“Hello again!
My name is Jaanika and I am an ESC volunteer from Estonia. You can read the first blog post about my project in the Netherlands at the Urtica de Vijfsprong farm here.
By now I have been in the Netherlands for 6 months and I am more used to the work and living here. Since the seasons have changed, so has the work we do around the farm. For example, there is a lot of grass to cut under the fences around the fields where the cattle eat.
It hasn’t been raining a lot, so from time to time it is necessary to take water to the small trees we have planted. I have started working in the greenhouse and vegetable garden and this time of the year there is a lot of work: planting, sowing seeds, weeding, cutting back plants so they don’t overgrow, and harvesting. It is a very busy time which is great, because I get to learn more new things.
I go to work by bike. It is around a 10 km trip one way. It is a good exercise and a great way to go through your thoughts in the morning and after work. The area where the farm is located has lush greenery and almost every morning I can spot some rabbits while cycling to work. The Netherlands is the best place to be if you like commuting by bike. There is a great network of bicycle roads and car drivers are considerate of cyclists because most of them cycle themselves as well.
I find people here to be open and friendly. I live outside of a small city and it is very common to strangers to greet each other when passing. Several times someone has started talking to me on the street or at the shop. So there is always a possibility to have a lovely conversation.
You can effortlessly find something to do in your free time. It’s a small country with a great railway network so getting around is quite easy. If you enjoy spending time in nature, there are countless walking paths and cycling paths to wander on.
There are many national parks to choose from. National Park Veluwezoom is a great one to go to, you can find forests, hills, and sand drifts there. If you like spending time in the city, the first challenge is to choose one to go to because many have their own personality, great cafes, restaurants, museums, and events.
Of the ones, I have been to, I like Zutphen, Delft and The Hague the most. I recommend taking a boat trip on canals. It is a different point of view from standing on try land, so it is a delightful way to get to know the place you are visiting.
I hope this piece makes you a bit more curious about the Netherlands. You can see and experience a lot in a short time because it is a small and compact country with rich culture, beautiful nature, and lovely people.
I wish you thrilling experiences wherever you are!”
Jaanika
Are you curious to know more about the European Solidarity Corps and the volunteering opportunities it provides to young people? Read more here and #StayShokkin