Dear readers, it has been far too long since our last update. The sun has begun to sporadically shine and those grey muggy days have finally reached their longest: it must be British summer. By now a small team of Green & Away’s trustees have assembled on site and started to make the field a home once more. There with them are the happy new interns, eager to learn all there is to know about running a tented conference centre.
My interviewees this time are the friendly Yanna and Rob, each with their own impressive story, as beautiful as they are different. Nothing makes the world feel as big to me as people who have walked it in their own ways, their individual experiences trailing an infinity across the globe.
So, Yanna, please tell us who you are.
Hi every-one! I currently study Civil Engineering in Denmark. My parents are French and German, but I have a difficult time answering the ‘where do you come from’ question because I lived in Japan until I was sixteen years old, and then flew off to the United World College in India.
Another intimidating opening. The life you were given is just as exciting as the life you have chosen. As a former resident of Japan myself, I can’t wait to hear more about your upbringing and how it has affected the decisions you subsequently made. So please, tell us what interests you.
I like to travel…
Indeed.
…especially when I have the chance to stay in one place for some time, is that a slight paradox? I like to be able to get a better feel for the culture and maybe become part of something. And this is exactly what I’m looking forward to this summer at G&A! It’s the first time I’ll be in the UK for longer than a weekend, and I already get a feeling that G&A is quite a tight-knit, very friendly community.
It certainly is. We of course have returning volunteers and many of us hang out together during the rest of the year. But what you will find immediately is that your fellow interns will become just as close-knit, that the new volunteers will become your extended family and the field will become your home. There’s as much present and future as there is past, and with every new friendship we’re honouring the work and love of those who made it theirs over the decades that came before. So how did you hear about our community?
G&A actually caught my eye because I’m interested in sustainable building methods and water and sanitation solutions. A group of graduates at my university here are building an earth ship, which I find inspiring. I’ve also tried my hand at organic farming last year, and love being outdoors. I think G&A will be a good chance to complement my studies, while working on something practical.
In what way would you like that to happen?
The variety of people who seem to come together at G&A is one aspect I’m particularly excited about. I’m curious about all the skills and ideas which I’m sure will be brought to the table. I look forward to meeting you all – staff, interns, volunteers, and conference participants – hearing some good stories, sharing some new hobbies, and working together to make this a successful season.
We do attract some fantastic people each summer. The perfect blend of creativity and practicality is what we’re good at, and I think we’re always improving. With our initiatives such as the Green Woodworker- and Artist-in-Residence, we have managed to find some of this country’s most industrious and brilliant young minds. I’m getting a good feeling from our interns especially. You guys are going to make it the best summer yet.
Ladies and Gentlemen, be sure to check back with us in the next couple of days to read the incredible journey of Rob. Until then – I hope you’ll be joining me tonight in a howl to the SUPER MOON. *Hooooooooooooooooooooooooo*
Andy
Green and Away 