Our
group consisted of 11 people, plus different group leaders at Pivarootsi and
Vormsi. Of the volunteers, there were
two Germans, two Japanese, two Italians, a Czech, a Frenchwoman and me. The
other two people, from Spain and Hungary, were participating as part of the EVS
(European Voluntary Service) programme. ELF runs this programme on behalf of
the larger European organisation. EVS enables youth from across Europe to do
all manner of voluntary work in different European countries. The aim is to
expose youth to different languages and cultures, building and strengthening
connections between member countries. These voluntary placements generally last
for six months and all expenses are borne by the EU, meaning anyone can
participate if they have the desire. Very admirable. Marisol and Bálint, the
two EVS participants with us, assist ELF with their operations and go on most
of the conservation holidays.
Several
volunteers led our group. Arvo in Pivarootsi and Tauri and Mart on Vormsi.
In
both locations, we stayed on farms in accommodation that would usually be
rented to holidaymakers. In Pivarootsi, lunch and dinner were provided, sourced
from a nearby school camp. Typically soup or stew for lunch and something more
substantial for dinner. We made our own breakfasts, taking it in turns to make
porridge and organise the provisions for sandwiches. The
farm at Pivarootsi functioned primarily as a horse stud. The main farmhouse was
a German manor house. We were mainly in contact with an older couple who run
the farm, although there were several workers around the place as well.
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| Our accommodation at Pivarootsi |
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| The dining room |
On Vormsi, we stayed with a more extended family. The old vanaema,
whose husband passed away a few years ago, is the only permanent resident. The
rest of of the family, her children and grandchildren, come and go throughout
the year. She, and granddaughter Epp, on holidays from her tertiary studies in
Tartu, cooked our meals. Most of these were vegetarian, making use of as much
produce from the island as possible. Our first meal on the island was the most
memorable, three types of delicious forest mushrooms, three types of potatoes
and salad from the house. Väga hea/very good!!
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| Inside our Vormsi accommodation |
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| First meal |
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| Our accommodation on Vormsi |
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| The farmhouse |
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| An outbuilding - note traditional thatch roof |
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