Of all the traveling I have ever done, nothing is more rewarding and satisfying than the working on organic farms in other countries. This is the fourth time I have farmed in Ireland, and each time I want to say this is definitely the best farm I have ever worked on. The truth is that each farm and its family is unique in its own way and has its own lessons and things to experience. This time I am working on a beautiful dairy farm in County Kerry (chiarraí). This is my first time on a dairy farm, and there are big differences involved. For one thing the pace of work on a diary farm seems to be much quicker. This farm also has a sizable garden with six poly-tunnels and six raised beds for vegetables. My daily chores have usually been: cleaning the milking parlor in the morning; collecting, cleaning and sorting eggs; and then garden work involving weeding, transplanting, and harvesting. Whenever possible I try to help around the house too since Claire O'Connor has her hands full with a brand new 16 month old adopted baby from Vietnam and her two other adorable adopted children. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to share my afternoons with such beautiful children.
There are plenty of other fun and educational activities to do after the daily chores are done. The weather has been very good to us the past four days. On Sunday Claire took me to a beech called Inch (Inis) where I had a great time trying to surf and got a heavy dose of rare Irish Sunshine. There is always plenty of cooking to do, bicycles to ride, towns and villages to explore and socializing with the family. There is even a second worker here to keep me company. His name is Martin. Martin is also from the U.S. He has been traveling for two years, and has a pleasant, outgoing personality. There is so much to learn around the farm with all the various personalities and backgrounds. Here is a picture of Martin sorting Gooseberries for market.
Both Claire and Gerard have the kind of warm and practical personality that can only come from having lived on a farm in Ireland for a prolonged period of time. I hope it rubs off on me! They also have the beautiful, county Claire accents that remind me of birds singing in a peaceful forest clearing. The accent also comes with a lovely Irish sense of humor and gentle, laid back attitude towards work and life.
Today is my weekend, and I have taken the opportunity to take a trip to nearby Killarney (Cill Airne). Today and tomorrow will be my opportunity for exploring one of Ireland's greatest national parks. There are great bike rides everywhere, and plenty of exploring. There is also great ice-cream. Plenty to do her until I head back to the farm tomorrow afternoon.
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