Raphael

France
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
South Korea - from Apr 2025 until Jun 2025
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Description
Hello, I'm Raphael, 34 years old, from France.

I'm a couchsurfing member since 2008 and this opened my mind and showed me different and alternative visions. Now I'd like to get involved into workaway by sharing my knowledge and learn new ones. Nothing rewards me more than helping people and share pieces of life ! I am always up for new adventures. Instead of going from touristic places to touristic places, I like to enjoy the daily life of the country, meet the people and go with the flow !

I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in 2016, but traveling has been an escape that helped me understand the world, myself and the people, overcome fears, and embrace the unknown ! Helped me socialize as well ! It's still quite unknown, and there are many stereotypes surrounding this syndrome. I know it's an unconventional traveler profile, but that's what makes it interesting, ahah!

I do practice sports, running, swimming, badminton, and walking. I really enjoy hiking as well. Just to give you an idea of my level in running: I did a half-marathon in 1h46 and a full marathon in 4h11.

I always get involved deeply in anything I get into, I like being active and exceed expectations. Due to some back problem, I can't carry (very) heavy things.

I've travel arround 60 countries in an alternative way.

I like to learn new things about history, geopolitics or enconomy. I'm interested in almost all sports (especially football) and, basically, I like to enjoy life, chat with people.
Interests
Self development
Sustainability
Hiking
Yoga / Wellness
Vegetarian or vegan
Writing
Photography
Pets
Nature
Music
Mountain
Languages
Hitchhiking
Events & social
DIY & crafts
Culture
Charity work
Cooking & food
Art & design
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
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:
Being an elderly companion
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Gardening
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
I studied between France and Canada, in a business school with a focus on event management and tourism — though to be honest, I’ve never really used it in my career. I quickly started working abroad, beginning in a call center in the Czech Republic. Most of my experience has been in tourism, working in a range of hotels from budget to luxury.

Thanks to Workaway, I’ve had the chance to do many work-exchange projects, in areas like teaching, animal care and welfare, hospitality, bar work, supporting homeless people, permaculture, and eco-construction. I wouldn’t say I have specialized manual skills, but I’m always eager to help and learn. I stay fairly fit as I do a lot of sports, and I’m motivated to discover new things and contribute wherever I can as an extra pair of hands.

I currently work as a digital nomad, as a freelance journalist and writer, so I might need internet access from time to time to keep up with my work.
Age
34
What else ...
“Those who don’t jump will never fly”
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian

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3 May 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Raphael was a pleasure to have at our farm. He gave a lot of love to our land and made sure everyone around him was included.

He did various tasks and always helped more than we asked him to which was nice. He could do adapt to any task and would always do the task to perfection which was always nice.

We hope Raphael comes again to visit in the… read more

(Excellent )

2 May 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and join our ...)

Adam and Erika (and Solita :-)) are amazing hosts!

They are incredibly welcoming, cheerful, and always available. They truly embody the spirit of cultural exchange and are eager to connect with others.

They are deeply committed to their work and are excellent at explaining tasks, always appreciative of your efforts. We shared wonderful moments… read more

(Excellent )

13 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us with daily life while ...)

Had an awesome time with Socratis, Arieregis (I know my spelling is bad sorry lol) and all the people I met there ! I learned so much, shared laughs, and experienced unforgettable moments. The lessons were eye-opening, and the camaraderie made it truly special. Also the best place to eat on the island ! Grateful for the chance to embark on this… read more

(Excellent )

13 Jan 2024

Left by host (Join us with daily life while ...) for Workawayer ()

It was a pleasure meeting and hosting Raphael. Firstly, as a human and then as a helper. He has a very honest, confident, and fun character, which made his stay a pleasure.
He can adapt and feel the needs of the place, providing his hands in any instance!

A volunteer worth hosting!

(Excellent )

12 Aug 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Welcoming help with the ...)

Our stay with Gian was more than perfect. He and his family are very welcoming and thoughtful. Very nice to meet this kind of people. Unfortunately we didn't stay as long as we planned due to personal problems, but they all understood well ! We highly recommend Gian to all the workaway community.

(Excellent )

23 Jul 2021

Left by host (Welcoming help with the ...) for Workawayer ()

Rapha and Perrine came to Piura to help us with our little project at the farm. They had planned to spend at least a week with us but some personal issues made they change their plans so they left at the 3rd day, that was a pity but we all understood them.
During the days they could help us they worked very well and helped us with feeding animals,… read more

(Excellent )

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3 May 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

2 May 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and join our ...)

(Excellent)

13 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us with daily life while ...)

(Excellent)

13 Jan 2024

Left by host (Join us with daily life while ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

12 Aug 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Welcoming help with the ...)

(Excellent)

23 Jul 2021

Left by host (Welcoming help with the ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2021

Left by host (Help with beautification and ...) for Workawayer ()

Hospede a Raphael y Perrine durante dos semanas en las que me ayudaron especialmente con los caballos, haciendo un gran trabajo con ellos! También me ayudaron a orgabizar un poco la casa y a cocinar para todos los voluntarios, haciendo platos realmente deliciosos. Son una pareja de voluntarios muy recomendables para cualquier host, ambos son… read more

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with beautification and ...)

Staying at the hacienda was a wonderfull experience ! We met great people and we lived in an amazing environment and athmosphere. We were more than happy. This is simply the true spirit of workaway ! Thank you Luis and all the other volunteers. Thanks to the dogs, the horses and all the differents animals that made our stay unforgettable !

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help us in our rainforest ...)

First of all, I’m very sad to write a bad review. But I have no choice. I’ll try to be clear and accurate. The first contact on WorkAway was around mid may, and the first one on WhatsApp the 21 of may exactly. So it was not an unplanned visit. Everything was meticulously prepared and scheduled. I’ve always been very active in the communication.… read more The plan was very simple, We had to work 4h per day, 5 days a week. We had to help with gardening, general maintenance and tourist. He told me that he would not be there, but that someone named Franklin would be there, living in the lodge.

Let’s get to the point. We arrived in Pilcopatta the Monday 14 of may, arround 4.30pm. We found a taxi driver, he didn’t know where was the lodge, so I called Luis and he explained the route to him. Few seconds after Luis called me back, to tell me that Franklin was not there at the moment, but that he would come quickly. “Don’t be afraid, he will be there soon. Make yourself comfortable, use the kitchen and choose a room”. Ok very good. After a 15-20 minutes ride, the taxi dropped us in front of the lodge and left. That’s the interesting part.

As he said before, no one was there. But, in addition, there was no electricity and all the lodge was closed. Every single room was locked. From 5.30pm, the night was starting to fall, 6pm night was total. So we were, all alone, in the Amazonian rainforest, without any lights, any room ... basically with nothing. Outside, left behind. With no signal on the phone, and nothing around.

We started a fire outside and later we did a shelter with our moskito net in the common area (an open wood house with just a roof). We waited like this around 4 hours (from 5pm to 9pm). During this time, we’ve heard some people driving in front of the lodge, we screamed for help, they stopped, we explained the poor situation, and they told us they would call Luis. Maybe one hour after, someone arrived ... A guy called Juan, he helped us to put the electricity back, opened a room for us (with no bed sheets and nothing on the bed ... but well, after what we lived, it was a miracle lol).

We spoke a lot with Luis, he told us that Franklin was not here, and that he would come back around Friday, that he didn’t lived there. Which was in accordance with the condition of the lodge. Everything was in order, even the fridge had been cleaned ... All the room was uninhabited. The lodge was obviously uninhabited for a long time. No traces of life. Juan told us he would speak with Luis and that he would come back the day after at 7 am ... He never came back.

The day after we decided to leave. Only option, 2 hours walking to join Pilcopatta, with the backpack and all our stuff.

On the way, my phone started to work and I saw messages from Luis. He apologised, but he was asking for comprehension and flexibility. He told us that Franklin felt bad and had health issues ... I just remind that he told us at 4.30pm that he would come quickly around 6 or 7. So I think it’s a fake excuse, a lie.

He told us that we didn’t need anyone as a “supervisor”, that is a Workaway. Yes sure, first time in the Amazonian rainforest, we will stay 2 weeks alone ... Even if it was possible, we didn’t know anything about the lodge, where are the tools ... basically nothing. There is no sense. Workaway is about cultural exchange and meetings. Well, that was obviously fake excuse.

He didn’t realise in which situation we were. He made us living a nightmare. And then he was asking for flexibility and comprehension, telling me that he will cancel his volunteering program. I’m happy to know that we’ve been the revealer.

I spoke with many people in the town that knew him. I know he studied tourism in Pilcopatta and that he has other project running at the same time. He knows how it works. The only thing I can say is that the opinion of the people were not very good, but this is something else and I don’t want to talk about that. I am respectful person, I judge what I can judge. The behaviour he had with us was irresponsible, dangerous (he told me not, because the lodge is a safe place, maybe. But not without electricity, lights, gas in the kitchen ... It’s still somewhere in the Amazonian forest), disrespectful and contrary to the values of Workaway.

He should communicate more with his staff and know where he sends people.

(Negative)

27 Jul 2016

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Thank you, Raphael,for helping me too. I am very grateful because you've introduced me a lot of friends here. And also, you are very funny. French kids graders have asked a lot about you. They hope someday you'll come back here to see them grow. You really are a good person. I will never forget you for saying "Fu-si-ku-la-ga-ma-to";) Have a safe… read more

(Excellent)

19 Jul 2016

Left by Workawayer () for host (Teach English and help the ...)

Sorry for the late feedback.
I'm so lucky that my first workaway experience was so positive, thanks to Mister T, Thang, Gigi, Pupu and all the wonderfull students and volunteers I met there. It was inspiring to see how deeply Mister T care for the students and the volunteers. Their energy and positive vibes is contagious. All in all, a great… read more

(Excellent)

18 Apr 2016

Left by Workawayer () for host (Contribute to our grassroots ...)

Sorry for the late feedback ... it was a wonderfull experience ! I met amazing people and really enjoyed my time :-) Kids are very welcoming and friendly, they want to learn and I had great time teaching them the few things I know ! If you go there, don't miss the french restaurant for special event ;-) Thank you, you will always have a place in… read more

(Excellent)

7 Mar 2016

Left by Workawayer () for host (Find your family away from ...)

I stayed 7 weeks as a French teacher and all can I say is that I could not dream better for my first workaway experience. Hai Phong is a lovely city with the most welcoming and friendly people I've ever meet.
The students are very involved and they always try to improve their skills. They will bring you everywhere always with the smile and the… read more

(Excellent)

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