I have officially begun my internship at Brunnenburg Castle in Dorf Tirol, Italy. The castle acts as a vineyard and museum, and is home to the de Rachewiltz family.
Since the internship has just begun, I have only experienced some of the most basic tasks. I have been learning about all of the daily chores that deal with animals. My mentor is Kelsey, a fellow Green Mountain student who has been here since August 2011. She has showed me the routines, and of course, all of the aspects of animal care where things might go awry.
The animals at Brunnenburg include donkeys, mangalitsa swine, goats, mini-goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, geese, turkeys, and humans!
Animals are moved to new places throughout the week. Today, Kelsey and I moved the donkeys to a paddock across from their stall.
As with any animal operation, feeding is a big and time-consuming job.
Guten Morgen, Miniature Goats!
One of my favorite jobs thus far is feeding Alma, a two-month old pig. She is a very sprited animal who follows us wherever we go. She loves back scratches and playing around.
Kelsey and Alma are two best friends.
"Alma, sitz!"
Alma was so happy she was rendered immobile.
I am looking forward to learning more, and I cannot wait to start doing work in the vineyard. The weather has been beautiful, and the jet-lag kvetches have been minimal.
During my down-time I have been exploring readings for both education and pleasure, as well as listening to and playing a lot of music.
The Hidden Life of Tirol by Martha C. Ward
The Hidden Frontier by John W. Cole and Eric R. Wolf
Rafa by Rafael Nadal
I hope to read as much as possible, as there are endless amounts of books here!
I love seeing that you are having a great start of your internship. Miss you, Jose
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