Farm living, part I
Well, I´m back in the city. I returned to Alajuela last night for my third dentist appointment — it went very well, thanks for asking — and came back to cars and electricity and noises that now strike me as quite unnatural. I only spent a week with Sue in the bush, as it were, but I acclimated quite quickly and found it to be full of both rest and activity. Those of you familiar with my sleeping habits (that is, any time, any place) will be surprised to find that I not only woke up with the rooster at 5am, but what´s even crazier, I actually got out of bed and functioned. The whole day.
Take a second and let that sink in.
So here´s a sampling of some of the things I did at Sue´s finca: Shoveled horse manure and transported it to the compost pile; picked, processed, and toasted coffee beans; watched a family of firey-billed Aracaris (look like Toucans, taste like chicken) eat plantains from the birdfeeder; washed my clothes by hand; learned how to chop wood with a machete; sweated a lot. It was amazing. Sue and I get along really well and I feel totally comfortable and happy staying with her. I would have been completely content but for the creepy-crawly things. Lots and lots of creepy-crawly things. Lots and lots. And lots. Did I mention the creepy-crawly things? There are a lot of them. Seriously. After learning quickly and first-hand about biting ants, I was vigilant about shaking out everything before letting it touch my soft, juicy, pink body. I was also vigilant about covering every bit of exposed skin and wearing a hat and gloves into the cafetál (the coffee orchard). During our second round of picking, I watched a spider drop down in front of my face and then climb back up its thread onto my hat.
Okay, so I want to keep writing, but apparently this internet place attracts really loud young American women who like to skype, and it´s very difficult to think with ”i mean, my host parents really don´t want me to leave, but i really want to go home.” Irritate.
To be continued….
Tags: Costa Rica, Travel
December 6th, 2006 at 9:55 am
Roasting Coffee: Last night was the showing of the Film BLACK GOLD here in the cold north at the Milliken. It was a benefit for a school in Ethiopia: Jody and Chris of Higher Grounds and Gary organized the event -sponsored by those Bioneer folks and Neahtawanta. The weather wasn’t the best (snowing), but it wasn’t a blizzard and the masses turned out. I think all who attended will have a more personal relationship with the coffee. Since you are helping there too with the coffee, you can actually see, feel and touch it and will have a more personal relationship with the coffee and the growers too. We missed you here up in the cold north, but want to wish you the most wonderful adventures that you are having. May the teeth be healed (fixed). May the force be with you and keep you safe.
Hugs, SS
December 7th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
Vagina. That is all.