existence to try and do justice to how amazing the food on the farm is! Kakak and her helpers do such an amazing job of providing delicious, healthy, hearty, and always different and intriguing meals every single day, while being sensitive to people’s varying (and ever-changing) dietary requirements. I miss the smokey eggplant every day of my life.

Thank you so much to Captain, Zulaika, Kakak, Jai, Jun, E, Pak Sung, Gazi, Mario, the goats, and everybody else who has made me feel like I have a home and a family in Kedah. Even if I’m like the rogue son who runs away and comes back every few months ;)

Thanks guys, for everything, and see you again soon!

David/Daud

(Excellent )

13/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Sustainable ...)

This School is a fantastic place, and I had a wonderful experience here.
The location is stunning, the people are lovely, the school is inspiring, and the work is enjoyable.
I loved being able to interact with everybody - the kids during mealtimes and football games, the wonderful ladies in the kitchen (who let me steal some cooking secrets),… read more

(Excellent )

06/05/2019

Left by host (Sustainable ...) for Workawayer (David)

We are so grateful to have had David stay with us. His spirit and enthusiasm brought wonderful energy to our space. In the short time he was here, he worked really hard with another volunteers to plant over 300 coffee plants. Everybody was really impressed and we are really grateful for the effort and efficiency of the work, just in time to thrive… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Stay in a fantastic natural ...)

Grazie Roberto, Renata e Dario! Thank you for sharing your amazing home and project with me. I had a very special time here, and I cannot express how grateful I am that you took me on at the last minute and provided me with such a nice, authentic, and unique experience.
Roberto and Renata are fantastic hosts. Very understanding and generous,… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2018

Left by host (Stay in a fantastic natural ...) for Workawayer (David)

Dave is a special guy! very gentle, sensible and clever young man that travels with passion, curiosity and respect. Our experience with him was excellent and for sure we can open again our door to somebody like him again. Yes!

(Excellent )

08/10/2018

Left by host (Participate on a permaculture ...) for Workawayer (David)

Having David was a pleasure, we wished it was longer and that we should have given him more opportunities to make delicious thing (the onion marmalade is almost empty!). He was very reliable, hands on and focused while working and super chill to hangout with in our free time. All in all a nice experience!

(Excellent )

11/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Participate on a permaculture ...)

It was so lovely to share Olli and Miri's little oasis, even though it was for a much shorter time than I had hoped! They are both so easy-going, flexible, kind and relaxed, yet can give enough guidance to teach you a lot about permaculture and sustainable farming. The location is superb, an easy bike ride/walk into Sanski Most but supremely… read more

(Excellent )

11/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Discover our organic farm and ...)

This place has such a beautiful setting and good working environment that it's hard to do it justice through words. The photos don't even convey how amazing the views are, and this is a peaceful oasis where you can watch the stars or enjoy the serenity for hours, lost in thought or not thinking at all. The volunteer accommodation is homely and… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Help with guest rooms and ...)

What a wonderful place to be based. I already miss Orkney and the great experience I had with Dawn and Harald.

They are very good hosts, thoughtful about providing a comfortable, homely place for workawayers to stay within their beautiful B&B operation, and offering particularly tasty meals (Dawn's first-rate cooking was only ever matched by the… read more

(Excellent )

01/11/2017

Left by host (Help with guest rooms and ...) for Workawayer (David)

David was a great help to us in the B&B over the summer, willing to do anything. He was our only member of staff and worked well on his own. Fast learner and very good with the guests, picking up the local history and attractions very quickly.
Thanks David Hope we see you again.
Dawn & Harald

(Excellent )

11/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David was a great help for us this summer, he came to our farm and after just a few days of instruction he took on the task of looking after the whole farm with all the animals including cows , sheep ,horses ,ducks , chickens ,dogs , guinea pigs and even the goldfish and canary, feeding mucking out and all the other tasks that go along with them… read more

(Excellent )

01/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Helping on our small farm in ...)

Iain and Sasha are wonderful hosts - they enjoy a good laugh and know how to work hard/play hard - and the location of the croft and surrounding area is simply beautiful. A very special spot. Thanks for everything!

(Excellent )

14/04/2014

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Looking for help in our home ...)

What a wonderful family. I only arranged to come last minute, but right from the start Jo and Antonio made me feel entirely comfortable. The work is stress-free, enjoyable yet rewarding. Jo would have to be the best exponent of Yorkshire-Tuscan fusion food in the world, an expert in both that made every meal a highlight in itself! Franz is… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2014

Left by host (Looking for help in our home ...) for Workawayer (David)

David is hardworking and polite he gives anything a go and attacks it with gusto!!! He helped us with the olives, gardening, and helping with general things around the farm. If you are thinking of having David as your work awayer, we would highly recommendation him. A big thank you to David for all your hard work you really have helped us and made… read more

(Excellent )

26/01/2014

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Help with a training ...)

This is a very special place to spend any amount of time - Dre and Karen are great hosts and make you feel comfortable and welcome, while at the same time giving you the freedom to enjoy everything in your own way, very encouraging and knowledgeable! The food, atmosphere and - most of all - the Lao girls at the restaurant I already miss, and I… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

Dave was awesome to have around and was a great addition to our team. Our Lao staff loved him and we did too! Dave was really great with the customers and staff alike, and makes a mean coffee. We welcome you back anytime you like Dave.

(Excellent )

12/06/2012

Left by host (Looking for help in nature on ...) for Workawayer (David)

(Very good )

08/10/2011

Left by Workawayer (David) for host for (Looking for help in nature on ...)

Absolutely stunning location and a fantastic place to work. Antonio was great to spend time with, always up for a laugh and on hand if you had any queries. The pizza oven and swimming in the lake everyday are only two of the things I miss already! Highly recommended.

(Excellent )

08/10/2011

Left by host (Live with a Franco-New ...) for Workawayer (David)

David, it was great having you to stay for 2 weeks back in July. You were always keen to get stuck into any jobs we asked of you and showed plenty of initiative in noticing jobs that needed doing and simply got on with them. Thanks to you the vast mountain of wood to be chopped has diminshed somewhat. We enjoyed all the interesting conversations… read more

(Excellent )

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