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

Infos

• 

  Description

  ONGI ETORRI 🥕
  
  Hello and thank you for considering our farm for your Workaway adventure!
  
  We are a family from Elduain, Basque Country, consisting of a couple and two children (they still live at home, but they already have their own rhythm), 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.
  
  Amaia works in a hospital, and I (Eneko) work full-time on the farm after leaving my previous 8-to-5 job. Here, I cultivate a vegetable garden, take care of several animals, and handle the rest of the farm work. Sometimes Amaia helps me with those tasks.
  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 walk or cycle.
  
  Elduain is a small village in a countryside but well communicated by public transport with Tolosa, the main town in our area.

• 

  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Entretien général
• 

  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Politique/justice sociale

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Ferme

  

  Jardinage

  

  Camping

  

  Nature

  

  Montagne

  

  Randonnée
• 

  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
• 

  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  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 in a 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, 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, during or after meals, so we can talk as well about many other topics: life, politics, social issues...
  
  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 all 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.

• 

  Aide

  We would like to share our experience and knowledge with people willing to help with the daily tasks on an organic farm. This help won't be related with any business-related tasks on the farm or with the products sold.
  
  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.
  
  Don't worry if you've never helped on a farm before; you'll be very welcome. However, we do ask that you have a genuine interest in agriculture, a strong work ethic, and a proactive attitude, as our experience has shown us that this leads to better communication, 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, I'm not interested."

• 

  Langues parlées

  Espagnol: Courant
  Basque: Courant
  Anglais: Intermédiaire

• 

  Hébergement

  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.
  It's not easy to coordinate everyone's schedules, but we try to make mealtimes family-friendly, including the volunteers.
  
  ACCOMMODATION:
  We have a room for volunteers with two single beds and a desk; the bathroom is shared with the family. Access to the living room and kitchen (our most frequently used common area) is free.
  
  Depending on the circumstances, solo travellers may sometimes have to share a room with another Workawayer; it can be mixed, female/male (please let us know in your message if you have any issues).

• 

  Autres infos...

  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 socio-cultural activity 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, and routes.
  
  You can also enjoy biking (road or mountain), hiking, and more.

• 

  Informations complémentaires

  • 

    Accès Internet

  • 

    Accès Internet limité

  • 

    Nous avons des animaux

  • 

    Nous sommes fumeurs

  • 

    Familles bienvenues

• 

  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il aimait accueillir les digital nomads.

• 

  Espace pour garer des vans

  There is space for small vans.

• 

  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

• 

  Mes animaux

  Hens & chickens

  Livestock

  Kiliku

  Txuriko

  Lorratz

  Argi

Sécurité du site

Discutez avec des workawayers qui ont séjourné chez cet hôte

+38

Feedback (44)