Heidi: I am a 68 year old senior citizen in great physical shape, and my goal was to experience a small corner of Europe to do some hiking and sight seeing. Going by myself is not as much fun and traveling with a tour group is too expensive and tedious. Since I have been doing volunteer work for the past 14 years on the Appalachian Trail I was looking for similar outdoor work in Europe when I came across Volunteer for Peace. I signed up for 2 weeks in the Czech Republic, and an additional 2 weeks in Austria. The 2 countries are connected, thus I did not have to travel very far. The first 8 days in between the job assignments I spend in Vienna and Bratislava; and 8 days after Austria I went to Slovenia for some more hiking. I stayed in Hostels, a most inexpensive way to travel.
Being by far the oldest person on the block was not a problem. On the contrary, I was accepted as part of the group as I joined every fun activity with them and I have shed years with all the laughter and joy. In my opinion more older people should join the program as an example that there is no age limit to what a person can accomplish.
At times were there is so much negative information about the youth, it is truly up-lifting to work along side these aspiring young people, who instead of taking an easy Summer break are toiling in a brutal heat, not getting paid, at a place they have no investment in and most likely will never see again. I have nothing but great respect for all of them.
<p><b>Heidi:</b> As for our daily schedule, we breakfasted between 7 and 8:30 AM, helped load the van with lunches and left at 9 for the work site which was always a short drive. At arrival we received instruction of what had to be done and each grabbed a tool accordingly. Most of the time it meant going, with rake in hand, up a steep slope and pulling down the grass which had been cut by locals or the team leaders. This was not like raking ones lawn. Here the grass had been knee-high to begin with and the hay we gathered looked more like an avalanche coming down. To make the chore easier we would usual be 5 people in a row, otherwise one would have to run back and forth to catch the ever growing mountain.</p>
<p>Two of the days we were employed to getting rid of some shrub that was taking over a certain meadow. Had this been done years ago the chore would have been easier since now it was deep-rooted. Care had to be taken by the direction of the pull, if it gave way one could find himself rolling down the hill. Due to the briars I had the foresight and experience to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt. The young girls had to learn this the hard way. Looking cute with shorts and tiny sleeveless shirts may impress the boys, but offers no protection against the thorns nor the sun.</p>
<p>I had asked one of the locals why they would not use goats to get rid of the weeds? After all, they are known to eat anything in sight. The answer was that it had been tried once, however, the goats found the leaves of the vine yards tastier. Calls started to come in from irate wine growers that if they would not get rid of the #@$%^ goats, they would be shot. Our work day was broken up by two short breaks and a one hour lunch, and in addition we were encouraged to drink as much water as we could. Quitting time was at 5pm and I was really impressed by the six Austrian volunteers who, instead of throwing down the rake and being jubilant of another days work done, they often continued what they had started. As one stated, we can't just leave the work side, we have to tidy it up.</p>
Heidi: Volunteering has always made me feel good and this time it has not been an exception. If not by monetary value, I have been paid in ways which no money could purchase. The feeling to be part of a group that cares about the environment and the camaraderie I experienced is priceless. The mere thought of it still gives my heart a jolt and puts a smile on my face.
