February 6th, 2009
WWOOF: willing workers on organice farms. I suppose the idea of "organic" encompasses much more than farms/gardens that dont use pesticides, but rather the movement of alternative health/sustainable living/pursuing dreams that are in balance with the environment. I stayed for 2 nights and 2 days total at a small home in North Otago, south of Oamaru. The couple, Peter and Glynis, moved from suburban life and the 9 to 5 to the 4 acre lot complete with 4 sheep and 20 fruit bearing trees. They were in essence, pursuing the dream of a more meaningful existence in life and work, and while pulling weeds for a few hours, I discovered how much I romanticized this life as well. Yet, it isnt easy! I barely even got my fingernails dirty before realizing how turning land into something productive takes a lot of work, which is why they have WWOOF throughout the year.
Peter was interesting as he is a modern day "alchemist" mixing flower essences and essential oils into mixes and sprays for certain ailments of modern life. As he toured me through the garden with the wicker basket picking up a dandelion leaf here and a carrot there, beet root leaves and chives amid the bushes and weeds, we gathered a salad of which I have never known. Not only did I eat healthier than I have in years, I knew where my food came from and ate a wide selection of foods. I must admit that my nutritional knowledge is desperately lacking. Perhaps my next endeavor will be to go no-sugar in the diet and see how that influences my energy levels.
Now I am in Dunedin, and the city seems interesting. I will update you with what I discover here...
WWOOF: willing workers on organice farms. I suppose the idea of "organic" encompasses much more than farms/gardens that dont use pesticides, but rather the movement of alternative health/sustainable living/pursuing dreams that are in balance with the environment. I stayed for 2 nights and 2 days total at a small home in North Otago, south of Oamaru. The couple, Peter and Glynis, moved from suburban life and the 9 to 5 to the 4 acre lot complete with 4 sheep and 20 fruit bearing trees. They were in essence, pursuing the dream of a more meaningful existence in life and work, and while pulling weeds for a few hours, I discovered how much I romanticized this life as well. Yet, it isnt easy! I barely even got my fingernails dirty before realizing how turning land into something productive takes a lot of work, which is why they have WWOOF throughout the year.
Peter was interesting as he is a modern day "alchemist" mixing flower essences and essential oils into mixes and sprays for certain ailments of modern life. As he toured me through the garden with the wicker basket picking up a dandelion leaf here and a carrot there, beet root leaves and chives amid the bushes and weeds, we gathered a salad of which I have never known. Not only did I eat healthier than I have in years, I knew where my food came from and ate a wide selection of foods. I must admit that my nutritional knowledge is desperately lacking. Perhaps my next endeavor will be to go no-sugar in the diet and see how that influences my energy levels.
Now I am in Dunedin, and the city seems interesting. I will update you with what I discover here...
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