We've started a cooperation with Luna Red from Spain to create the LINK (Learning, Inspiring, Networking, and Knowledge-sharing) project. Thank you EU and Erasmus+ for co-funding our project!
We kicked off the cooperation with a peer exchange week. On February 5th, Lumia and I boarded the train from Hämeenlinna to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. An hour and a half later, we arrived at the baggage drop, and a few minutes later, thanks to CT scanners, we passed through security. With some waiting time ahead, we took the opportunity for a tea and pulla break.
Airborne for about six hours, we landed on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria. Kathy from Luna Red Producción Cultural was already waiting for us. Together, we walked to another gate and waited a few minutes for Mary Mar, who was arriving from Fuerteventura—one of the nearby islands.
One of Kathy’s friends picked us up by car, and we embarked on a long drive to Las Palmas. We parked at Las Arenas, a large shopping mall, and took a stroll to the beach. Of course, we also made a stop at the organic grocer, which, luckily, was nearby.
From there, we had another drive to our final destination—a regenerative farm in Casa Ayala, a valley flanked by two hills. Over a century ago, high terraces were built there to make the land arable. The last stretch of the journey, along an uneven, unpaved road, was quite an adventure without a four-wheel-drive.
At the farm, we met our hosts. Unfortunately, they had to leave early during our stay, so we didn’t get the chance to learn about the farm first-hand from its owners. However, Kathy, who also is member of their design team, later gave me a tour.
Starting the peer exchange
The next morning, we packed our things and hiked up the hill—a very adventurous walk—to Kathy’s house. We arrived on time and settled in with tea. With a tight schedule ahead, we jumped into our first session, led by Lumia—a welcome session. The day continued with sessions from Kathy on organizational design, vision, and mission, followed by my session on teaching. In the evening, we hosted PermaTalks with Anne Stobart, who suggested we visit the Botanical Garden—which we later did!
The next day was also packed with peer exchange. I introduced the topic of Digital Permaculture, and we delved deep into topics like licensing, end-of-life (EOL), and market domination. In the afternoon, Lumia took over with a session on Marketing and Communication.
At the end of the day we had a lovely dinner at De Enyesque Arucas. We also had the chance to walk up to Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas, but unfortunately, a service was in progress when we arrived.
Saturday was a free day for Lumia and me. We took the car and drove to the Botanical Garden, then continued to San Agustín, where we enjoyed Playa de San Agustín—the black sand beach. And, of course, what would a beach visit be without ice cream?
On Sunday, we were invited to a gathering at Kathy’s friend’s house. We met most of the Luna Red team and had a wonderful time with a lovely crowd and BBQ.
The days passed quickly. On Monday, we resumed our peer exchange—this time meeting at the farm. We reviewed the previous days and discussed how to move forward. Lumia took us deep into the marketing rabbit hole, explaining different concepts. We also did some group work while walking through the market garden and later discussed our findings.
Tuesday was focused on the upcoming retreats—one in Finland and one in Gran Canaria—as well as the convergence. Yes, there will be a convergence! We evaluated our work using three questions: What worked well? What didn’t work so well? What would we change?
Before we knew it, it was Wednesday—time to say goodbye. What I miss most about the trip is the amazing food at the farm—walking into the market garden, picking fresh tomatoes, peas, and herbs, or simply grabbing an avocado or a papaya straight from the tree. Can you believe it? Papayas!
Before we left, Kathy gave us some avocados to take home. Delicious!
