Morning mist.

The joy of arrival was only slightly tempered by our accomodation being moved from the then-uninhabitable yurt to a cosier (smaller!) caravan, and we soon realised that this was a symptom of life at the Quinta being more relaxed than we could possibly have hoped. It’s no picnic, we get up at hours I normally only see from the other end of the day to shovel horse-shit and do the heavier jobs that are unbearable once the mist clears and the temperature climbs, but when we have time free in the day I recall Sophie suggesting we take a picnic to the river, so sometimes it is.

There is certainly a lot of work that I would not describe as fun. Scrubbing yurts and weeding (especially in the heat of the day) is in no way my particular cup of herbal tea, but I was surprised to find that once done, and done well as part of a team, the satisfaction is considerably greater than that gained from, say, skiving off in the shade to ‘blog’, as I’m doing now and do a lot back home.

Flowering veg attacks predators.
They eat the bugs, we eat the rest of the veg.

I wouldn’t say that wwoofing is for everyone, but the great thing about Quinta des Abelhas is the relaxed attitude to it: no-one has ever asked me if I’ve done my 6 hours of work on a particular day, and they haven’t needed to. With such a variety of tasks available to get on with in our own time, everyone seems very happy to spend a few hours making a mosaic, some time in the garden, a dip in the pool to cool off and then off to the kitchen to bake bread. There was no question that taking two days off in the first week to go wild in Porto at San Joao would be a problem, and likewise when Matt screeched to a halt in the 4×4 when I was on the way to watch the football, saying “Need a volounteer to put the yurt up, it’s gonna rain!”, it didn’t occur to me to point out that I’d already done 6 hours work that day. If my employer in London asked me to work an extra hour for free I’d be laughing all the way home. I even missed the Holland game yesterday to watch Andy’s Geoff Lawton film, “Creating a Food Forest”, which was a revelation. It’s great to realise that there’s a way to live off the land without stripping it bare and spraying it with pesticides. I would recommend coming here to wanting to learn about permaculture, as long as you don’t mind shovelling shit at 7am.

Mosaic by the kitchen caravan. Wavy step by your correspondents.

Sao Joao. Never have plastic hammers been so much fun.

Porto at sunset.

Roasting sardines for Sao Joao.

View from the hammock.

Here the recipie (for 5 people):
500g potatoes
1 egg
170g flour
30g butter
oliveoil to fry the slices

How you do it:
Cook the potatoes, peel and mash them. Let the mash cool down, put the melted butter, the egg and the flour in. Knead it to a smooth pastry.
Form small balls and flatten them to small slices (you may need some more flour to not stick the slices to the ground).
Heat a pan up, put in pleanty of oliveoil and put the slices in. Fry them on both sides until they look lovely brown.

Potato slices are traditional served with jam. They taste also good with cheese and salat.
Enjoy your meal! Or as it is said in Austria “Guten Appetit!”

Inga Marén

For a herbs fancier like me an absolute no-go. Herbs need to have space to grow, a lot of sun, water und abundant manure.

No sooner said than done. After digging lots of weed roots out, dunging with rotten horseshit (a great manure!), watering the plants and renewing the border the herbage bed is totally revitalised.

Marjoram, mint, thyme and apple mint do grow now in a new glory. What a pleasure!

Inga

They found the perfect spot at the edge of the garden just below the vines. But….there was a problem the big nasty, spiky couch grass had invaded the area and was spreading its invasive  roots everywhere. This evil weed had to be banished to a faraway land (i.e out of the garden not even on the compost heap) in order to allow the comfrey to grow and to prevent the couch grass ever returning.

After many hours of digging, weeding, watering and three barrowfuls of magical manure later the bed was ready!!!!!!!!!

The comfrey plants were tucked in tightly and given another drink to live happily ever after and the horrible couch grass was never to be seen again.

The defiant wwoofers and host finished for lunch (yummm) and prepared themselves for their next task of pruning the raspberries.

The End.

• How To Make A Raised Bed

Although the aformentioned may be true (with slight exaggeration), there are so many unexpected delights to be experienced that we could never have prepared ourselves for… The plentiful garden which is so colourful and ripe and delicious; the genorosity and kindness of our hosts; the entertainment and discussions with the other wwoofers; the different culture and language; the beautiful weather; the incredible views; the precious time and nuturing from our hosts.. we no longer feel like visitors but part of a hardworking team that achieve lots each day.

We hurt a lot. But this is mostly from laughing… Andy & Sophie, you have really been the hostesses with the mostesses. Thank you awesome amounts from Ella & Ali.

I’m a wwoofer let me stay here forever.

cheers.

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 ]]> http://www.portugalsmallholding.org/2007/04/realize-that-life-goes-fast-it%e2%80%99s-hard-to-make-a-good-thing-last/feed/ 0 http://www.portugalsmallholding.org/2007/02/anyone-who-doesn%e2%80%99t-like-it-here-needs-to-go-have-a-word-with-themselves-in-the-corner/ http://www.portugalsmallholding.org/2007/02/anyone-who-doesn%e2%80%99t-like-it-here-needs-to-go-have-a-word-with-themselves-in-the-corner/#comments Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:33:41 +0000 Sophie http://www.portugalsmallholding.org/?p=415 Well, what a trippy month that has been. Mind you it was absolutely brilliant. Everyone was so welcoming, all great people. I think today (12th Feb) is the hottest so far. I’m surprised all the rain last night didn’t put the sun out. Have really enjoyed my horse shit removal, bramble cutting, planting trees, digging over a new garden and cleaning the horses tackle, by tackle i mean the saddles and reins not the tackle. Food has been great thanks to the chef (he’ll say “I know”). These guys work at 100mph so hardly surprising that they’re knackered every night. Just a quick warning Andy DOESN’T do chirpy mornings, give him an hour and he joins the rest of the living. Can’t say enough about how hospitable they are. Really welcomed me into the fold. Well that’s me done hope to come back soon with one of my sons to stay, and look forward to that good old homely sarcasm (yeah right, says Andy). Thanks for everything, you do yourselves proud.
Jerry
jezzathomas60@yahoo.com

The Journey from home to Quinta das Abelhas was very sraightforward really with waiting times in between each stage so no stress apart from communication and wondering if was on the right train! As agreed Andy and Sophie were there waiting for me at Santa Comba dao railway station which was a relief.We arrived at Quinta das Abelhas about four o’clock, it had taken me about 18 hours from doorstep to doorstep. All the journeys added up would probably come to only half of that time the rest waiting time. If you are concerned bring a book or ipod, or if like me use the time to look and watch life in another culture.

I had come well prepared for changing weather, and was well equiped for camping. After putting up my tent and getting all ready for bed I wondered up to the terrace and enjoyed a cup of tea and sat outside overawed by the views. I have been here for over two weeks now and still several times a day I will make tea and sit down to take in the views to the distant mountains, the colours are just amazing. If you paint or draw bring your kit as you will not be dissapointed.

So thats how I came to be here at Quinta das Abelhas with Andy and Sophie, I had come for Easter break to get away from it all and here was the perfect place to get away from it all. First of all there is the compost toilet, a ‘loo with a view’to be reckoned with. Not many of these in the west midlands I thought as I sat on this throne the next morning. Not even the rain could make my first days miserable, as the showers did not last long and inbetween the sun shone and was very much warmer than when I left England. This was after all one big reason for coming here, to get some sun. On a hot day the outdoor shower or bath are fantastic, need a hot bath? then light a fire under the bath and hey presto one hot bath with the sky to look at as you lie back and relax.

During the first week it rained on and off several times a day, one minute I was in waterproofs and the next with shirt off! yes the daft english had arrived. Even Andy and Sophie were well made up for the ‘cold’ the locals never appeared to take coats off. Me I was just glad to take my shirt off and feel the sun, it was a lot warmer than England so for me it felt ok, anyway I was learning to be a ‘trencher’ with a new style of spade and a enthusiasm for getting stck in and putting UK well behind me. A few hours of graft certainly helps to leave all behind and soon the journey, home, work and England were well in the past.

Most days I have been diging trenches to help with the laying down of pipes and cables for the water system. The current one is to take several 5 litre bottles to a neighbour of Andy and Sophies to fill up for the drinking water. These neighbours are Dave and Suma who have lived here for several years now, and who I got on well with especially when I found out they enjoyed drumming and didge playing as well as chanting Prana chants, Prana were a group from nearly 20 years ago that they were part off! I bought the tapes in those early days and most family outings were spent driving to the tapes while all of us sang along.

Dave is working here also installing the electrics in the new house for Andy and Sophie. Currently I am sitting in the old house sat at the computer this house is really one room which acts as bedroom/office/sitting room/TV room. This is how hospitable this couple are, the development of the land is top priority and one day the rewards will be reaped when they have a seperate bedroom seperate office and the sitting room where the Wwoofers can be part of this family, even for just a short period of time, especially late in the evening when its time to sit and eat.

Now to this eating! I will very much recommend Andy’s cooking to all who venture here. This is organic wholesome food at its best, the daily salad is picked less than half an hour before its eaten. Andy cooks dinner every night for whoever is at home, there is always Andy and Sophie of course, but then there could be Max or Sid the boys, also their friends are often in need of feeding and then there is us of course the Wwoofers, hungary from the days work and thirsty for a glass or two of local red wine! At less than 5 euro’s(£3.50) for 5 litres even a budget holiday can accomodate the odd glass full.

When I arrived I met Raegan and Bree two young Canadian Socialists who enjoyed a whole month here and now have left to continue their european journey. We got on great and it was with them I ventured into the village and had a lovely meal of omlete and chips with some red wine at a local hostillery, we had two bottles of wine, three meals, three large cakes, three spirits to see us on our way. The bill came to 24.50 euro’s, I gave 25 euros and waved the lady back when she offered me the change. At first I thought I must have offended her as she raised her voice and spoke to the barman in an excited voice, next thing out comes the bottles of spirits and we all have another round on the house! and all this after everyone else had left.

A guy called Lester was staying at Quinta das Abelhas in the yurt as a paying guest while he looked around for some land to buy. Andy and Sophie are great help in this respect as have a lot of experience and information available, it was not long before I also got interested especially when I was told of a small parcel of land available in the village but that had no building permission. Just great for me as I have several yurts I want to live in and use alternative power. So now it looks like I am going to be joining this growing community drawn from all over Europe mixing with the local Portuguese people. Lester will also be a close neighbour as will be Conny a woman from Germany who teaches djembe and West African rhythms. I have played with them a couple of times now and can say that Conny is a very accomplished drummer, her style of teaching is good and her playing is awsome so if you are into drumming African style then spend some time with her. She also has a very beautiful place down by the river and hires out canoes, and not to forget horses if you are into learning to ride. All of this only 20/30 mins walk from Quinta das Abelhas.

Back here at Quinta das Abelhas its the day before I leave, I am winding down now writing this blog as a thankyou for a great Easter break. Tommorrow begins the return journey and after watching Newcastle the other night in the local cafe beat Sporting Lisbon, with most fans wearing gloves and hats I cant say I am looking forward to it. This last week has seen the sun shine in abundance and I have tanned very quickly so the change wont be enjoyable. I have finnished digging out the platform for the water tank, the trenches are dug for the pipes. So if you are the next Wwoofer coming here then the tank needs building the pipes laying and then there will be running water for humans animals and plants!

In saying fairwell, I knew I will be coming back so it is just for now. I recommend this place for a good break, you can design your own break with work rest or travel depending on what you need. I have enjoyed several days when I did not want to stop working as had got so engrossed in the job and was working with nature. Night time comes though and so does the need to eat. Other days I have worked less, but have gone to market with Andy and Sophie or walked around the local area.

If you are coming here and have some space for old tools, nails or screws etc that need recycling then bring them as they will be used or passed on to others who need them. Andy like his music and has a growing collection in the kitchen of tapes from just about every genre so dont throw old ones away give them a new home. Books are also a great gift as Wwoofers and family alike would make use of them. Its good to give and you will recieve a lot by coming here, its good to know people like Sophie and Andy are out there keeping old values and ways of life going. They offer you a chance to join them even for a short time, in exchange for a few hours of working on the land.

If like me a first time Wwoofer take the opportunity like I have and reap the rewards and benefits, if you are a experienced Wwoofer then you know all this anyway so continue to enjoy. All the best Rod

The Olive harvest is nearing completion. We have cut the trees back hard on one side of the Quinta to clear old congested growth and to encourage plenty of fresh, strong shoots which should produce a crop of good Olives in two seasons time. The others we have left so that we still have a harvest next year.

We toook a trip to the market in Carregal do sal this morning to keep ourselves going for a few days. The market is situated in the middle of a forest and sells everything from turnips to all sorts of clothes and is full of colourful Portugese characters going about their daily lives.

The building materials for the house have arrived so hopefully the work will be started at the beginning of next week. The weather has been great for the last few weeks and if it holds good the house should be up before Christmas.

by James (the wwoofer)