Country life

We have made it to the farm. This time it wasn't raining, probably because I had packed everything in plastic bags! As none of our neighbours happened to be in town (Apuela), we made our own way out to Ampuenda, and were very happy when our driver brought us all the way down the access road, across the bridge and right to our gate. This doesn't sound too impressive until you realize that until a couple of years ago, this was not possible.

Once there, we were greeted by Marcia, many dogs, chickens, horses, ducks and a cow.

This is Ben, he insisted on jamming himself between us in order to maximize ear scritches!

Later, Celio arrived with our rubber boots, and then proceeded to show us how well the guaba trees (ice cream fruit) that he and Serge had planted a few years ago were doing. Guaba (not guava like Google keeps trying to tell me, although we have that too) is an excellent nitrogen fixer, which coffee plants need. 

Banana coplanting is also popular as they grow fast, rather like mutant dandylions!

Personally, I prefer guaba or liso trees, but you have to be patient! They take longer, although everything grows much faster than at home. 

We've been spending our days quietly, walking the land, and hanging out on our favourite rock. The dogs and even the horses stop by to say hello. They have all figured out that we are the only humans that are on vacation, so they are trying to get as much attention as they can manage!

Horses have trouble with selfies! They like to look close, but the nose gets in the way!