HOW I SPENT 25 EUROS IN A WEEK IN FRANCE
--> Workaway
An amazing local life changing experience.
Go to workaway.info
Find what suits you best and subscribe. I have found my host nearby Bordeaux, France.
The town was called Bellefond, I have volunteered in a guesthouse and have met the most inspiring people in my life.
If life feels stuck at some point, you lost faith in humanity or you just wanted a change, just go. I haven’t imagined that I would meet people who can offer so much for strangers.
My host and the other 2 work-awayers became family in less than 3 days, I did it actually for almost two weeks only, if you have the chance to do it for more it is great if not, 2 weeks are also amazing.
Hosts offer you food and accommodation (not all of them, but accommodation is for sure).
The area was a bit isolated, however, that was for my benefit, it is in nature, clean air and fresh mornings.
The host took us to several places with her car, to friends’ houses, to birthday parties and I, actually, for the first time got to know the real traditions and lifestyle of the French people.
All that was free of charge, the money I spent were only because I insisted to pay the lunch one day and for some needs which I had to buy for myself.
I can’t believe I can see what I was offered in this experience if I go for just a 3-day trip.
THINGS I LEARNT
THE APERITIF, ISN’T IT AN AMAZING CONCEPT?
The French showed me how much having a champagne or a small drink before food with little bites make a difference in your dinner or lunch atmosphere, they chat, laugh and catch up, then go for dinner which also has an interesting concept of: Food Never Stops Coming.
STRANGERS CAN TREAT YOU BETTER THAN FRIENDS
I celebrated my birthday there, we had dinner, they actually got me a gift and I was even happier than having a wild party in the middle of the city. They were so excited to meet me and celebrate my birthday, you know your friends would do it every year with you but those people were heart filling.
I GOT TO KNOW NEW KIND OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
You see, I cooked with the ingredients I had, I found new kinds of vegetables and spices, but actually managed to cook with them and serve some dinners, I was so happy to be in charge for cooking, I love it, hope they also liked my food
A PERSON CAN ACTUALLY BUILD A GUEST HOUSE, ONE ROOM AT A TIME
My host has inspired me in so many ways, she proved that a woman or one person can do it all with the help of certain people like the workawayers. She has designed her guest house and actually made it fantastic; she started one room at a time and now has 3 studios (Gites) to rent and finishing the fourth, with a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
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EXPERIENCES DON’T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE
I spent a few money, met interesting people, had a new fresh start after going back from the experience, and actually writing about it now. Not the money which made me do that but the fact that I tried to gain an experience and exchange services with people around the globe.
If you want to know more about Workaway check their blog