The farm is massive, with plenty of things to see and do. My friend Renae and I named the newborn buffalo 小新, short for 新加坡.
The air is clean and fresh. You can see fireflies during spring/summer, so you know that’s how unpolluted the environment is. You can go hiking during your off days - I did that, and met friendly Taiwanese hikers who took care of me during the journey. It’s near the sea and surfer’s beach. I only regret not picking up surfing then!
Food at the farm is fresh and delicious. Because they cater to visitors, there is always a spread throughout the day. The only fear is running out of stomach space. You’ll get to taste authentic local Yilan cuisine. I think I ate more than I worked during my stay.
We were growing and harvesting celery and lettuce. Main chores would be pulling weeds, but I had fun identifying the type of weeds that were beneficial to plants and were edible. Yes, not all weeds are bad! Some weeds are helpful to prevent growth of other, more invasive weeds, and some improve the soil too. Some help to attract/repel pests from the vegetables - this is important since we don’t use pesticides. An aspect of permaculture is to let nature do its work instead of forcing it to do what we want, which I guess goes back to traditional farming.
I learned to pay attention to the greenery and every single plant / weed I came into contact with. My only regret was that I wasn’t able to learn more about the little creatures: the worms, the bugs, the helpful predator insects that eats up bugs.
Working at the green bar
Here, I was able to have more interaction with guests - helping with service and DIY. I learned to do some macramé thanks to Pia’s patient guidance! It’s something I never would have signed up for because I never saw myself as a handicraft kind of person - I would get impatient and anxious. But turns out working with your hands is almost like meditation, when your mind and body are both quietly focused on one singular task. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who is easily distracted and impatient!
Let me just talk about the wonderful people that I’ve met on the farm. Of course, Tina is the most wonderful supervisor you’ll ever meet. She is soooooooo caring and thoughtful - in a word, motherly - that I never felt homesick. When Renae got heatstroke, Tina rushed to get her a local remedy of Sarsi & salt. Even despite being really busy, nothing is too small for her attention (like helping me get the best route to the airport). I truly admire her kindness, generosity of spirit and dedication. (But also to Tina: please take care of yourself and don’t burn out!!)
Zhuo mama and her sons - GM and vice GM, are equally generous in their own ways. Renae and I got to learn directly in the fields from Zhuo mama, and considering her age, she is impressively strong and willing to teach, which we are grateful for. We were also fortunate to enjoy a special treat at the Green Kitchen AND a fantastic lunch at the Winery. Both meals were sublime and completely blew us out of the water. It is indeed a testament to the quality of the produce and chef at work. I have a lot of foodie thoughts and comments, but at the risk of overdoing it at this blog, I shall just share a few choice photos.
I also appreciated learning from Pia and her creativity. Nothing goes to waste at the Green Bar because everything can be repurposed into decoration celebrating the environment! We are simply limited by our imagination (and skills).
To others including Jun Xiong, Jun Wei, Ursula and all the tour guides, I learned so much from each of them. Never be afraid to ask questions and pick their brains. They have so much to share. Professor Jun Xiong is also a wonderful photographer and journalist who helped Renae and I become mini celebrities on the news. (See here: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230326002868-260405
Sook Ling & David were truly kind and generous in making sure I had a good time on the farm and treated me as their friend.
I have never felt more cared for and welcomed in any other place.
With my heart (and stomach) full and feeling at peace, I wholeheartedly recommend Toucheng Leisure Farm as a place for anyone looking to experience life on a farm.
