Field Visit Report: A First Taste of Farm Work in the Fields
Text/bomy
As the season approaches White Dew [i], those who rise early and return late are gradually feeling a hint of coolness. Autumn in Taiwan always arrives quietly, yet the pomelo (wendan) of the season is freshly announcing its arrival on the market. In the pomelo orchard of Grandma Lu Xiuhong, a farming friend of Hope Market (for a previous field visit, see http://www.hopemarket.com.tw/?p=2805), the trees are laden with fruit and hands are needed to help with the harvest. Entrusted by Brother Hao, our group went to Douliu on 8/30 to serve as little harvesting helpers. Setting out early in the morning, I happened to merge into the rush of commuters heading to work and school. In a daze I thought I must be following the footsteps of students into school, before remembering that today was the first day of the school year for junior high and elementary schools. My thoughts wandered this way and that, and when I snapped back to my senses I realized I had almost missed the train. Luckily, I stepped onto the northbound platform at the very last minute; luckily I did not miss it, for today was the first day of school for my farming experience. 
Having never set foot in a field, my imagination of organic farmland and organic orchards was limited to what I had read in articles. Having the chance to see with my own eyes the reality of what the text described - "lots of weeds," "rich ecology" - made me both eager and afraid of getting hurt. That is because I have long been known as a "mobile mosquito trap," and I really do attract insect bites easily. I have tried many mosquito-repellent products, and every time I am outdoors I am always the first and often the only one to become a full meal for mosquitoes. On the train, the very thoughtful Brother Xingfeng called to confirm whether I had brought all my gear. Actually, before I left home Brother Xingfeng had sent a text message telling me what to prepare, and said that if I did not have something he could get it ready for me. I was so grateful to him for taking such care of me, saving this rookie from producing any embarrassing "comic" effects.
After some back-and-forth coordination, Grandma Lu appeared before us. With both hands clasped behind her back, she carried an iron rod. I wondered inwardly what use this iron rod could have, but there was no time to voice the question, because we were in a hurry to finish harvesting before noon, so everyone quickly changed clothes and prepared to start work. What exactly were we changing into? First, a hat, long sleeves, and long pants were basic; rain boots on the feet were essential, otherwise movement in the orchard would be slow. A towel and sleeves depended on personal need, and most importantly, work gloves had to be worn. "To do good work, one must first sharpen one's tools" - only with such equipment could one work quickly in the orchard!
[i] One of the twenty-four solar terms; this year it falls on 9/8 of the Gregorian calendar