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pOnderosa is spread out over a 3-hectare area in Gut Stolzenhagen and quite a few questions occur to our guests during their stay. We welcome you to learn more about our countryside living and get some tips to help you find your way around the pOnderosa property and people.
We suggest that you come the evening before your event begins, and join us for dinner, which happens in the Guesthouse around 8 o'clock. Here, you can meet the other festival participants, as well as acclimate yourself to the rustic pOnderosa surroundings. We also meet for breakfast and lunch. After lunch, the office, located in the Guesthouse, is open for registration, payment and general information.
There is a billboard in the Speicher kitchen area containing information on what is happening, a schedule with the different activities that you can join, bus schedule, etc.
PONDEROSA LIFE STYLE
What kind of food should I expect in pOnderosa?
During the summer season we have a constantly changing kitchen team that is taking care of our meals three times a day daily. We offer mainly vegetarian cuisine but menus vary depending on the chefs, the needs of our guests and what is available fresh from our Garden. Most of our cooks come from different countries and bring their cultural inspirations to our kitchen too.
How does it work with the meals?
In the season time, we offer three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. All are freshly cooked by our kitchen team and served buffet style in the common kitchen/bar area.
Do you have vegan/gluten-free/lactose-free menus?
There is a vegan/gluten-free & lactose-free options for most meals in pOnderosa. All special diets, allergies and choices around food are always taken into consideration by our lovely chefs in order to create a balanced menu for everyone.
What do you serve for breakfast?
pOnderosa has a long and already well known tradition of The Millet that steams on the table every morning. There are also all the regular breakfast things alongside, like cheese, bread, a selection of spreads, cereal, yogurt, fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden (depending on the season), nuts and fruit and of course our beloved freshly made Italian coffee from an espresso machine or a Macchinetta. Vegan options are available.
What is the sleeping situation in pOnderosa?
The pOnderosa Guest House offers different kinds of accommodation that you can choose from depending on your needs and budget. You can get a bed in a dormitory where you share space with other guests, a private single or double room, a cabin or a caravan for those who look for something more extraordinary as well as simply a spot for your tent. Contact our team to arrange a sleeping situation that works best for you.
Do you have private rooms?
Ponderosa offers private rooms (single or double) that you must book in advance. Every room is unique and has its own character. Please check our website (http://www.ponderosa-dance.de/en/seminar-guest-house/accommodation-options.html) for photos. If you wish for a specific room, please note that on your registration form or contact our team for more details.
Is camping possible in Ponderosa?
Yes, camping is possible when the weather allows it. We have a designated area for tents that has close access to the kitchen, showers and studios. We ask you to bring your own tent and all needed camping gear. There are also some tents, mats and sleeping bags available for use for a small donation but if you want to make sure you get one we kindly ask you to let us know in advance.
Do you have private showers?
We have different showers around pOnderosa from solar showers outside to traditional ones indoors. All showers are shared.
Are children and families welcome at pOnderosa?
We welcome children and families here! Please get in touch with us in advance if you need special accommodation or care and we'll see what we can do for you.
Is it possible to have a babysitter at pOnderosa?
In our high season times, we are happy to help you find a babysitter but you should contact us in advance with the dates of your stay and your needs. We will try our best to find a good solution.
Are dogs welcome in pOnderosa?
We don’t have a strict policy on dogs at pOnderosa as it depends on your dog, the time of the year and our schedule. You must take it into consideration that pOnderosa is busy in the summer with a lot of people sharing the space as well as our neighbors that have pets of their own. Therefore, if you decide to bring your dog you should consult with us in advance and take full responsibility for its behavior and safety of both your dog and everyone around.
Are there many mosquitoes, insects, and tics at pOnderosa?
Ponderosa is located in the countryside and therefore we are surrounded by nature with all its creatures. We suggest you bring a mosquito/tic repellant. The amount and type of insects change depending on the season but we have survived many summer so don’t be afraid!
What is the weather like in Ponderosa?
Ponderosa is located in East Germany with its continental climate. We have defined seasons so you have to have in mind the time of the year that you plan your visit for. Golden leaves, spider webs in the air and frosty nights in the fall, snowy and cold winters, fresh soft green bird singing springs and sunny hot summer is what we expect but things can get way more unpredictable! So be prepared to take out your raincoat in July or stay outdoors for hours without freezing your nose off in November.
What are the important things to take in my suitcase?
You should be prepared for a countryside set up, therefore, the usual camping gear might come in handy (a flashlight, raincoat, rain boots, sun protection, some warm clothes, mosquito repellant, if you are staying in a tent – don’t forget your mat & sleeping bag !). A set of clothes you are not scared to get dirty. Any necessary medication – the closest pharmacy is 15km away.
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PEOPLE
How crowded is Ponderosa?
In the summer Ponderosa is hosting groups from 20 to 80 people depending on the program. The numbers might grow in the weekends or during special events/performances. We are also sharing space with our neighbors and the cooperative Gut Stolzenhagen that Ponderosa is part of. We are constantly looking for ways to co-exist and respect each others’ privacy as well as to live communally and collaboratively and therefore expect your understanding and engagement towards that.
What is the age average in Ponderosa?
Ponderosa is a very diverse community where you can meet a toddler as well as someone in their 80s. We host different groups throughout the year and therefore there is no real age limit.
SURROUNDINGS
How is the nature around Ponderosa?
Ponderosa is located in the Lower Oder Valley National Park - Germany's first Riverside meadow national park. We are surrounded by fields, lakes and rivers. Many types of birds and wild animals can be seen throughout the year. More than 40 types of fish and 50 different species of mammal, white-tailed eagle, black stork and aquatic warbler as well as rare beaver building dam scan be spotted on a long walk.
How faraway is the village from Ponderosa?
Ponderosa is located on the side of an old village called Stolzenhagen. The main street of the village is just a couple of minutes away by foot yet our former farm still has a rustic feeling to it.
How faraway is the next big town from Ponderosa?
Nearest town is called Angermünde and is 15km away which has a train station and is our main connection to Berlin. There is a bus, Ruf-bus or taxi service to reach the town. Check this link for more information: www.ponderosa-dance.de/en/contact/getting-there.html
Do you have close neighbors?
Ponderosa is part of a bigger collective GUT Stolzenhagen and surrounded by families and private houses of the members of the collective. We believe that living in a community it is very important to respect each other’s space and expect our guest to engage with that.
Is there the possible to go swimming in lakes or rivers close to Ponderosa?
The closest place for swimming is the canal that’s just 5 min away from Ponderosa but there are plenty of beautiful lakes around that you can reach on a bike or longer walk.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
Do you have Wi-Fi or internet access?
There is no Wi-Fi in the area. We do have internet access in the library but it is very limited. Downloading files, streaming, using YouTube or Skype is not possible due to limited internet data. Therefore, we kindly ask all our guests to only use the Internet when really necessary.
Are there any supermarkets, bakeries, shops in the village?
The closest shop and an ATM machine is 3 km away. For a bigger supermarket, bakery, bank and post office you have to go to Angermünde which is 15km away.
Is there a coffee shop, a restaurant or a bar in the village?
We have a small Imbiss here in Stolzenhagen where you can get a typical East German meal and a beer. There is also a family ran restaurant and a small café in a village only 3km away called Lunow that is easy to reach by foot or by bike.
How far away from the village is the next hospital/pharmacy?
The nearest hospital and pharmacy is in Angermünde which is 15km away.
How many dance studios do you have?
We have four dance studios: Speicher studio (120qm), Kuhstall studio (280qm), Milk Garden studio (50qm) and Mini studio where you can find our Living Library, access to the Internet, relax and spend some time on your research.
Do you have a garden?
Ponderosa have a functioning garden that provides food for our kitchen. The garden got created slowly over the years by the help of many people that came and left leaving their print in the soil. At the moment, we have fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers that become salad on our table for every meal as well as other vegetables, herbs, apples and even eatable flowers! You are always welcome to give a caring hand to our greens with the guidance of our Garden Team.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
How and when to pay for my workshop?
You can pay using PayPal or via bank transfer. More info: http://www.ponderosa-dance.de/en/contact/payment-infos.html . If you wish to pay in a different way, please contact us for more details. Full workshop payment or a 50 percent deposit has to reach our account before your arrival or together with your registration form to make sure you have a spot!
How to pay for my stay and food?
You can pay for your stay and food BUT please notice there are different bank details for paying for your stay and food. To come witha clean mind we recommend paying the full amount for your stay and food up to 4 days before arrival.
How to make a donation?
You can donate to Ponderosa by becoming a member of our non-profit organization for an annual fee or make a one-time donation of your choice. More info: http://www.ponderosa-dance.de/en/call-for-members.html
USEFUL LINKS
Public Transport in Berlin: www.bvg.de
Taxi Service in Berlin: www.taxi-berlin.de
German Railway: www.bahn.de
Tourist Information: www.visitberlin.de
Area of Brandenburg: www.brandenburg-tourism.com