wherever the wwoof takes you

Hello all......Currently having a hard time getting the USB to work on this semi-ancient computer and so alas no photos yet. After a quick trip up north to see the Iguazu Falls (amazing, cannot describe in words!) I have now moved on to a different farm in Tunuyan close to Mendoza (still in Argentina) where i am wwoofing once again. Am currently spending my time doing lots of different things within the farm community which consists of a few different families. Mostly i am working with Gustavo, who is building (Tierra Circular) his own home from mud, wooden pallets, recycled car windows, garlic husks and any other recycled or natural materials he can get his hands on. I have been finishing the final layers of barro (earth mixed with horse poo and clay) while he is completing the bathroom with nice tiling. We are experimenting with a totally natural chemical free paint using linseed oil to make it water repellent. We discuss our thoughts on ecological living in particular about circular systems (systems Soph!!!!) and how in the cities there is a linear approach which contains a lot of inputs and waste and not as much recycling and reusing. Gustavo has also been teaching me Tai Chi Chuan which i have been really enjoying and is great for loosening up after a day on standing on a barrel throwing mud at the wall! I also help out in La Huerta (basically growing field or vegetable gardens) with Jorge who started the Madre Tierra project. As you can imagine, basic farmwork activities include but are not limited to the follwing, hoeing the land, putting down garlic husks as a nutricious mulch (¨Oh ajo!¨), chopping down weeds ´yerbas malas´, putting up supports for fruit trees, watering watering watering, harvesting delicious goodies....endless activities in the hot sun con my sombrero (we dont want wrinkles now do we) build up my appetite for delicious vegetarian sometimes vegan meals usually enjoyed after a much needed jump in the river with ice cold Andes water!

Yesterday I helped Azucena, Jorge´s wife, with the epic baking session before the Saturday organic farmers market in Mendoza where they go to sell their delicious bounty. After a long hot flour-filled day I was happy to spend the evening with the chicos from one of the other wwoofing farms who came over with homemade pudding and a film (Waking Life - its all about lucid dreaming)...followed by a goodnight sleep in mi carpa under another starry starry night...ideal!