I’m Marko, a Kiwi-American writer and storyteller based in Mexico City, where I am penning my first book. I had the privilege of visiting Parihoa Farm as a Creator-in-Residence in December of 2024 alongside the brilliant Anna Barouh Davis and Raymond Braun. The experience was was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The serene Tasman Sea, pastoral beauty, and cliffside trails of Parihoa provided the perfect backdrop for deep creative work and personal reflection.
I came to Parihoa to advance my memoir and discovered an environment ripe for unexpected synergies and collaboration. Our days were filled with communal writing sessions and evenings with shared meals. Whether we were cooking, hiking, or unwinding in the sauna, the interaction with such inspiring creatives amplified the transformative nature of our stay.
The highlight was co-hosting a storytelling supper club with Anna, integrating my storytelling format with her expertise in creative development. This fusion created a unique experience that encouraged participants to unearth and share their stories. With Anna’s profound impact on enhancing the evening’s dynamics and the local culinary delights prepared by Chef Valeria, the event was not just a dinner but a nourishing experience for the soul.
The Parihoa Residency allowed me to step back from intensive writing, instead enriching my spirit and broadening my perspectives through the diverse connections within the Parihoa Network. It was more than a retreat; it was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a community of global changemakers.
I am deeply grateful to Matt, Fleur, and the rest of the Parihoa Team and highly encourage anyone considering the Residency Program to apply now.