This week started with a flurry of paperwork, a sure sign that my current project is drawing to a close. There’s a certain satisfaction in dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, a sense of accomplishment that comes with wrapping things up. But as one chapter nears its end, another is also concluding – the … Read more
Permaculture
Learning About the 8 (or 9) Forms of Capita
Last week, I was introduced to the concept (yes only now…) and it changed how I think about value and resources. It all started when Misha showed me a list called the “8 Forms of Capital.” She said it could help people see that we still have a lot to offer, who might not have … Read more
Exploring Alternative Forms of Capital Trough A Reflective Exercise with Misha
After a bit of a break from the project, I got the chance to jump back in with a really insightful exercise, thanks to Misha. She introduced me to a tool she learned during a LAND project workshop last year – it’s all about looking at alternative forms of capital and how they can help … Read more
Creating a permaculture orchard in the Rhodopes
Our project in the village of Kosovo turns 25 this year! Back in 2000, we became the owners of an abandoned Rhodope hamlet with the beautiful name Rahovitza. For many years in a row, with patience and imagination, we have been restoring the buildings with local building materials and ecological techniques, acquiring all the necessary … Read more
Exploring the “Garden of the Arts” Project in Hisarya
I would like to tell you about an initiative taking shape in Hisarya called the “Garden of the Arts” This project was conceived by Varvara Karnaukh, a Ukrainian-born artist and educator living in Hisarya, Bulgaria. She holds degrees in Decorative Applied Art and Graphic Design and runs her own Art Studio “Adventure” where she teaches … Read more
Мрежата ЛАНД в Дания/LAND network in Denmark
Здравейте! Миналата пролет Мария (която тогава беше доброволец в СЗУ) и аз (Ивайло Пенчев) отидохме да посетим мрежата ЛАНД в Дания. По време на нашето посещение направихме кратък филм. Мария написа блог, ако се интересувате от писмената версия и повече подробности за нашето посещение и опит там. Learning mobility about LAND in Denmark as … Read more
Exploring vermicomposting in the GSV basement
This week, I had a look at the fascinating world of vermicomposting in the Green School Village basement. The system features two setups with California red worms working tirelessly to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer. It’s a small yet impactful way to close the loop on organic waste. Here’s a deeper … Read more
Reflecting on Our Time at Green School Village with Maria and Polin
Last week at Green School Village, we had a meaningful meetup to review our progress as volunteers. I was joined by Maria, Polin, and Misha, who helped guide our session. We engaged in an interesting activity where we drew roses to symbolize our experiences with the project. In our rose drawings, the petals represented the … Read more
Week of planning, discussions and ideas for future
This week was busy but kind of calm too. I was working a lot on finishing the Estonia PDC videos, trying to sort them out and get ready to use some AI tools for editing. I hope it will make things faster because doing everything by hand takes so much time. I’m not super good … Read more
My Week at the ESC On-Arrival Online Training Course
This past week, from Monday to Thursday, I participated in an online course organized under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer program. Alongside other international volunteers, each representing diverse organizations across Bulgaria, we dove into a program that was both enlightening and engaging. Our journey began with a warm welcome session, that introduced us to … Read more