Learn about eco-farming and enjoy nature in Elduain, Basque Country, Spain

Detalles

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  Descripción

  ONGI ETORRI 🥕
  
  Hello and thank you for considering our farm for your Workaway adventure!
  
  We are a couple from Elduain, Basque Country, living in a restored stone and wood farmhouse that is over 500 years old (the oldest document dates from 1552) and was partially restored by us. We have two children, but the oldest has already moved out, and the youngest studies abroad and only comes home for holidays.
  
  Amaia (she) works in a hospital, and I (Eneko) work full-time on the farm after leaving my previous 8-to-5 stressful job. Now I try to fulfill one of my dreams, so I cultivate a vegetable garden, take care of several animals, and handle the rest of the farm work. I run a small-scale farming/gardening (sometimes Amaia helps me with those tasks). All in an ecological way, with the environment in mind, of course; that is, in an agroecological way (vs agroindustry).
  In this way, we try to be as self-sufficient as possible when it comes to food.
  
  We consider ourselves an open-minded family, but one that is rooted in our culture and tries to live a relatively simple and peaceful life.
  
  We have two dogs, hens, chickens (not year-round), three cows (most of the time they're in the meadows), and two cats.
  
  The farm is a 20-minute walk from Elduain, on a hillside with meadows and woods (in addition to the vegetable garden) with many options for hike or bike.
  
  Elduain is a small village in a countryside but well communicated by public transport with Tolosa, the main town in our area.
  
  We respect privacy and quiet moments, but we appreciate it when people talk, share stories, ask questions, and spend a little time with us, even if there are sometimes language barriers.
  We're not interested in people who come solely to travel cheaply, who work a little to pay for their stay and have (practically) no other interaction with us.

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  Tipos de ayuda y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  Ayuda en proyectos ecológicos

  Jardinería

  Construcción y bricolaje

  Ayuda en una granja

  Mantenimiento general
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  Intereses

  

  Política / justicia social

  

  Sostenibilidad

  

  Agricultura

  

  Jardinería

  

  Acampada

  

  Naturaleza

  

  Montaña

  

  Senderismo
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  Objetivos de sostenibilidad de las NU que intenta conseguir este anfitrión

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  ¿Que es esto?
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  Intercambio cultural y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  This is an agroecological professional project trying to restore environmentally friendly management of landscape (we are still in our way). The approach isn't to create a business in the strictest/actual sense, but rather to make it economically viable. So...
  
  ... if you come here, we'll have the option of an exchange of experiences in bio-agriculture if you have any, but if you don't, you'll learn about all the processes of gardening, from preparing the soil to grow vegetables to eating them in a meal.
  We sell some produce directly farmer-consumer (community group of people and at the traditional market in Tolosa), so, if you're interested, you will be able to see how we do it (clean, prepare and tie the bundles of the produce).
  
  And of course, we'll cover other agroecological topics, traditional and current soil uses, importance of chopping down for firewood, use of grazing, the relationship between agriculture and the environment, local characteristics of farming and so on.
  We can also exchange knowledge about biology, nature, and ecology, since I studied biology, specialised in ecology.
  
  I really enjoy talking about all these topics, but it's true that the interest has to be mutual; if I don't feel that way, I tend to be quite reserved.
  
  We also enjoy chatting after work, or before, or during or after meals,... we can talk as well about many other topics: life, politics, social issues, etc.
  
  You'll hear and even learn, why not, the oldest language currently spoken in Europe, Basque, which is our native and everyday language. In any case, we are able to speak fluent Spanish, and I also speak some English.
  We can also share our knowledge of Basque culture if you're interested, including traditional homemade food.
  
  And if you enjoy crocheting, you'll have something in common with Amaia; it's one of her passions.
  
  IMPORTANT:
  The following paragraph was added based on our experience:
  
  Remember you will be at someone's, so we expect people who say hello when they arrive, or goodbye when they leave, or tell others how their trip went wherever they've been, or ask questions/share stories; basically, what you'd consider..., considered/polite? It seems that many people forget it!
  For anything other than that, there are campsites, hostels, guesthouses, hotels...

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  Ayuda

  We would like to share our experience and knowledge with people willing to help with the daily tasks on an organic agroecological farm.
  We try to ensure that the help from volunteers is not directed towards tasks strictly related to the commercial aspect of the project.
  
  Depending on your arrival date, you will have the opportunity to help with tasks such as:
  .- weeding
  .- preparing the soil for sowing or planting
  .- harvesting vegetables
  .- maintaining the meadows
  .- cutting and storing firewood
  .- pruning trees
  .- feeding the animals
  .- occasional DIY projects.
  .- ...
  However, from March-April to November-December, most of the work is related to the garden.
  
  We usually ask for help for about 5 hours in the morning (8:00-13:00); afternoons and weekends are free. As we are on a farming, sometimes some tasks may be affected by the weather, so you might have to help after lunch or on the weekend instead of in the morning or during the week. In any case, it happens very few times and we would decide all together, taking into account everyone's plans and needs.
  
  IMPORTANT:
  Don't worry if you've never helped on a farm before; you'll be very welcome. However, this is not a hobby; it is an agroecological professional project trying to restore traditional management of landscape.
  
  So we do ask that you have a genuine interest in agriculture, a strong work ethic, a proactive attitude and to be sociable, as our experience has shown us that this leads to better communication/connection, a much more pleasant stay for everyone, and a greater exchange of knowledge.
  
  Finally, something we truly value in people is clear and honest communication since the first message.
  We respond to all messages and hope you will too, even if it's just to say, "No, thank you."

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  Idiomas hablados

  Español: Fluido
  Basque: Fluido
  Inglés: Intermedio

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  Alojamiento

  We offer food and accommodation.
  
  FOOD:
  Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  
  A significant portion of the food is grown or raised by us (vegetables, some fruit, eggs, and beef); the rest is mostly organic and/or local, although we're not entirely strict and we do have our little indulgences 🤭. In any case, the food is fresh and cooked at home, traditionally many times.
  We use to cook for everybody and eat meals all together, including the volunteers.
  
  ACCOMMODATION:
  We have a room for volunteers with two single beds and a desk; the bathroom is shared with the family. Living room and kitchen are considered common areas, as well.
  
  Depending on the circumstances, solo travellers may sometimes have to share the room with another Workawayer; it can be mixed, female/male (please let us know in your message if you have any issues).
  
  MINIMUM STAY: 2 weeks.

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  Algo más...

  HOW TO REACH:
  It's pretty easy to reach here by public transport.
  First, you can reach the Basque Country by train, bus, or plane from Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Paris, etc.
  Then there are bus or train services to reach Tolosa, the main city in our area. And finally, there is a bus line Tolosa-Elduain. The bus stop in Elduain is a 20-minute walk from the house.
  However, it would be best if you told us which part of the Basque Country you'll be arriving at, and we'll give you directions on how to get to Tolosa, and then to Elduain.
  
  MANY PLANS FOR YOUR TIME OFF:
  One of the things our volunteers often tell us is that they sleep and rest very well. Perhaps it's because we're in a peaceful location, therefore, lying on the grass, sunbathing, or taking a walk near home is a good option for your free time.
  
  As we said, Elduain is located in a countryside, but, we're not isolated from civilisation by any means.
  So you can visit Tolosa (15 min. by bus), where you will find all kinds of services, a market every Saturdays, shops, restaurants and many socio-cultural activities throughout the year.
  
  The Atlantic coast is just 1-1.5 hours from house by your legs + public transport (35-40 min. by car), so you can sunbathe in the beach, swim in the sea, surf,... or just visit Donostia (San Sebastian), a beautiful touristic city.
  
  It is possible to come to our place in your own car or small van, which will allow you to take numerous excursions outside the main areas and bus lines; there are many beautiful villages, places, hikes, routes...
  
  You can also enjoy biking (road or mountain), hiking, and more.

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  Un poco más de información

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    Acceso a Internet

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    Acceso a Internet limitado

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    Tenemos animales

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    Somos fumadores

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    Puede alojar familias

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  Puede acoger a nómadas digitales

  We can accommodate digital nomads since we have a good wifi connection (almost always), but we don't like people who spend their whole day attached to their mobile phones or other devices, especially when they are with people and at meals. We're not phones junkie.

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  Espacio para aparcar autocaravanas

  There is space for small vans.

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  ¿Cuántos voluntarios puedes hospedar?

  Dos

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  Mis animales / mascotas

  Hens & chickens

  Livestock

  Kiliku

  Txuriko

  Lorratz

  Argi

Seguridad Web

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