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AITA Adventures Abroad: Discussing The Farm in Europe

Some entertaining tidbits from my recent trip across the pond…
I was surprised and delighted to discover that at least the IDEA of the New American Organic “Farmer” seems to be perceived as “tres cool.”
Certainly no lack of conversation in broken Spanglish, Frenglish, and Catalanglish…

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FAUX PAS: Asking for the compost in a flat in Paris after peeling garlic for dinner.

UNA BUENA IDEA: Explaining “vermicomposting” en español and recommending it as a viable practice in a low-rise apartment building with great terraces in Barcelona

Excerpt from a conversation, catching up with an old friend:
- “What projects have you been up to lately?”
- “Planted a cover crop of winter rye.”
- “A what?”

TRANSLATION: Certified Organic = “BIO“

A Discussion: “The Locavore Movement“
Question (translated to english): Oh, you are one of those people who only eats everything within 50 miles of your house?
Answer: Si

Ex-Pat Skepticism, aka - “These Callouses Don’t Lie”
Met a UArts alumni, now a tutor for a residency program in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona, who found it comical when I told him I didn’t do graphic design work anymore because I do farm work. After air-kissing me on both cheeks (I know, shoot me, I’m being a stereotypical ‘merican in need of personal space), he shook my hand, continued to grasp it, and exclaimed, “Oh! Shit! You really DO do work.”

Excerpt from a conversation with a street fashion spotter in Paris…
- What are the brands of your clothes. Where do they come from?
- Eastern Mountain Sports, SmartWool, Frye.

- What is your occupation…designer? student?
- I work on a farm in the United States.

- Oh! You are an American farmer! Cool!

Houseplant Compulsions
Woke up early one morning and began to remove the dead blossoms from my friend’s small succulent houseplant. Proceeded to explain to her that this would make the new blossoms open in the next few days. Moved plant toward open window. Felt small surge of pride from being a good gardening pupil.

Carhartt Confusion and Subsequent Crisis
In Paris, Carhartt is a boutique fashion/skate/streetwear line.
In New Hampshire, Carhartt is sold alongside mulch, work boots, and chicken feed.
Is this the same Carhartt?!?!? Apparently, it is 2 divisions of the same company. I remain utterly baffled and continued to take photos of French teens wearing impeccably tailored Carhartt jackets.

The New Content of My “Business” Phone Calls This Week from Across The Pond
- “Yes, deliver the tractor on Friday. I will be back then to open the barn door for you.”
- “I was just calling to let you know that it’s OK for you to bring the bulldozer up early in the week.”
- “Go ahead with the chipper this week to get the brush off the stone walls behind the house.”
- “I can’t pick up my bread share loaf this week. Can I resume next week?”
- “No, the snowblower hasn’t had an oil change yet.”
- “Yes, I’d like to look into mudflaps for the Chevy.”
- “Remind me to add stabilizer to the gas tank when I get back. And pick up 10 more gallons of off-road diesel.”