Lessons Learned from the Bees
Written by Ariel M. Weinshanker
January 2020
Did you know that many hotels and destinations now offer guests the ability to connect with nature by visiting a local Apiary where they can participate in a unique beekeeping experience?
Our time with the bees at the Ojai Valley Inn left such an impression, we decided to sit down with resident Beekeeper Glenn Perry to chat about bees, life, and Ojai! |
Responses are paraphrased from our conversation and not exact quotes.
Tell us about yourself, Glenn. Where are you from?I moved to New York City in my early 20s, where I ended up working in Commodities at the World Trade Center before making my way to California.
Looking back, I notice there’s a certain type of intense vitality about New York City. It is an organized chaos, like a beehive that has a strong, attractive energy, which can be overwhelming but relaxing. Just like in a beehive, there is a great concentration of energy in one place that forms a giant metropolis. How did you discover your passion for Bees? |
In the early to mid-1990s, I began learning about bees out of medical necessity. Apitherapy, also known as the therapeutic use of products made by bees, had a significant positive impact on my recovery. However, it was through spending time with the bees while I was being treated that I discovered the tremendous healing power bees possess.
When talking about bees, people often think of getting stung and do not consider the positives that can come from such an experience. Sometimes an injury is a gift or an opportunity to heal.
When talking about bees, people often think of getting stung and do not consider the positives that can come from such an experience. Sometimes an injury is a gift or an opportunity to heal.
What does opening a beehive feel like?I think The Secret Life of Bees summed it up best: As you approach the bees, the buzzing increases, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up...And as soon as you open a hive, you step into the center of the universe. You never know what you will experience when you open the hive.
How do you create an inviting atmosphere?It is my goal that all visitors feel comfortable to interact with the bees at their own pace. This is one of the reasons everyone is given a full-body bee suit.
When you go outside, there’s a possibility of seeing an insect, snake, coyote, or another wild animal. When you visit the hive, you will see bees, and having a certain amount of fear about the interaction is normal. However, when you have a beekeeper by your side, you can ease out of your comfort zone, slowly. I can tell you no one has left the Apiary being more afraid of bees-usually their fear has been reduced or eliminated. |
Do families with children visit the Apiary?Visitors of all ages are welcome, although we suggest children be a minimum of 4 years old. We create a private experience for families or groups with young children to ensure the experience is age appropriate. Just a few months ago, we welcomed a 5-year-old and 7-year-old with their dad. They had so much fun that the following day their younger sister and mother visited
Why do you and Chris wear hats but not full suits?Chris goes for the Safari look. I wear a hat with a net because visitors would be uncomfortable when I would get stung on my head or face. It is important to me that all visitors can focus on getting the most out of their visit.
Is getting stung part of being a beekeeper?Some beekeepers always wear a full suit when working with bees and have never been stung. I really feel they are missing out. It’s like being in love with romance but not being able to handle an argument--it’s all part of the relationship.
Are Bees a common area of study? |
Apitherapy is more commonly practiced in China, Korea, Indonesia, and parts of South America. Honeys and Jellies made from bees complement other forms of medicine for people struggling with different ailments and chronic illnesses.
Years ago, I had the pleasure of taking a course in Cuba put on by an international non-profit about Apitherapy. I was the only American to participate. It focused on the medicinal uses of bee products. Unfortunately, the program was dismantled after many of the doctors moved to Venezuela. Even today in Cuba, you can find high quality bee products and people with knowledge on the subject.
What should we keep in mind when purchasing honey?Honey is best when it comes fresh from a hive, although, edible honey has been found in Egyptian tombs due to its enduring nutritional qualities. In Southern California, there are several places to purchase lavender honey but, remember that you get what you pay for. Be wary of places that sell cheap flavored honey as they may simply have added essential oils to it.
In Southern France and around Italy there are miles of lavender in bloom. The honey from those fields have an “exquisite” flavor. It is incredible, but do not expect it to taste like lavender. |
How do you locate special types of honey?When I travel, one of the first things I do is look for honey. Because people tend to look at honey as a medicine instead of a sweetener in certain parts of the world, it is often sold in Pharmacies instead of Supermarkets.
In Vietnam, I spoke with locals and was able to locate a range of honeys in the countryside made from bees pollinating exotic plants. I even found some lychee honey and in Hanoi, mint honey. There are thousands of different types of honey around the world, and you can even purchase some with animal ingredients added! What’s your favorite honey?I prefer products made by the bees that include propolis. It is a topic that I actually spend a fair amount of time researching and lecturing on.
When it comes to honey, I like to go beyond the sweetness to focus on its taste and complexity. I really enjoy Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey because it has a depth one could compare to a fine wine. There is a complex evolution to the flavor. |
What is the one takeaway you would like people to gather from the Beekeeping experience?
What’s your favorite place in Ojai besides the Apiary? |
Humans' relationship with nature is complex and deep, even though we have largely divorced ourselves from it.
Visiting the Apiary provides an accessible way to engage with nature. I find that after this experience, everyone’s window to their relationship with nature, whether it be smaller or larger, opens just a little bit more. In the words of one of our recent visitors to the apiary, “It is very strange, it is stimulating and incredibly relaxing at the same time.” |
I really enjoy Meditation Mount. This mountain top is a peaceful, serene place offering incredible views of the Valley, regardless of the time of day. However, it is extra special during Sunset. I also really like the Hot Springs around Ojai when they aren't too busy with visitors.