The long life

I have arrived...

I think I have found something truly special and amazing. Approxiametly 30 years ago a community was formed here in France, perched in the Alps, I will get back to this in a minute but excuse me while I go on a small rant.

Begin Rant:

read at your own discretion or continue reading at end rant below

In the past before globalization occurred people used to live in communities where they lived to support each other and survive on a local scale which worked fairly well for the last 1000 years. Now we have globalization and a large scale community which is good for the world right? The media tells us so, and we all know that corporate media is never wrong, they are looking out for human interest right???

Before I get into a huge rant about my thoughts of the corporate world and globalization, I've learned a lot in the past few years because my eyes have been opened to the atrocites (on many levels) of globalization and corporate interests. Bless the internet and indy media, it's probably one of the few sources I can get somewhat unbiased information. Has anyone seen Clock Work Orange where they open the main character's eyes really wide to see atrocites of human behaviour.... that's me unfortunately. I am truly frightened because I can see what possibilities the future has to offer. If we continue down this path we have a dark future, it is happening now. Ok no more rants before people stop reading about our journey heh. For those who know what I'm talking about sorry about reiterating what you already know... for others who don't know, go back to sleep, it was all just a bad dream and everything is going to be ok, just buy... just buy.

End rant

So we stumbled upon a community in France that was started up in the seventies. They are into organic farming, sustainable practices and spreading humanity to people in need through activism. People wanted to get back to our roots and to live life where certain values are held high. Food, shelter and love, what else do we really need in life, think about it. The process began and grew into about 9 communities in Europe and one oustide of Europe in Central America. It offered a place where these 3 values flourished and offered a place where people can find refuge from the growing world of "isms" that are unsustainable for our egocentric species and many other species. Many people from all walks of life are here farmers, mechanics, carpenters, builders and some people that had no prior skills but are willing to learn and grow. I think I have found a place that is very unique and unlike anything I have ever seen before. It is still a microcasm of the world because we are all human but it is something that is near my heart, compassion and the good side of humanity. Something I feel is lost in todays modern society. I really can't say enough good things about the community, I am blown away.

I'm finding in this journey that Kevin and I are caught in temporary"ism" as we travel from space to space. I was seriously considering ending my trip here, but I will continue on with my brother in this adventure. I have found a place I plan to return to. I knew that there would be places that would tempt me to end the journey but we have a goal. Until we are in VietNam I will continue forward as I find myself growing in ways that are not possible in school or corporations.

We took our first week off to stay in this community to assist in organic farming. I was able to assist in the production of 80 loaves of bread for the community. I'm learning skills that will help me to live sustainably in the future and I will surely leave a smaller environamental foot print in the world. Many possibilities and so much to learn. We had a great interview with a British fellow named Nick that will definitely appear in our doucmentary. Thanks to everyone in the commmunity that shared this experience with us!

We are currently in the beautiful French Alps in the highest town in Europe... where did the oygen go... heh. We are close to the Swiss border and heading into Italy to talk with some organic farmers in the next few days.

Over and Out!

Steve