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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
2 Oct 2024
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Details
Description
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I am available every year between May and September.
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My name is Oraya and I'm an Artist. I'm 44, female, well travelled and interested in Nature. I completed courses in Eco building, including Rammed Earth, Straw Bale, Earthships, Cob, Hemp and Green Roofing. I mostly trained with the Brighton permaculture trust.
I have been Bio-Dynamically and Organically food growing and have now embarked on a new project. My current project includes establishing a self sustaining small holding and two Eco building projects.
I have a large vegetable garden that is chemical free and a cob oven and outside fire pit.
The projects that I am working on at the moment are a rose labyrinth, a glass bottle wall building, a straw bale building and a barn renovation. I'm also making a sauna and steam room.
I live in a village called Kovachitsa which is half an hour away from the main town of Lom where there is a station and coach station. It is very quiet village and my house backs onto fields and is 6 miles from the Danube River which is nice for swimming in summer if you don't mind a few mosquitoes. You can also swim in the lake in the village.
Accommodation is in the main house and you would have your own room and great wifi.
I can accommodate large groups of up to 15 people.
My preferred length for guests to stay, is two weeks, but long stay and short say also welcome. Bring good shoes and boots.
There are always many small jobs to do as well as larger building projects so the work is varied. I would welcome anyone with skills as I have a job for almost every trades person. (I spent a lot of time teaching in 2023 and I felt people who worked benefited more than the host, that is why I would also welcome people who have something to offer in terms of skills) I also welcome any person eager to learn new skills as I am happy to teach you almost any skill you want to try. There is work in, plumbing, plastering, tiling, welding, timber framing, carpentry, Eco building, vegetable growing, wicker fencing and lots more. I work very hard, so I will likely still be on the job when you are having downtime, and as long as it doesn't stop me working, and you don't mind entertaining yourselves sometimes, I'm happy. People who wish to put in extra free hours- I am eternally indebted to, but there is no expectation of this.
I am very easy going and like to think of myself as fun, playful and sociable.
I post a daily vlog for six months of the year, it's like a short video diary of the work I do here,
I also keep a picture diary on my Facebook page, -ask me for the link
I haven't had many volunteers but the ones I have had gave five star reviews. I am also on other volunteer hosting platforms
I welcome those who want to be a part of a community, (there are usually other people around.) I also welcome same sex couples, as I'm a supporter of the LGBTQI community.
I very much look forward to hearing from you please do send me a message I could really use an extra pair of hands.
TRAVEL AND DIRECTIONS
Usually people arrive in the capital Sofia. There are two terminals. 1 & 2
From the central Train station you can get a Coach to Lom or a train (about 17 Lev). From Lom, you will need to catch a taxi to Kovachitsa, (about 25 lev) except for one coach, which will stop in the village. It's important to check running times beforehand as there may only be a couple a day in which case it would be better to over-night in the Sofia.
Metro from airport to Central train station
(curtesy of Paul and Sue who run Stanevo Lodge in next village-highly recommended)
Enter the metro station next to terminal 2. A single ticket is 1.60leva for a one way trip. After 12 stops, alight at Serdica station, turn left off of the train and follow the signs for Line 2. Take the right hand tunnel and walk through to the down escalator. Turn the corner and through the tunnel. Walk another 50 meters and take the right hand stair case where the blue line is signposted Obelya. The sign on the walls around you should say Serdica 2. Take the train for 2 stops and disembark at Central Rail Station. Turn right off of the train and take the up escalator. Exit through the turnstiles and follow the signs for central train station. Take the stairs up to road level
From Sofia Central train station using the Metro to the airport
Descend down from the platform and walk straight ahead. You will see signs for the Metro overhead and follow straight on. You come to an open air quadrangle and continue straight ahead still. On your left hand side you will see a sign for free toilets and turn left here. Good time to have a pee! Continue past the loos and turn right into the station. As you enter their is a ticket machine on the wall on your right. Pay 1.60 leva and take the right hand stairs down onto the platform. You are heading towards Lozanets.
On train for 2 stops and get off at Serdica. Turn left as you get off and follow the red signs for line 1. Up a few stairs, through the tunnel and up on the escalator. Follow signs for line 1 again and go to the left hand platform. There is an overhead sign that tells you how long until the next train to the airport on the blue route. Board the train and after 12 stops you will be at the airport and the end of the line. It then takes approximately 25 minutes to the airport from here. Overall journey time approx 40 minutes.
DIRRECTIONS FROM THE AIRPORT BY CAR
Terminal 2 Sofia airport.
Welcome to Bulgaria!
These notes are to assist you to get up to us from Sofia Airport via the road system.
Journey is approx 120 miles, 3½ hours.
Journey times are calculated on time rather than distance due to the road conditions..
You need to drive with dipped headlights at all times to avoid an on the spot fine.
Washers and wipers also need to operate correctly.
From the airport take the exit road.
At the first set of traffic lights, go straight over .
After passing a road leading to the large Luk oil storage tanks on the right,
carry straight on and you will approach a funny staggered junction where you need to turn right.
After a few hundred metres you will be driving through a gypsy area, there are a few really bad road speed humps.
Next you will see a road going left, ignore it and keep on straight.
After 200 metres you will see a bridge flyover.
You need to take the right hand slip road just before it and filter up onto the dual carriage way.
You are now on Sofia's ring road.
Drivers here are just like any other large city over the world!
You will go past a Harley Davidson shop on the right, and a Jumbo store , McDonalds and retail park on the left.
Road bears round to the left.
Stay in the far left lane as the road soon splits.
Now heading for Varna
You will now be driving up towards the mountains , admire the scenery!
You will be on this road for approx 25 miles.
After crossing the alleged longest road bridge in BG, and through 3 road tunnels, there is an EVONI fuel garage on the right.
Shortly after this, there is a right hand turn off sign posted Botevgrad, Vratsa and Vidin. E79
Take this road!
A few bends and you are on the Botevgrad bypass, admire the blocks of flats on the left !
Depending on time of year, there will be road side sellers selling wine,rakia, wooden barrels, and later firewood , as the barrels didn't sell!
Now at the base of the mountains.
Expect cars to overtake you just after you pass the red / black car signs, stating no overtaking.
A few miles from Botevgrad on the right hand side are a collection of road side bars selling BBQ food and drinks .
These do take advantage of their location with reference to pricing.
After approx 15 miles you will approach Mezdra , when on the bypass bridge, you will notice on the right hand side a Roman fort that is being restored.
Another 10 miles approaching the town of Vratsa, you will pass 2 fuel garages on the right, then there is a right turn off signposted Montana.
This is the Vratsa bypass, so we recommend you take this road.
Approaching a round about, take the 2nd exit signposted Montana, follow the signs.
Couple more miles take the right hand slip road, signposted Montana.
A further 20+ miles
Over a hill, you will see Montana in all its glory
Down the hill, you are now on the Montana bypass
Take a right hand turn signposted Lom.
Past the tractor garages on your right.....
Drive!
Lookout for the sign of the village Pishurka, as not long after in the village there is a steep sleeping policeman bump!
1st or 2nd gear job.
One at the exit of the village too.
Lovely scenery again!
I must send my CV to the Bulgarian Tourist Board.
Long straights, in front on the hill is a radio / inspection building.
Road bears down to the left, & descends into Lom.
Beware of bad road conditions , don't worry that you are driving too slow as the locals will just overtake you.
Down over cobbled streets dating from the 2nd World war, laid by Bulgarians for the Germans.
Past the red Luk Oil garage on the left.
Up to the roundabout, large brick built chimney on the right.
1st right towards Kozloduy.
More cobble stones, more bumpy roads!
Eventually on to smooth tarmacced road.
Approx 4 miles,
Into Kovachitsa, past the garage on the left.
Cheap fuel here!
Slow down into village as Police use radar speed traps here.
On the way out of Kovachitsa at the far end of the village, turn off left towards Stanevo.
As you come to the end of the village, I am the last house on the left, its painted Green and usually has a large white van parked in the drive.
Dobre den
the Green House
7-2
Kovachitsa
3643
North West Bulgaria.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
House sitting
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am happy to share all aspects of running a small holding as well as teaching Eco building skills which will be offered as an on the job practical skill. I am also able to offer food and lodging, internet access ( providing there is no power cuts due to storms) and good company.
Help
I'm looking for both skilled and unskilled people who want to learn something new and contribute to the Eco building projects as well as the general maintenance involved in the practical aspects of food production and growing. I am particularly interested in learning Bulgarian, so if you can help with that it would be most appreciated.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Your own room in the family house, a bell tent, or bring your own accommodation.
What else ...
The Agricultural area provides ample opportunities for hunting and fishing. The River Danube is 3 miles away and I have a collection of bikes that can be borrowed, if cycling and swimming take your fancy. There is also opportunity for motorcycle related activity, being in near proximity of a National trails course.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
I have lots of parking for large motor homes on level concrete, in a beautiful garden.
Can possibly accept pets
I have cats and no fencing but your pet is welcome.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (19)
Photos
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
If you want to learn a… read more
Thank you so much for the time we spent at your place, it was such a nice experience!!
We learned so much from her and there was a big variety of tasks so time just flew by.
We learned about plastering, concrete, glass brick making and she also let us to use her tools so we could get experience with them. 🔨⚒️
We visited the local… read more
We did everything from working on the roof, making cob, cutting glass, plastering, lamination, plumbing, cleaning, moving and dumpster diving to cooking together,… read more
Don't let the vegan diet put you off she is very self sufficient and flexible when it comes to food.
My experience of Victoria is that I haven't met a kinder, more morally sound person with such a great work ethic. She will do anything she can to help you, including go out of her way and even do overtime if needed.… read more
She doesn't stop working and even makes lunch and dinner for all the volunteers (her food is always healthy and delicious).
She is very respectful, humorous and fast, but teaches all tasks with patience… read more
They were very respectful and responsible people, keen to learn new skills and completed every task they were given with attention to detail.
During their stay they made a glass bottle wall and… read more
I would recommend… read more
I got to take on a variety of tasks from digging out tree roots to help build a roof. I learned so much from her and was regularly pushed out of my comfort zone, however… read more
Sam stayed with me for one month and did lots of different jobs while he lived here. He was very eager to learn new skills and I think I was able to teach him many new skills, as he uses his initiative and asks the right questions when he doesn't know. During his stay we put a roof on and he helped with this project from… read more
During his stay with me he dug up trees for relocation, cleared the land from a lot of rubbish, harvested peppers and even did some work with wood.
I really… read more
Both Oraya and her mother are kind and generous people with interesting stories.
Short… read more
Let us begin by expressing our utmost appreciation for Oraya, a truly exceptional teacher who made our learning… read more
I had the most amazing time with this workaway.
I would recommend Sophie to any host.
Sophie was a wonderful help with all different kinds of jobs that I gave her during her stay she spent five days sanding floorboards and varnishing them as well as working in the garden with tomatoes and planting… read more
I would… read more
Initially I was at bit apprehensive when they said that they were traveling with their cat but it worked out very well even though my two cats don't particularly like other cats they their cat was… read more
Although there was a lot of hard work to do, Oraya made sure that everyone was content with what they did, by alterating the jobs from day to day and asking about our preferances.
During our stay, we did a lot of digging and… read more
We had some really great conversations and I admire the trip that they are doing and their knowledge about tea.
My experience was that they were very independent and at the same time great company, they helped me with sanding floors and building walls in their brief stay and also baked some… read more
Oraya is such a cool person and we are both in awe of… read more
It has been so nice to learn from this gentle kind hard-working person. We shared a lot of conversations and he was an excellent communicator despite our very different working methods. Mat helped me with designing the roof and gave me the confidence to continue with the build while teaching me about reinforcement… read more
She made feel us at home, we had the possibility to meet a lot of different crazy english people living in Bulgaria, we ate a lot (her mother cooks very well) and she brought us in lots of different places that you could never seen as a tourist.
Even if she is very busy in her projects, she will let you try a lot… read more
They were eager to learn, open minded, considerate, and thoughtful.
They helped me a lot with rubbish collection, clearing concrete blocks, and learned some new skills building a glass bottle wall, making cob and using some machinery. They also completed some concrete foundations by hand.
They had beautiful… read more
