Hey all you Quinta enthusiasts, this blog is from Amanda, lowly WWOOFer from the Southern U.S., also known as “the one who talks like Dolly Parton.” I have been meaning for days and days to post an entry but slaving in the hot sun has prevented me from doing it. Of course, that’s just a completely predictable joke, our time here in Portugal has been pretty laid back and enjoyable, with just enough shoveling of horse manure and weeding and pouring cement for us to still be able to consider ourselves WWOOFing.
My boyfriend Brandon and I arrived three weeks ago from Nashville, Tennessee. This has been my first experience away from the states and for both of us, our first WWOOFing gig. I really can’t say enough to encourage anyone who’s considering WWOOFing — it’s such a great opportunity to travel cheaply and see what life is really like at farms all over the world.
I had virtually no expectations coming to Portugal, and I have honestly been amazed at the beauty of this land, and especially the valley the Quinta faces. Waking up in the morning is well worth rolling out of bed for when you can have a cup of coffee (or tea, these Brits drink the tea incessantly; and not sweet iced tea like down South, either) on the porch and sit quietly and enjoy all the sights of the valley and the mountains beyond. The Portuguese people are incredibly patient with folks like my boyfriend and I, who have learned maybe 5 words of their language between us since arriving. Andy and Sophie have been so kind and generous, and in the evenings, when the homemade wine flows freely and I can smell Andy’s fantastic cooking coming from the kitchen, not only do I ask myself what a shame it would have been if we had never come to Portugal, but how on earth can we justify leaving??
One Response to “realize that life goes fast, it’s hard to make a good thing last”
Patsy on 28 Apr 2007 at 4:10 pm
I am Amanda’s mom, just read her comments on her stay in Portugal, and I have to say I am glad she had this opportunity, even though I had many misgivings when she told me what her plans were. I am appreciative of how nicely they were treated by their hosts there, I hope she has such a positive experience on all her travels. Thanks for making her stay such a great experience.
Patsy
