Marcelino el jefe. Marcelino the boss.

We got to work with and learn from a guy named Marcelino for one month on the Lazy Man's Farm here in Panama. Marcelino has an incredible knowledge about things on the farm and he wields the machete like a boss. And well, he was our boss for the past month, and I can tell ya, we learned a ton from this awesome dude. He has a great sense of humor and a good attitude. Here's an interview in Spanish that we did with him the other day. I translated it roughly below. Enjoy.

Kyle: This is our incredible boss, Marcelino. He knows everything about the farm. So, we’re gonna have an interview with him.

First, How did you end up living and working here?

Marcelino: First, it’s a pleasure to share what I know with you, the volunteers. We’ve had many volunteers and I really enjoy teaching them all.

So, I came here because I knew a little about the land, and I did this kind of work for 2 years before John bought the land.

So I came looking for work here. But I knew nothing. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned here working here on the farm. And now I like to teach, in the same way that I’ve been taught.

Kyle: So you almost went to Panama City for work right?

Marcelino: Yeah, in the beginning I thought life would be better in the city, because that’s what most farmer’s around here think, and they abandon the farm life.

But now, on the contrary, I prefer life here. Everything is more quiet and relaxed and I can harvest my own food, which you can’t do in the city. You only have the supermarket.

Kyle: What do you like best about working in the farm?

Marcelino: One of the things I like best is to work with volunteers (Kyle smiles an approving smile) and doing work that they really like and want to learn about.

It’s good when they can see the differences they make on the farm.

Kyle: This guy really is a good teacher and we’ve learned a lot.

What are some other things you’ve learned here?

Marcelino: Other things are how to improve the soil each day, and in the vein, I’ve learned how to make better compost which is most important.

And then a little bit of everything for daily life like construction, plumbing, electricity, welding. I’ve learned many things here. And really, I thank John for having the patience to let me learn everything, although it’s really for his benefit (laughing), but also for mine for when I’m on my own in the future.

Kyle: But you also have some patience for John as well (haha).

So, what are some of your goals for the future?

Marcelino: One of my goals, when things are a little more stable in my life, in maybe 2 to 5 years, I’d like to have my own farm. A farm even better than what we have now, more focused, or maybe a little more organized. With more animals and also more methods that the local farmers can learn from and copy.

Kyle: And also to have a yuca that’s 100 pounds!

Marcelino: Yes, but actually to have one that’s 150 pounds!

Kyle: And also to jump from the cliff into the river.

Marcelino: Yes!

Kyle: Cool, thanks for everything. we learned a lot here and are really grateful.

Marcelino: Thanks for visiting us!