Running with a European

I arrived in the beautiful country of Belgium over two weeks ago and after a no-question border checkpoint headed straight to Gent where I was warmly greeted by a fellow Sli Na Bande wwoofer, Griet. We spent the day wandering the streets and catching up on life from the past few weeks. Gent was a very nice city and happened to be celebrating Vegetarian Day when I was there (I think they knew I was coming). We spent a couple of days by the North Sea and loaded with train and bus schedules we parted ways and I set off for the next wwoofing adventure.

Two trains, a bus, a miscommunication with the bus driver, and lots of walking later I successfully arrived at my next destination. La ferme du bois-le-comte is a macrobiotic vegan retreat center. I was introduced to everyone and immediately started helping in the kitchen getting ready for dinner. One fine Sunday afternoon I heard heavy boots walk in the door and someone say "Hey Egg Salad". I was instantly relieved because I knew another Sli Na Bande wwoofer was now in my presence. Maria had been hitchhiking her way across Europe and stopped back in Belgium before heading home. With another American around, we instantly started talking as fast as possible and telling funny stories with "thats what she said" jokes included.

The past few weeks have been filled with delicious vegan food and I'm trying to learn as much as possible from all the wonderful chefs here. The work days are sometimes quite long filled with dishes, dishes, and always more dishes. However, I always find time to go for a hike in the unexplored woods of southern Belgium, or to bike to France, or relax on the porch. I am also trying to learn more about the macrobiotic lifestyle which involves eating biological animal product free food, and much more. One evening I mentioned to one of the other workers that I was going for a run. Kris instantly volunteered to go with me. I was incredibly skeptical because I outweigh most people here by 40-50 lbs and running isnt really my strong point. Nevertheless, we set out and he gracefully sped through the mud, dodged trees, tramped through tall grass, and I lagged behind learning my lesson - never go running with a European.

(picture of Griet and I enjoying Belgian beer!)