During the short drive from the train station to the house, Luc and I talked a bit. After a few sentences, he then said how well I now speak French. That really flatterd me. Upon arriving at the house, I found out that I would have the same sleeping arrangement as last year, because the American wwoofer sleeps in a Grangeon (small house) and not in the actual house because of a strong cat allergy. I put my things away in my room and cuddled Jabba, the loyal dog, before I had breakfast.
While I ate Michael, the American Wwoofer, came over and the three of us talked a little bit. Michael understands French relatively well, but hardly speaks it. Quickly I started speaking English when I talked to both of them at the same time, but French when I talked just to Luc. So the three of us could have interesting conversations together and I still had a some opportunities to use my French.
After breakfast, Michael and I sorted, counted and put away the boxes used in the harvest. Luc had offered me that I could get some rest, but I felt very fit, so I politely refused and took part in everything. Next, we checked the fermentation process of several wines. Luc explained to Michael what to look out for, and transfered the responsibility for the control process to him, because Michael wants to learn how to make wine. I watched and occasionally assisted. For much of the time, however, I spent admiring the scenery. The weather was wonderful and I was just overjoyed to be back. So many great memories from my last stay here came back and the whole atmosphere immediately made me content.
After breakfast, Michael and I sorted, counted and put away the boxes used in the harvest. Luc had offered me that I could get some rest, but I felt very fit, so I politely refused and took part in everything. Next, we checked the fermentation process of several wines. Luc explained to Michael what to look out for, and transfered the responsibility for the control process to him, because Michael wants to learn how to make wine. I watched and occasionally assisted. For much of the time, however, I spent admiring the scenery. The weather was wonderful and I was just overjoyed to be back. So many great memories from my last stay here came back and the whole atmosphere immediately made me content.
In front of the house was a large pile of pomace (remnants of wine pressing), which we loaded onto a trailer. We then drove a few hundred meters away and unloaded it on the compost pile. I had remembered that I should be carefull as to not get any blisters on my hand, but forgot to actually do something against it. So now, I have an open blister on my thumb, just like last year when I did the same work. Next time: more doing, less thinking! From the compost heap we went to the garden, where we harvested tomatoes, carrots of all colors, and apples. When we returned to the car, Luc spotted a dead pheasant near the compost heap. He said maybe we could still eat it and went to take a closer look at it. Unfortunately (luckily?) the pheasant was not edible and we drove back to the house, with the yield from the garden on the backseat.
By now it was already lunchtime and Luc started to prepare the food. I finally unpacked my camera and used the time to take some pictures. For lunch we had tomatoes from the garden, mashed potatoes, pumpkin puree and sausages. As always, everything tasted great.
For dinner we went to Patrick. Patrick is a good friend of Luc and always helps with the harvest, so I knew him from last year. His property is really nice. He has a huge vegetable garden, a pool and a great view. At the far end of the property he and a friend built a small house - made of stone and very old wood - in which we ate dinner. Before the meal, Michael and I took pictures in the garden and asked about the different plants.
I knew there would be a special (stinky) cheese fondue; made with a cheese that only two producers make worldwide, one directly in Patrick's home town and the other in the same region. What I did not know was that we would also have slugs. Patrick brought in the slugs and I had no idea what they were.
So I asked. The answer was not what I had hoped for. But sinceI had decided to at least try every meal that is put on the table in front of me, I brought myself to eat a snail. It was not that bad, but did not taste too good either. After a few minutes I then dared to eat a second snail. Now I can say with certainty that I do not really like it and the thought of what I have in my mouth requires a lot of strenght and will to not through up.
The cheese fondue was delicious, but smelled very strongly. Just hold your breath and power through! With salt, pepper and several glasses of wine, I made it through dinner. For dessert we had ice cream, cigarillos and cherry schnapps. At about 11 pm, we headed back home again. Although we were both beyon exhausted, Michael and I still took pictures of the starry sky. The night was absolutely clear and in La Pavaz, there is hardly any light pollution. The conditions were amazing!
It was after midnight when I finally got to bed. I fell asleep feeling happy and content, full of anticipation for the next few weeks.