Commentaires, feedbacks et évaluations Workaway - page 14

Roger and Brenda are so kind and generous people! We had a really special experience at their little hideaway in Manakau, where we fought against the creepers in the garden (and hopefully won!) We got to meet other workawayers and made new friends:). They’re very social people and we have enjoyed being taken along on trips to Wellington, geocaching, small walks and Rivendell🙌. We’re gonna miss the daily coffees at the cafe, quiz night and cheering on the Hurricanes:)

Birdy and Guido were super friendly hosts. I am grateful to them for everything during the three weeks I spent with them. The work was more than fair, impossible to complain even if I tried hard. And it was also very easy to coordinate our schedules each day according to their needs and mine. Very easy. I had a lot of time for myself, to work on my own project. And the silence necessary to do it. Being able to have breakfast with views of the mountain and the river, and lunch, and dinner... has been a gift. Going outside and listening to the wind, just that, has given me a lot of peace. Zero cars. Zero motorcycles. Zero doorbells. Just the wind. They have several beautiful stone houses, 5 minutes walking distance from each other. This has allowed all of us workawayers to have our own space and be able to meet for lunch or dinner together when we wanted. I had good times with Helen, Lulu, Ash, Emily. I send you all greetings from here. And Birdy and Guido, again, thank you for making everything so, so easy.

My time was much more than a volunteering placement — it was a personal journey of growth and connection. From the beginning, Michelle’s warm and caring support made a big difference. She and the whole team were approachable, positive, and uncomplicated, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all volunteers. I took part in archery, gardening, and painting, and gradually found confidence even with the language challenges. Leading an archery group was a real highlight, as was contributing to creative tasks like painting an escape room. The peaceful surroundings — like Corradillar Quay at sunset — offered space to breathe and reflect. A special memory was my visit to Krishna Island, where I met a kind resident, shared a thoughtful conversation, and even saw peacocks and tame deer. It wasn’t always easy, but I felt supported throughout. I left with new skills, lasting memories, and a quiet sense of belonging.

Martin and Rohana have a very special garden and it was a real pleasure to help them tend to it. My jobs included weeding the vegetable areas, watering the raised beds in the polytunnel, mowing the lawns, feeding the cats and looking after the chickens. Martin and Rohana are extremely friendly and very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. We had some marvellous conversations around the dinner table. And, to give me a feel for the area, they took me to Wexford, Waterford and New Ross which I really appreciated. I strongly recommend this workaway opportunity.

Thank you very very much to Alexandra and all those who are living in the house!☺️ I had an absolutely wonderful time here! This was my first workaway, and I am very thankful to have had such a positive experience as my first! The tasks that I was given were mainly raspberrries and cherries picking (the amount of delicious fruits that can be picked each day reminded me of the abundance of God's provision and how His blessings are new every morning!✝️😊), removing the pits from the cherries and drying them, occasional some other jobs like cleaning outdoor furniture, ironing, and walking the very intelligent border collie Inti in the beautiful fields of Sévaz. I enjoyed doing them all, and the amount of work is very fair, around 5 hours per day and you could usually finish them by lunch and have your afternoon free.😄 Alexandra is a very fair host, there was a day that I did over 5 hours and she made sure that I had less work the next day. You also have 2 days off the week to do whatever you want (I highly recommend spending a day to explore the town of Estavayer-le-lac, it is such a beautiful medieval town!) And not having a car was not so much a problem for me, as Alexandra kindly offered to pick me up from the Estavayer-le-lac train station (and dropped me off there on my last day), and she would offer to take me along if she was driving to the lake or to the forest in the afternoon.😊 I was also able to join Josefina, the other long term workawayer, on the grocery shopping trips to Payerne.😃 And Estavayer-le-lac is about half an hour walking distance from the house. Alexandra is kind, understanding, welcoming, patient and very generous as well. Three meals (and even snacks) are provided everyday (we all ate lunch and dinner together), and the food are mostly made with organic ingredients.😊 Josefina prepares all the meals and they were absolutely delicious! It was such a great joy to work together with Josefina as she is a very friendly, considerate, thoughtful, warm and caring person. Natalina, who lives in the house also, is a gentle, lovely and helpful person, and Josefina's fiancé Ernesto is also very warm and kind and we had many great chats as well. I had such an amazing 12 days here (time flew by!) with these awesome people, and they even made me a special dinner and dessert for my last night! I am very touched by their kindness, and I would highly recommend this workaway to anyone who is reading this feedback.😊 Here you get to do lovely tasks, in a lovely place, with lovely people.😁

Eduard nos sorprendio!! Con su tranquilidad y eficiencia.su buena dispocicion para adaptarse al ritmo de la casa y su capacidad para resolver trabakos de mantenimiento como albañileria y jardinetia reparos ...todo con amabilidad y muy buema comunicacion...sus desayunos con pan amazado a mano y uogut casero nos deleitaron las mañanas para comenzar bien el dia. Gracias por tu presencia y gran ayuda. Esperamos recibirte nuebamente

Farah es un ser lindo, curioso y bastante activa, nos lleno de atenciones y desarrolo las actividades satisfactoriamente, ademas tuvo tiempo de redactar un pequeno proyecto sobre limpieza de la ciudad, lo cual la identifica, ella esta bastante conectada con lo social y fue interesante cuestionarse al respecto juntos. Gracias por el tiempo dedicado, eres genial, que el viaje continue bello!

Jennie es un ser maravilloso, curioso, altruista, creativa... nos quedamos cortos si seguimos buscando calificativos, en lineas generales es una aliada en las actividades que le toco desarrollar, nos sentimos cuidados y queridos con la atencion que brindo en el lugar, ademas en esa ocasion ella llego acompanada de otro lindo ser que era chef, y nos cocino con tanto amor cada dia, fue una de las estadias mas prominentes que tuvimos, Gracias chicos por toda la buena vibe! :)

Aava, top of the top, es una chica muy sensible, amigable y con un sentido de justicia muy elevado, compartimos momentos de voluntariado muy satisfactorios, lo cual nos dio tiempo de conectar con intereses universales, la recomendamos altamente para los proyectos futuros, sabiendo que cuentan con una aliada firme y fuerte. Gracias Avva!

Fue una alegría para mí quedarme en la hermosa casa de Susana y conocer a sus adorables amigos peludos, ¡especialmente a Leo! Su es una anfitriona muy cálida y acogedora. Es una artista maravillosa, una mujer curiosa, siempre aprendiendo y abierta a nuevas experiencias en la vida. Conocerla fue una sincronía increíble. Fue a recibirme al aeropuerto y fue extremadamente amable y servicial en todo momento. La ayudé con sus proyectos más urgentes y tuvimos muchas conversaciones significativas y grandes risas. Gracias por todo tu cariño y apoyo, y por tu paciencia con mi español. Espero volver a encontrarte en un futuro cercano.

Megan es una fascinante persona, muy conectada con el lugar y bastante amigable, nos gusto su paso por nuestra comunidad, conecto muy rapido con el team y desarrollaba sus actividades detalladamente e inclusive muy proactiva, muy independiente y nos dejo muy satisfechos en ese ambito, ademas compartio con nosostros momentos humanos mas alla de las actividades del hospedaje. Muchas gracias!

Alex es un chico genial, muy amigable y trabajador, desarrollo todas sus actividades satisfactoriamente, esto hizo con que tengamos tiempo para compartir como amigos tambien, se conecto rapidamente al grupo de voluntarios que habia en el momento en la comunidad, quedamos altamente agradecidos con su visita. Gracias!

Asia und Jan waren leider nur eine Woche bei uns, das ist wirklich das einzig negative dass ich berichten kann. Die beiden waren eine sehr große Hilfe, sie arbeiten beide sehr gründlich und selbstständig, und strahlen dabei so eine Ruhe aus, dass es wirklich eine Wohltat war. Asia hat die Aussenküche und Waschräume geputzt, sie sahen danach aus wie neu! Auch unsere Hühner und Ziegen hat sie gewissenhaft versorgt. Jan hat unsere Aussenküche mit Regalen aufgewertet, die Tür vom Hühnerstall repariert und in der Werkstatt geholfen. Es hat auch viel Spaß gemacht sich abends gemeinsam zu unterhalten. Asia ist dabei deutsch zu lernen und ist sehr bemüht. Wir würden die beiden jederzeit wieder bei uns willkommen heißen!

My time on Rusinga island and at this school was my first workaway experience, and it did not disappoint. Not only is Rusinga island stunningly beautiful and peaceful but the people on it make it that much more a beautiful place to be. Mama Jane is such a wonderful soul, working hard to take care of the volunteers their like her own children and making delicious food for us to enjoy! Although not around all the time, Victor also works very hard behind the scenes and was very communicative with us about anything we needed/wanted to arrange for. The children at the school are joyous and always eager to learn - it's hard not to feel happy around them. My time there reminded me to slow down and enjoy the simple beauties of life. Bring an open heart, some games from your country to teach the kids, and a power bank (was very grateful to have one!) - the rest will fall into place. Thank you again, Jane and Victor for having me. I hope to be back at some point in the future!

I spent a week with Kristina and Álvaro's family and it was wonderful in so many ways! I felt welcomed into the family immediately. The meals were absolutely delicious and so healthy and I was generously included in family activities and outings. I enjoyed my spring cleaning work, hanging out with the kids and all the interesting chats. Thanks so much for having me 😊😊😊

I truly have no words for how impactful this experience was for me. I stayed for 3 weeks and then ended up returning after I had to cut my trek short, and the entirety of my time at the farm was beautiful. The whole family is hardworking, kind and doing their absolute best to make each day spent there a good one. We worked in the mornings and afternoons, but it was never too challenging, and we were always encouraged to take breaks as needed. While there, I met the most incredible people that truly felt like family. As a group, we spent our free time laughing, playing lots of cards, making momos and venturing into neighboring towns and cities to explore. There was something special in the air at this farm - something that can't be explained... you'd have to experience it to know it. I left part of my heart at that farm with Ricky, Rupa, Dhurba and Sarita and of course little Adrien and am already counting down the days to my next visit. Do yourself a favor and jump on this opportunity, and you might just find that it turns out to be one of the best experiences of your life. Much love!

tuvimos las 3 semanas más hermosas en este mágico lugar en el corazón del Valle del Elqui, asombrados por su fuerte energía. cada vez que mirábamos a nuestro alrededor, era difícil creer lo que veían nuestros ojos. hay algunas caminatas para hacer y muchos lugares para visitar alrededor, pero lo que más disfrutamos fue simplemente contemplar el increíble paisaje, mirar el cielo de noche y caminar libres por las montañas con el gracioso grupo de perritos y gatitos. Lilia y May nos acogieron desde el primer día con una gran sonrisa y mucho amor, fue un gran placer conocerlas. son almas hermosas con corazones generosos que traen una forma inspiradora de ver y vivir la vida. su positividad y buena onda son contagiosas, uno solo puede sentir felicidad y satisfacción a su alrededor. disfrutamos mucho del tiempo que pasamos juntos, de las ricas comidas y de nuestras divertidas conversaciones. fuímos para hacer un house-sitting y nuestra principal tarea fue cuidar de los animales. básicamente les dimos de comer, salimos a pasear, les dimos mucho cariño y mantuvimos la casa limpia y ordenada. pero, además de eso, trabajamos arreglando algunos techos, limpiando e instalando un tanque de agua, organizando materiales de reciclaje, cavando y construyendo un compost. fue una experiencia increíble que nunca olvidaremos. estamos tan agradecidos por haber conocido a Lilia y May y por vivir en este valle increíble, todo nos pareció un regalo! nos fuimos recargados con la mejor energía y con ganas de volver. muchas gracias, chicas, por todo! experiencias como esta y personas como vosotras dan sentido a nuestros viajes.

I stayed with Ghassab from about May 26th-June 14th 2025. It was my first time using Workaway, and it was a great experience. On a typical workday we would leave the house in little Petra heritage village at 7:30am, and drive a few minutes to Umm Sayhoun to have breakfast with the family at Noura's (Ghassab's mother's) house. Then we would drive a few minutes from there to the goat farm. There were a few morning chores at the farm including some watering and feeding, and saddling the donkey. Then, with either Noura or Ali (a very cool family friend and employee who helps with the goats and other things) I would go out into the mountains with the goats. We would walk around the mountains to let the goats graze all day. At lunchtime we consistently stopped wherever we were to build a fire, eat lunch, and make and drink tea. then we would herd the goats back to the farm. Noura would issue most of the commands to the goats while I managed the pack donkey, (he carries the food, tea and firewood) we also usually collected firewood over the course of the day by hitting dead stumps with rocks and then pulling the pieces out of the earth. Ali speaks English, and Noura does not. Just pay close attention to hand signals when working with Noura, and try to learn a few essential Arabic words from Ali to help understand her instructions. You will get the hang of it. Sometimes you may be called upon to do some actual herding, like getting ahead of the goats and turning them back from a valley or ridge where they aren't supposed to go. I had some trouble with the donkey early in my stay, which was partly my fault for not being a better listener. If he isn't doing what you tell him to do, stop and look around. He does this job every day, and he might see a safer path up or down the mountain that you missed. If you do have a disagreement with him and he gets aggressive, respond with firmness, NOT submissive behavior. By the end of my stay things improved considerably between me and the donkey. his name is Roc (I think) and the Arabic word for donkey is Himaar but always sounded like "Hamal" to me when people say it. I recommend asking Ali for a riding lesson and other pro tips. When we got back to the farm I put the donkey away and we would milk goats. Or rather, I would hold goats still while Noura and Ali milked them. Around dark we would drive back to Noura's house with the milk for dinner. Dinner would usually be with Ghassab's brother's and mother, and sometimes other guests. His wonderful sister Wahiba does most of the cooking and it was always delicious. Meals are taken on the floor in Bedouin fashion, surrounded by many cute cats who keep the house free of other animals. then we would drive back to the house in little Petra heritage village, usually arriving close to 9:30 at night. So be aware that on your workdays, your time commitment will be 7:30am to 9:00 or 9:30 at night. You are just living with them the way they live all day, and it's totally worth it. Ghassab is very generous with days off, so just communicate with him when you need that. He is also a tour operator, and he helped me explore Jordan much more effectively and affordably than if I hadn't had his advice. You will be living a short walk from Little Petra, a ten minute drive from Petra itself, a couple hours from Wadi Rum, and just 30 minutes from Montreal (shobak) one of the coolest crusader castles in the east. So ask questions when you don't know what to do, and Ghassab will help you make the most of your time here. I liked the whole family, and Ali, a lot. Noura's stamina is an inspiration, I don't know if I have ever met someone who is still so healthy and hardworking at her age (I think 88, although there are conflicting reports :)). Ali is full of interesting knowledge and very kind, and Ghassab is a great leader and generous host. I had a number of adventures and cultural experiences while staying with them, but you should go stay there and have your own instead of listening to me talk about mine. Thank you Ghassab, Noura, Ali, Wahiba, and everyone else for your hospitality and all the wonderful learning opportunities. I hope we can meet again someday in the future.

It was a real pleasure hosting Steffen, He is very kind, positive & a polite person who was very easy to get along with. He is thoughtful & hard working & keen to help, our time together flew by! His eagerness to want to help made sure we got lots done! No task was too great or small! I do hope he can return here soon, I would certainly recommend him to any other potential hosts!!! Brilliant guy ! I hope to see him again soon !

Claudia was a reliable and capable volunteer who learned quickly and took initiative. She kept the kitchen and common areas clean and well-organized, always with attention to detail. She picked things up fast, both in the galley and during daily life at the sailing school. While coordinating with other volunteers, she gave clear, confident directions. During our picnic at sea, she quickly got the hang of the sailing side of things and was a great help on board. Before leaving, she handed things over thoughtfully, making the transition easy for the next volunteer. A solid presence—she’s welcome back anytime! Warmly, Alice & Alessandro