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This is going to be a short entry because I don't have much time. I don't have internet on this farm, and right now I'm at an internet cafe. I'll explain the longer story later. The gist of it is, this farm isn't so hot. But don't worry, I'm OK. I'm leaving on Monday for another farm where there are a bunch of WWOOFers that are 18. Party! I hope. But anything will be better than where I am now...
I arrived at this farm to find that not only are there no other WWOOFers, but the couple who was running the farm together recently divorced. So, it was me and a 40- or 50-something (I'm guessing) recently divorced Italian man with a bad cough. I was a little freaked out the first night. But I lived through it and the next morning I didn't feel so bad. It's quite lonely though. But I knew setting out on this trip that there would be times like this. Just have to breath through it. However, it wouldn't be so bad if this guy was a little less creepy. At first he was kind of just dropping casual hints, like "oh, too bad you're only 18" (I'm translating that by the way, he doesn't speak English). Today he came right out and said "I need to find a wife who's like you". It would be hilarious except for it's just me and him on this farm and I'll admit it's not the most comfortable living situation ever. Thankfully, I think he's a moral enough person not to try anything, although he did ask me for a massage the other night. Needless to say I declined. I am being very clear about my boundaries. I'm just hoping that he's just being the typical creepy middle-aged Italian man (I've been offered rides multiple times from strangers in their cars - obviously declined - and even received a marriage proposal - although that guy was a Nigerian man on a train, so it was a little different). Sorry, that's a lot of unexplained stories. Well, it will have to wait. Anyway...
Anyone reading this is probably thinking, "get the hell out of there! Not a good situation!". Oh, I know. I'm getting out as soon as I can, believe me. Turns out Antonio (that's this guys's name) knows Francesca (one of the owners of the next farm) and is driving to Ostuni where she lives for a seeding festival (or something) on Monday anyway. And so he's bringing me. Hooray!
One more thing, there is supposedly another WWOOFer arriving as we speak. Anotnio is at the station picking her up. But she hasn't called, so... I hope she actually comes, but I decided that even if she doesn't I only need to make it through another day and a half. Fro now, I'm just trying to find the good things in this situation and appreciate the hell out of them.
Sorry for all the depressing news. And really, don't worry about me. Worst comes to worst, this guy has a bad cough and I can run like hell. I'll be okay. I'll try to post again when I get to the next farm.
Part of trip: The GAP Year
6 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
November 1st 2009 - Daniel Shaw: Nigeria,ehh?
Sounds like you are handling things in a way that is direct and smart. Will be waiting to hear the news of your next landing.
I think you should have pursued the Nigerian connection. Maybe that guy had received several bazillion dollars from Americans looking to help some unfortunate deposed king collect his inheritance.
November 1st 2009 - Claire F: Hang in there!
Hey Maddy! I've been regularly reading your blog, and this is the first time I haven't been envious of your otherwise amazing experience. I hope you get out of there as soon as you can. But I know you're smart and resourceful and will be okay. Besides this, though, it sounds like your adventure is everything you hoped it would be! And I'm here living vicariously through it all! Thanks for keeping this blog, it's so fun to read and to try to imagine what you are doing. I miss you a lot, but I am well. College is going well for me. I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know I'm thinking of you right now and I hope by the next entry things will be looking up for ya! Hang in there!
xoxo
Claire
November 2nd 2009 - Jimmy: AAH!!
Don't go getting married overseas, you just met these guys! Give the boys back home a chance Maddie!
November 2nd 2009 - barbara: it really is funny
you are handling this well...you will be gone soon and it will make a great funny story. Be sure to get a picture of Antonio with the bad cough. A marriage proposal...only one...girl, you will have a dozen of them by the time you leave Italy!!
love and miss you..
b
November 3rd 2009 - Kim Cermak: Impressive
Hey Maddy,
Hey Maddy,
You are so cool. I am totally impressed with how you are handling the weirdo with the bad cough and the other miscellaneous hangers-on. This is hilarious. Years ago when David and I were traveling with another female friend in Croatia, a guy asked David if he could buy one of his women, since he had two. Keep the stories coming. They are great.
Safe journeys. Kim
November 4th 2009 - David Walk: eek
I'm on the edge of my seat...hope you got out of there OK
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