Farming & Family Life in Slovakia

It had always been our intention on our trip to do some work/volunteering as we travelled. It’s not only a great way to save money and elongate the trip, but also a wonderful way to meet people and immerse ourselves in the culture.

Unfortunately, due to travelling in low season, the opportunities were far between. We had planned another week’s worth of English teaching in Poland due to start in April but before then we were crossing Slovakia from Hungary. We took this opportunity to try our luck on help exhange once more.

Although neither Mitch and I have done woofing or done much outdoorsy type work, we thought why not try. We messaged a couple who seemed very chilled out and had a small farm which they needed help on. Our schedules matched and we happily made our way to the small village of Vinodol for the week.

Jurko and Katka were wonderful hosts; we had great food, wine, and a cosy bed to sleep in. Our ‘work’ consisted off helping out on the farm, planting vegetables, cooking/washing up, helping walk the dogs and looking after their wonderful baby Branco.

Despite us travelling for three months, this was the week my body decided to get ill and I was bed bound for a while and unable to help out which I was so upset about. Jurko and Katka are so hard-working and were willing to share everything they had with us whilst I felt I couldn’t give as much back which was disappointing.

Luckily by the last day I was feeling better and before we headed off back to Bratislava to get our night bus to Warsaw, we got to explore the local area of Nitra. We got some absolutely stunning views over the countryside and had time to explore Nitra castle as well.

I’m so grateful for the week we spent there, the farm was so secluded and peaceful and a real taste of Slovakian countryside. I’m always astounded by peoples kindness to let strangers into their home and be so welcoming. Thank you Jurko & Katka for hosting us, it was wonderful.