How you learn to love a farm

Today there’s no story from the barn, none from the kitchen or the garden either. Today I’m also leaving the typing to other hands!

It was a sunny spring four years ago. I was in the middle of my teacher training and had to decide on an internship. But what should I do? Make coffee in stuffy offices? Sort clothes in shops with terribly annoying music? Or stand at the photocopier somewhere all day? No, thank you!

After a bit of research on the internet and a few emails, it was clear to me: I’m going to Austria to a farm! And so it happened that on August 28, 2015, I got on the train to spend six weeks at Zittrauerhof. After nine hours of travel, the moment arrived—my new “boss” Katharina picked me up at the station and brought me to my destination: Zittrauerhof in Bad Hofgastein.

And then everything went much faster than expected! I’d barely arrived before I was already involved in life and work at Zittrauerhof. Before I could even unload my bags from the trunk, I was already getting my first tasks: water flowers, write signs for the cow barn, and bring the animals into the children’s barn. And all the while I was fascinated by the surroundings, the farm, and the farm atmosphere. The start could hardly have gone better!

Over the course of the afternoon and evening, I gradually met all the residents and family members of the farm. I shared my room (at least for another week) with another intern who trained me a bit in the first week. Luckily, because I actually had no idea about farming.

I quickly learned that life at Zittrauerhof is very varied. Besides the barn work, there were also farm guests to look after, and I was completely included in family life as well.

My days were all similar and yet quite different. The first thing in the morning took me to the kitchen to fetch the “pig bucket.” I then took it with me to the children’s barn and fed the pigs with it. After I’d joyfully greeted each animal and caught one bruise or another while milking the goat Flecki, I brought the small animals to pasture. Then came one of my favorite tasks: the guest breakfast. Even today I love arranging beautiful breakfast plates, because the eye eats too.

The morning usually consisted of work in the house: daily sweeping of the stairs, picking up apples, cleaning rooms, tidying the kitchen, putting away dried herbs, and especially great, making various farm products. My little booklet with Austrian cuisine recipes, jam recipes, instructions for different syrups, and the making of yogurt and Topfen still sits within easy reach on my shelf today. Katharina simply taught me an incredible amount of tips and tricks in the kitchen during those six weeks, for which I’m still very grateful!

Around midday, the meal had to be on the table. And so we often cooked together and ate together every noon. Quickly tidied everything up and I could start my lunch break. In those two hours I liked best to go to the calves, into the garden, or ride my bike a bit. Sometimes I just took a nap though.

The afternoons began with bringing in the animals and usually moved into outdoor work (tidying the yard, fixing bicycles, picking flowers, harvesting herbs…). Katharina has a really lovely garden and in every corner you find flower pots and flower beds. We often took care of it together so that everything stayed so beautiful.

After a delicious Jause (my favorite meal at the farm), we either worked a bit more outside or finished farm products. After all, Katharina’s treats should not only taste fabulous but also look good. On the side, something was often baked, so you fell into bed with the smell of delicious baked goods.

Besides the farm routine, there were of course also special events. So shortly after my arrival I was able to experience the Almabtrieb, and the apple harvest also represented a special event of my internship.

At first I thought I would never manage to get through the farm routine for six weeks, but it turned out quite differently than expected. The six weeks were over far too quickly, and at the farewell a tear or two did roll.

Katharina, her family, and the farm have grown very close to my heart. I catch myself at least once a week starting to rave about my time there and dwelling in memories. During that time I didn’t just do an internship, I learned an incredible number of things that still accompany me today. I also didn’t just find a great “boss,” but also a new friend.

Since my internship I’ve visited Zittrauerhof twice. But always only for a few days, and the last time is now already two years ago.

That’s why I’m especially looking forward to this year’s summer, because I’m finally returning to my beloved Zittrauerhof and will spend a week’s holiday there. Of course I won’t let myself miss taking on one task or another.

And if Katharina’s readers and “followers” feel like it, I’d be happy to take them along in the Instagram story of @urlaubamzittrauerhof and show life and holidays at Zittrauerhof in Bad Hofgastein.

Best wishes
Annika