umidocespuglio

United States
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Italy, Croatia
My next destination:
Costa Rica - from Jan 2025 until Apr 2025
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Description
Hello!

My friends know me as Richard.

Recently, I took early retirement. Throughout my career there has been an abundance of time to expand my knowledge and experience.

A seasoned traveler, comfort is found in forests and jungles, deserts and beaches, and remote or rural and metropolis regions. Each has their own attractiveness.

Having recently departed the daily grind, obtaining balance and harmony has become a focal point. Years of dedication have provided me means to travel comfortably, and volunteering became the naturally occurring succession.

I have proclivity toward accomplishments through meaningful activities, events and interactions. Each opportunity is an evolution to the continuing saga.

Among my various skills, I have experience with:
- DIY and residential construction, plumbing, electrical, renovation and remodeling
- concrete and ceramic tiling
- organic gardening, permaculture and composting.
- operating equipment including loaders, backhoes, chainsaws, tractors
- vehicle maintenance.
- hospitality, general maintenance, hosting
- entertainment sound systems
- photography, videography and drone operation/recording
- computer systems, wireless/WWAN-LAN/WiFi networks
- First Aid, CPR and Water Safety III qualified
- linear and analytical.
Interests
Videography
Technology
Events & social
Cooking & food
Sustainability
Nature
Outdoor activities
Photography
Plant care
Mountain
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Camping
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
Interests are latin based languages.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Teaching
Art Projects
Animal Care
House sitting
Able to teach about:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
Computers/Internet/Networks
Gardening
General Maintenance
Construction
Electrical
Plumbing
Welding
Mentoring/Teaching
Photography/Videography
Project Management
Hospitality
Environment friendly practices
SCUBA
Cooking/Meal preparation
Housekeeping
Age
63
What else ...
- function well in rural areas and city settings, independently and small groups.
- enjoy hiking and exploring, beach walks and being outdoors.
- eager to participate where my skills are most beneficial.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No alergies.
- Special dietary requirements
  Healthy choices absent of artificial ingredients.

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18 Jan 2025

Left by host (Learn about bioconstruction ...) for Workawayer ()

When Edward arrived at our campo, he could easily integrate and was much fun to be with. We had always interesting discussions over our meals.

Although Edward is capable and skilled in a lot of different tasks, he mainly welded. He did this with a lot of commitment, sense of duty and joy.

In addition to other work, Edward has mainly carried… read more

(Excellent )

11 Jan 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about bioconstruction ...)

This was quite the experience! Both Lea & Ferdi are multi-lingual and learning two additional languages. The eco-construction is remarkable and the soil creation and biological awareness are impressive. Lea is a fantastic cook and there were many vegetarian options with home-made bread everyday. The garden is very productive, the fruit trees… read more

(Excellent )

19 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our eco-sustainable camp ...)

Arrival in San Jose from the airport in Alajuela was quite simple. Thare are buses, Did I and taxis available. I arrived at the farm which is located in a beautiful remote location south of San Isidro near a town named San Pedro on road 327 toward San Rafael.

The farm is surrounded by fruit trees on and off the property. Bananas, coconuts, limes,… read more

(Excellent )

1 Mar 2023

Left by host (Help run a retreat center in ...) for Workawayer ()

Edward has been one of our most stalwart supporters and integral to the vision of our wilderness retreat center! He has a tremendous amount of knowledge, skills, work ethic, and generosity of spirit. He's also great in the kitchen! Let him go and you'll have a five course meal of fantastic proportions and a smorgasbord of tastes.
Edward has… read more

(Excellent )

27 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help run a retreat center in ...)

It is difficult to know where to start. I did two work exchanges with Ian and Chelsea at Wilderness Lodge near Molalla, Oregon. First of all, this place is absolutely incredible! Situated close to Portland, Oregon, in a very thick forest filled with fresh water springs and wild raised food, I cannot emphasize enough the connection to nature that… read more

(Excellent )

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18 Jan 2025

Left by host (Learn about bioconstruction ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

11 Jan 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about bioconstruction ...)

(Excellent)

19 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our eco-sustainable camp ...)

(Excellent)

1 Mar 2023

Left by host (Help run a retreat center in ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

27 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help run a retreat center in ...)

(Excellent)

3 Feb 2023

Left by host (Help with eco projects close ...) for Workawayer ()

It was very nice to have Edward with us, he soaked up a bit of what life is like here in southern Mexico. Mexico is so big that it is different to live in the center or in the north.
Undoubtedly a job in the jungle is hard, this can range from planting to moving stones and building.
Edward unfortunately or gracefully had to live the moment of… read more

(Neutral)

31 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with eco projects close ...)

First of all, this is NOT negative feedback, it is neutral and informative. As a previous host and now volunteer, I must say this experience was extremely beneficial as a reminder of how dependent we have become on technology, me included. Without reliable water sources, self supplied food sources, electricity, reliable cell service, no Internet… read more and no standard household appliances such as a washing machine, stove or refrigerator life can be from challenging to extremely difficult. Adding to that comes defeat and frustration when living in a tent and sleeping on an air mattress. This was undisclosed prior to my accepting this work exchange, and had it been known, I still would have supported Luis even without the basic staple foods that are part of the requirement of being a WorkAway host (I was one for a long time). That is unnegotiable if I read the host agreement correctly. Additionally, the lack of medically trained personnel and reliable transportation to the nearest town made the experience more challenging. Although my medical emergency training is expired, in the event of an emergency it could have been valuable during my stay considering this is a remote location without safety protocols in place.

The message here is that this work exchange will definitely challenge 80% or more of the likely candidates. I was raised in the rocky mountains (USA) learning survival skills. This experience is for those who want to push their limits. This is ONLY for those who want to know what they are made of, those who want to know the true limits of their tolerances and abilities. Those who know how to conduct rain water harvesting in a jungle setting. Those who know how to identify and process native plants for food. This is for the HARD CORE ONLY!

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of hand washing clothes in a stone basin and remaining conscious and aware of every detail of the environment (surroundings) and other people's stability. This experience rates right up there with the days I was in the USMC (Marine Corps) and went through Jungle Warfare Training.

The night it rained and my tent leaked was the night I had my limit. The next day I awoke to my entire wardrobe being saturated. I hung everything out to dry, but it was the jungle where it is very humid and more rain was coming. I had to have dry clothes for the rest of my travels to other countries and could not risk having all my personal effects for the next 6 months destroyed from mold and mildew. That is when I packed my stuff and went to Merida to the lavanderia (laundromat). The following day I had terrible congestion and was concerned about bronchitis or pneumonia. I stayed in a hostel for the remaining few days of my visit and did not return to the campground.

The description of this opportunity has been modified since my experience and more closely reflects the details. However, reducing the hours to 16 per week when there is unreliable transportation to drive to the town and get basic staple foods does not in anyway offset the responsibility of the host to provide those requirements. And, yes, the host did provide two meals for the crew then made them pay for the food (reimburse him) because the organization didn't have any money. I do not recall reading that in the host agreement either. There are certain expectations set forth when a host joins WorkAway, and I don't recall receiving notice those are negotiable.

The point is, again, be prepared to be a jungle bad-a$$ and you will do alright at this place. If you are a city dweller with no remote survival skills, stay home and flick your remote and get some chips. :-)

(Neutral)

30 Jan 2023

Left by host (Help at our hostal in ...) for Workawayer ()

Thank you Edward, you helped me a lot with the electrical installation of my house, I would have liked you to spend more time with us.
Edward is one of those volunteers you wish would stay for a long time :) He is a guy with an arsenal of knowledge, down to earth and a big heart.
When you want to return to Termascalapa
You know that this is your… read more

(Excellent)

21 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help at our hostal in ...)

Temescalapa is situated north of Mexico City in a cactus forest surrounded by mountains. With several years of living in similar regions in New Mexico and Arizona, it was easy to adapt to the Temascalapa region. Prior to arrival the host, Rafael, had communicated very clearly via email and WhatsApp. He provides clear instructions on using the… read more public transportation system and other available options. I opted to use a Didi for my ride from the airport to Temascalapa. the 1 hour ride was $467 MXN Pesos, or approximately $25 USD, plus another $160 MXN Pesos for the roll road fees. I was very happy to pay the fees considering the express way eliminated about 30-45 minutes from the drive. Upon arrival Rafael met me at the drive way.

I am very happy to have made this one of my volunteer experiences. Rafael is a very humble man and is very respectful of others. He is patient and sees the value in everybody. Rafael and I spent many moments at the Ferretería (hardware) stores finding the proper supplies for each job. We worked primarily on electricity to various rooms in the house. This included light switches, outlets and assorted power necessities. The house is incredible! It has approximately 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, some of which are nearly finished and some that require paint or lighting. The ceramic tile work in the house is amazing, and it is throughout the entire house. Rafael's dad began this project several years ago using a DONKEY and a CART to transport water and supplies for the cement. This is a 2-story house (mansion) and it displays the love and compassion put into every moment.

There is no best part because all of it was beyond completely satisfactory. However, Rafael's mom and dad would visit for a couple days from time-to-time. When they were at the hostel his mom prepared and provided 3 meals a day, fresh, authentic, and the most delicious meals I have had in the several months I have been traveling. She (Isabela) made sopa (soup), pollo (chicken), carne de res (beef), AND made vegetarian food for those requesting specialty diets. I cannot express enough the gratitude for Isabela and Amilillo (dad).

Then there was Luna (Maria Jesus Luna), and absolute amazing woman. She goes by "Luna" because during her University studies in Medicine there were many "Maria's", so her professors called her "Luna" and it has been her name for a long time. Luna is absolutely incredible. She is a very beautiful human with a heart as big as the universe. She is a neighbor of Rafael's and absolutely loves and supports the volunteers. She works very hard everyday in the town and ALWAYS found time to come across town to Rafael's to visit with the volunteers. Luna would walk to the market with us and interpret for those who had limited Spanish (me) and arranged a special 'Temazcal' (Sweat Lodge) where we met the local Shaman (local meaning more than 60 kilometers away). The 'temazcal' was hosted at Dayan's (the name for medicine woman in Latin America) who, with her husband, built a compressed earth block house FULLY SUSTAINABLE. This is MUST SEE experience. Luna didn't ask for anything in return, although we made sure she had money for her family and always included her in the meals - ALL of them. She was always so grateful. She is made of PURE LOVE and it is very evident.

The local inhabitants were always helpful and very patient with us (foreigners) and would engage in conversation. We were treated like royalty, something that is very rare these days, by Rafael's family and the local inhabitants. The authenticity and genuine perspective of this culture is a very refreshing and healing environment on many levels. Remember this is in a desert environment with cacti and desert dwellers such as rodents and snakes (although I never observed any).

If you are seeking a compassionate environment away from the city, LED's, thumping stereos and experience a chill work load (there is boat loads of work, so always something to do), I highly recommend this as an option.

Maria Luna has a personal web page -ask them for the link - to support her "Travel Guide" abilities. I strongly suggest reaching out to her if you are fortunate enough to be selected for this work away. As a previous Work Exchange host for 4+ years, this opportunity will be one to remember for a very long time. In the up coming weeks You can read more about our experience and view additional photographs -ask them for the link

(Excellent)

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