The answer to the question is, parsley

Ahimsa logo Set in a beautiful hillside location overlooking the river Zezere, Fonte de Baixo is a small quinta with a friendly gentle feel.

Who are we?

Well, we could tell you that we are special people doing special things, often better than other people, but we aren't and we don't.

We could tell you that we have worked, trained and rubbed shoulders with special teachers, gurus and the like, we haven't.

We could tell you we have special skills, talents and gifts and do amazing things that will change your life forever, but we don't and we can't, even if we wanted to, which we don't.

We could tell you we are ageing hippies, opting out of the mainstream, eco-warriors, yogis or "in-the-zone" permaculture gurus, but we aren't - with the exception that we are ageing and trying to embarrass our children.

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Fonte de Baixo

So who are we?

A couple of fairly average, slightly interesting middle-aged people who have journeyed thus far through life, doing what most people do. A few years ago, we decided to stop and step off the 9-to-5 bus and try to find an alternative option.

We would like to tell you we have all the answers, but we haven't. We are still looking, probably like yourself, or you wouldn't be reading this stuff.

I guess we started the journey with an idea that we could think our way to a new way of living, but that has developed into living our way to a new way of thinking based on the spirit of harmony.

So what do we do?

We would like to be able to tell you what we do, but as each day passes, we are less sure of that ourselves, only that it is fun and rewardingly hard work.

Of course, it would be great if we were able to tell you that we do amazing things, like standing on our heads in the latest yoga-tard or have found enlightenment through our relentless dedication to vipassana practice or we have built the most environmentally-friendly carbon-neutral permaculture-bio zone so that one would never again feel guilty for having a glass of wine, but we can't, we haven't and we wouldn't know how to. Anyway, how would any of that stuff make you a better person?

Actually, it doesn't matter what WE do!

We try to keep it simple, organic, local and do it mindfully. We allow each day to unfold following a natural flow of energy. What needs to be done is mostly done, but not always.

Okay, we grow most of our own food organically. We do it using a variety of approaches - that's right, a VARIETY (you remember - the spice of life!), as we are not remotely fundamentalist about anything except that the supermarkets and shopping malls are generally not a healthy option.

We practice meditation and yoga and apparently Bruni knows something about Thai Yoga Massage, yoga and Ayurveda and Garri knows something about most things or that's what he would have you believe. Alright then, he knows something about beekeeping and cutting hay, but I'm digging my heals in on the rest.

We make cheese and stuff from our own goat's milk. In a nutshell, we try to live a simple life, simply. People come and take what they want, ask for what they need, and leave behind what they don't. We work with individuals, groups, organisations, the depressed, equity-card members, people of all ages, latter-day saints, CEO's, janitors and fallen celebrities, chat-show hosts and even some members of the lunatic fringe - in other words, you. Just so you don't get the impression we float around doing nothing all day - we run a variety of retreats and events. These can be viewed on our events page.

What do we offer?

The opportunity to get off the bus for a while, to stop and listen to your heart; possibly get your hands dirty and plant a seed, pluck a weed, or make a disgustingly-foul smelling organic fertiliser whilst dancing naked around a small candle during the third-phase of the luna cycle.

We offer an authentic insight to what yoga really is, not just the Asanas and the benefits of the latest body-hugging lycra yoga-tard - we can share with you the mind-blowing potential of Zen meditation and the intrinsic beauty of Wabi-Sabi, after which your bottom will never look big in anything ever again - That's a sales pitch for those who are more subtle and sensitive.

You can join us walking the goats, milking and looking inside beehives or just enjoy the silence. You can get involved in a project, sun-dry tomatoes, pick olives, make cheese or sauerkraut, go for long walks in the hills or along the river. You can join us for a donkey trek through the picturesque villages of our region. Alternatively, sit under a tree and do nothing - we really don't mind.

You can share your meals with us or cook your own, we don't mind either way. We ask you to respect that we are VEGETARIANS which means we don't eat things that once had a face; it's not necessary or friendly to fellow travellers. If you really can't survive without meat or fish, then you can visit the village and have a meal.

Where do we do this?

Go back to the top of this page. You can get directions from the "General Information' page.

When do we do this?

Everyday, 365.

How do you get more information?

You go to the "Contact Us" page and follow the instructions.

Most importantly, keep smiling and do it today, whatever it is you keep putting off.

We have written a short account of our year here at Fonte de Baixo, so apart from visiting our blog you can follow our adventure from the 'Year in Fonte de Baixo' which is on our 'About Us' page. If you need or want anything else, then either contact us or make it up yourself.

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The answer to the question is, parsley

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