Yesterday I watched a pig be slaughtered. I also watched a side of pork be cut down to spare ribs and made into sausage. It was my first of five days at a butchery workshop with Fleisher’s Meats in Kingston, NY.

I can tell you that what I thought might be emotional and challenging was not so. I might even go so far as to say it was inspiring. After all, I am lucky enough to be the student of a master butcher for a few days and I have a lot to learn.

Today was my second day and I’ve quickly grown comfortable in the presence of animal carcasses. I broke down my first pig – of course I did this under the careful direction and guidance of my instructor, Hans, who I had to ask to show me the knot to tie a roast three times before I got it. It’s funny sometimes what is actually challenging in life.

More to come, but for now some photos.

Fair warning: Yes, these photos are a bit graphic and so I’m posting them as a thumbnail gallery (with apologies to anyone who finds them difficult to look at). Click to see the full size images if you’d like.

There is a length of twine in my pocket so I can practice my knots before I go to sleep tonight.