My first PDC in Cob - Permaculture Association of Bulgaria

When I went to the Permaculture Design course at Cob, I didn’t have high expectations or a clear idea of how it would all be. But immediately upon arrival I felt a kinship with this place. I felt like I was visiting old acquaintances or on a long hike with friends. All 14 days we were constantly busy with intensive training, practice, active recreation, pleasant communication, and eating delicious vegetarian food.
The course was held in English, but I could constantly hear at least 6 languages around. (Oh, how I wish I could understand them all).

We were 28 students of different ages, nationalities, professions and hobbies. But there was one thing that connected us – this subtle sense of nature and love for all living around.
All 14 days we lived outdoors with rare exceptions during heavy rain (then we ate and studied in one of the adobe houses). And we also had some dinners in a village cafe, which was renovated by the guys from COB. We mostly slept in tents, training took place in a alcove near the lake with the accompaniment of frogs, and also we ate in the garden.

-We studied the soil and made different types of compost.
-We studied plants and learned how to root and add some species to others.
-We taught the types of energy and made simple devices that work without electricity.
-We studied natural construction and consolidated our knowledge by building a rocket stove.
-While getting to know mushrooms, we practiced methods of growing them. The knowledge gained was immediately reinforced by practice.

All our teachers were very charming and charismatic. These were people who were truly in love with what they were doing. Christos Kontomanos, Christos Karystinos, Kostas Kontomanos, Annachiara Bucci, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Everything in COB was interconnected – every detail, plant, person. The place was pulsating like one living beautiful organism:

.People grow plants, plants provide food, shade, comfort, protection, building material, fertilizer.

.The sun helps plants grow and bear fruit, provides energy for electricity, and heats water.

.When it rains, water is collected from the roofs and then used to water the plants.

.The water used for cooking and bathing is filtered and also used to water the garden.

.Food from the garden is consumed by people and animals, and organic waste and anything left in the toilet is turned into fertilizer for the garden.

.Each person in Cob has his own responsibilities, but free time is also spent actively with songs, dances, and intensive practices. Meetings are held regularly to make decisions on key issues. No one watches anyone and no one commands anyone. Every member of this society is aware of their responsibility and role in the common cause.

The people on the course were wonderful! Kind, open, searching and creative.
And the evenings… The evenings were magical! Guitars, drums, songs, massages, psychological practices. I didn’t want to leave…
And when I arrived home, I was overcome by depression from the real and not so ideal world in which I live..
But I have hope.

The main conclusions I made during the PDC:
1. When performing any task, especially physical work, there should be at least 30% fun, games, laughter, entertainment.
2. Space and surroundings take care of me.
3. Not all utopias remain in books and films. There are also those who live and exist in the real world.
4. Difficult for one person, but together it’s easy and fun.

Thank you, Green school village, Cob Greece end Erasmus+ program for the opportunity to have such wonderful experiece!

Cob.gr Building with Earth