Written : Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Kitchen Table, La Donaira, El Gastor, Cadiz, Spain

I sit down to finally get something on my blog, and come up BLANK. It's been almost two months since I posted, even though (ironically) my last one was about blogging more often! ;-) In my defence(?), the next day I headed to Ninch Farm for a month, where there was very limited Internet.

Since last time, TONS of things have happened. I have so much to write...and now that I'm here -  writer's block!! :-(


Written : Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
The Tipi, La Donaira, El Gastor, Cadiz, Spain

I got the urge to write as I'm getting ready for bed. Decided to give the candles another try, now that I have two. There are two 'lanterns' just inside the door that are really only good for hitting your head on as you duck inside the very low opening! But with their covers propped up out of the way, the candles give sufficient light to move around and find things - no need to hold the flashlight in my mouth as I dig for PJs ;-) Getting set for bed, I enjoyed the way the light played over the canvas walls of the tipi.

So I am writing this by flickering candlelight (in my journal - will type it out for my blog later) in my tipi high in the mountains of Andalusia (La Serrania de Ronda - looking out at Sierra de Grazalema) in southern Spain. The moon is almost full - illuminating the creamy cone against a clear night sky.

It is still quite chilly at night (and damp from this afternoon's rain), so I have two hot water bottles warming the foot of my bed :-) But it is well worth it, as the hills are exploding with flowers and the landscape is a rich green I didn´t expect to find in this part of Europe!

Writing by candlelight in a Tipi...but also enjoying Lori Line on my iPod. I haven´t weaned myself from all modern conveniences ;-) From here I just follow a little path down the hill and find a hot shower...a little farther is the kitchen/dining/common room with electricity and WiFi :)
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There is a very interesting mix of people on and around the farm. So far, I've interacted with people from : Holland, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Argentina, England, America, Portugal, Spain, (WWOOFers from : Sweden, Belgium, France & Latvia) and, of course, lots of local Andalu - some of whom informed me that they really aren't Spanish, but much more closely related to Morocco.

The activities here at La Donaira (translated to me as 'The Wind Mistress') are just as diverse : they use neighbour's sheep and cattle to help manage pastureland, are starting to train and use mules and draft horses to pull carts/buggies, have riding and breeding horses, as well as a stable of horses being trained for dressage competition (including a Grand Prix competitor, if that means anything to anyone?). The majority of the horses here are Lusitanos - from Portugal, but decended from the local Andalucian breed).

Most projects are in fairly early stages of development, including the "Casita" (kind of an mini eco-tourist hotel thingy??) and a more extensive poultry operation (500 chickens arriving soon, I think). What they already have down (really down) already is their grapes and olives! They produce a couple different wines at La Donaira - organic and no sulfites. I've been able to try the Petit Verdot - Cabernet Franc, a very nice red! And the Olive Oil!! (rolling my eyes) It's fit for a king...literally! This last year's olive oil was deemed the best in Spain (and won awards at international compititions) and will be the olive oil used by Spain´s  royal court for the coming year. Pretty cool!!

So, like I said, lots of neat things have been happening since I last wrote, and maybe I'll feel like filling in details in coming blogs, but for now I'll recap :

I spent the rest of March on Ninch Farm in County Meath, Ireland. It was a 20 minute walk over the fields to the village of Laytown, right on the beach (of the Irish Sea)! Had some great experiences, good work, and awesome company! Met some really cool people (not the least of whom were my hosts and the two other WWOOFers - a young French couple). Caught a couple of traditional music sessions at the local Pub, and less formal ones on the farm :-) Toured Bru Na Boinne (Newgrange) and walked on the beach. Built wood fires on the back patio most nights and played with Boots and Missy (great rat-hunting dogs!).



Learned how to whitewash and was as amused by the farm ducks as I was annoyed by the geese! Discovered Irish cider and learned how to make fresh chips (fries) from the resident professional chef :) And so much more!

April 4th I said a sniffly goodbye to Ireland (I'll be back in June!) and flew to Paris.

Wandered and explored on my own, but also met up with some friends and had a great time. Have plans to return this summer for some hardcore sightseeing (Versailles, the Louvre, etc). Had the privilege of a special meeting in both Paris and Nantes! My next farm (April 9th) was Belle Etoile, just outside Plesse in NW France. Had two very nice weeks there - worked a lot in the greenhouses and enjoyed brushing and petting the horses who were trying to shed their winter coats. Loved the fresh salads and veggies every day, throwing sticks for Elsa and practicing my French. Got to try some new cheeses (yay!) and yummy (not sour) sourdough bread. Rediscovered Kir and tried Petit Ponch - potent! Was invited to a get together at the village - Irish Dancing - very fun! Must try to find a Fest Noz while we are in Bretagne in June!

The morning I left France, it started raining (again :-) as I got to the bus stop (a sign at the side of the road, a 15 minute walk from the farm). It wasn't ideal, but I got to watch a rainbow form...and then another over it! It seemed like a positive omen and my heart felt lighter about the journey ahead :-)

Maybe I should stop there for now, as it's after midnight. Will write more soon, really! As always I love to hear back from you!

Posting note : Sorry it took me so long to get this posted! There was a delay so I could get pictures in as well (big THANKS to mi amiga Elske for letting me use her laptop). As a bonus, here's a sunset picture taken from the stables (Thanks to Tamara for letting me use it! :-)