Typically our “off season” runs from the end of the olive harvest in December through February. Other than guest movement around the change of the year, only occasionally has Casa Cares been open in those weeks. Although things get almost too quiet in the hills and the income stops, we know that we need this period to renew ourselves and the property.
Again the staff has responded well, taking some vacation time but also assuring that we and the villa are ready for the new season. At mid-February the Waldensian festivities (three new photos in the Photo Album) included a conference on Christian commitment to environmental care. In February Luca Rasoti also began a Sunday series of training in organic farming.
Although Easter is later than usual this year, March is full of activity with a Swiss confirmation group, one from the Rome Waldensian churches, a USA university seminar and another USA group, and an important meeting on the future of Casa Cares. For this last event we have invited various friends to come together for a workshop in which we think about what might be ahead of us, giving careful consideration to our strengths and challenges.
This is an unusually busy start for our season but it is in line with our calendar through October. We have the prospect of hosting many groups. On the other hand, certain periods such as August are very open and there is always space for individual guests and more small groups. In August we might renew our offer of a campo for persons trying to escape the heat and humidity of Florence. Here at 500 meters altitude we are always comfortable while those in the city suffer.
Our volunteer situation for the winter was excellent. Friederike (Germany), Zsòfis (Hungary), and Drew (USA) were great company and helped Beppe and Elisa with the many tasks of the winter months. We are, however, not yet set with volunteers for the summer and the autumn. Room, board and a little pocket money is what we can offer besides a unique experience and the satisfaction of helping Casa Cares. Ideally to facilitate the integration into the life here we ask for a minimum commitment of three months. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have him/her contact us.
Again the staff has responded well, taking some vacation time but also assuring that we and the villa are ready for the new season. At mid-February the Waldensian festivities (three new photos in the Photo Album) included a conference on Christian commitment to environmental care. In February Luca Rasoti also began a Sunday series of training in organic farming.
Although Easter is later than usual this year, March is full of activity with a Swiss confirmation group, one from the Rome Waldensian churches, a USA university seminar and another USA group, and an important meeting on the future of Casa Cares. For this last event we have invited various friends to come together for a workshop in which we think about what might be ahead of us, giving careful consideration to our strengths and challenges.
This is an unusually busy start for our season but it is in line with our calendar through October. We have the prospect of hosting many groups. On the other hand, certain periods such as August are very open and there is always space for individual guests and more small groups. In August we might renew our offer of a campo for persons trying to escape the heat and humidity of Florence. Here at 500 meters altitude we are always comfortable while those in the city suffer.
Our volunteer situation for the winter was excellent. Friederike (Germany), Zsòfis (Hungary), and Drew (USA) were great company and helped Beppe and Elisa with the many tasks of the winter months. We are, however, not yet set with volunteers for the summer and the autumn. Room, board and a little pocket money is what we can offer besides a unique experience and the satisfaction of helping Casa Cares. Ideally to facilitate the integration into the life here we ask for a minimum commitment of three months. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have him/her contact us.
Comments