Thanks for joining me on my first journey after 60: working organic farms throughout Italy. The first thing on my Bucket List (at my age you start thinking of your bucket list) has been to get back to my roots and REALLY learn what it is to be Italian. My grandparents come from the Abruzzo Region in Italy. My maternal grandfather was an Italian farmer and I still remember the huge garden he had in America. So off I go to experience Italy. My goals are to: learn the language, organic farming, Italian cooking, and meet the everyday Italian farmer. I joined an organization called Wwoof (Worldwide organization of organic farmers) and starting contacting various farms. Since I am traveling alone, I was cautious about making sure the farms were either an agritourisimo or teaching farm; Wwoof does not guarantee the safety of the farms. I am not the typical Wwoofer being older; most are in their 20’s. When I first started contacting farms I was a little weary of mentioning my age. Later in the process I decided I better tell them before they think I can work construction; wouldn’t they be surprised when I showed up. I was really interesting the reactions; some really liked the idea and some said no thanks. The first farm that accepted me was a 55 year old man living alone and he was very excited to have me (tempting but no). I finally found 5 farms that I really liked. (2) in Campania, (1) in Sicily and (2) in Abruzzo. I was accepted at some additional farms that I will be sad to miss.
Getting ready for the 3 month trip created three dilemmas:
1. What do I do with my hair? I guess I never realized how coloring my hair handcuffs me to my beautician. I will just have to look like a skunk!! Do Italian women color their hair on the farm? Perhaps I will just let it go grey. I will be interested in your opinion, especially when you see me.
2. I do not speak Italian and many of the farms only speak Italian. I realize that age has an effect on one’s ability to master (or not master) a language. Tried as I may, I came to the conclusion that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I really need to be in Italy and immersed in the language.
3. Being short is a disadvantage; I cannot possibly carry a backpack with three months worth of clothes like a typical Wwoofer; or so I thought having a jacket and shoe fetish. Oh Whatever, I can always mail things back I guess? I finally settled with two bags as you can see in the photo.
My first stop is Rome for two days to get my feet on the ground. Hope you can join me in Rome.
