Getting Acquainted

Freddy and his amazing traveling tool box

Yesterday was Monday and the day before was the first Sunday that we slept in and so we are getting into the schedule here on the farm little by little.  Freddy, the carpenter that will finish our house, also arrived with all of his tools. Very cute travel system, I’ll try to take a picture of his especially redesigned shopping cart with a metal locking lid. Very organized and full of things to the brim.

Last night, Willie, the only other gringo from the area, came over for dinner and Freddy joined us.  I guess it was our first party. The main topic was about the environment and the locals.   Willie speaks very good Spanish and knows a lot more about what is going on around here between the people.  The more time we spend here getting to know the politics the more we sense, and feel the different sensitive undercurrents, social behaviors, and politics that are important to understand.

Oldemar is a young man who is working for us helping to build a little greenhouse.  He is the only person we have hired from around here to do farm work who can build standard things like bamboo rain shelters (which everyone has and is part of life here) that lasts for more than three days.  He has an artist’s flare and likes to do work that interests him or else he will sneak off and go take a nap in the grass and then lie about it.  We wanted him to assist Freddy last time we were here but he wasn't around so when he showed up looking for work we were pleased. 

Well, it's late - about 6am.  I woke up and actually got out of bed at 5am just to have a few moments of quiet to myself before the bustle of the work here commences.  We are working to finish the farm house, the Yoga Studio and the new house all at the same time, to be ready for guests in the summer.

It's 12:30 now.  Oldemar did a fantastic job and finished the green house.
With the guest volunteers coming this summer it might be possible to implement some creative projects to help educate people regarding caring for their environment.  I know Willy and the realtor who sold us this property are interested in being a part of some movement to help the locals understand the necessity for change.  Although Rolando thinks the adults are too set in their ways and we will have to aim for inspiring the children.