I sit with my cup of coffee which came to me at my table, strong and with yummy milk (I've been using Sr. Cafe, the equivalent of our Mr Coffee/ coffee whitener on the advice of our health nurses, who must be years behind in their knowledge...bleh), waiting for Sheri, who might or might not be coming by.
Robin chats to me whenever she's out of the kitchen. I have to admit, it's nice to relax into my own language a bit.
From around the corner, comes an itty bitty version of Cubsay. Blonde, bright, commanding attention, belly button exposed, jeweled bindy on her forehead. Following is who I assume, Daddy, very attentive. The scene is amusing, with the little one chirping her desire to have ice cream (9:30 am:)) The icebreaker for me was her idea of sharing her ice cream into Daddy's coffee.
They sit at the next table and we strike up a conversation. I figure from their blonde hair and slight american twang that they are n. american. He and wife run a hotel at the other end of the beach. Back and forth, little Kaya interjecting in that non segway manner that small children have, we talk a bit, and then I mentioned what I'm doing here. Hello!
"That's What I DO! I'm a farmer!" says he.
I was so excited that I can't remember the # of people he farmed with, nor the place, but I think it was Hawaii. Regardless, it was on a big, organic farm. AND, he's a permaculture consultant.
(She smiles. THIS is what I'm talking about, making connections)
From what Robin tells me of Sheri's endeavours to grow organically and from what I learned at Anna's yesterday, it's very difficult to grow anything here. Ryan tells the same story. The place he's going to get paid to consult this afternoon (seems surprised that the fellow offered $... I feel it's due to him, but wonder what I can offer, with our low budget) is up the mountain a bit. He says it starts getting better above 300 ' above sea level. At sea level the variety of food that one can grow dwindles. Perhaps there's enough interest in gardens hither and thither that a trading system can be set up? Later. first things first.
Too much rain, not enough, too much sun, poor soil, pests and lack of seeds and potting medium, an inability to get anything brought in, such as potting soil and seeds, are the biggest challenges anyone faces here. Robin says there's not much research done here yet. A lot of people might be scared of those challenges, even defeated, but I like the thought of tackling them. Just hope we find some way to start, and that interest continues after I'm gone.
Oh. Kaya goes to Del Mar Academy. Ryan's interest is more than just gardening.
He has agreed to meet us at some point on-site to assess it.
I tell him my interests on this trip are soil building, community building, fact finding and learning about the types of things that can be grown here, that I need local input. "Tropicals" is the answer I get.
We talk about being sustainable, the hitch that the garden site is away from any water source, possible soil building materials and methods. New to me is the idea of cooking salt out of the sand in a big barrel...this is the type of thing I wouldn't have a clue about. I asked what about salt when he talked about mixing forest humus, silt from the river, and sand to make soil. My knowledge is based on the basic elements, humus, sand, clay and silt, but not on local resources.
Sheri rides up on her bike and shows me the greens she's brought to Robin. OOOO! A round table discussion? I wish, alas Sheri helps Robin in the kitchen. We discuss quickly the possibility that the kids and I take the bus and then walk to her place sometime this week. It's not too far, she assures. The bus stops just up by Cafe de Paris, and her stop is at the end of the line. Ultima parada.
Ryan and Kaya take their leave, having given me their phone # and suggestions when I might call. Kaya snaps a few pictures if me (she's 5 :D). I thank her for the lovely drawings in my everything book.
I've feasted on good connections.
Oh, and I think we've been adopted. Robin agrees to let Erroll walk Mango, who mostly stays tied up, because he chases motorcycles out on the road. Plus, she tells me that she and Sheri have "screened" me. smile. I think I pass.
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