May 2010 2 week work camp

The first group arrived in the two centres last week to get the places organized for the workshops that start in June.

The places are closed over winter so all the gardens have to be replanted and rooms opened and cleaned out. The tents and yurt need to be put and the kitchen reorganized and cleaned.The big project going on here is rebuilding the roundhouse where most workshops will be held. Lots of cleaning and unpacking are needed.

Then there is the daily rhythms of cooking, buying food and cleaning up that must be done alongside getting the place ready.

All this is done by a group of people from various parts of the world who for the most part do not know each other. There is a mix of ages from 19 to sixty.

An important part of the daily rhythms is to have a morning sharing to keep us connected to each other and to our own inner emotions. Its a time for planning the day ahead and dealing with practicalities as well as clearing tensions.

We also gather for meals holding hands for a moment to be present to the group and the food and gratitude for being here.

Of course there are the rhythms of socializing. Most days include an afternoon at the beach and socializing over meals. I especially like it when the 2 houses get together for a meal which leads to guitar playing and singing. We also had an evening meal out at one of the lovely seaside retaurants.

This place is set in some spectacular mountain scenery that overlooks the ocean. The bus ride in was long and very winding but stunning in its beauty. The tiny village is quaint with its fountains and cobblestoned road and square. Roses are blooming everywhere amidst the greenery. The weather has been sunny and just hot enough to be comfortable.

I wait for the next week to unfold.

Sharyn and daughter Kylee from New Zealand