Last summer, my children and I, we were invited to spend the weekend at my cousins' farm in the countryside. At first, the children strongly objected: "a whole weekend with no TV, no internet, you must be kidding, right? no way!" But, being a very 'democratic' mother, I insisted.
Our first encounter with the farm was encouraging, though.
Our first encounter with the farm was encouraging, though.
We stopped at the local market. The fresh fruits and vegetables, hand-made crafts and farm animals walking on the loose around us made the children more open to the experience.
Still, it wasn't that easy. we learnt how to use natural lemon juice and vinegar to avoid mosquito bites, we learnt how to hunt lizards, and operate the water hand pump in the morning to wash our faces.
Still, it wasn't that easy. we learnt how to use natural lemon juice and vinegar to avoid mosquito bites, we learnt how to hunt lizards, and operate the water hand pump in the morning to wash our faces.
After putting the mosquito and lizards under control, our first night was so serene and peaceful. The sky held more stars than I ever imagined existed. Our morning walks were even more amazing. The local farmers were first surprised and curious. For them, we looked like aliens. Yet, it didn't take long before they showed amazing hospitality and offered to teach us their way of life. Soon enough, Youssof learnt how to milk the cow to get us fresh milk for breakfast and how to collect the eggs without disturbing the free-wandering chicken.
Janna, on her side, was baking bread for lunch in, literally, hand-made, oven.
The milk, eggs, home-made cheese and naturally backed bread tasted exceptional.
The milk, eggs, home-made cheese and naturally backed bread tasted exceptional.
In just a weekend, The children discovered much more fun ways of transportation and a much healthier way of life. At the end of our journey, they didn't want to leave. Surprisingly, they did not miss their computer, internet or TV at all. They found real bliss in a much simpler life.
We all long for another weekend at the farm. How I wish life was all that simple!!!
If you have never tried it, please do. Just for one weekend or even for one afternoon. Visit the countryside, the desert, the forest... any place in nature where technology hadn't take its toll on yet. Turn off your mobile and internet connections. No TV, no computer. Enjoy the sunshine, the greenery, listen to the birds, watch the stars. Enjoy simplicity and better yet, hug a tree!!!
We all long for another weekend at the farm. How I wish life was all that simple!!!
If you have never tried it, please do. Just for one weekend or even for one afternoon. Visit the countryside, the desert, the forest... any place in nature where technology hadn't take its toll on yet. Turn off your mobile and internet connections. No TV, no computer. Enjoy the sunshine, the greenery, listen to the birds, watch the stars. Enjoy simplicity and better yet, hug a tree!!!
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