Ons Genoegen is a real city farm in the Westerpark. With about 20 sheep, a small sustainable vegetable garden and beautiful green fields, it’s really a hidden gem. “This is the place I go to relax, empty my brain for thoughts and wander”, Rosa says with a deep sigh.
Ons Genoegen has a special place in Rosa’s heart, not only because she is very much into sustainable farming, but also because they contribute with something to Amsterdam’s society. They do this by allowing former psychological patients to volunteer, having a small give-away shop where you can take & give as much stuff as you want and by giving people the opportunity to eat a 3 course meal for little money. And (of course!) Ons Genoegen also offers yoga lessons – in their attic with a beautiful view over the fields.
A small fun fact about the location: the green field behind the farmhouse, has not been touched or changed since it was laid out in the 13th century. This is quite impressive, when you think of all the new buildings and houses in Amsterdam.
Who is Rosa?
Apart from being our half Greek goddess and caring Reservations girl, Rosa (27) is also a green fingered nature lover. She believes that we all need to take some responsibility for our planet, even if it’s just small changes, anything can help.
At the moment she is giving courses on how to create your own Permaculture garden. Rosa: “By growing your own food, you can really see how vulnerable the stuff we eat is. For example, did you know that it takes 6 months before a cauliflower is ready to be eaten?”
Buurtboerderij Ons Genoegen
Spaarndammerdijk 319
Amsterdam
www.buurtboerderij.nl
How to get there from Volkshotel
Hire a bike at reception or take tram 10 from Weesperplein going towards Westergasfabriek. Get of at Van Hallstraat and walk straight through Westerpark, when reaching the cemetery keep walking straight until the end, here you should take a left. If you keep walking for a bit you will soon find that the bleating of sheep has replaced the noise of car engines.