Farm No. 1 - Paradies Platz and Berlin

I just finished up two weeks at my first farm and it was quite an experience. It's a small place about an hour by train southwest of Berlin whose focus is Permaculture. They have no running water, which should be stated first as it was one of the chief reasons I was in a sour mood for the first few days. I was addicted to a morning shower like many people are to their morning coffee. You can do without it, but it takes a little discomfort to get used to it. Add tiring physical labor and the frustration of my inadequate German language abilities and you can imagine how happy I was to be going to Berlin for the weekend after only two days. Knowing what to expect, I came back after the weekend and had a much more pleasant time during my first full week there. I decided to enjoy the little things–like a cup of peppermint tea in the cool of the evening–and things went a lot better. They had a little shower bag that I decided I would have to try. You heat some water and fill up the bag, take it into the woods, find a nice low limb you can hang it on and–voilà!–shower al fresco. For about two minutes. It was actually quite enjoyable. Add to that the extent of my grime and it was heavenly. So the shower bag went from something I scorned to something I cherished. There were many things like this. Also, while far from being perfect or even very good at all, my German began to improve enough to hold a decent conversation and understand more of what people were saying. And finally, I got adjusted to the physical labor somewhat. I've had a few blisters and many new callouses and my muscles don't get as sore as after those first couple days. I don't mean to say it was plain easy, but it got a lot better and I had a great time all things considered. Anyway, here are some pictures:



The area near the farm I was on.



My room. Not too bad really.



Typical meal.



Dusk is the best part of the day. Not only are you done working, the light is very nice and the temperature starts to go down.



Some of the goods. Marmalade, apple and pear juice, herbal teas.



I'll never forget the German word for wheelbarrow. Schubkarre. They have several of these piles of wood. It's sits like that for two years while the wood dries. After two years they sell it as firewood. I helped build a new one by splitting wood with an axe. Yes, I do feel like more of a man as a result.

Now for the fun stuff. Football games and friends in Berlin! Turns out, one of my friends from school–Parker Higgins–just moved to Berlin about a week before I showed up. He has been accommodating enough to let me crash at his place three weekends in a row now. When I planned on staying at a farm near Berlin the idea was so that I could visit the city, but I've just ended up hanging out with some new friends every time I've visited. Not a bad thing, just unexpected.





A couple of pics at a bar after watching a German victory.



Of course I have to try the coffee EVERYWHERE because I'm obsessed. If you don't know, I'm thinking about making a documentary about the dark liquid. So technically it's research. This is Bonanza Coffee Heroes, an Australian-run place. Pretty good stuff and they have a great name.



Parker getting painted up before a match.



And here am I all painted up as well. Since USA didn't make it very far I'm glad my adopted team fared better. Too bad España beat us, it would have been fun to watch Germany in the finals tonight. But third place isn't bad even if they got third last time. I've got to run and watch the final now actually! Leaving tomorrow for a new farm near Stuttgart. Excited. This one looks much more farm-y with vegetables, fruit, fresh bread, animals, and selling on a local market. And southern Germany is much more beautiful than the Northern Plain. Until next time!