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If you have been following How We Flourish, you probably know that I moved to Germany last week. In fact, you are probably sick of hearing about it.
Right?
Well, if you aren’t sick of me and are curious to hear how things have been going this past week, you can do so over on my expat blog, Flourishing in Deutschland. My expat journals start with “Auf Wiedersehen, Amerika.”
An incredibly stressful part of this move is that even after searching for over a month, we still do not have a permanent place to live. Every time we get close, something falls through. We will hear the final verdict on one place tomorrow. It’s perfect for us, but if that’s a no, it’s back to looking.
Luckily, we have somewhere to stay in the meantime. It is cheaper than a hotel, our transition is supported by a German family, and all of our food is local, organic, and homemade. This magical accommodation is called WWOOFing.
What is WWOOFing?
WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It was started in the UK back in 1971 and has grown significantly since then. “WWOOF” can be used as a verb – WWOOFing, the act of working on one of these farms – or as a noun – WWOOFer, someone who WWOOFs. These opportunities are available all over the world. You can get some ideas for where you could go here!
The basic idea behind WWOOFing is that the traveler works on an organic farm in exchange for food and lodging from their hosts. And of course, they learn about whichever facets of organic farming the farmers embrace, from raising animals to growing produce to distilling alcohol. Every farm will have something different to offer.
In the past week at the farm where we are working, we have harvested vegetables, weeded and dug sections of the garden, fed chickens, cooked, washed windows, and made schnapps. We have also learned a lot about eating local in this region of Germany. Our hosts are even going to take us grocery shopping later this week to teach us how to find high quality foods here. I just wish we could buy eggs like theirs from the grocery store!
If you want to learn more about WWOOFing, head on over to Flourishing in Deutchland, where I talk more about my WWOOFing experience and why I think it is something everyone should try.
Have you ever done WWOOFing? Tell me about your experience! If you haven’t, would you?
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reneekohley says
I seriously love this idea! I have never heard of this!
How We Flourish says
It is not well known in the United States, but it does exist there, too. I think it is such a great thing for everyone!
lindaspiker says
I never heard of it either until you mentioned it! Great idea.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I really love the idea but have never done it. I had never heard of this before.
Susan@learningandyearning says
This is such a wonderful way to learn more about organic farming, and great for the farmers as well. And I’m glad that the stress of trying to find a place to live is partially relieved by such a great opportunity!
How We Flourish says
Yes, it was a great help and a wonderful learning experience. And of course great for the farmers, too!
Megan Stevens says
Wonderful!! We have friends who did it in New Zealand for MANY months. It was the highlight of their travels. Thanks for educating others about this symbiotic option! <3
How We Flourish says
I wish we could have done it for that long!
herbgalyyz says
Wonderful. Good luck with your new home.. Have had several friends both work at the farms all over the world, and friends with local organic biz who welcome the WWoofers.. It’s just fabulous!
How We Flourish says
Thanks. It is such a fabulous opportunity!
Katie Stanley says
What a wonderful idea!