Well, I’m not sure it would be my idea of an “adventure,” but as farmers who obviously love farming, the Feenstra clan seems to be having a wonderful time.

For the average, more urban-oriented reader, the second and third episodes were pretty much of a snore, though the scenery was certainly — to use Arend Feenstra’s favorite adjective — gorgeous.

And the kids, as always, found some animals to cuddle . . .

. . . and fruit to pick . . .

. . . and even time to run off some youthful energy with a little co-ed pickup football . . .

. . . while Dad waxed poetic about the crops of strawberries, blackberries and apples, with their traveling companion Irina acting as translator. (That should answer the question of the reason for her presence on the trip, except that there must surely be translators available in Crimea. But we’ll let that one slide for now.)

While acknowledging that the climate in Crimea is much more favorable for growing certain fruits than in Nizhny Novgorod to the north, Arend nevertheless expressed an interest in giving it a try. Apparently, that is the main purpose of this entire trip: an educational opportunity for Russia’s most famous immigrant farm family.

So, there really isn’t much to report here. But I’ll stay with them to the end of the journey, as always. I only regret that at my age I’m not likely to be around long enough to see all of the youngest Feenstras grow up . . . because they’re the ones I worry about.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/10/26