General helper in Estonia

Spain

3

Overall my experience in Pillapalu was nice. Robin and Birgit are a great couple but sometimes the living situation was hard as Robin can come across as disorganized with the task given and doesn't give much feedback on the work you do. There were also uncomfortable situations which made one of the volunteers leave. Also he kicked out one of the other volunteers over a small dispute that could have been easily been sorted out. It killed the vibe so we all the decided to leave before. Overall yes I would recommend the place for learning new skills and nature environment

almost 3 years ago

Robin replied

Thanks for all your effort in Pillapalu, It's true we were much busier than usual so we did not have the time to "feedback" or "micro manage" you as much as you obviously needed. Some more experienced volunteers can handle this and work independently in a positive and self motivated way.
The "small incident" with another volunteer (which you did not witness) was NOT small to us and sadly, for the first time ever, we had to ask someone to leave Pillapalu. We did not appreciate that after the incident (which did not involve you) you tried to influence the sitution, and the attitudes of other volunteers, with your negative opinions. This made the sitution and atmosphere worse, not better.
Sometimes its wiser to just listen, and learn.

Chile

1

The hosts are good persons but unfortunately Robin has failures in communication and leadership that make a bad work environment. Also he's not capable of receiving constructive criticism. On our first day he told us that the entry time is flexible. We worked hard every day for 6 hours but he criticized us cuz one of the days we started around 12. That day we argued about that and he kicked me out. The argument started from something very small such as asking for a dish. I felt humiliated and disposable. Given the unfairness the other volunteers quit together the same day.

almost 3 years ago

Robin replied

Yes, Camillo, we asked you to leave Pillapalu - that was the first time we have ever had to do that - but it had nothing to do with a dish or starting at 12. It was about your "take it easy" attitude, rudeness, lack of respect, and repeatedly not following our rules and instructions.

We thought as you are not a youngster, we could expect more self-motivation and that you would set a better “hard work” example for the younger volunteers. That didn’t happen. You took advantage of our flexibility policy. For example, on your second or third day you decided to take the day off without discussing or telling us. You also went frequently to buy alcohol (which we clearly do not approve of) and stayed up late drinking which meant you often started later than desirable and so, no we don’t think you worked hard. Compared to the 100+ volunteers we have had here through WorldPackers and other platforms we rate your work ethic clearly as below average. You did the bare minimum. You also borrowed my bike, got a flat tyre, then rode it again, didn’t try to repair the puncture or even clean the mud off. That’s not being respectful of our property. Leaving mess in common areas and a dirty kitchen daily wasn’t nice either. Pillapalu isn’t a backpacker hostel.

I suggest you try to understand that volunteering is about the volunteer being flexible, working hard, and doing what they can to help - it’s not about us giving you nice food and a place to party in exchange for the minimum amount of effort. On top of that, after you were asked to leave, you created bad energy with other volunteers. You distorted the facts about the “argument” and created a negative atmosphere which influenced the others.

You clearly took advantage of our hospitality, flexibility and the fact that we were very busy and did not have time to micromanage you (then again, we don't want to babysit or micromanage our volunteers anyway). We have a lot of experience with volunteers over many different projects (long before Pillapalu) but your rudeness and disrespect was honestly a bit shocking. Pillapalu was obviously not the right place for you and we are sorry we made the mistake of accepting you in the first place. All the best!

Spain

4

It was a really nice experience specially due to the other volunteers, the lodge is beautiful but there are so many mosquitoes and bugs so be aware of that and bring a bug spray with you! The rooms were really comfy and the hosts are nice people too. The kitchen is a little bit messier but it's pretty good overall :)

about 3 years ago

Robin replied

So true, there are bugs in the summer -that's normal for forest life :) and yes our kitchen can be messy when there are lots of volunteers around lol. Anyway I'm happy you enjoyed yourself and wish you all the best. BTW all the posts are painted now :)

Mexico

5

How do I start? If this is your first volunteer you'll get spoiled, if you already have experience it will be the best one! Birgit, Robin, Miabel, Josep, Cookie and Puppy are the best hosts in the worldpackers world and in the real one too! They'll always make sure you have everything you need and that you are working on different and cool tasks. There's always something to do and something to explore, of course a lot to learn from them too. You have a nice the lodge with you, they care a lot about your meals and you have sauna in the lodge every weekend and you are always having fun!

over 3 years ago

Robin replied

I'm blushing. Very kind review. See you again one day I hope, we may even create a special Naan Cooking position just for you!

France

5

Birgit, Robin and their children are very welcoming. We stayed for 3 weeks and they were very flexible with the dates, the working hours and the free days. Birgit and Robin were very generous with the food and with their time as they brought us around the region and were always concerned with our needs. Concerning the work, it was diverse as there were things to do inside and the house and also outside in the lodge. It is a lovely atmosphere and very relaxing. Overall, a great experience for volunteering.

over 3 years ago

Robin replied

So kind :) you were great and welcome back anytime

Austria

5

It was my first experience as a volunteer and I can only recommend it to everyone to come to Pillapalu. Birgit, Robin and the children are super nice and I felt very comfortable right from the start. For me as a creative person there was so much to experience in Pillapalu and the tasks in which I was able to act creatively were a lot of fun. It's a super quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether locals or other volunteers, I have met so many great people and I am very grateful for this experience.

over 3 years ago

Netherlands

5

Robin and Birgit are super nice and hospitable. Working hours are very flexible, and volunteers have a lot of time to relax if they want. The rooms are big, there is a sauna, there's a great deal of movies to watch and books to read. The environment is very pretty; there's a big the lodge behind the house, and it's close to a national park. There are also two dogs, Cookie and Puppy, which of course enhance the rural experience :) unfortunately I had to leave after a week, but I would have liked to stay longer. I can definitely recommend the lodge to everyone!

over 3 years ago

Robin replied

Come back again one day, you are always welcome :) Cheers for all your help!

United States

5

This was my first Worldpackers volunteer experience and I was pleasantly surprised. I was nervous to start and to meet their expectations, but that went away as soon as I met the family. I felt welcomed and a part of the family right away. Robin shared so many insights and shared things he has learned along his path which is valuable to me. I enjoyed the work and knew what was expected of me and eating at their house was so Estonian, I didn't feel the need to go out! (But they took me anyways😁) thank you the lodge family, I plan on returning!

almost 4 years ago

Robin replied

Aw schucks, thank you. You are welcome back anytime :)

Germany

5

I can fully recommend staying in Pillapalu! Birgit and Robin are very welcoming and friendly people, the place is super beautiful and most of the jobs I did were interesting tasks as well. Birgit and Robin were busy with other tasks most of the time, so I had to work on my own sometimes, which I also enjoyed.

almost 4 years ago

Robin replied

Thanks August, you were great and it's true, we are often busy with other things - that's why we need the help of volunteers like you. Enjoy the rest of your European cycling trip and stay safe!

Argentina

5

Tuve una experiencia muy linda en este voluntariado. Birgit y Robin son personas súper amables, respetuosas y generosas. Desde el primer momento me hicieron sentir bienvenida y parte de su hogar. Fue muy especial compartir con ellos momentos tranquilos en la naturaleza, rodeada de verde y también de sus adorables perros, Cookie y Poppy El bosque que rodea su casa parecía sacado de un cuento mágico, con una energía muy especial. El trabajo fue claro y acorde a lo pactado. Me voy agradecida por la experiencia, por las charlas, la confianza y el espacio compartido. Gracias por todo! ❤️

about 2 months ago

Robin replied

Muchas gracias, Rocio! It was great to have you in Pillapalu.

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