Today when enjoying my now daily ritual of river watching I heard a noise behind me. When I popped my head above my sand fortress I witnessed the two SECMOL cows chewing the leaves off the tree behind me. Eager to make friends, I approached one of the cows and lowered a branch for her. It didn’t take her long to recognize I came in peace as she followed me around the base of the tree enthusiastically grasping the leaves with her long tongue. She even waited for me while I tried to befriend the other (her daughter, and she wasn’t having any of it). This may not sound like an event of significance, but it was a moment that will be etched in my recollections of my time spent here. To top matters off, the students later taught me how to milk the cow. My main concern was that my untrained hands would be an annoyance, but a decent bucket of milk was produced nonetheless. For good reason, my lesson took place with the cow whose back legs where braced together with a thin cloth. I had previously expressed slight apprehension about drinking the unpasteurized milk until I discovered that our daily chai tea was made with it. Delicious.
Taking the role of a domestic goddess does not come naturally to me (anyone looking for a housewife need not apply). However, milking a cow was one of many firsts for me over the last couple of days. Medea (another volunteer) and I had purchased fruit in during our town excursion with the intention of making jam for winter. And made jam we did. It was a slightly arduous process of de-pitting (I don’t know if that’s a word, but it is now) but we turned out a gorgeous banana, pear and apricot concoction. We also spent the last two days cutting several kilos of tomato and broccoli to be dried and stored for the winter. It is very difficult to get fresh vegetables in the colder seasons so this process is a necessity. AND, in a move to make Martha Stewart jealous, I hand washed my dusty clothes for the first time. Again, not a big deal to most, but for someone who has had the convenience of a washing machine her whole life, it was a task conducted with pride. I’m sure the novelty will wear off in a short while, but for now it’s a badge of honor.
Taking the role of a domestic goddess does not come naturally to me (anyone looking for a housewife need not apply). However, milking a cow was one of many firsts for me over the last couple of days. Medea (another volunteer) and I had purchased fruit in during our town excursion with the intention of making jam for winter. And made jam we did. It was a slightly arduous process of de-pitting (I don’t know if that’s a word, but it is now) but we turned out a gorgeous banana, pear and apricot concoction. We also spent the last two days cutting several kilos of tomato and broccoli to be dried and stored for the winter. It is very difficult to get fresh vegetables in the colder seasons so this process is a necessity. AND, in a move to make Martha Stewart jealous, I hand washed my dusty clothes for the first time. Again, not a big deal to most, but for someone who has had the convenience of a washing machine her whole life, it was a task conducted with pride. I’m sure the novelty will wear off in a short while, but for now it’s a badge of honor.
