APRIL HOST ORGANIZATION: CONTACTO HOTELERO
To be honest, it was a challenge to find a place to exchange work for accommodation in Buenos Aires.
Many organizations exist that offer volunteer opportunities, but I learned in my research that the majority of them require for hefty administrative fees. For instance, one organization that I considered, Voluntario Global, offers volunteer packages starting at $560/month. If I were on a one-month break from school or work, this might be a great option for me. But considering the length of this trip, and the wee-ness of my budget, this type of pre-packaged (read: increased cost) volunteer experience is simply not realistic.
I was prepared to spend the month “couchsurfing” through Buenos Aires, which could have provided a pretty stellar experience (and subsequently fun blog content), but I was also daunted by the thought of moving around every couple of days.
So I went to craigslist.org in a last ditch effort to see if someone out there could use an extra set of hands.
Shortly after I posted this advertisement, a woman named Carolina wrote me with a proposition. She had a blog called Contacto Hotelero, and wanted some extra help to create content, to do a bit of research and to help improve the aesthetics of her blog and other projects.
I visited Carolina at her home yesterday in the charming district of Almagro. She showed me my rustic, but livable, living quarters – a shack on the roof of her home – and we chatted about the blog. I have every reason to be optimistic.
Expectations for the month of April:
- To eat a lot of Argentinian grilled meat
- To watch some Tango, and maybe even try it myself (just for you Ken Monteith!)
- To sit in many cafes and drink many cups of coffee
- To experience a bit of the Buenos Aires nightlife
- To learn more about the hospitality industry in Buenos Aires
- To explore the neighborhood of Almagro
- To spend some time with my friend Chantal (visiting from April 10 – 22)
Travel (and life) is filled with many unexpected opportunities. And this month This month I’m looking forward to do what I do best… create fun and captivating content! I hope you’ll stay with me for the stories.
Contacto Hotelero can be found on Twitter and Facebook!
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See my other host organizations for January, February and March.
Yay! Daniel and Chantal tangoing in Buenos Aires! On film! Can’t wait!!
Ha! I’ll see if I can convince Chantal
Looks good.. gotta admit i’m jealous of you right now.. and will be all year
Have an amazing month! x
What an amazing month you wil have… somewhat like your life at home in a new place to explore. So jealous…
Apparently they filmed (and maybe are still filming) Wipeout just outside Buenos Aries – you should TOTALLY check that out
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canadians+fall+hard+quirky+game+show/4548943/story.html
OMG – This is going to be my big break!
FABULOUS situation! I think. The adventure of it appeals to me as does the chance to help someone else. Hope it goes very well and looking forward to your posts about the experience.
sounds like something just up your alley!! and how wonderful to have Chantal visit, a place to stay for free, and a volunteer job you look forward to….thinking of you lots…with love
Contact Hotelero is lucky as hell to have you, Dan. Perhaps you should casually mention that your Tourisme Montreal work just raked in an award last week, and they might move you out of the roof-top shanty and into the house.
Monique, I know we are very lucky to have him with us. As soon as he arrived he helped me out to order my ideas, and heaps of more things. I am sure he will be and he already is a great contribution to my passion, hospitality.
Sounds like a good deal to me. Cannot wait to hear more….
Dan! This sounds like a great plan for the month – you’ll be a great asset to Carolina.
Nice work being so resourceful. You inspire me