This is the end, my friends…
Well, an end, anyway. I leave Hungary today with many fond memories, new friends, a bit of sorrow, some trepidation, and excitement. I’ve been here so long now I’ve managed to grow a few tiny roots, and pulling them up again is a bit uncomfortable.
I’ve got a long couple days of travel ahead of me, so here’s a little story to hold you over…
We got our first frost the weekend before last, which killed off several of the summer plants in the beds that hadn’t been cleared yet. When that happens, they just wilt and droop and start to get all slimy as they break down, so I set about to clearing them out before they got too bad.
It was chilly that morning, though warming up in the sun. I squatted down to pull out my first plant, a physalis with brittle branches that break easily in your hands. As I was pulling at the root, the grip of branches I had in my hand broke, sending my flying backward into a metal stand, on top of which was perched a wide, shallow metal bowl of water with a layer of ice still floating on top from the overnight freeze. I felt the ice cold water splash on my neck and pour down my back.
I screamed and jumped up. Fortunately, I hadn’t toppled the bowl and only a bit of water had splashed down my back. The initial shock of the cold wetness on my skin and in my sweater passed quickly enough and, in the warmth of the sun, I turned back to my work. That was when I noticed the tingling sensation on my legs and butt – I had plopped right down into a patch of that damned STINGING NETTLE! My thin leggings provided only a modicum of protection – I felt the sting for the rest of the day.
The farm I’ve been staying at is called the Salubrious Project and it’s run by Cara Lomax. If you’re ever of a mind to learn about organic farming and permaculture, or just looking for a different kind of vacation experience, you’ll find a wonderful and patient host in Cara and a lovely and peaceful stay with her in Kaposhomok, Hungary.
TL;DR: I’m off!
