This morning we went to Piero and Adrianne’s Milky Way Creamery for breakfast and a tour. I think it is so amusing how people have become so excited when they hear “baby goats.” You don’t have to ask twice. This was an easier sell for me than Las Lajas. Enjoy the tour.
I’m glad the break came here because I need to write a little more. After we finished eating, Piero told his story. Piero is from Venezuala. He came to Panama as his first choice when he “escaped” Venezuela. He explained that it is very common in Venezuela to be kidnapped. You can even get a “kidnapping” waiver on your insurance. I’m a little bit vague on the details (Nancy, please chime in), but Piero said there are three ways to escape being kidnapped: (1) Hire thugs to protect you and “deal” with the kidnappers. (2) Allow yourself to be kidnapped and deal with the kidnappers’ demands. (3) Leave the country. He chose option #3.
He told of his fear during his flight, worried about being discovered. Long-story-short…because my memory is…he chose Boquete; bought this property; met Adrianne online; they fell in love; shared a passion for plants and animals (She is a biologist); and they decided to start a goat dairy.
The rest of his talk described the trials and tribulations of starting something so unique in this climate. It required extensive research and experimentation. After seven years and investment of thousands of dollars, they are still here, and they seem very happy and thriving.
Piero exuded such passion for what they are doing here. He reminded me of Ben & Jerry. He told us that he doesn’t make any more money than the people who work for him. No one ever works more than five days a week (except for him and Adrianne, of course).
He told us of the hours they spend sleeping with the goats when they are in distress. Every goat has a name and is part of the family. It reminds me of my grandparents’ farm in Kaukauna. The farmers have such a connection with their animals.
I asked him at one point what kept him going with such tremendous setbacks, and he explained the importance of the sense of community – at least that’s what I remember. He also talked about the increased balance he feels living here. He came from what sounds like a busy, upper-class lifestyle in Venezuela, and he did not want to do that anymore.
He said he started out in Panama City, and even there it felt too formal for him. He felt pressured to wear a suit and tie.
Here he doesn’t do that.
Okay, now a couple of videos:
For some reason, I cannot embed this video, but here’s a link: https://youtu.be/sjEpajngdUQ
Okay, that’s it for today. Hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did.
I would love to visit a goat farm! The cheese must have been so delicious! Such a healthy lifestyle they have on the farm. So much better than life in Venezuela. Thanks for posting the photos!
Food looks so yummy.
I’d love to take a tour to see the goats and chickens but I will pass on the goat cheese. I’ve tried but can’t get past the taste of it.
I enjoyed seeing that. Mary loves the goats at the farm where she helped out. When I was young and helping on the farm, we always had names for our cows, and they seemed to know when we spoke to them.