Holistic health, Art, Meaningful Work Retreat In great location

Israel

5

Third time here and evermore in love with this place, Josh's beautiful vision and project in this unique little town. I recommend for travelers to immerse themselves in his vision and company, that makes this world packers experience very profound and fruitful. From learning while working on projects, while practicing mindfulness in different ways and while conversing and spending time with Josh and other beautiful locals. Such precious time in a precious environment... Thank you and till next time, all the best!

about 2 months ago

United States

5

My experience at the Center was great! The host, Josh is really nice. he made sure I had everything I needed when I got there. He's very understanding and wanted me to ask him any questions I had about the work. He's also really smart and we had a lot of interesting conversations together. It was so fun and we ate delicious and comforting meals all the time! The area of the Center is in the most perfect spot in T or C! It's about a 10 minute walk from all the art galleries, cafes, and my favorite, the springs!!! I'm sure I'll be going back again:)

2 months ago

United States

4

I learned a lot at my stay at the Center with Joshua! I adore the town - please take every opportunity you can to connect with locals! My room was basic but cozy and meals were provided as promised. I overall enjoyed the work and Joshua was good about teaching how to do different projects, but there were several days we worked more than the posted 4 hours/day which I only realized after the fact. Communication in general could have been stronger so please clearly voice your needs and boundaries. Overall, I had a lovely time in this magical desert town. Thanks Joshua!

3 months ago

Joshua replied

Thanks for your feedback Lindsay. I reread my listing and saw it did say "people choosing two days off can work like 4 hours per day". But it also said and still reads "the timing of shifts and activities relates to what projects we are co-creating & the skills of all involved." It had the word "like" and I see it is confusing. It read "people choosing 3 days off a work week can work longer days and for people choosing two days off can work like 4 hours per day", but I just deleted that sentence because It gets tricky when people especially in your situation when you ended up here shorter than one week due to the bus arriving the day after our initial plan. I always make the hours based on a per week basis. So learned that i should not make my listing state things that could create unclear expectations. Also we made a mistake, it was very a very short time between our initial contact and interview and your bus ticket purchase and when you changed your arrival day to a day shorter making your stay only 6 days long and we should have spent more time discussing the schedule at the start. I will reflect more on this and make it better for future world packers. I have done more longer stays where me and worldpackers get to know a work rhythm of a place. i think i might not accept as many shorter stays especially under 1 week long in the future because it makes scheduling harder. So I learned a lot. thank you.

United States

3

I was expecting the opportunity to develop more skills and be creative. I primarily cleaned and organized. I am helpful in this regard, so I see why my time was largely utilized this way.

3 months ago

Joshua replied

I have become aware of a dynamic of hosting people that I was not aware of before. In this instance the worldpacker and I were talking about longer stays / extending the stay from the start during even before the stay in the initial interviewing. I usually do not do this but I think I did this because the person really voiced they wanted to stay longer. Upon reflection I see this is unwise to even discuss because it puts pressure on the relationship. Therefore I am going to be more aware of this in the future, because I rather Worldpackers have a clear plan of travel and a clear idea of the duration of their time here and not have a lot riding on staying longer or me extending. Upon reflection I see when person is staying hoping to have their stay extended that they might not communicate any problems when they are arising because they want me to feel they are useful and beneficial so then I will be more likely to extend their stay. Then when the stay is not extended as in this case, they might leave neg reviews. However because I think it is always important in all situations to bring up issues when they are arising is better, so that they can be resolved in a healthy manner, I will avoid accepting worldpackers who are wanting me to promises or make extension plans. I rather there not be a sort of reward punishment or expectation of extension which affects the relationship dynamic. My profile and listing describes what I like to share and give, I do try to bring out the best in everyone and their creative capacities, however I do expect worldpackers to not be reliant on this stay as fulfilling all kinds of needs, the work projects we are doing is based on the work that needs to be done. I believe the relationships and work stays with worldpackers work best when the people are realistic and have intentions in line with the intensions and mission statements described in the worldpackers website.

United States

5

Josh was very welcoming and found projects that matched my skills and help me learn new things as well. He is a great cook and very willing to explain and teach how to cook excellent meals. He checked in regularly to make sure I had what I needed to complete projects. At times we worked together on projects and other times projects called for us to focus separately. It was a fun and fulfilling experience. The location is great with a lot of restaurants, hot-springs, parks , art galleries, museums and nature near by. A great town with very welcoming people.

5 months ago

United States

5

Second time staying with Josh, Good Food and again enjoyed the stay and meaningful work

7 months ago

Israel

5

I came back for a second experience at Josh's establishment in the most magical town. I was so happy to come back and already want to come again! Josh is such a kind and giving person with a great positive and productive attitude. Even though I came back a bit injured from previous experiences, Josh found projects for me that fit my ability this time and that were also much fun. He cooks amazing and teach a lot of new stuff all the time. Highly recommend him as a host and happy to call him my friend :)

12 months ago

United States

5

The host (Joshua) has created an incredibly welcoming environment; throughout our daily tasks and projects, he is eager to lead in a step-by-step process that's concise and thorough. He prepares meals everyday for both volunteers and even some of the locals that are absolutely amazing and is always willing to share. I strongly suggest to anyone seeking a good host and overall great volunteering experience to apply with Josh and the Center.

about 1 year ago

United States

4

Josh is a great host and he is full of amazing information that he will happily share with everyone working on his project. His goals for the place are great and once they are achieved, the center will be amazing for all types of visitors. I appreciate the fact that Josh was always willing to lend a hand, and his interest in sharing his knowledge and life, as related to natural and spiritual healing and practices was invaluable. There is a lot of work that needs to be done here and it is a great opportunity for any Worldpacker to get involved in a multitude of ways.

8 months ago

United States

5

Josh is a very gracious host and his project is in the heart of T or C. Accommodations were great (I had my own private room). All the little shops and galleries are within walking distance. Work days were fluid with having daily tasks and projects/ goals set up a head of time. There are a lot of big plans here - ranging from all sorts of skill sets (mechanical, handy-man, maintenance, beautification) and Josh was great at managing project goals with personal abilities. I had a great time! T or C is an eclectic little town with lots of character and definitely worth visiting!

over 1 year ago

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