POLITE REQUEST: I receive tonnes of generic messages without being addressed by name and it's no fun writing rejection letters. If you have none of the skills needed here, or don't take the time to respond PERSONALLY to my profile, please don't waste my typing fingers or yours.
Conversely, if you've got experience in:
*️️ Farming (you thrive cutting acres of grass/digging out brambles/playing with chainsaws)
*️️ Carpentry/Building/expert DIY (you've already built/restored some impressive stuff)
You'll be VERY welcome here! Drop me a line and tell me more about you.
*** SUMMARY TO SAVE US ALL TIME ***
~ I ask only for LONGER-TERM helpers (3+ weeks) who can settle in, call this place 'home', and make a real contribution.
~ I have a chronic health condition, with limited energy (which I share between you, work and general life nonsense).
I can't be your full-time cook/chauffeur/cleaner, or show you what to do all the time.
Experience, true self-sufficiency and a really good work ethic is a MUST.
(ie happy to do 5 hours of labour, clean tools, help prep dinner, and snuggle down for a fun, chilled evening at home).
~ I GIVE AS GOOD AS I GET.
If you are super-helpful, respectful, easy company, you'll have supportive family, prosecco and a home in Italy for life.
(If you clock watch, treat my place like a hotel, take a day to pull out a few weeds, trample mud through the house, leave dirty mugs on tables and skid marks in the loo and think you've been amazing, you wont get the above.)
~ Much of my diet contains local free-range eggs and cheese, so unfortunately it isn't suitable for vegans or restrictive eaters (veggies, pescatarians and celiacs are welcome).
~ I smoke.
~ Musicians get bonus points.
~ And finally, much as I adore dogs, unfortunately my cats don't.
If you're still here, yay! Please keep reading... According to my wonderful workaway family, it's worth it :-)
***
Ciao Workawayers!
I am Juliet (49, Iranian/English, copywriter/editor) - a friendly and caring host of over 150 workawayers so far.
I live in a comfortable, crumbly old villa in Lunigiana, together with 2-and-a-half rescue cats (the half is Jeff, and Jeff only cares if you have food). The view is breath-taking and ever-changing... rather like my homegrown wine :-) 16 years ago, myself and my now-ex restored everything with our blood, sweat and blisters. Now I'm managing the magical dustpit alone and looking for experienced and kind helping hands.
Specific project details in the Help section below.
My health condition means I'm in constant pain. I work like a demon when able, am fully independent with a passion for life and a deep care for others, but physically wobbly/get tired.
So, experience, proper self-sufficiency and a really good work ethic is a MUST.
As is being communicative, caring and - above all - wanting to work with someone who has both disabilities and dreams.
Are you that rare gem who truly understands the exchange premise of workaway?
Basically, can you leave my place (and me!) better than when you arrived?
In turn, I'll give you everything I can, including gratitude, friendship, encouragement, tools, hugs, ice cream, comfy beds, cats, glowing references, entertainment (mainly bad jokes) and the satisfaction of knowing you've been a huge help and made a lasting difference.
Please think CAREFULLY before you apply.
To sum up/save disappointment, THOSE WELCOME HERE ARE:
- Mature (attitude more important than age)
- Truly hard working (my returners have spent their days digging out brambles or doing cement/stonework and still insist on making dinner for everyone with a smile on their face)
- Energetic/fit/strong
- Honest (I'd rather be impressed by those who underestimate their skills than disappointed in those who inflate them)
- Brilliant at self-managing and self-motivating... Equally brilliant at asking questions/checking in if not sure.
- Naturally helpful, even after hours - washing up, unloading the dishwasher, helping to unpack shopping, recycling etc, spotting wherever and whenever there's a need. It's your home too.
- Considerate and respectful (cleaning tools, putting things back where they belong, cleaning the kitchen, shower and toilet after use)
- Dependable and reliable, including staying for the time agreed
- Adaptable and easy-going
- Very positive, with a 'can-do' and 'no problem' mentality
- Possessing of great communication skills
- Able to follow instructions correctly (or ask if not sure)
- Have the ethics/skills/attention to detail/care to do each job really well (For the duration, it is your home, so I hope you want to put love and pride into it.)
- The conscientiousness to finish whatever is started
- The elbow grease/energy to finish it in good time
- A sense of humour :o)
I know it's a long list, but the right folk will be nodding enthusiastically now.
I LOVE hosting the right folk - with 150+ workawayers so far, many of whom have returned several times/become part of my family (have a peek at my feedback).
I also love music (playing/listening/singing), quizzes, games, good food and great conversation, as well as quiet times - reading, flopping in the sunshine/by the fire and having a lie-in/watching films in my PJs at the weekends.
So if a mix of hard work, play and peace in the golden light of Lunigiana appeals to you, please drop me a line and tell me which of the below projects you want to dive into!
