Workin' on the farm...

Yesterday, first of all, was gorgeous. It made such a difference on our impression of the place and our moods. It was rainy today but we're hoping that yesterday was a glimpse of the weather turning. The flowers are starting to bloom and it's a touch warmer...so hopefully... We began our work yesterday in the vineyards which consisted of about nine of us, four wwoofers and five Italiani, slowly working our way down these long rows of vines, vine by vine, and training each vine: bending it at a right angle and tying it to the wires strung down the rows. Not too difficult and with the beautiful weather it was really enjoyable. We definitely didn't do it correctly at first and would often get stopped by Leo or Lisabetta to show us the right way. Half the time, I didn't know why they wanted me to cut a vine or tie it at that particular place or whatever but I just do what they tell me to do. Maybe someone will explain it later? Non lo so. I'm by far the slowest one. Leo and Stefano can do two and half rows in the time it takes me to do one. I don't really know what the deal is... Today we finished the second vineyard (having to take several breaks as the rain came in and out) and then started work on this huge lawn in front of the house where Brian and I are staying. Leo and Stefano are using weed-eaters to cut the grass and the four wwoofers have to rake the cut grass and load it into the back of the trailer on the tractor. It's pretty ridiculous. I mean, get a lawn-mower. I don't know if that's what we'll be doing tomorrow or not, but it will take forever, whoever has to do it. It's very strange to be a foreigner. The foreigner feeling when you're just traveling and sight-seeing is not so bad; just kind of part of the exciting and interesting experience. When you're trying to really live in a place for a while, the feeling is different. It's definitely more lonely and confusing and frustrating trying to communicate and work alongside these people. Even with that, I'm so glad to be here with Brian. I would hate to be doing this by myself. It would just be so lonely. Together, we laugh and joke around and have a good time. I wish we could have taken pictures in the vineyards or at any of the amazing lunches that Lucia has been cooking for us but we don't want to come off too touristy just yet...

Con affetto,

Jessica and Brian

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