The Inside Scoop

So here we are now. This is the inside scoop. The freshest of the fresh news from my trip. Anyhow so here we go....

So my original plan as some of you may already know, was to stay here in Holland until the 30th of April. For two reasons really. One, Queens Day is on the 30th of April and Queens Day for those of you unfamiliar with it, is a citywide celebration of the Queen. The entire country gets decked out in their finest orange and parties in the streets and canals in boats and with lots of alcohol. Sounds pretty schweet to me. And the second reason: so I could photograph the tulips. Now that's two good reasons to stay put. But on the other hand, I recently gained full access (via purchase of a premier account) to Helpx.net. And with that access as well as a little help from Carolyn (photos and stories) I am now certain I will not remain here in Holland until the 30th. But what is Helpx.net? The answer, and as quoted directly from the site:

"HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation."

So there you have it. You pay $29 USD and you have 2 full years of access to the site. And what's more is that there are literally people all over the world. All over europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa. Take your pick. Create a profile. Contact some hosts. And get your ass to wherever you want to go. It really is that simple. Once there it is not just a kick back relax kind of holiday. You will be expected to work (similar hours in some cases to a full-time job). 5 or 6 days a week 4 to 6 hours a day. In exchange for your hard work you will be rewarded with lodging and food. Sounds pretty nifty. If you aren't paying for food or lodging think of the money you can save. In some cases the arrangements are quite temporary usually around 2 weeks is the minimum and I've seen up to a month or sometimes longer depending on the circumstances. It not only provides you with a truly unique experience and perspective on life in the particular region but it also provides you with a nice little work holiday. Work hard, sweat, get a little dirty, then kick back relax, have some good food and enjoy the serenity around you while learning about the culture from your hosts. Nothing better in my opinion. So the obvious next question is, where have I been looking? The answer: Italy.

Two major reasons for me looking into Italy. One: I know a bit of the language already. And two: I've always dreamed of travel to Italy (especially Tuscany). And so I am going to make it happen. I am going to Italy. Can I say it one more time? Do you mind? I'm going to Italy. Ok thanks. Moving along. I have been in contact with several hosts. Two of the most promising are based in Umbria (the region about an hour or so north by train from la Citta Eterna, Roma). Holy hell how amazing is that? One host family I've been talking to owns animals; cows, goats, chickens, ducks etc etc. They make preserves, cheese and own an olive orchard as well. The other host is an Englishman. He owns a home in Umbria and has been fixing it up over the past 15 years or so. He frequently travels between London and Umbria for business (he designs furniture) and is looking for someone to maintain the area (weeding, gardening, painting, etc etc). So bloody hell, which do I choose? That's the question. I've got an idea of which one I think. Both will most likely be longer term rather than shorter term and that's exactly what I am looking for. Longer term work. And I've even been guaranteed the possibility of a longer term arrangement should things work out well. So look at that. How incredibly amazing do either of those things sound? Yeah freaking awesome.

So when will I make my arrival to the lovely country of Italia? Well today is the 15th of April. I may be sitting in Umbria, drinking wine, walking down cobbled medieval streets beneath terracotta roofs and hills packed with tiny Italian cottages as early as Sunday the 24th of April. Quite soon. Means I'll fly out from Holland on the 23rd of April. So we'll see. I'm waiting for a phone call from Richard (the Englishman) in about 10 mins here and we'll have a chat and discuss things further. So here we go. Here is the next chapter. The Italian chapter. And who knows where I'll end up. More later. Hope you're all well. Talk soon.

Zach