I introduce myself as Johnson, a ex DJ(Disc Jockey-Party) turned tourism entrepreneur. Starting with a homestay (B&B) in my hometown of Alleppey(Alappuzha), Kerala, South India, I now run another lakeside resort as well as a houseboat. All 3 businesses cater exclusively to International tourists. The guesthouse in town and the riverside property has 5 rooms each. Guesthouse in town has an eco eatery that opens in peak tourist season - Dec20th to March 20th. At the riverside property we do BBq’s in peak season or on demand by guests. I am 52 years old, young at heart, healthy, loves animals (owns quite a few pets, including, dogs, cats, and a horse). All three of my business including the houseboat has a garden. The garden specializes in orchids. I am an outgoing personality, likes to party on weekends, loves my beer (no hard alcohol), and am in the process of writing a historical novel set in 18th century India.

Kerala

The volunteers can help in taking care of all three of my business ventures. From runnjing the properties if I am away, to help with the maintenance, like painting, art work, carrying out repairs. If they can cook, they can come in as a cook for our eco-eatery, or on my riverside property. They can also help in the riverside property with the animals and garden. They can contribute to setting up of my various websites - 23 in all, and for site boosting in Google. They can help in the house, they can help in setting up my planned orchid garden, setting a stable for my horse, and fish farm. They can help with room cleaning, and setting up the room for the next guest after some one checks out. Of course, we will need separate volunteers for the different types of work. If the volunteers are a couple or two friends coming in together, then I prefer they work in separate shifts- morning and afternoon. Also, I prefer long stays as opposed to volunteers who come in for a week or a few days. Fourteen days is the minimum. A month is ideal. If guests want to do overtime, for extra pocket money, they can feel free to ask. As a busy guesthouse, we will have lots of work, so be prepared to work, however, I am easy going, and like to take care of my Workawayers. So, I do not give anyone fixed hours- Workawayers can choose their own working hours, except for the morning chores, like raking the garden or stuff like that. No 5.00 in the morning waking hours here:-). NO CURFEW. As long as the 5 hours are put in, and the volunteers are happy, I am happy.

English

Private rooms or cottage provided with bathrooms attached, bed, mattress, fan and mosquito net provided. The rooms will be basic but clean. Breakfast (toast, butter, jam, two eggs, tea). Lunch- vegetarian-2 or 3 dishes, rice. Dinner - chapattis and veg dish as accompaniment. At least two or three days a week, lunch will include fish or chicken, for non vegetarians. This is complementary. No charges, whatsoever. I have my own washing machine, so guests can use that also, free of cost. Hygienic drinking water is free. My volunteers do not have to buy plastic drinking water from outside. If the volunteers stay for more than a month, they can go on a houseboat cruise (day cruise) with other tourists- free. I also give our volunteers a free 1 hours canoe trip at my riverside property. All I expect in return iis that the volunteers put in their time, and give me the space and time for my present passion in life- to write my book.

Alleppey is a beautiful beach and backwater destination, popular with International tourists. The houseboat cruise is a much sought after tourist’s dream. The guesthouse in town is close to the Alleppey town beach. It’s a 10 minute walk, and a twenty minute walk in the other direction is the town center. The riverside property is set right on the backwaters, with the rooms there only 10 meters from the water. Behind are acres of paddy, rice fields. A fine secluded property, totally quiet, and peaceful. The eco houseboat is one of the most popular houseboats in Alleppey.