There was a time when Casa Cares frequently hosted groups that cooked for themselves in our kitchen. Because we had fewer requests for this service, we gave it up and increased our kitchen staff to provide more half and full pension. Times change and we are again receiving requests for self-catering. In order to meet the needs of a variety of groups, we are willing to consider this option under certain circumstances. For example, it is important that no other guests need meals at the same time because we would be entrusting to the group our only workable kitchen. Also, of course, we need assurance that the kitchen in the villa will be in competent hands. As an alternative that has been available for some time, a couple or a group of 4-5 persons who wish to cook for themselves can be accommodated in the adjacent apartment.
Speaking about groups, we have quite a variety in these weeks. After the two weeks with 20 gypsies we just concluded a three-week work camp with 10 Berlin gardeners-in-training accompanied by two teachers. Once past a late winter snow storm, the timing was perfect. With all these helping hands a significant amount of spring clean-up and preparation was done in the fields and in the vegetable garden.
Now the villa is full of the music of the German high school choir that comes around Easter each year. Immediately following will be two American groups and confirmands from a Swiss Reformed church. The change of pace makes life interesting and keeps us on our toes!
With the start of the new guest season our volunteer presence increases. The source of our volunteers varies. Of the five with us now, one came through a German church office. Another found us through a friend. A third has been here with her Austrian church several times. A fellow’s parents were here in a study group. The last is the daughter of a former volunteer. Even that!
For some time we have had offers through the Global Ecovillage Network. Now a new facilitator, Workaway, is providing candidates. Because of our need on the land we are also considering contacting Woofers (Workers on organic farms).
It is a jigsaw puzzle, one that we cannot be sure of how it looks until it is put together, but the result typically is a great composition.
Speaking about groups, we have quite a variety in these weeks. After the two weeks with 20 gypsies we just concluded a three-week work camp with 10 Berlin gardeners-in-training accompanied by two teachers. Once past a late winter snow storm, the timing was perfect. With all these helping hands a significant amount of spring clean-up and preparation was done in the fields and in the vegetable garden.
Now the villa is full of the music of the German high school choir that comes around Easter each year. Immediately following will be two American groups and confirmands from a Swiss Reformed church. The change of pace makes life interesting and keeps us on our toes!
With the start of the new guest season our volunteer presence increases. The source of our volunteers varies. Of the five with us now, one came through a German church office. Another found us through a friend. A third has been here with her Austrian church several times. A fellow’s parents were here in a study group. The last is the daughter of a former volunteer. Even that!
For some time we have had offers through the Global Ecovillage Network. Now a new facilitator, Workaway, is providing candidates. Because of our need on the land we are also considering contacting Woofers (Workers on organic farms).
It is a jigsaw puzzle, one that we cannot be sure of how it looks until it is put together, but the result typically is a great composition.
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