Last dinner at the farm
I think WWOOFing might be the only way I travel from now on, for multiple reasons actually. The most important to me though, were the relationships built over the last month.
It’s been wonderful getting to know Chiara and David, spending 2-3 hours every night sharing stories and learning about Italian culture, all while eating delicious food prepared by Chiara. I would never have had the chance to learn about how difficult it can be to have a small business in Italy, how the mafia is still a huge problem, how to cook traditional Piemontese food, or ride a horse! Sure, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when things got a little frustrating, but we worked through it together and learned a bit about ourselves in the process.
It’s been wonderful getting to know Chiara and David, spending 2-3 hours every night sharing stories and learning about Italian culture, all while eating delicious food prepared by Chiara. I would never have had the chance to learn about how difficult it can be to have a small business in Italy, how the mafia is still a huge problem, how to cook traditional Piemontese food, or ride a horse! Sure, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when things got a little frustrating, but we worked through it together and learned a bit about ourselves in the process.
Chiara showing me how to cook with Italian flair
Samir enjoying anguria
The family
I was talking with Rob, one of the new WWOOFers that will be working at Asti Sport, and we started to discuss how difficult but rewarding it can be talking with someone who doesn’t speak the same language. Let me explain… When we first met Chiara, she kept apologizing for her “poor English” and she warned us that her husband’s vocabulary was even worse. But after a few days, we really got into a rhythm of what David’s phrases meant, and eventually were able to communicate rather easily. My favorite was when he’d say something like, “Contrary to fast,” when he wanted to say “slow”. Or when describing anything that he didn’t like, he’d say, “A bastard inside,” with a fantastic Italian accent. Kevin and I were trying to learn a bit of Italian, but let’s face it, learning a language is really hard. And the progress that both of them made with their English while we were there was remarkable.
This morning I felt like I was saying goodbye to family, not just a few people that we worked for. Just like when I say goodbye to my mom, both Chiara and I teared up a bit as we parted ways. A huge thank you Chiara, David, Samir and Oliver for sharing your life with us and giving us the opportunity to learn so many new things. Keep in touch, and we’ll do the same.
This morning I felt like I was saying goodbye to family, not just a few people that we worked for. Just like when I say goodbye to my mom, both Chiara and I teared up a bit as we parted ways. A huge thank you Chiara, David, Samir and Oliver for sharing your life with us and giving us the opportunity to learn so many new things. Keep in touch, and we’ll do the same.
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