I forgot to write in my last post that this morning, my boss had to break the neck of the family cat because it was just getting worse and worse after the dogs attacked it a couple of weeks ago. It hadn't really eaten more than a few tiny bits of food that whole time and just drunk water and some milk, it was really gaunt and just basically skin n bones. Even her eyes were sunken and lost in a sea of depression. It was frustrating because she was making progress with her back legs but nothing with her diet... anyway, it wasn't the best start to the day but that's life - or death - I suppose.
Today we helped with the grass pretty much all day, which was AWESOME. Wish I could do that every day. Not but seriously it was OK, we felt like getting away from the house for a while and the weather was a bit cold and wet so the grass that fell on us wasn't dry and dusty at least. And the gypsies, as gypsy-like as they are, are actually fun to work with.
But anyway, we went for a ride afterwards because otherwise I think we'd all go insane (it's our way of relaxing even though technically it's the work we came here to do). I think I had my last ride on Goody before we take him back to the herd tomorrow, and I leave, but at least we get to go to the shepherd boy's house. He is so very nice these days...
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Rain eases the pain
OK, so I spoke too soon last night. Just after I posted that blog about giving ourselves the day off, we were summoned to help the gypsies with hay bales (my favourite, ooooohhhh how I love the hay....) but luckily that didn't take too long. I was just 2 sips into my beer when it happened. Afterwards, I was another 2 sips into my second beer when we were asked to help with mucking out the stables, another favourite pastime of mine.
I've still not been talked to about the party on Sat night and I doubt I will, given I've now told them this Sat will be my last night before heading off to the other place. I have been told, however, that my favourite little gypsy boy will be getting the boot on Monday because he's been covering up for the others or something. I think he's one of their best workers - yes, I'm a little bias - but he's good with the horses and works hard. Anyway, I'm not gonna get involved. I just feel sorry for the poor lad. And I'm about to leave too. What a week he'll have haha.
Today the miserable weather returned with a vengeance - it seems they were right when they said it literally changes overnight from summer to winter here. I'm cold!!! We're helping with the grass and maybe taking some horses back to the herd afterwards, although I'm not sure that will be possible given how much grass we have to transport and the number of daylight hours left in the day. I'm not particularly liking today and so that makes leaving easier. Rain makes things boring and harder to escape the boss when he's in a bad mood. Also, the boss' wife smokes inside and that annoys me too. I say that now because it's drifting into my face as I type *insert crude coughing noise here*
I've still not been talked to about the party on Sat night and I doubt I will, given I've now told them this Sat will be my last night before heading off to the other place. I have been told, however, that my favourite little gypsy boy will be getting the boot on Monday because he's been covering up for the others or something. I think he's one of their best workers - yes, I'm a little bias - but he's good with the horses and works hard. Anyway, I'm not gonna get involved. I just feel sorry for the poor lad. And I'm about to leave too. What a week he'll have haha.
Today the miserable weather returned with a vengeance - it seems they were right when they said it literally changes overnight from summer to winter here. I'm cold!!! We're helping with the grass and maybe taking some horses back to the herd afterwards, although I'm not sure that will be possible given how much grass we have to transport and the number of daylight hours left in the day. I'm not particularly liking today and so that makes leaving easier. Rain makes things boring and harder to escape the boss when he's in a bad mood. Also, the boss' wife smokes inside and that annoys me too. I say that now because it's drifting into my face as I type *insert crude coughing noise here*
Monday 30 August 2010
Our 'day off'
Sunday is rest day for pretty much everyone in Romania, which includes my boss and his wife apparently, as us girls were sent on a mission to Sibiu to drop the last guest off at the airport and do the shopping. What they didn't count on was the fact we all desperately needed time off ourselves and it was all we could do to stop ourselves falling asleep standing up all day.
Anyway, I managed somehow to drive the 1.5 hours to and from the airport, and arrange us 3 into some kind of working order in the supermarket (we had the combined mental and physical strength of 1 person), and wanted to collapse into bed when we got home, only to remember they were entertaining friends that night so we had to of course be part of the entertainment. I was too tired even to be good entertainment - now you know that's a bad sign!
It ended up being pretty funny actually, as one of the guests was the old head of police that now pimps himself out as private police hire or something and is apparently loaded... well, he's insane and took a liking to me, so spent the evening being all flirty and silly in Romanian, in front of his wife who like all the other women partners over here, just sat there unmoved by the whole episode. It must just be something Romanian men do here! But anyway, he promised to take L and I swimming and sightseeing in Brasov tomorrow so we'll see if that happens. He also wants me to go and break in his 2 feral horses in the paddock but I'm not sure I'm keen on that... for several reasons.
After L got drunk (for the first time since being here - she doesn't drink but was too tired to have a quick reaction when crazy man topped up her glass repeatedly) and I had a few glasses too, we retreated back to the guesthouse and had a good lie-in til late the next morning.
Today we went for a ride, me on Myastoza again, and took the nice sunny, but windy weather to rest atop a mountain with some sambos while conveniently avoiding helping the gypsies with the hay baling back at the homestead. That's our version of a day off.
Anyway, I managed somehow to drive the 1.5 hours to and from the airport, and arrange us 3 into some kind of working order in the supermarket (we had the combined mental and physical strength of 1 person), and wanted to collapse into bed when we got home, only to remember they were entertaining friends that night so we had to of course be part of the entertainment. I was too tired even to be good entertainment - now you know that's a bad sign!
It ended up being pretty funny actually, as one of the guests was the old head of police that now pimps himself out as private police hire or something and is apparently loaded... well, he's insane and took a liking to me, so spent the evening being all flirty and silly in Romanian, in front of his wife who like all the other women partners over here, just sat there unmoved by the whole episode. It must just be something Romanian men do here! But anyway, he promised to take L and I swimming and sightseeing in Brasov tomorrow so we'll see if that happens. He also wants me to go and break in his 2 feral horses in the paddock but I'm not sure I'm keen on that... for several reasons.
After L got drunk (for the first time since being here - she doesn't drink but was too tired to have a quick reaction when crazy man topped up her glass repeatedly) and I had a few glasses too, we retreated back to the guesthouse and had a good lie-in til late the next morning.
Today we went for a ride, me on Myastoza again, and took the nice sunny, but windy weather to rest atop a mountain with some sambos while conveniently avoiding helping the gypsies with the hay baling back at the homestead. That's our version of a day off.
I kissed a gypsy and I liked it
Last Saturday night I crashed a local gypsy's bday party. Don't ask me whose it was, I never figured that out, but I definitely got a flavour of gypsy social life - finally! Besides dancing a storm up to a traditional gypsy music (check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IT87-MvBKE for an example of what I'm talking about), a highlight was definitely the arrival of an ambulance. Not to take an injured drunk man away from a fight, but a pregnant woman in labour. Ha! Baby-making factories...
When all 3 of us girls walked to the local hall in the pouring rain, the first person we met (luckily) was the good shepherd boy with his friends. You could see in his eyes he couldn't believe we came. The Swedish girls didn't feel comfortable going in, having been given a talking-to by the boss' wife about watching their association with the gypsies, so I strode in arm in arm with shepherd boy playing the ignorant card should any problems arise at a later date. I had had no such talking-to.
We walked in and his friends all looked in disbelief at their mate who had just walked outside a few seconds earlier then returned with this girl who clearly was not local but still friendly and familiar with him. I just laughed. We sat ourselves in the corner of one of the long tables and after feeling uneasy from all the stares for a little while, just thought fuck it and grabbed Chippy, the 13 year old boy with a growth disorder who looks about 5, for a boogie. He was well into it and even the other young'uns joined the cirlce. I got the reluctant shepherd boy up for a dance and it was quite entertaining.
Then came the other gypsy workers... a few beers down of course. All asking for dances while their patient partners waited in the background. Awkward much? You bet ya. So I carefully chose who to throw some (Romanian) shapes with and hopefully didn't piss anyone off. I even had a dance with the cook at one stage! She loved it.
Then they passed a basket around and all put money in, I assume for the bday girl (or boy, who really knows?!) as an MC shouting out how much each person contributed. It looked like some kind of tradition and I kinda sunk into the corner cos I had no wallet on me... cheapskate!! At first I thought they were auctioning off people and I SWEAR I heard my name, so I kinda freaked out and started working out in my head how many people I had to pass on the way to the exit and if it was possible to do without arousing suspicion... anyway, I was freaking out for no good reason in the end.
A few shots of rakiyo (hideous alcohol which actually was weaker than normal at this party, or I was drunker) and an unforgettable trip to the 'toilet' (hole in ground surrounded by chicken and cow poo out the back *vomit*) later, I saw that it was time to leave... but not before bowing to temptation and actually kissing the shepherd boy. Even after I learned he was only 18. What have I become. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that this was to be a secret kept from everyone and here's to hoping he keeps his mouth shut.
I am bored. I need entertainment. And this is as good as any. Anyway, I've only got a few days before I leave to make sure I properly break his little untainted heart.
When all 3 of us girls walked to the local hall in the pouring rain, the first person we met (luckily) was the good shepherd boy with his friends. You could see in his eyes he couldn't believe we came. The Swedish girls didn't feel comfortable going in, having been given a talking-to by the boss' wife about watching their association with the gypsies, so I strode in arm in arm with shepherd boy playing the ignorant card should any problems arise at a later date. I had had no such talking-to.
We walked in and his friends all looked in disbelief at their mate who had just walked outside a few seconds earlier then returned with this girl who clearly was not local but still friendly and familiar with him. I just laughed. We sat ourselves in the corner of one of the long tables and after feeling uneasy from all the stares for a little while, just thought fuck it and grabbed Chippy, the 13 year old boy with a growth disorder who looks about 5, for a boogie. He was well into it and even the other young'uns joined the cirlce. I got the reluctant shepherd boy up for a dance and it was quite entertaining.
Then came the other gypsy workers... a few beers down of course. All asking for dances while their patient partners waited in the background. Awkward much? You bet ya. So I carefully chose who to throw some (Romanian) shapes with and hopefully didn't piss anyone off. I even had a dance with the cook at one stage! She loved it.
Then they passed a basket around and all put money in, I assume for the bday girl (or boy, who really knows?!) as an MC shouting out how much each person contributed. It looked like some kind of tradition and I kinda sunk into the corner cos I had no wallet on me... cheapskate!! At first I thought they were auctioning off people and I SWEAR I heard my name, so I kinda freaked out and started working out in my head how many people I had to pass on the way to the exit and if it was possible to do without arousing suspicion... anyway, I was freaking out for no good reason in the end.
A few shots of rakiyo (hideous alcohol which actually was weaker than normal at this party, or I was drunker) and an unforgettable trip to the 'toilet' (hole in ground surrounded by chicken and cow poo out the back *vomit*) later, I saw that it was time to leave... but not before bowing to temptation and actually kissing the shepherd boy. Even after I learned he was only 18. What have I become. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that this was to be a secret kept from everyone and here's to hoping he keeps his mouth shut.
I am bored. I need entertainment. And this is as good as any. Anyway, I've only got a few days before I leave to make sure I properly break his little untainted heart.
Sunday 29 August 2010
Horse trek #2 - caput!
After a surprisingly comfortable sleep in a tent next to the shepherds' station (pic to follow), we set out for another trek towards the UNESCO village we stayed at last time with the pastor, his wife and cute little boy. Again, their service was great as was the food, and I gave myself time to contemplate buying cute little hand-knitted socks the next morning. Seems they charge through the nose for any hint of tourist opportunity. And yes, I could've bought some and supported local custom but they were really expensive (for what they were)!
The day's ride wasn't too stressful, not more than 4 hours in the saddle, and again the scenery is just beautiful. I haven't ever really explained what it's like to ride in Romania but imagine neverending fields of grass, lucerne, corn etc framed by bush of all densities sporting an array of shrubs and trees that shield the burning sun and shelter serene bush tracks. Sometimes we pass by fruit trees which are full of ripe fruit at the moment, and we pick some off to eat as we ride. It's probably the best riding country I have ever been in.
The following day, post-pastor, we hit the trails expecting a long ride ahead but it didn't seem at all too bad. The sun was out again in full steam and for some reason I chose to take the track beside the forest not inside so I got plenty of opportunity to top up my tan. Also got an opportunity to bolt up some hills which is always welcome. Goody was a good boy for me.
Finally got home and realised it was indeed Saturday... the gypsies left punctually because they had a local bday party to attend at the hall a few metres up the road. I was itching to check it out, I haven't seen much local gypsy custom in full force here and in all honesty, I do miss the ol' discotheque. So I donned my high school rebel hat and took a left to the hall instead of right to the guesthouse when we left... and it was a choice well made. I think I need a new post to explain it all...
The day's ride wasn't too stressful, not more than 4 hours in the saddle, and again the scenery is just beautiful. I haven't ever really explained what it's like to ride in Romania but imagine neverending fields of grass, lucerne, corn etc framed by bush of all densities sporting an array of shrubs and trees that shield the burning sun and shelter serene bush tracks. Sometimes we pass by fruit trees which are full of ripe fruit at the moment, and we pick some off to eat as we ride. It's probably the best riding country I have ever been in.
The following day, post-pastor, we hit the trails expecting a long ride ahead but it didn't seem at all too bad. The sun was out again in full steam and for some reason I chose to take the track beside the forest not inside so I got plenty of opportunity to top up my tan. Also got an opportunity to bolt up some hills which is always welcome. Goody was a good boy for me.
Finally got home and realised it was indeed Saturday... the gypsies left punctually because they had a local bday party to attend at the hall a few metres up the road. I was itching to check it out, I haven't seen much local gypsy custom in full force here and in all honesty, I do miss the ol' discotheque. So I donned my high school rebel hat and took a left to the hall instead of right to the guesthouse when we left... and it was a choice well made. I think I need a new post to explain it all...
Shepherd stations and killer mozzies
Well, I know I haven't written in the last 5 or so days but I have been quite busy with the guests so do accept my apologies. While the boss was away with the guests on a trek on Wednesday, I rode Myastoza again with L which was good. We went on a trail that ended up taking longer than expected, and on the way back our horses took their sweet-ass time getting home because we were riding away from the herd. Meanwhile, we were getting bitten ALIVE by mozzies and I was about to actually go insane before L had the idea of trotting past n making my horse go faster. It was horrid.
Anyway, when we got back they'd almost finished dinner so we hurried through and then retired to bed. The food is delicious here, B is an amazing cook it's like being in a restaurant every night. Can't argue with that.
The next day L set out with the guests and E, the shepherd boy and I went on a short ride on Myastoza, E on Vivke bareback cos of saddle sores and shepherd boy on Camilla (or Camillo), a beautiful bay stallion. I was quietly surprised at how well behaved he was (the stallion more than the shepherd boy, who was blabbering incoherent sounds at the back most of the time just cos he could) and there were no bucking or rearing scenes. Bummer. I'll post a photo of the 2 after this.
On our return, we packed the car for the next night of camping out - this time at a shepherd station with the shepherds, their multitude of dogs, a herd of sheep and the shepherd man who looked 24 (but was actually 18) and had a 13 YEAR OLD girlfriend!!! What a life she has mapped out for her... pregnant by 14 methinks. With H in a shitty mood from a painful shoulder and arm, I was expecting guns fired when he arrived and realised I'd forgotten all the most important things but it turns out I hadn't done too badly and the thing I'd forgotten - which was the most important since apparently it was payment for staying at the station - was the rakiyo (ie hideous clear alcohol of about 45%). And that was fetched by the worker while we relaxed with all the things I hadn't forgotten to bring. I still woke up the next day with a head full of little things I realised I hadn't packed though...
Anyway, when we got back they'd almost finished dinner so we hurried through and then retired to bed. The food is delicious here, B is an amazing cook it's like being in a restaurant every night. Can't argue with that.
The next day L set out with the guests and E, the shepherd boy and I went on a short ride on Myastoza, E on Vivke bareback cos of saddle sores and shepherd boy on Camilla (or Camillo), a beautiful bay stallion. I was quietly surprised at how well behaved he was (the stallion more than the shepherd boy, who was blabbering incoherent sounds at the back most of the time just cos he could) and there were no bucking or rearing scenes. Bummer. I'll post a photo of the 2 after this.
On our return, we packed the car for the next night of camping out - this time at a shepherd station with the shepherds, their multitude of dogs, a herd of sheep and the shepherd man who looked 24 (but was actually 18) and had a 13 YEAR OLD girlfriend!!! What a life she has mapped out for her... pregnant by 14 methinks. With H in a shitty mood from a painful shoulder and arm, I was expecting guns fired when he arrived and realised I'd forgotten all the most important things but it turns out I hadn't done too badly and the thing I'd forgotten - which was the most important since apparently it was payment for staying at the station - was the rakiyo (ie hideous clear alcohol of about 45%). And that was fetched by the worker while we relaxed with all the things I hadn't forgotten to bring. I still woke up the next day with a head full of little things I realised I hadn't packed though...
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Sneaky Romanian bastards
I'll begin this post with one of the funniest and most Romanian stories I've heard so far. According to my interpretation of Romanian (which I admit is not always the best), apparently the 4 that went off to trek overnight somewhere needs 2 more bridles to be brought tomorrow morning because as they were having a beer in some village with their horses eating grass nearby, someone stole 2 of their bridles. Cheeky little monkeys!! So I'm going to go with a worker (the non-gypsy) and get the proper story. Gotta say, I'm pretty interested as to how it all happened. But that's Romania for ya!
Other than that, there's been plenty to do today. I woke up later than planned because Sasha, the dog that sleeps with us usually, didn't go with E to the other house, she just kept sleeping. So I knew she was there and assumed the others weren't awake, but she was just being lazy. Regardless, I helped get the horses ready, saw the 4 off for their horse trek, breathed a sigh of relief that I wasn't one of them (just yet), and jumped on a horse to lead more back to the herd with E separately. She had 2 and I had 1 but he kicks more and hers were friends so it made sense. She did well anyway, having not led many horses while on horseback before. Little trooper she is! Found the shepherd boy, his pregnant 15 yr old gf and some friends kicking about in the stream... what a life!
Anyway, so we did that, then came back to help the boss' wife pack to go to the campers (luxury max might I add, all I'd need is a saddle bag but anyway...), then E left with her and I was left to sweat my entire bodily capacity of water onto the sofa. Dammit it was hot, or forte cald as they say here.
Early evening I ventured out and got Myastoza from the paddock. So far I'd taught her to drink from the trough, eat an apple (yeah you didn't think horses needed teaching for these things did you??) and now I was preparing her to ride. I know the good shepherd boy rode her over here but I don't think she was well behaved, he didn't really want to ride her back again and was really happy I suggested taking another one and leaving her here.
After a walk through the village with her saddled and me walking, I was game to try it properly and jumped on. After a lap around the yard I was keen to go out, so I quickly rescued an escapee horse (on foot), jumped back on to the amazement of the gypsies (yes, I rock) and rode off into the beautiful full moon sunset. Fuck, this place in surreal sometimes. She was really well behaved and I look forward to riding her again :) Definitely the most beautiful horse I've ridden so far here - Lipizzaner/Heavy X, dapple grey. Will post a photo.
Had another dream with the shepherd boy in it last night.... sheez, this is not good news. It is so fun to have someone to flirt with though. I think he's gonna get on one of the stallions tomorrow who I hear is a bit mental so that will be awesome to see. I'll have my camera... who knows, if all goes well we could be riding off hand in hand to the forest watching deer bound by... ok I really need to get laid.
Other than that, there's been plenty to do today. I woke up later than planned because Sasha, the dog that sleeps with us usually, didn't go with E to the other house, she just kept sleeping. So I knew she was there and assumed the others weren't awake, but she was just being lazy. Regardless, I helped get the horses ready, saw the 4 off for their horse trek, breathed a sigh of relief that I wasn't one of them (just yet), and jumped on a horse to lead more back to the herd with E separately. She had 2 and I had 1 but he kicks more and hers were friends so it made sense. She did well anyway, having not led many horses while on horseback before. Little trooper she is! Found the shepherd boy, his pregnant 15 yr old gf and some friends kicking about in the stream... what a life!
Anyway, so we did that, then came back to help the boss' wife pack to go to the campers (luxury max might I add, all I'd need is a saddle bag but anyway...), then E left with her and I was left to sweat my entire bodily capacity of water onto the sofa. Dammit it was hot, or forte cald as they say here.
Early evening I ventured out and got Myastoza from the paddock. So far I'd taught her to drink from the trough, eat an apple (yeah you didn't think horses needed teaching for these things did you??) and now I was preparing her to ride. I know the good shepherd boy rode her over here but I don't think she was well behaved, he didn't really want to ride her back again and was really happy I suggested taking another one and leaving her here.
After a walk through the village with her saddled and me walking, I was game to try it properly and jumped on. After a lap around the yard I was keen to go out, so I quickly rescued an escapee horse (on foot), jumped back on to the amazement of the gypsies (yes, I rock) and rode off into the beautiful full moon sunset. Fuck, this place in surreal sometimes. She was really well behaved and I look forward to riding her again :) Definitely the most beautiful horse I've ridden so far here - Lipizzaner/Heavy X, dapple grey. Will post a photo.
Had another dream with the shepherd boy in it last night.... sheez, this is not good news. It is so fun to have someone to flirt with though. I think he's gonna get on one of the stallions tomorrow who I hear is a bit mental so that will be awesome to see. I'll have my camera... who knows, if all goes well we could be riding off hand in hand to the forest watching deer bound by... ok I really need to get laid.
Monday 23 August 2010
Don't fuck with Mcgyver
Today was interesting. Firstly, because it was the first time I had a fight with my boss. Also, I literally pulled a Mcgyver when I freed a horse that was about to break its neck from an awkward position in the stable by pulling my newly purchased knife from my pocket and cutting its lead rope. Oh yes, I did. Already got my £2 worth fo shizzle.
But yes, I did have a row with my boss. Because he was being a douche and tried to take his frustration out on me when they couldn't catch a colt in the yard to inject it with some antibiotics (it had been kicked I think and ripped some of its skin off a hind leg). Starts saying something about taking the horses back we're meant to work with cos we haven't done anything yet. I fire back asking when exactly he wanted us to do it - in between breathing and blinking our eyes???
You've all realised my recent frustration about the workload and I guess our attempt yesterday of half an hour of calmness via my homemade facial routine (pretty good, if I do say so myself...) came down to laziness or something of the sort. Anyway, his apology came in the form of him trying to explain himself afterwards in a more calm tone and giving me the opportunity to point out that we have done everything he's ever asked and if we'd said 'no, we're working the horses' instead of helping with paying guests, he'd probably have not been too happy.
Now I don't want to paint him as a complete bastard but I do not accept being yelled at - in front of guests too - and accused basically of being lazy when all us 3 have doing nothing but try to be helpful whenever we could. Of course, the other 2 didn't say anything when all this was going down but I didn't expect them to. They were a little upset and shaken afterwards which is understandable, they do work their butts off. I was also upset but more fired up and angry - I swear I would have gone apeshit if the guests weren't there. Instead, it probably worked out for the better because I had time to calm down and form a better response.
Anyway, rant over. I'm off to have another glass of wine, sans said boss.
But yes, I did have a row with my boss. Because he was being a douche and tried to take his frustration out on me when they couldn't catch a colt in the yard to inject it with some antibiotics (it had been kicked I think and ripped some of its skin off a hind leg). Starts saying something about taking the horses back we're meant to work with cos we haven't done anything yet. I fire back asking when exactly he wanted us to do it - in between breathing and blinking our eyes???
You've all realised my recent frustration about the workload and I guess our attempt yesterday of half an hour of calmness via my homemade facial routine (pretty good, if I do say so myself...) came down to laziness or something of the sort. Anyway, his apology came in the form of him trying to explain himself afterwards in a more calm tone and giving me the opportunity to point out that we have done everything he's ever asked and if we'd said 'no, we're working the horses' instead of helping with paying guests, he'd probably have not been too happy.
Now I don't want to paint him as a complete bastard but I do not accept being yelled at - in front of guests too - and accused basically of being lazy when all us 3 have doing nothing but try to be helpful whenever we could. Of course, the other 2 didn't say anything when all this was going down but I didn't expect them to. They were a little upset and shaken afterwards which is understandable, they do work their butts off. I was also upset but more fired up and angry - I swear I would have gone apeshit if the guests weren't there. Instead, it probably worked out for the better because I had time to calm down and form a better response.
Anyway, rant over. I'm off to have another glass of wine, sans said boss.
Saturday 21 August 2010
I know, let's go up that vertical hill!!
Stupid me strikes again today while L and I rode through a beautifully scenic forest track. I somehow wandered off course and then had a mammoth and slightly mossy hill ahead of me. My horse, Casper, didn't make a second thought before he braved it and while I was aiming for the more appropriately safe 70% incline, he just charged towards the 90% area. Heavy.
At the point he was literally jumping for grip I bailed. Since I was already quite close to the ground, it was an easy decision and just meant that I had to duck n roll as Casper slid on his bum down the hill. So it seems, again, I had quite good timing. Something about this situation brings back a sense of deja vu - what is it about me and ridiculously steep and slippery hills??!
Other than that - actually quite an entertaining incident - today was pretty good. After staying up until about 4:30am with the boss' wife drinking and talking shit (something we've become quite good at), I gave myself a sleep-in and strolled into breakfast at about 11:30am. Nice. Feeding myself water to stave off the hangover trying desperately to encase my brain, we then headed to the local market that happens every so often in the next village. There were horses, cattle, related farm supplies and a couple of places selling knifes. Yay! I have been keen to get one for a while, not to practise my east London rudeboy skills but just in case something happens out on a ride. So I picked one up, probably a shit one, for £2. Nice. Then I used it to cut my piece of pork at lunch.
Jumped on the back of the boss' friend's scooter for the ride home, was super nice having natural air con especially after a couple of beers. Then we had another dog almost killed by the pack of dogs here that like to be cheeky, as we tried to ride away, and I had to jump off, leave my horse standing in the middle of the road, and use my riding crop to smack away the dogs... I was a very mad girl.
We're about to eat, quite a bit later because E got lost with the guest on a ride - and I am SO thankful I'm not the only one but tomorrow is Sunday, rest day. I can't wait. I think I'll cut E's fringe. Fool be her.
At the point he was literally jumping for grip I bailed. Since I was already quite close to the ground, it was an easy decision and just meant that I had to duck n roll as Casper slid on his bum down the hill. So it seems, again, I had quite good timing. Something about this situation brings back a sense of deja vu - what is it about me and ridiculously steep and slippery hills??!
Other than that - actually quite an entertaining incident - today was pretty good. After staying up until about 4:30am with the boss' wife drinking and talking shit (something we've become quite good at), I gave myself a sleep-in and strolled into breakfast at about 11:30am. Nice. Feeding myself water to stave off the hangover trying desperately to encase my brain, we then headed to the local market that happens every so often in the next village. There were horses, cattle, related farm supplies and a couple of places selling knifes. Yay! I have been keen to get one for a while, not to practise my east London rudeboy skills but just in case something happens out on a ride. So I picked one up, probably a shit one, for £2. Nice. Then I used it to cut my piece of pork at lunch.
Jumped on the back of the boss' friend's scooter for the ride home, was super nice having natural air con especially after a couple of beers. Then we had another dog almost killed by the pack of dogs here that like to be cheeky, as we tried to ride away, and I had to jump off, leave my horse standing in the middle of the road, and use my riding crop to smack away the dogs... I was a very mad girl.
We're about to eat, quite a bit later because E got lost with the guest on a ride - and I am SO thankful I'm not the only one but tomorrow is Sunday, rest day. I can't wait. I think I'll cut E's fringe. Fool be her.
Friday 20 August 2010
Chill time, if only for half a day
Well, the Dutch family has come and gone, and I'm already 1000% more relaxed. The village streets were absolutely empty when I went to the post office (which was closed, by the way, not sure when it was actually last open) and I can finally breathe my own air. The four young girls in the family were actually OK, I got along with them quite well and it was surprisingly easy to entertain them. Maybe I do have some maternal instinct buried in there somewhere.
Yesterday I organised for one of the Swedish girls to take the solo guest on a separate ride because she politely declined a second day of riding with the family. Don't blame her, I wouldn't want three little girls yelling 'faster faster' in my ear if I'd come for a couple of weeks of chillout time. Instead, I still had to listen to 'faster faster' in my ear and try to drown it out with my own wild imagination. Didn't always work. Turns out the guest really liked it and gave the Swedish girl money on the side for her efforts. Which was sweet.
Woke up today not really in the mood to go on a trail, I feel overworked and tired, and just need a break. Was thinking of going into Brasov today to pick up the 99p iPod shuffle charger I bought from eBay that they refuse to deliver locally (grr), but I've ended up just chilling out in the cool lounge room gently washing the cat. She's still weak with her back legs but seems to be improving slightly each day.
What isn't improving is the lack of men to look at here. I seriously mentally slap myself in the brain every time I catch myself flirting with the shepherd boy. Is this what I've been reduced to???? Heavy.
Sat down with the girls last night and tried to plan what to do next. I think I'll stay here for another week and then head to the other place, although I'll wait to hear more about the horses I'll be working with before committing to a certain period there. If they're rogue beasts I'll need more time that I don't necessarily want to give, so I'll just give some pointers and leave, whereas if I can get on them at some stage, it will be more enjoyable and the Swedes can come along and we can all ride together. I dunno, it's still a bit too much for my brain, even when I hadn't down a couple bottles of wine like last night.
All this writing's made me tired. I'll think I'll go rest with the cat. Shit, I only have about 10 mins before I have to get the horses in for another guest ride this afternoon.... and so it begins again.
Yesterday I organised for one of the Swedish girls to take the solo guest on a separate ride because she politely declined a second day of riding with the family. Don't blame her, I wouldn't want three little girls yelling 'faster faster' in my ear if I'd come for a couple of weeks of chillout time. Instead, I still had to listen to 'faster faster' in my ear and try to drown it out with my own wild imagination. Didn't always work. Turns out the guest really liked it and gave the Swedish girl money on the side for her efforts. Which was sweet.
Woke up today not really in the mood to go on a trail, I feel overworked and tired, and just need a break. Was thinking of going into Brasov today to pick up the 99p iPod shuffle charger I bought from eBay that they refuse to deliver locally (grr), but I've ended up just chilling out in the cool lounge room gently washing the cat. She's still weak with her back legs but seems to be improving slightly each day.
What isn't improving is the lack of men to look at here. I seriously mentally slap myself in the brain every time I catch myself flirting with the shepherd boy. Is this what I've been reduced to???? Heavy.
Sat down with the girls last night and tried to plan what to do next. I think I'll stay here for another week and then head to the other place, although I'll wait to hear more about the horses I'll be working with before committing to a certain period there. If they're rogue beasts I'll need more time that I don't necessarily want to give, so I'll just give some pointers and leave, whereas if I can get on them at some stage, it will be more enjoyable and the Swedes can come along and we can all ride together. I dunno, it's still a bit too much for my brain, even when I hadn't down a couple bottles of wine like last night.
All this writing's made me tired. I'll think I'll go rest with the cat. Shit, I only have about 10 mins before I have to get the horses in for another guest ride this afternoon.... and so it begins again.
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Boredom = gypo flirting
I've started flirting with the gypo shepherd boy. OK, so I admit it. I'm bored of the lack of decent men around here. To look at, if nothing else. Luckily the 2 hottest gypos disrobed and jumped in the river when we were there (I would've looked a TREAT) but other than that, I've now had to resort to this. A gypo. Someone call the Hot Men patrol now please.
Worse still, this ridiculous state of affairs has been spurred by a dream or 2 (2, I know, crazy!) I had with said shepherd boy - galloping bareback together on horseback of course, he can ride circles around me without a saddle dammit - so when I wake I have to remind myself I'm not actually caught up in a tangled web of non-English speaking love with this boy. Urgh.
In another news, the cat is still alive so that's good. She can't use her back legs much but she's fighting back. Just started to eat a little bit now so at least she won't die of starvation. That would be a bit shit.
And after yesterday's hell, we've at least been working doing something I've enjoyed - moving some horses back to the herd and getting more, and barebacking it both ways (much more comfy than the cart!). You know you're in for a fun time when crazy shepherd boy is at the lead - of course it's more comfy for him to just bolt everywhere so he can procreate at a later date but because all this cart action has long since sterilized me, I didn't mind what pace we went. In the end, though, as we bolted through the village to the front door (always a good idea), I admit I was having fun.
Worse still, this ridiculous state of affairs has been spurred by a dream or 2 (2, I know, crazy!) I had with said shepherd boy - galloping bareback together on horseback of course, he can ride circles around me without a saddle dammit - so when I wake I have to remind myself I'm not actually caught up in a tangled web of non-English speaking love with this boy. Urgh.
In another news, the cat is still alive so that's good. She can't use her back legs much but she's fighting back. Just started to eat a little bit now so at least she won't die of starvation. That would be a bit shit.
And after yesterday's hell, we've at least been working doing something I've enjoyed - moving some horses back to the herd and getting more, and barebacking it both ways (much more comfy than the cart!). You know you're in for a fun time when crazy shepherd boy is at the lead - of course it's more comfy for him to just bolt everywhere so he can procreate at a later date but because all this cart action has long since sterilized me, I didn't mind what pace we went. In the end, though, as we bolted through the village to the front door (always a good idea), I admit I was having fun.
Monday 16 August 2010
Horse stumbles, she stumbles...
Today was the most hellish yet here. So far I've enjoyed a pretty good run of 'work', doing things I wouldn't consider work and enjoying a kinda relaxed lifestyle surrounded by horses and dogs.
This morning I got to breakfast to find the poor family cat, at 18 years of age, has finally been attacked by the dogs (the young ones though, no respect) and has been fighting for her life all day. She's still hanging in there and can now move her back legs slightly but isn't eating so I don't know how well she'll do in the coming days :(
The dogs were being general pests today, doing everything they weren't supposed to and attacking more than usual. I was exhausted by the time I was asked to help with getting grass so you can imagine how much I jumped for joy when we had to do it in the searing heat. There's just something magical about having no hands to swipe away biting insects while a pitchfork of grass and nettles hangs precariously above your head as you try to throw it on the trailer... isn't there?
So then there was more hay in the field to collect, which I successfully dodged because I couldn't find anything to help with (fell asleep in the front seat of the car, bet the others loved me) and then to put in the shed. I am SICK of hay. I hate it. I hate the sight of it, I hate the smell of it, I hate the feel of it, I HATE IT. And I am now going to write an email to the next people I'm going to asking if I'm going to have ANYTHING to do with hay. Otherwise I'm not going.
So we finally left for a ride about 6 or 7pm and only got back about 10:20pm, we rode back in the dark but luckily the mozzies were too bad. I took my hair out so I had a fly swatter and that seemed to help. Oh, and I fell off again today but it was pretty funny. My horse (still in training) stumbled up a hill onto its front legs and I thought it was gonna go down completely so I just let myself roll off into the grass. Didn't hurt at the time but my wrist is a little sore and I think I'll have a bruise on my thigh. What a douche :P
This morning I got to breakfast to find the poor family cat, at 18 years of age, has finally been attacked by the dogs (the young ones though, no respect) and has been fighting for her life all day. She's still hanging in there and can now move her back legs slightly but isn't eating so I don't know how well she'll do in the coming days :(
The dogs were being general pests today, doing everything they weren't supposed to and attacking more than usual. I was exhausted by the time I was asked to help with getting grass so you can imagine how much I jumped for joy when we had to do it in the searing heat. There's just something magical about having no hands to swipe away biting insects while a pitchfork of grass and nettles hangs precariously above your head as you try to throw it on the trailer... isn't there?
So then there was more hay in the field to collect, which I successfully dodged because I couldn't find anything to help with (fell asleep in the front seat of the car, bet the others loved me) and then to put in the shed. I am SICK of hay. I hate it. I hate the sight of it, I hate the smell of it, I hate the feel of it, I HATE IT. And I am now going to write an email to the next people I'm going to asking if I'm going to have ANYTHING to do with hay. Otherwise I'm not going.
So we finally left for a ride about 6 or 7pm and only got back about 10:20pm, we rode back in the dark but luckily the mozzies were too bad. I took my hair out so I had a fly swatter and that seemed to help. Oh, and I fell off again today but it was pretty funny. My horse (still in training) stumbled up a hill onto its front legs and I thought it was gonna go down completely so I just let myself roll off into the grass. Didn't hurt at the time but my wrist is a little sore and I think I'll have a bruise on my thigh. What a douche :P
Sunday 15 August 2010
RIP little kid :(
So today I was milking the mum goats and when I popped my head over the gate of the holding pen we have separated the other 3 kids into, I saw that the male was lying in the corner not breathing. Poor little thing :( It's been terribly hot here so we think maybe he just couldn't hack it - there was water and food and shade so I don't know what else would have happened. There's not even any blood. So the dogs will be eating well tonight!
There was a major breakthrough made with the boss' wife last night. I stayed up talking and drinking with her, and it turns out she really, really likes having me here (even though of the month I've now been here she's only seen me in action for 3 days) and has thought highly of me from the first email I sent. Not sure why she is so impressed by me but I must be doing something right! Something about being a powerful, strong, direct woman - you know, all my greatest qualities that do not at all mean I'm actually stubborn, selfish and bossy :)
Anyway, this led to her offering me their house in Hungary to stay if I wanted to live there for a while (about 45 mins on the train from Budapest), or staying in their place in Holland on an expensive island somewhere, and of course to come back and stay as long as I want here. I would like to, after I check out this other place in Romania and the Slovenian ranch, but it would be nice to get paid for it. Otherwise my money will run out. And I still want to go to South Africa. But since it's hot there pretty much all the time, I don't think it matters what month I go.
We just came back from our first ride with the new guest, who we all thought was going to be about us girls' age but turns out is probably over 70! Seems email isn't such a great sensor for these things. But what a trooper!
t has been stinking hot the last few days and today is no exception. We found the best spot yet for swimming yesterday so I think we will head there once we find some energy and maybe L stops wanting to throw up from some bug she's just gotten... poor bub! Mmmm just thinking about that water makes me yearn... I don't even care if there's another dead animal smell there again today. Actually, yes I do care but fuck it, it's dead, what more can it do to me?
There was a major breakthrough made with the boss' wife last night. I stayed up talking and drinking with her, and it turns out she really, really likes having me here (even though of the month I've now been here she's only seen me in action for 3 days) and has thought highly of me from the first email I sent. Not sure why she is so impressed by me but I must be doing something right! Something about being a powerful, strong, direct woman - you know, all my greatest qualities that do not at all mean I'm actually stubborn, selfish and bossy :)
Anyway, this led to her offering me their house in Hungary to stay if I wanted to live there for a while (about 45 mins on the train from Budapest), or staying in their place in Holland on an expensive island somewhere, and of course to come back and stay as long as I want here. I would like to, after I check out this other place in Romania and the Slovenian ranch, but it would be nice to get paid for it. Otherwise my money will run out. And I still want to go to South Africa. But since it's hot there pretty much all the time, I don't think it matters what month I go.
We just came back from our first ride with the new guest, who we all thought was going to be about us girls' age but turns out is probably over 70! Seems email isn't such a great sensor for these things. But what a trooper!
t has been stinking hot the last few days and today is no exception. We found the best spot yet for swimming yesterday so I think we will head there once we find some energy and maybe L stops wanting to throw up from some bug she's just gotten... poor bub! Mmmm just thinking about that water makes me yearn... I don't even care if there's another dead animal smell there again today. Actually, yes I do care but fuck it, it's dead, what more can it do to me?
Saturday 14 August 2010
The shifting dymanic
This will be a quick one. I haven't eaten breakfast yet and there are lots of things to do. This morning we got woken up by a man beating a drum outside our window and yelling something in Hungarian. Apparently that's how he tells the Hungarian part of town there's something happening soon.
The boss arrived a couple of days ago with his wife, and it's been an interesting shift in dynamics. Although they haven't expected us to be housekeepers like we feared, and we haven't had to cook the meals because B likes cooking (and is quite good at it), we still feel a bit like walking on eggshells if we're not doing anything and maybe looking lazy or something... I don't think we should worry so much but we don't know her that well so we are still a bit unsure.
She was a civil lawyer but isn't practising anymore, just coaching in the art of mediation and negotiation. So I need to watch how I interact with people around her, she knows the tricks of the trade. She is an interesting person though, many layers to get through which in some ways is good and some bad. She has a way of making you feel you've done something stupid when it may have just been an oversight, but I think that's just her way. I still have a smile on my face though and I assume most of what I do is ok by her. Well, I can't try any harder.
We have some guests coming over the next few days, a German girl staying for 2 weeks which should be good. Apparently she can ride so that's someone else to accompany us. And the second week we're taking her out on a trek. But at this stage it's still unsure who is needed for what nights on the trek, etc... Another family is coming for a few days next week, with kids (urgh), and some people for day trails here and there. Seems August is the busiest month!
How long I stay will depend on how I get on with B and all the dogs (3 more now she's back, it is A LOT of them and is getting a bit hectic - we had to have a nice one in our room last night because they kept cornering her and attacking when she was tied up, poor thing is limping now), and whether I think I'm a help or hinderance here. The place will be at max capacity next week for a short while and I don't want to be relegated to kitchen duty or something because they have enough riders. I have other places to be if that's the case.
Probably I'll stay here for another 2 weeks max and then head to the other place in Romania, not stay more than about 3 weeks there because I don't actually think the horses are yet ridable and I will get bored of just groundwork. But the Swedes have been approached by the same farm and may come about the same time I'm there so we can have some trails together. It's all up in the air now.
And look at that, it wasn't short at all!
The boss arrived a couple of days ago with his wife, and it's been an interesting shift in dynamics. Although they haven't expected us to be housekeepers like we feared, and we haven't had to cook the meals because B likes cooking (and is quite good at it), we still feel a bit like walking on eggshells if we're not doing anything and maybe looking lazy or something... I don't think we should worry so much but we don't know her that well so we are still a bit unsure.
She was a civil lawyer but isn't practising anymore, just coaching in the art of mediation and negotiation. So I need to watch how I interact with people around her, she knows the tricks of the trade. She is an interesting person though, many layers to get through which in some ways is good and some bad. She has a way of making you feel you've done something stupid when it may have just been an oversight, but I think that's just her way. I still have a smile on my face though and I assume most of what I do is ok by her. Well, I can't try any harder.
We have some guests coming over the next few days, a German girl staying for 2 weeks which should be good. Apparently she can ride so that's someone else to accompany us. And the second week we're taking her out on a trek. But at this stage it's still unsure who is needed for what nights on the trek, etc... Another family is coming for a few days next week, with kids (urgh), and some people for day trails here and there. Seems August is the busiest month!
How long I stay will depend on how I get on with B and all the dogs (3 more now she's back, it is A LOT of them and is getting a bit hectic - we had to have a nice one in our room last night because they kept cornering her and attacking when she was tied up, poor thing is limping now), and whether I think I'm a help or hinderance here. The place will be at max capacity next week for a short while and I don't want to be relegated to kitchen duty or something because they have enough riders. I have other places to be if that's the case.
Probably I'll stay here for another 2 weeks max and then head to the other place in Romania, not stay more than about 3 weeks there because I don't actually think the horses are yet ridable and I will get bored of just groundwork. But the Swedes have been approached by the same farm and may come about the same time I'm there so we can have some trails together. It's all up in the air now.
And look at that, it wasn't short at all!
Wednesday 11 August 2010
Milking the goats, dodging crazy drivers - time for a smoothie!
It's all hands on deck here - when you want something done, you gotta do it yourself.
Take, for instance, the shopping. It don't matter that the drivers in this country will overtake you with a 10t truck coming the other way (you just need to move over) or vice versa, I'll brave the crazy roads to get me some more yoghurt.
If we want more milk, gosh darnit we'll go milk the goat across the road. Gotta say, I've never milked an animal smaller than a cow before and in some ways it's easier not having the risk of a flying clove-hoof to the head, but it's also a little difficult maneuvering my stubby little fingers around such a small teat. Yes, I hear you all saying, but you've had so much practice. Ha ha. You're all comedians. Time for a banana smoothie (hand whipped of course, we don't have fancy schmancy electric beaters round these parts).
So I've got still more to add to the CV - good work, pat on back. In other news, the boss and his wife have still not returned. It's day 10 now, I've only spoken to them when I've called about a wounded animal, and they've not tried to call us once. Which means they either entirely trust us or are just irresponsible people. Probably a little of both. But we're all getting a bit antsy at the fact we've a) been left to run this farm with little instruction and/or experience, b) we've just run out of money, c) we've no idea if the horses we're working on are meant to be trained or if we're wasting our time and d) the horse is still mega lame and swollen, something needs to be done.
I hate the waiting game.
Take, for instance, the shopping. It don't matter that the drivers in this country will overtake you with a 10t truck coming the other way (you just need to move over) or vice versa, I'll brave the crazy roads to get me some more yoghurt.
If we want more milk, gosh darnit we'll go milk the goat across the road. Gotta say, I've never milked an animal smaller than a cow before and in some ways it's easier not having the risk of a flying clove-hoof to the head, but it's also a little difficult maneuvering my stubby little fingers around such a small teat. Yes, I hear you all saying, but you've had so much practice. Ha ha. You're all comedians. Time for a banana smoothie (hand whipped of course, we don't have fancy schmancy electric beaters round these parts).
So I've got still more to add to the CV - good work, pat on back. In other news, the boss and his wife have still not returned. It's day 10 now, I've only spoken to them when I've called about a wounded animal, and they've not tried to call us once. Which means they either entirely trust us or are just irresponsible people. Probably a little of both. But we're all getting a bit antsy at the fact we've a) been left to run this farm with little instruction and/or experience, b) we've just run out of money, c) we've no idea if the horses we're working on are meant to be trained or if we're wasting our time and d) the horse is still mega lame and swollen, something needs to be done.
I hate the waiting game.
Monday 9 August 2010
How to learn to pull a trailer 101
...And she didn't spill a bail!!
Nothing too exciting happened today. After taking the young'uns for a ride (they went well, meanwhile my horse decided to try and roll on me with no notice and then had me chasing her for a while before she broke the reins and gave up), we came back for what we hoped was lunch and another ride on different horses.
The reality was that the gypsies needed help with the hay (now, not after eating, apparently) and so I grabbed a carrot, jumped on the cart with L and E and headed for the fields. Thankfully, I was re-assigned my position in the driver's seat and so didn't have to heave hay bails into the trailer. The poor Swedish girls though, bless them, they were trying so hard but in the end the young boys helping with the bailing had to come in and use their muscles. Though I gotta say, it was nice to see some flexing of young, taut, tanned muscle for a change! Oh, I need to get laid :P
Driving the overloaded trailer back to the homestead, I managed to navigate the hideous roads once again but this time, did not spill a bail (last time I lost one which we picked up later on). I was rewarded by not having to help with putting the bails into the shed, more hideous work, and settled myself into housewife mode by cooking dinner for the hardworking Swedes. Got a recipe off the internet for the ingredients I had at hand, and it turned out quite nice, even if I do say so myself. The plates were clean, nevertheless.
We've cleaned up in anticipation for H and B's return, though it's getting late and they're still not here. Who knows if they'll make it tonight. We're all a bit curious and a little skeptical about the wife, who none of us have met in person yet. Will she be nice? A bitch? Demanding? Demure? It will interesting to tip the scales with the dominant female of the house back in town. Oh well, if it all gets too much for me, I've got about three more places to go to afterwards!!
The bruise which was creeping around my lower arm for some time has finally started to subside, although I think it's poor cousin, Sir Smaller Bruise, is trying for the territory. Regardless, my fingernails (freshly painted) are already full of dirt again and my skin does have that she's-been-out-a-working look to it. Excellent.
The reality was that the gypsies needed help with the hay (now, not after eating, apparently) and so I grabbed a carrot, jumped on the cart with L and E and headed for the fields. Thankfully, I was re-assigned my position in the driver's seat and so didn't have to heave hay bails into the trailer. The poor Swedish girls though, bless them, they were trying so hard but in the end the young boys helping with the bailing had to come in and use their muscles. Though I gotta say, it was nice to see some flexing of young, taut, tanned muscle for a change! Oh, I need to get laid :P
Driving the overloaded trailer back to the homestead, I managed to navigate the hideous roads once again but this time, did not spill a bail (last time I lost one which we picked up later on). I was rewarded by not having to help with putting the bails into the shed, more hideous work, and settled myself into housewife mode by cooking dinner for the hardworking Swedes. Got a recipe off the internet for the ingredients I had at hand, and it turned out quite nice, even if I do say so myself. The plates were clean, nevertheless.
We've cleaned up in anticipation for H and B's return, though it's getting late and they're still not here. Who knows if they'll make it tonight. We're all a bit curious and a little skeptical about the wife, who none of us have met in person yet. Will she be nice? A bitch? Demanding? Demure? It will interesting to tip the scales with the dominant female of the house back in town. Oh well, if it all gets too much for me, I've got about three more places to go to afterwards!!
The bruise which was creeping around my lower arm for some time has finally started to subside, although I think it's poor cousin, Sir Smaller Bruise, is trying for the territory. Regardless, my fingernails (freshly painted) are already full of dirt again and my skin does have that she's-been-out-a-working look to it. Excellent.
Sunday 8 August 2010
Night riders
After not jumping on a horse all day, last night we were compelled to go on our first Romanian night ride. I chose the random horse we'd picked from the paddock, nicknamed Palinka, and got a little shaken when she balked at the bridle going on in the dark. Keep calm, they can feel your anxiety, I say to myself. Regardless, I actually wore a helmet this time just in case.
It was a beautiful night to ride, we stuck to the roads so we didn't crash ass-up into a ditch or something, but the mozzies were absolutely terrible. E jumped on Lineka bareback cos she couldn't deal with a western saddle in the dark and L rode the other random one, Milcha. Even on the surfaces I'd not covered (my face and hands), the little buggers would not let up. We decided as we headed to the more swampy part of the road that it was time to turn around.
When we got back we couldn't find the key to our guesthouse so we resigned to the original guesthouse we'd stayed in. I took Kulva in with me after playing "Bruise or Dirt?" in the shower. Always a fun way to pass the time.
Today it's time for L's debut ride on Coffee, fun fun!
It was a beautiful night to ride, we stuck to the roads so we didn't crash ass-up into a ditch or something, but the mozzies were absolutely terrible. E jumped on Lineka bareback cos she couldn't deal with a western saddle in the dark and L rode the other random one, Milcha. Even on the surfaces I'd not covered (my face and hands), the little buggers would not let up. We decided as we headed to the more swampy part of the road that it was time to turn around.
When we got back we couldn't find the key to our guesthouse so we resigned to the original guesthouse we'd stayed in. I took Kulva in with me after playing "Bruise or Dirt?" in the shower. Always a fun way to pass the time.
Today it's time for L's debut ride on Coffee, fun fun!
Saturday 7 August 2010
Horse and cart romantic? Think again.
The neverending battle of the dialects continued today with the enemy lines drawer a little closer upon every addition from the lifesaving Romanian-English dictionary H has. After much confusion, we managed to organise that we would go to the shops, take a gypsy for translation purposes (couldn't use google translate cos they can't spell properly), shop for the shepherd boys (they live in a shed out on the paddock 24/7) and then go help them with the hay.
Seriously, this was a real mission. When we'd finally figured out we needed to go shop for the boys, they sent one of them back to make a list, he arrives and they tell me he's made a hole in his "pantaloons" (hehe). In the crotch. Not really sure what they wanted me to do about it, I found a pair of H's trousers and they said they couldn't use them, and so I found the sewing kit. Told them I wasn't a seamstress so gave it to the boy and walked inside. Came out to find the boy trying to pierce his ear with a needle. Seriously. They're like children these people.
We put the plans of Coffee's debut ride on hold for the moment, headed to the shops in the dead heat of the day, fussed around as we do with gypsies and made it back alive. Good Old Red. Then it was time to help with the hay, although it turns out we didn't help with the hay. Every five minutes the plans changed so we just rolled with it. Insisted on taking a couple of the cart horses back because they were cut up with cart-related sores, and got replacement horses (surprisingly easy to catch), another lame one with a swollen hoof three times the size it should be and another young'un to train up as a pack horse.
The cart ride back was another slice of hell, falling this way n that as the horses bumped along the muddy and/or uneven grass roads while the gypsy in charge sipped his hideously flat beer. Drunk cart driving. Just great. L and I just grimaced at each other as every second took us further and further from potential birthing abilities, and I realised after a while I wasn't sitting on the plank of wood underneath me, but in fact some of the leftover horse manure at the bottom of the cart. Everyone thought that was well entertaining when I got back.
Neutered, stained with poo and bruises swelling up in all sorts of places. Get in line, boys.
Seriously, this was a real mission. When we'd finally figured out we needed to go shop for the boys, they sent one of them back to make a list, he arrives and they tell me he's made a hole in his "pantaloons" (hehe). In the crotch. Not really sure what they wanted me to do about it, I found a pair of H's trousers and they said they couldn't use them, and so I found the sewing kit. Told them I wasn't a seamstress so gave it to the boy and walked inside. Came out to find the boy trying to pierce his ear with a needle. Seriously. They're like children these people.
We put the plans of Coffee's debut ride on hold for the moment, headed to the shops in the dead heat of the day, fussed around as we do with gypsies and made it back alive. Good Old Red. Then it was time to help with the hay, although it turns out we didn't help with the hay. Every five minutes the plans changed so we just rolled with it. Insisted on taking a couple of the cart horses back because they were cut up with cart-related sores, and got replacement horses (surprisingly easy to catch), another lame one with a swollen hoof three times the size it should be and another young'un to train up as a pack horse.
The cart ride back was another slice of hell, falling this way n that as the horses bumped along the muddy and/or uneven grass roads while the gypsy in charge sipped his hideously flat beer. Drunk cart driving. Just great. L and I just grimaced at each other as every second took us further and further from potential birthing abilities, and I realised after a while I wasn't sitting on the plank of wood underneath me, but in fact some of the leftover horse manure at the bottom of the cart. Everyone thought that was well entertaining when I got back.
Neutered, stained with poo and bruises swelling up in all sorts of places. Get in line, boys.
Playing horse roulette
What started as a day of maybe a little rest, some cleaning out of the tack shed and some light horse training - not running around a field trying to catch the first horse we could and encountering a late-night rescue mission at the mini farm in the guest house we stay in. But there you go.
The gypsy workers, now reduced to two after a few got the boot for laziness, asked us to help with some things so before we knew it we were in the back of the horse cart taking the superfluous horses back to the others in the paddock. As always, everything is more complicated and confusing because the gypsies are involved, and our still amateur attempts at Romanian dialect don't make the situation any better.
Saw a horse with an extremely inflamed hoof with the herd so decided to take that back to the house the next day. I was already fed up with catching horses, having just gotten the two that we could hold after having no idea which ones H wanted us to train up. "Three little grey ones" he says. There were at least a dozen grey/white horses and another dozen actual grey ones. We figured we couldn't get much more wrong in terms of psycho-ness - the ones we were trying to find were probably the most untrained of the lot, bar the colts etc.
So we got a pretty dapple grey and another white/grey mare, and that was it. Fuck it. If we got the wrong ones, it was H's fault for not giving us proper instruction. "I'll give you the brands of the horses you need to catch" he says. After what seemed like an eternity of excavation to my lower reproductive organs in the back of the horse cart (I'm never having children), we finally made it home.
We were a little itchy for some riding, so we slowly washed and brushed the two newbies (one we'd named Palinka, the name of a hideous spirit otherwise known as Rakiyo), they seemed fine so we gave some attention to the untrained young'un we've nicknamed Coffee cos we also don't know its name, threw saddles on all of them (Coffee for the first time) and went for a quick ride around the village. Well, E and I rode and L led Coffee. One step at a time. Palinka was good to ride, a little jumpy and unsure of herself but that's the kind of steed I like, bit of a challenge.
Another successful dinner served and we were off to the guest house. We went to feed the dogs as the gypsies often forget the little'uns across the road, came to Peggy's part of town and she was nowhere to be seen. Unusual for a dog to be absent at dinner time, so after calling her a while we heard some scratching and followed the sound to a head poking out from a pile of timber. No barks, no whimpers - what a trooper. So, under the light of E's camera and with apt help from L, we managed to remove her collar and she freed herself. Poor thing, when we gave her water she didn't stop drinking for 10 minutes. Must've been trapped there a while.
The gypsy workers, now reduced to two after a few got the boot for laziness, asked us to help with some things so before we knew it we were in the back of the horse cart taking the superfluous horses back to the others in the paddock. As always, everything is more complicated and confusing because the gypsies are involved, and our still amateur attempts at Romanian dialect don't make the situation any better.
Saw a horse with an extremely inflamed hoof with the herd so decided to take that back to the house the next day. I was already fed up with catching horses, having just gotten the two that we could hold after having no idea which ones H wanted us to train up. "Three little grey ones" he says. There were at least a dozen grey/white horses and another dozen actual grey ones. We figured we couldn't get much more wrong in terms of psycho-ness - the ones we were trying to find were probably the most untrained of the lot, bar the colts etc.
So we got a pretty dapple grey and another white/grey mare, and that was it. Fuck it. If we got the wrong ones, it was H's fault for not giving us proper instruction. "I'll give you the brands of the horses you need to catch" he says. After what seemed like an eternity of excavation to my lower reproductive organs in the back of the horse cart (I'm never having children), we finally made it home.
We were a little itchy for some riding, so we slowly washed and brushed the two newbies (one we'd named Palinka, the name of a hideous spirit otherwise known as Rakiyo), they seemed fine so we gave some attention to the untrained young'un we've nicknamed Coffee cos we also don't know its name, threw saddles on all of them (Coffee for the first time) and went for a quick ride around the village. Well, E and I rode and L led Coffee. One step at a time. Palinka was good to ride, a little jumpy and unsure of herself but that's the kind of steed I like, bit of a challenge.
Another successful dinner served and we were off to the guest house. We went to feed the dogs as the gypsies often forget the little'uns across the road, came to Peggy's part of town and she was nowhere to be seen. Unusual for a dog to be absent at dinner time, so after calling her a while we heard some scratching and followed the sound to a head poking out from a pile of timber. No barks, no whimpers - what a trooper. So, under the light of E's camera and with apt help from L, we managed to remove her collar and she freed herself. Poor thing, when we gave her water she didn't stop drinking for 10 minutes. Must've been trapped there a while.
Thursday 5 August 2010
A Brasov bday
After a hefty night trying to sleep with a dog consistently farting next to me, I woke to E on her 21st birthday and went to work trying to figure out something nice to do for the day. It's her first time away for a birthday and for a 21st, I wanted to make sure she enjoyed herself. Being an outdoorsy kinda girl not into big material things, I had the options as going horseriding (although we needed the horses brought over from the paddock first), camping or maybe sightseeing in Brasov, an hour or two down the road.
We settled on a road trip towards Brasov, to catch one of the 'Dracula castles' in Bran as well as Brasov town. Jumping into Old Red, we spluttered our way onto the main road and quickly settled into a nice pace right on the speed limit so every other crazed driver could race around us. Fine with me. Heading to Bran, we went through Rasnov first and climbed the hill to the mountain-top fortress which we read was closed at the bottom but still thought would be a good view. It was a good view, except the town wasn't that spectacular. So we went back down in a slight hurry to avoid the rain and - dammit the dog just farted again - went to a restaurant for a pizza.
Over an hour later, of which about 10 mins was actually eating (slowest service ever and smallest pizza ever), we were back on the road and heading to Bran. A much nicer town, albeit much too touristy for my liking, we headed with the throngs of camera-clicking foreign-tongued people to the castle. It was a nice castle, well preserved, but I just can't stand being in the tourist crowd so we quickly observed the rooms and scooted out. Also, there was little connection to Dracula so all the hub bub around it was pure marketing, very annoying. Had some lovely views as well so I'm glad I went up there. Was the most expensive thing we did all day, about £5 to get in (whoooooa nelly haha).
Chomping on some icecream and choc bars (except for me, I stupidly bought a rum-flavoured, dark choc one because I couldn't read the packet), we headed to Brasov next and wandered around (seeing the Black Church, Black Tower and White Tower) there for a while before finding a place to eat. The town is beautiful, the old section at least, easily one of my favourite European cities. And I was almost going to say the first time I'd not heard any Aussie accents, but alas twas not to be. There was a table of bogans about 5m from us as we ate. We stuffed ourselves full, courtesy of H's pocket-money, and I found an oil burner set to give to E (if nothing else, to kill the stench of dog fart).
The way back from Brasov was definitely the most interesting part, given that none of us had thought to figure out which city we needed to follow the signs for. After doing a massive detour, we finally found a restaurant with an English-speaking employee, dodged the drunkard on the way in and got good directions. They began with, "you have to go down this really dangerous road next to a river and all this rubble and holes"... great. It wasn't so bad because not many other cars were out so I could try and dodge the holes (not completely successful) and L could piss next to the car without an audience.
We finally arrived back probably about 3 hours later, but we still had smiles on our faces. We'd already been through the full gamut of emotions anyway so it's all we could do. Before we went inside our guest house to bed, we tried to feed the dogs, one of which had gotten loose and went absolutely nuts when the other tried to steal her food. Massive fight between two massive dogs, I was trying to break it up (hectic) and eventually it stopped when they rolled under a tractor.
Today the young male dog's nose is all puffy with a deep cut so I called H and he said to inject it with antibiotics. Turns out I'm pretty shit at that and I'm not quite sure how much went in to the actual dog, but tomorrow is another dog so fingers crossed.
We have a ride for four guests today, which should be entertaining. None of them can really ride so it'll be slow but hopefully someone will do something stupid and make me laugh haha... It'll probably be me actually.
We settled on a road trip towards Brasov, to catch one of the 'Dracula castles' in Bran as well as Brasov town. Jumping into Old Red, we spluttered our way onto the main road and quickly settled into a nice pace right on the speed limit so every other crazed driver could race around us. Fine with me. Heading to Bran, we went through Rasnov first and climbed the hill to the mountain-top fortress which we read was closed at the bottom but still thought would be a good view. It was a good view, except the town wasn't that spectacular. So we went back down in a slight hurry to avoid the rain and - dammit the dog just farted again - went to a restaurant for a pizza.
Over an hour later, of which about 10 mins was actually eating (slowest service ever and smallest pizza ever), we were back on the road and heading to Bran. A much nicer town, albeit much too touristy for my liking, we headed with the throngs of camera-clicking foreign-tongued people to the castle. It was a nice castle, well preserved, but I just can't stand being in the tourist crowd so we quickly observed the rooms and scooted out. Also, there was little connection to Dracula so all the hub bub around it was pure marketing, very annoying. Had some lovely views as well so I'm glad I went up there. Was the most expensive thing we did all day, about £5 to get in (whoooooa nelly haha).
Chomping on some icecream and choc bars (except for me, I stupidly bought a rum-flavoured, dark choc one because I couldn't read the packet), we headed to Brasov next and wandered around (seeing the Black Church, Black Tower and White Tower) there for a while before finding a place to eat. The town is beautiful, the old section at least, easily one of my favourite European cities. And I was almost going to say the first time I'd not heard any Aussie accents, but alas twas not to be. There was a table of bogans about 5m from us as we ate. We stuffed ourselves full, courtesy of H's pocket-money, and I found an oil burner set to give to E (if nothing else, to kill the stench of dog fart).
The way back from Brasov was definitely the most interesting part, given that none of us had thought to figure out which city we needed to follow the signs for. After doing a massive detour, we finally found a restaurant with an English-speaking employee, dodged the drunkard on the way in and got good directions. They began with, "you have to go down this really dangerous road next to a river and all this rubble and holes"... great. It wasn't so bad because not many other cars were out so I could try and dodge the holes (not completely successful) and L could piss next to the car without an audience.
We finally arrived back probably about 3 hours later, but we still had smiles on our faces. We'd already been through the full gamut of emotions anyway so it's all we could do. Before we went inside our guest house to bed, we tried to feed the dogs, one of which had gotten loose and went absolutely nuts when the other tried to steal her food. Massive fight between two massive dogs, I was trying to break it up (hectic) and eventually it stopped when they rolled under a tractor.
Today the young male dog's nose is all puffy with a deep cut so I called H and he said to inject it with antibiotics. Turns out I'm pretty shit at that and I'm not quite sure how much went in to the actual dog, but tomorrow is another dog so fingers crossed.
We have a ride for four guests today, which should be entertaining. None of them can really ride so it'll be slow but hopefully someone will do something stupid and make me laugh haha... It'll probably be me actually.
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Tractor Queen
We began our day by setting off with one of the workers (the only non-gypo) to the shops for a grocery top-up, and on the way back I ended up in the driver's seat. In good ol' red. But M had tinkered with it so it didn't stall every time I stopped or slowed down, so that was a positive outcome for the freeway situation.
Having been in Europe two months now, driving on the right hand side is no trouble, but the crazy overtakers in Romania are. I didn't try to overtake myself, just idled along in the lane, and let the others risk their lives. I noticed that M, in the passenger seat, was putting his foot down on an imaginary brake every time he thought I should slow down. Bless him, he was trying to pretend he wasn't freaking just a little bit.
When we returned, the gypsies realised I could drive and promptly appointed me the new driver of the tractor when they started bailing hay later in the day.
So, when the time came, I pulled myself up into the driver's seat, got some half-assed Romanian instructions from the gypsies and launched into first gear, or some kind of gear. The machine rumbled away around me and as I negotiated the poorly graded road, I glanced occasionally at the poor souls bumping away behind me in the trailer.
Eventually, I was getting pretty pro at the whole operation, except I just didn't have the muscle to shift gears. So the boys had to climb in and carefully and modestly try to help switch the gear stick from one direction to the other, in between my legs. It would've been quite a sight to any of the locals to see a young, fair girl grinding away at the gear stick in her short, leopard print skirt, braless singlet top (why didn't I wear one on such a bumpy ride?? why?) and cowboy hat. I do try to fit in.
So there you have it. I'm now officially a tractor driver. I can add that to my CV. I'm sure my new bosses, whoever they are, will be well impressed.
Having been in Europe two months now, driving on the right hand side is no trouble, but the crazy overtakers in Romania are. I didn't try to overtake myself, just idled along in the lane, and let the others risk their lives. I noticed that M, in the passenger seat, was putting his foot down on an imaginary brake every time he thought I should slow down. Bless him, he was trying to pretend he wasn't freaking just a little bit.
When we returned, the gypsies realised I could drive and promptly appointed me the new driver of the tractor when they started bailing hay later in the day.
So, when the time came, I pulled myself up into the driver's seat, got some half-assed Romanian instructions from the gypsies and launched into first gear, or some kind of gear. The machine rumbled away around me and as I negotiated the poorly graded road, I glanced occasionally at the poor souls bumping away behind me in the trailer.
Eventually, I was getting pretty pro at the whole operation, except I just didn't have the muscle to shift gears. So the boys had to climb in and carefully and modestly try to help switch the gear stick from one direction to the other, in between my legs. It would've been quite a sight to any of the locals to see a young, fair girl grinding away at the gear stick in her short, leopard print skirt, braless singlet top (why didn't I wear one on such a bumpy ride?? why?) and cowboy hat. I do try to fit in.
So there you have it. I'm now officially a tractor driver. I can add that to my CV. I'm sure my new bosses, whoever they are, will be well impressed.
The retarded homing pigeon
OK, so I will explain what happened on my first official trail ride with a paying customer. This woman, W, is holidaying next door at her friend's holiday house and came by to look at the horses one day. She asked for me at the door, which was weird because we'd never met but I talked to her anyway. H wondered why I was being so nice when they were horrible, loud neighbours - the next day she asked to be taken on a trail and I earnt some money for H's business. That's why I'm nice to people like that.
Turns out she's actually a nice lady and was really excited about riding a horse for pretty much the first time in her life. She was on Bobby, reliable little tucker who was bought off a man that used him for his cart all his life so he's not too goey.
Things started out well, I was planning on doing a loop around from one end of the forest, behind the house and back out the other end - didn't quite work out that way. The two-hour mark came and went, and I was getting more and more hopelessly lost. I tried to cover it up but when I thought it seemed ridiculously stupid to pretend it wasn't more than two hours, I admitted we had missed the turn-off (what turn-off? I didn't know where I began, turned left or turned right dammit). The girls had stayed at home because the rest of the horses were turned out to the paddock already. They'd joked I would be lost.
When I was about to cry from frustration, I powered on to the end of a track which led out of the forest. The lady was nice enough to say she was still enjoying herself, while the horses were going mental from all the flies and mozzies around them. I don't blame them! So I looked over and saw a village, said we would head there to ask someone directions and get home as soon as we could.
As we neared the village, I was starting to recognise things but not letting myself believe I'd actually somehow made it back to my own village. Turns out I had. Like a retarded homing pigeon, I'd gotten myself hopelessly lost then somehow squawked my way back to square one. Fantastic. I wish I'd just kept my mouth shut the whole time and pretended I was nice enuf to give her a ride twice as long as she'd paid.
Oh well. I'm pretty sure I scared her off riding for the next few years. Perhaps forever. We all have our purpose in life. Maybe that's mine.
PS. I dreamt last night that I was going to marry Lady GaGa in a threesome situation with another man (and no, GaGa wasn't the man). Then the man ran off and I was left to be in a terrific lesbian love affair with her. As I woke, she was just deciding she was over being a lesbian. A bitch, even in my dreams.
Turns out she's actually a nice lady and was really excited about riding a horse for pretty much the first time in her life. She was on Bobby, reliable little tucker who was bought off a man that used him for his cart all his life so he's not too goey.
Things started out well, I was planning on doing a loop around from one end of the forest, behind the house and back out the other end - didn't quite work out that way. The two-hour mark came and went, and I was getting more and more hopelessly lost. I tried to cover it up but when I thought it seemed ridiculously stupid to pretend it wasn't more than two hours, I admitted we had missed the turn-off (what turn-off? I didn't know where I began, turned left or turned right dammit). The girls had stayed at home because the rest of the horses were turned out to the paddock already. They'd joked I would be lost.
When I was about to cry from frustration, I powered on to the end of a track which led out of the forest. The lady was nice enough to say she was still enjoying herself, while the horses were going mental from all the flies and mozzies around them. I don't blame them! So I looked over and saw a village, said we would head there to ask someone directions and get home as soon as we could.
As we neared the village, I was starting to recognise things but not letting myself believe I'd actually somehow made it back to my own village. Turns out I had. Like a retarded homing pigeon, I'd gotten myself hopelessly lost then somehow squawked my way back to square one. Fantastic. I wish I'd just kept my mouth shut the whole time and pretended I was nice enuf to give her a ride twice as long as she'd paid.
Oh well. I'm pretty sure I scared her off riding for the next few years. Perhaps forever. We all have our purpose in life. Maybe that's mine.
PS. I dreamt last night that I was going to marry Lady GaGa in a threesome situation with another man (and no, GaGa wasn't the man). Then the man ran off and I was left to be in a terrific lesbian love affair with her. As I woke, she was just deciding she was over being a lesbian. A bitch, even in my dreams.
Monday 2 August 2010
Last day... and the guests are almost gone
Final day of trekking and I'm glad. I don't know how I would've survived the whole week like E did. My knees are not what they used to be. Thank you netball. So we rode a little more, stopped off at a random town for a beer (I seriously contemplated letting the annoying guest's horse loose "by accident") and headed for home. Annoying guest of course couldn't control his horse and so she went off trotting at every chance, to find better grass to eat, and in the end I snapped and said, "Can't you hear a horse back here having a coughing fit and you can't keep your horse under control - sort it out!" Just breathe.
We came back to no housemaid so us girls made the food and tidied a little. Soon after we found out, on pay day, that several of the gypsies were to be fired for laziness etc - including the housemaid - so I'm hoping H doesn't think he's got 3 housemaids in us girls. Grrr.
Annoying guest left the next morning - ce la vie! - and we set about moving the horses from the house stables to the herd in the paddock. Fun times - we just sat in the back of the trailer, tied a couple of horses on to lead and they followed in a roundabout way. Then H bogged us on the way back, and of course being female we could offer no helpful suggestions so I just took photos of the dilemma to remind them of their male stupidity at a more suitable later date.
Not as annoying guest left the morning after as I went out with the next door neighbour to give her her first horseride since childhood, which didn't exactly go as planned. I'll detail that in the next blog. My hands are sore from all this catch-up typing...
We came back to no housemaid so us girls made the food and tidied a little. Soon after we found out, on pay day, that several of the gypsies were to be fired for laziness etc - including the housemaid - so I'm hoping H doesn't think he's got 3 housemaids in us girls. Grrr.
Annoying guest left the next morning - ce la vie! - and we set about moving the horses from the house stables to the herd in the paddock. Fun times - we just sat in the back of the trailer, tied a couple of horses on to lead and they followed in a roundabout way. Then H bogged us on the way back, and of course being female we could offer no helpful suggestions so I just took photos of the dilemma to remind them of their male stupidity at a more suitable later date.
Not as annoying guest left the morning after as I went out with the next door neighbour to give her her first horseride since childhood, which didn't exactly go as planned. I'll detail that in the next blog. My hands are sore from all this catch-up typing...
I swear if I'm pimped out one more time...
Still on our horse trek, we mounted after a good sleep at the Pastor's pension and before taking off for good, stopped in on the little church where me and E walked around while I cooled my tempter at the annoying guests - one of whom suggested ever so kindly that he'd told us how to put the tent up the night before so he wasn't helping again. I almost throttled him. I could put that tent up in my sleep. While throttling him.
We rode on through to another village, where we stopped for a beer and a good old-fashioned pimping. Yes, H finds it increasingly hilarious to offer me up to only-too-willing locals who think I'm the best thing since sliced bread (literally) for their sons.
Only problem is, I kinda like the idea of marrying for love. And if I DIDN'T marry for love, my prospective partner should at least possess material goods, a becoming face and body or something to be used for my personal gain. So I at least get something out of it. I'm not so impressed with a 30 year old that still lives with his parents in a house two steps up from a shack in Romania, with a hole in the ground toilet, can speak hardly any English and with no appealing quality besides nice blues eyes. So you can imagine how pleased I was that H managed to get us to their house for some stupid reason, but really to laugh at the women trying to play matchmaker. I quietly smiled and avoided eye contact with the guy at all costs.
After that little episode, we were back on the horses, did some more little gallops (yay!) - I've discovered I have the fastest horse - and got to the next village we were staying at reasonably well-timed. Although we were in a village, we camped out - us girls in the shelter of a tent outer cover just to screen from mozzies (not so successful) and the others in tents or outside on the hay.
The guests were still bugging me so I was glad when I went to bed - unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep but that did mean I awake to hear L sleep-talking in Swedish. Funny. Hehe. I'm such a child.
We rode on through to another village, where we stopped for a beer and a good old-fashioned pimping. Yes, H finds it increasingly hilarious to offer me up to only-too-willing locals who think I'm the best thing since sliced bread (literally) for their sons.
Only problem is, I kinda like the idea of marrying for love. And if I DIDN'T marry for love, my prospective partner should at least possess material goods, a becoming face and body or something to be used for my personal gain. So I at least get something out of it. I'm not so impressed with a 30 year old that still lives with his parents in a house two steps up from a shack in Romania, with a hole in the ground toilet, can speak hardly any English and with no appealing quality besides nice blues eyes. So you can imagine how pleased I was that H managed to get us to their house for some stupid reason, but really to laugh at the women trying to play matchmaker. I quietly smiled and avoided eye contact with the guy at all costs.
After that little episode, we were back on the horses, did some more little gallops (yay!) - I've discovered I have the fastest horse - and got to the next village we were staying at reasonably well-timed. Although we were in a village, we camped out - us girls in the shelter of a tent outer cover just to screen from mozzies (not so successful) and the others in tents or outside on the hay.
The guests were still bugging me so I was glad when I went to bed - unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep but that did mean I awake to hear L sleep-talking in Swedish. Funny. Hehe. I'm such a child.
First the gypos, now the shepherds
Just when I thought I'd experienced enuf of the "locals" by hanging with the gypsies, H throws us another curveball and sends the horse trek via a shepherds station to spend the night. I arrived with M with the supplies, as I hadn't joined the trail yet, and we got to work quickly on setting up tents. Worked out soon after that what I thought had been packed had indeed not been packed. Never trust a gypo to pack your things.
For dinner, they threw a freshly slaughtered lamb (minus head and guts, luckily) onto our soon-to-be dinner table and the men got to work sorting out the cuts. I just hate the sound of spines breaking. Shudder. Not sure why they even bothered with the design of the cuts, they ended up being thrown into one big bowl to cook in a soup over the fire anyway. I wasn't sure what part I had gotten in my bowl and the smell of slaughtered lamb was still a little fresh in my nostrils, so I didn't eat much. Lucky, the next day I was a litttttle uneasy in the stomach but it could've been much worse.
The guests were still grating on me. Particularly one of them. We all agree, now he's left, that he definitely had a screw loose somewhere. Like god had forgotten to signpost the roads when he made his highway of life. And the funniest thing is, this guy looks after children for a living!
The next day we rode to another village, didn't get too lost (probably because I wasn't leading) and I got my fave horse Goody back :) He was very tired, as the day before they'd unintentionally ridden for 12 hours because they got lost. Hell, I know that feeling. We were put up in the pension of a pastor, his wife and adorable little boy (who flicked between Romanian, Hungarian and German when talking), fed lovely food and enjoyed good conversation with these people who were just so nice. On such a remark to H, I was told they really overcharged for their pension. Ha! You just never know...
I had a good sleep, was gone before E even entered the room, and yet still woke up really early when it was still dark and thought there was a black dog in the bed next to me instead of a Swedish girl. I swear I do that EVERY night. It's really weird.
For dinner, they threw a freshly slaughtered lamb (minus head and guts, luckily) onto our soon-to-be dinner table and the men got to work sorting out the cuts. I just hate the sound of spines breaking. Shudder. Not sure why they even bothered with the design of the cuts, they ended up being thrown into one big bowl to cook in a soup over the fire anyway. I wasn't sure what part I had gotten in my bowl and the smell of slaughtered lamb was still a little fresh in my nostrils, so I didn't eat much. Lucky, the next day I was a litttttle uneasy in the stomach but it could've been much worse.
The guests were still grating on me. Particularly one of them. We all agree, now he's left, that he definitely had a screw loose somewhere. Like god had forgotten to signpost the roads when he made his highway of life. And the funniest thing is, this guy looks after children for a living!
The next day we rode to another village, didn't get too lost (probably because I wasn't leading) and I got my fave horse Goody back :) He was very tired, as the day before they'd unintentionally ridden for 12 hours because they got lost. Hell, I know that feeling. We were put up in the pension of a pastor, his wife and adorable little boy (who flicked between Romanian, Hungarian and German when talking), fed lovely food and enjoyed good conversation with these people who were just so nice. On such a remark to H, I was told they really overcharged for their pension. Ha! You just never know...
I had a good sleep, was gone before E even entered the room, and yet still woke up really early when it was still dark and thought there was a black dog in the bed next to me instead of a Swedish girl. I swear I do that EVERY night. It's really weird.
Riding Alone: When I push the boundaries
The day before I was due to join the others on their multi-day horse trek, I took out this grey who hasn't been ridden much cos she has a cough when she runs a bit. But I thought I'd give her a go and decided that that day, of all days, in the wind, by myself, I should go up through the backyard to try and find or create a new path into the bush from H's house. Dear god was that a mistake. I found a path alright, but it was steep steep steep - not normally a challenge for me but when the horse is neighing to kingdom come for her friends downstairs and its wet n slippery and there's not much room for error... well, I got halfway up and she balked, started refusing to move, neighing etc and i could just see her placing 1 feet outta line and BAM down i go with her tumbling after. No thanks.
So I got off and tried to lead her up. A couple of steps in and i'm stumbling myself, she tried to turn back and slips onto her ass and literally slides down the hill in a upright sitting position (bit funny but also scary considering I could've been stuck in a stirrup underneath her). So she ran. And I let her. Then I had to slowly make my own way down with Bertus and ended up coming out in someone's backyard, and walking around to the house. The gypsies just stared at me in confusion - it was too hard to explain in charades that I hadn't fallen off so I just laughed and shrugged at them. When I got back, the horse was at the trough eating hay. Bless.
I untangled her (amazingly unbroken) reins, jumped back on and went for a ride around the village. She's a goey little thing, didn't cough too much and I was able to get her moving easily and get some exercise into her. The villagers must've thought I was crazy, bolting up and down the streets around town. haha... but it was all under control. Fun times tho! I must ride her again..
So I got off and tried to lead her up. A couple of steps in and i'm stumbling myself, she tried to turn back and slips onto her ass and literally slides down the hill in a upright sitting position (bit funny but also scary considering I could've been stuck in a stirrup underneath her). So she ran. And I let her. Then I had to slowly make my own way down with Bertus and ended up coming out in someone's backyard, and walking around to the house. The gypsies just stared at me in confusion - it was too hard to explain in charades that I hadn't fallen off so I just laughed and shrugged at them. When I got back, the horse was at the trough eating hay. Bless.
I untangled her (amazingly unbroken) reins, jumped back on and went for a ride around the village. She's a goey little thing, didn't cough too much and I was able to get her moving easily and get some exercise into her. The villagers must've thought I was crazy, bolting up and down the streets around town. haha... but it was all under control. Fun times tho! I must ride her again..
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