They call themselves Companions. Some call them Journeymen, Wandergeseller, or Apprentice Craftsmen. Many countries have seen such a community, and no matter what we choose to call them, the underlying principle remains the same: learn the art of creating with your hands in the midst of a family always willing to teach you, to learn from you, and to learn with you. In today's world manual jobs are often considered lowly, and what these guys do is push their skill and teamwork until it becomes an art, a master's craft. The photo above, the House of Companions in which we all live, gives an idea of what they build.
The first Companion Craftsman (or rather craftswoman in this case) I met was Kurela, a German stonemason who happened to be living in the l'Ane Vert Community, Morocco, to help us make stone paths and stairs. She convinced me straight away. I realized I had to learn from more experienced people in order to help build a better world with my hands. One significant way to help the world and its people is to build shelter for those in need, and know-how is a jewel. So I left my hippy life in l'Ane Vert, not without a touch of sadness, and joined the school and community of the Companion Craftsmen. They sent me to Nantes, a city in Brittany, North-Western France, with the mission of becoming a roofer.
I finally spent one year following the schedule offered by the School of Companions. It was rich in learning, but especially rich in relations. I lived with so many people with whom flowered beautiful friendships - deeper than anything I had imagined before signing in to this cold-looking city life. We would spend all day learning and goofing around at work, and all night tripping out. What a life!
The first Companion Craftsman (or rather craftswoman in this case) I met was Kurela, a German stonemason who happened to be living in the l'Ane Vert Community, Morocco, to help us make stone paths and stairs. She convinced me straight away. I realized I had to learn from more experienced people in order to help build a better world with my hands. One significant way to help the world and its people is to build shelter for those in need, and know-how is a jewel. So I left my hippy life in l'Ane Vert, not without a touch of sadness, and joined the school and community of the Companion Craftsmen. They sent me to Nantes, a city in Brittany, North-Western France, with the mission of becoming a roofer.
I finally spent one year following the schedule offered by the School of Companions. It was rich in learning, but especially rich in relations. I lived with so many people with whom flowered beautiful friendships - deeper than anything I had imagined before signing in to this cold-looking city life. We would spend all day learning and goofing around at work, and all night tripping out. What a life!
Nantes just before dawn, when I was heading off to work. The companion house and its spire can be seen on the left just behind that boat.
Building roofs is heaps of fun. Running up and sliding down, grabbing some fresh air and an amazing view along the way
My lesson is learnt, and India is calling me.
Learning second language would give one self confidence to look the world in a different perspective. You have made me to realize that in a moment on reading this article. Thanks for sharing this in here. By the way you are running a great blog.
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Wow thanks I'm glad to hear that! Haha I have to make all of my content bilingual because half of my friends speak french and the other half speak english.
DeleteIt's funny you're in Chennai, India is my next destination! Leaving Switzerland by bicycle this March.