Our first week of working on the olive farm is past and we have one more week left until we set off for the south-eastern coast of France.  This past weekend was the fair of Villa Nueva de San Juan.  Some people partied for 4 days strait; literally 4 days straight.  We went out with Liz’s son Alex, who introduced us to the locals and Spanish nightlife.  If you can’t make it until 5 or 6 in the morning you might as well not go out, because that’s when the real party starts in Spain.  Quite an experience.  Lots of stories.  Memories constantly being made.  Constantly learning.  Constantly gaining knowledge.

-Stay up-

6.28.11

JWKJ 

We are currently on our fourth day of work at the farm in southern Spain.  The farm produces many of the meals that we have throughout the day but it’s main crop is olives.  We have been working on building a shed, falling trees and a little bit of painting.  Being on the olive farm has been a great experience.  Liz and her family have been very welcoming.  Above is a picture from the patio right outside our bedroom.  The sunsets are inexplicable.

6.22.11

JWKJ

Almadenejos, Spain

It’s amazing how a wrong turn can turn out to be one of the best experiences of a lifetime.  We bought tickets to the station we thought we were to meet the English couple, who we are going to be working on their farm for two weeks.  However, it turned out to be a station next to a town of 400 people called Almadenejos.  Upon arrival it seemed all was lost and we felt completely lost.  But with the help of our new friend/train conductor Alvaro he introduced us to Consuelo who would house us for the night and treat us with the respect of family she has known for years.  We then went to the local cafe, which her son owns, where we were given the best ham sandwiches in all of Spain.  They would not accept our money and they welcomed us with open arms.  I have never felt so comfortable in a new setting as in this certain instance.  Our new friend Jose, who spoke English, showed around to the local landmarks, the bull fighting ring and one of the best sunsets eyes can absorb.  Overall, this experience has made me realize there is still a lot of good in this world and family isn’t just found within blood relatives, it is found in the small village of Almadenejos.  

6.18.11

JWKJ

Almadenejos

maps.google.es

Oh Amsterdam..

Cale and I had an absolute fantastic time in Amsterdam…and no, not just because of the obvious reasons.  The easy walking of the canals were such a fantastic way to unwind from the hustle and bustle lifestyle that we experienced in London.  Not to mention the amazing architecture, some of which of the buildings are over 600 and sometimes 700 years old.  We met so many cool people and had a good time with the locals.  We also met two girls who were staying in our room from Colorado and we explored the best parks, coffee shops and pub-crawls at night.  Overall, Amsterdam had the charm of a small European town with the bite of a great nightlife.  I had an awesome time in Amsterdam and hope to spend some more time there in the upcoming months.

6.12.11

-JWKJ

Finished up London yesterday and left very early this morning to get on the train. There were some good times in this awesome city. Met a lot of cool people.

6.8.11

-JWKJ

—The Beginning—

My life for the next two months

…start of a journey

6.5.11

-JWKJ