Ayla

Italy
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
Yes - that's usually my answer when offered an experience. Although a careful planner, I am impulsive and spontaneous by nature, always up for anything, adventurous or not :)
I am an artist, fitness/yoga enthusiast and sea lover - take me anywhere there is the sea and I am sold. After having gone through the academic side of the art world, I realised it wasn't made for me. Life is art and I am here to live it in my own way, capturing it and creating as I go. I am physically active and find it quite difficult to stay still; but, in moments of peace, you'll find me reading a book in a corner somewhere.

During the course of my life I hope to make some change, particularly in the fields of sustainability, self - sufficiency and animal rescue, hopefully learning new things along the way. I am here to learn, wherever this experience takes me I will always be open to learning something new, hopefully meeting people and having some fun as I do ;)
As of right now, I aim to travel around South America, improving my Spanish as I go, giving back to causes I believe in and spending as much time in nature as possible.
My two homes are Sardinia (Italy) and London (UK) . I was raised in both of these places, going backwards and forwards between the two, which has shaped me into the person I am today.
Interests
Pets
Languages
Drawing & painting
Water sports
Farming
Architecture
Sustainability
Self development
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Van life
Vegetarian or vegan
Sailing / Boating
Nature
Outdoor activities
Photography
Cooking & food
Music
Hiking
Fitness
Culture
DIY & crafts
Charity work
Carpentry
Camping
Books
Beach
Art & design
Animals
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Eco Projects
Gardening
General Maintenance
Some knowledge of:
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Life at a Farmstay
Able to teach about:
Art Projects
Languages
Teaching
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
More details about your skills
I'm a TEFL 5 qualified English teacher and an unqualified but capable yoga instructor :P.
I am a long term vegan and am more than happy to share my knowledge and experience in healthier, more holistic nutrition/cooking, as well as anything fitness related.
I've worked in hospitality for 3 years, everything from chef-barista-bartender-waitress, both in England and Italy.
I was an artistic gymnastics coach for 4 years and practised myself for 9.
I took an Art Foundation Diploma at arts university, where I studied and practised using a range of mediums; from clay and wood (made my own table and stools) to metal and glass, to photography and painting with natural materials/ in the sea. I enjoy physical/handy work :)
Age
20
What else ...
I love a good game of cards, especially those involving quite a few people.
I would love to improve my guitar playing and surfing skills.
I love music, festivals, art and being introduced to new artists/songs
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  vegan!

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14 Dec 2024

Left by host (Join us at a Dog rescue ...) for Workawayer ()

Ayla was a great volunteer, who worked hard during her time with us. She was reliable and confident with the dogs and did everything that was expected of her. We wouldn’t hesitate to have her back at any time. Many thanks

(Excellent )

25 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us at a Dog rescue ...)

This was my first workaway experience, I was there for 2 weeks and it certainly left me changed; I couldn't have been more grateful. As someone who has had dogs all her life, this experience was extremely overwhelming for the first few days - the noise, the shared spaces.
The work itself isn't so hard and evenly split between the volunteers, the… read more more of us there are the faster it all gets done and the more dogs you can walk! We had to pick the poo from the 3 sections of kennels and hose them clean before taking the dogs for walks. You can either take more dogs on shorter walks or less dogs on longer walks in the beautiful mountains above Almunecar. The views, walks and sunsets were stunning, made all the better by the dog you are walking with! Having to choose which dogs to take and hearing them all screaming, begging to be taken is the most heart breaking part of the work and definitely made me more determined to give them all as much love and attention as I could.
The volunteers do an amazing job, especially Lukas & Daria and Oli & Laia, who were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable in all things dog and life :) The project is definitely much richer and well-managed thanks to them and their kindness. I miss you all.
The 30 euros a week is very generous, and not something you will see a lot of hosts doing. I was able to go to the shops at different times during my stay, if someone was going into or out of town we were able to catch a ride with them.
When I arrived the wifi wasn't working, which was necessary for my online work, and the volunteers all did their utmost to help, sharing their data and even rooms so that I had space to work. It was sorted after a week, which was frustrating but thanks to everyone's kindness, did not impede on my work.
When I first arrived, there were 5 of us sharing a large common room to sleep in, but by the time I left it was 9. Yes there is only one shower and two bathrooms, and the kitchen is small, but if everyone does their part to keep it tidy it is manageable, however difficult. You will never be lonely, as the dogs make themselves heard at all hours (sleep is often interrupted, which is to be expected at a dog shelter. I strongly recommend ear plugs;)), and all the spaces are shared.
The time between working hours is somewhat brief, but enough to go to Almunecar (10 minute walk and then 10ish minute taxi, which ranges from 10 to 15 euros, volunteers often shared rides when I was there). It's a beautiful, typical Spanish town with a great sea and many interesting streets. Alternatively long walks in the mountains are incredible, better if shared with a dog! Definitely make the most of this somewhat isolated place and explore it as much as you can. That being said, this is not the place to go if you just want a holiday. You need a lot of determination and grit to be here, it's not for the faint-hearted, but being able to make a difference to these dogs' quality of life makes it all worth it.
I will never forget this impactful experience, the sense of community that we created, all the beautiful, kind-hearted people, and the incredible dogs who I wish I could adopt. I sincerely hope I will be able to come back and strongly encourage you to help make a change to these dogs' lives - every person helps.

(Very good )