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Italy

5

My second experience in the eco village was AWESOME and full of challenges, we built a bench using recycled materials and faced the strong winter winds, we talked about various topics and visited very beautiful rural and wild areas, an experience that I would definitely do it again and Erik is a person who is always open to dialogue and available. I suggest you prepare as best you can, taking into account that it is a place surrounded by nature and contacts with people are rarer but also much more significant. CIAO AMICOOO!

28 days ago

Russia

5

That was my first Worldpackers experience and definitely an unconventional one. The desert is so beautiful and the living conditions are so much better than described in the survivor's guide. There is a certain degree of freedom in terms of choosing a project you want to work on, but once a project is chosen, the commitment is expected. Erik is a great host, kind and generous, and a very interesting person to have conversations with as well. I was the only worldpacker on the property for about 2 weeks, but never felt unsafe. Overall, it was a memorable experience, and I'm very grateful for it

3 months ago

Italy

5

This was my first worldpackers experience and it was amazing! Erik is one of the best person I've met in my life, and we get well in any aspect of my living in the eco village. This is not a place for anyone, but I think anyone that is involved in community living and sustainability can learn a lot from this place. Living following the daylight really changed my life, and in the eco village I learned to be conscious about every aspect of living: working, eating, managing resources, managing waste and be part of a community. I hope more people go to the eco village to help him improving the place :)

4 months ago

Latvia

5

Desert is not for everybody, however, Eric is very good with ensuring you're fully aware of what you're signing up for. I loved my stay here, and I feel empowered by this experience in my abilities. I learned how to use power tools, build dome buildings, mud walls, etc. On the weekends, we always went for adventures in nature -hot springs, slot canyons, mountains, sand dunes. It was truly amazing! I miss this place already:)

5 months ago

Colombia

5

An unforgettable life experience, every day was a different adventure, the desert isn't a place for everyone and that's why the moments you live there are unique. Erik is a wonderful host, dedicated and committed to building a sustainable life and community in every way. In 2 months I was able to design and build in earth, plastic, wood and glass, learn about solar water and electricity systems, natural and passive methods of heating and cooling, composting and gardening, plus I went to an oasis, hot springs, rock climbing, hiking and more. the eco village become my home and I'll surely come back

almost 2 years ago

United States

5

Erik is an insanely generous, and friendly host. The first week of my trip was just Erik and I. I never once felt unsafe by myself and Erik immediately felt like a long time friend. He went out of his way to take me to town with him and do some fun activities. I appreciated that all food was provided and that Erik would pick stuff up from the store I wanted, but please don't come here to take advantage of that and expect caviar and lobster. Despite the listed positions you will help with all aspects of life on the eco village which I really liked. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any Q's

almost 2 years ago

United States

5

First is, I would like to mention that I only spent about a week or less there. This place is one of a kind. Sleeping in a tent in the desert is unique. There was a pretty small group of around 5 people excluding the host. Everyone was very nice to me. The dinners are nice because everyone sits together and talks about their life and what they are feeling about current events and past events. There were a lot of dogs there and it was fun to play with them. sometimes it felt a bit primal because of how close to nature you are. This is a niche experience for specific people.

about 2 years ago

United States

3

This experience was definitely something I will never forget. I met so many amazing people and got to experience so many amazing things but there was a downside in the experience involving the host. The host had good intentions but had instances where he made me and my friend feel uncomfortable. He ended up setting unrealistic expectations on us which resulted in us switching to an exchange program nearby that was a much better environment and learning experience. Overall I think the desert is a beautiful place full of magic and self discovery and should not be taken for granted.

almost 2 years ago

Erik replied

Darcy's review is a perfect reminder for everyone: if you do not 100% agree with the "Survivor's Guide" that will be provided to everyone prior to their commitments, If you are not 100% certain that you can honor your commitment, work with enthusiasm and identify with Tranqvillium's values and goals, please do not come here. This place is for people who are radically committed to giving their best in order to create a sample environment of sustainable living. We are operating on a ridiculously small budget, that would not even suffice for a small family in the mainstream society, and anybody less than immensely committed to make things better would be a drain on our very limited resources and result in a less than happy experience for both sides. Thank you for being considerate of this.

United States

2

This was my first worldpackers experience and it was definitely a very mixed one. The people I met were amazing and the desert was such a magical place to be. However, there were many conflicts with the host that ended up resulting in him asking us 4 volunteers there at the time to leave and find other arrangements. The way the experience is presented is very different than the actual one, and was unfortunately not the right fit. Overall, it was a great learning experience in ways I didn't expect and for that, I do not regret volunteering here. I wish the host all the best in the future.

about 2 years ago

Erik replied

“Conflict” = Check-in meetings at the end of the first week, where both parties constructively discuss necessary adjustments and/or changes, and at the end of the second week, where the implementation of those are reviewed by both sides and a decision whether we can continue can be made by either parties. Everybody during the Zoom interview is informed of this process.

“him asking us … to leave and find other arrangements.” = After the second week check-in during which the current two work-exchangers have decided that the standards, and operating rules of the community were not ones that they were willing to commit to, we have arranged for them to transition to a nearby project, (less than a mile away) the format and principles of which were in much better alignment with what the two work exchangers were looking for. As per the feedback of the leader of that project, it was indeed a better match for both of them.
“The way the experience is presented is very different than the actual one”- We provide a eight page “Survivor’s Guide to Tranqvillium” document (created by a former work exchanger) describing our community in much detail to all applicants. If that is acceptable for them, we conduct a roughly 40 min to 1 hr video interview where we talk through every aspect of living here and provide unlimited time to ask questions. We constantly changing the form and content of our application process to make sure that the experience is as clearly communicated and understood as possible. We are making the changes and updates based on the feedback the work exchangers are providing. When we get specific criticism, or suggestions for changes, if it is in alignment with our principles, we immediately integrate the change in our processes. This experience will not be any different in that sense.

It is not possible to fully avoid mismatches, but we do our best to minimize them. In the unfortunate event when it happens, we provide a dignified and convenient exit for both the person who is not happy with our way of life and for Tranqvillium equally, regardless of whose choice the discontinuation was.

About 90% of what Tranqvillium is, has been built by enthusiastic work exchange visitors. We rely greatly on the fresh energy, insights and determination that people from the outside can bring into this social experiment which is radically different from what most people have experienced before. Nevertheless, Tranqvillium is an intentional community that is organized around the 8 basic principles that are outlined in the “Survivor’s Guide” and are non-negotiable. It is extremely important to understand those and decide whether those are acceptable for anyone who wants to be a part of this family.

Estonia

5

It's a very nice place to go. You can learn new things and get out of your comfort zone. On weekends we always went to new places and had fun activities. Also got to meet some awesome people and made new friends :)

over 2 years ago

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