Stanil

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Digital nomad. Now traveling in Europe with my micro camper van. Staying at campsites, airbnb or in my car/van. I love hiking, running, cycling, trail running, kayaking. Ready to join WA projects.

Description

In short:
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Passionate Traveler, 26 countries explored.

IT wizard, globe-trotting nomad, vegan, barista, certified drone pilot, photographer, videographer, trail blazer, randonneur, bikepacker, mountain cyclist, and triathlon enthusiast.

Nature's my playground, new friendships are my treasure, and languages are my quests.

Open-minded, laid-back, patient, and a master of various crafts, I'm the curious explorer with a caring spirit.

Kids are my joy – proud dad of two incredible girls (11 and 16).

Animals hold my heart – 22 years vegetarian + 4 years vegan, it's all about the compassion.

Zero drugs, no smoke – a glass of red wine with my delicious homemade pasta is my occasional indulgence. ;-)

IG: stanilv
YT: dronenomads

WarmShowers host (hosted 40+ bikepackers): https://www.warmshowers.org/user/75432/feedback
(it may need a free signup to be able to read my feedback)

More about me - check my photos and their descriptions.

Now... if you have the time and the energy :-) ... below is the

Full bio and more:
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IT Career
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I've been working in the IT world for over 30 years – yep, that's a lot of techy stuff! From building websites, creating software, and making cool mobile apps, I've been on quite the ride.

I've made more than 600 websites, cooked up lots of software (around 10s of them), and even dabbled in mobile apps. I've worked on projects for all sorts of folks, like a person who wanted to be president in the US, some important government software down under in Australia, and even software for a fancy biotech company.

But hey, it's not just about the nerdy stuff. I know a thing or two about getting the word out there too. I've been a guide in digital marketing, hosting cool events like talks, online seminars, and workshops. In fact, I've helped hundreds of people get the hang of online business.

So, if you're looking for someone who knows their way around tech and can make it all easy to understand, I'm your person. ;-)


Family
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Family means the world to me – and mine is a bit of a unique tale. I've got a heart full of love for my two incredible girls. Life's had its twists; I've been through both marriage and divorce, but here's the twist: my ex-wife and I are not just on good terms, we're like super friends. We've even teamed up as business partners.

Now, about those girls – they're my absolute joy. We've got this cool deal where they can pick where they want to stay, and when I'm not off adventuring, I'm soaking up every moment with them. I love our hangouts so much that sometimes they join me on my journeys. This past summer, we went on an epic road trip across Eastern Europe. From Montenegro's beauty to Croatia's beaches, Slovenia's charm to the heart of Germany – we made memories to last a lifetime.

Animals hold a special place in my heart. Whether it's the cheerful companionship of dogs – I've shared 14 incredible years with a Brittany and 12 wonderful years with a golden retriever – or the delightful presence of countless cats, I'm an all-around animal enthusiast. And the "all the rest" category? Well, it's open for every critter that brings joy to the world.

Life's full of surprises, and I'm here for all of them, especially with my awesome family and friends by my side.


Traveler
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You know what sets my heart racing? Traveling! Since forever, I've been hitting the road with my family for a solid two months each year. But hey, this year, I went all in. April 2023 marked the moment I embraced the life of a full-time digital nomad. My trusty car? Well, it's now my micro camper van, and it's become my home on wheels.

Sometimes I've got a squad rolling with me – 7 friends so far. They hop in for a week here, a couple of weeks there. But you know what? I'm cool flying solo too. I'm like this open book, soaking in the world's stories, and every day, I meet new folks. Some of them, they're like buds now.

Camping is my jam. Fresh air, starry skies – that's my kind of paradise. But you'll catch me in an AirBnb when my pals tag along. And then there are those moments when I just park up high in the mountains or cozy by the beach, chilling in my car.

Cities? Oh yeah, I'm all about those urban explorations. But you know what I swear by? Biking. It's like the magic carpet of exploring – quick, easy on the wallet, good for the planet, and don't forget the health kick. Speaking of magic, there's something enchanting about meeting people who share the same globe but a whole different world. I dive into their stories, cultures, their homes half a world away – from hobbies to tunes they jam to, and even the crafts they conjure.

So here's to adventure – whether it's under the stars or pedaling through new streets, it's all about the journey.


Triathlonist, Vegan
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So, here's the scoop – I've always been somewhat active, but when I hit 45, it was like a fitness switch flipped in me. Cycling and running became my adrenaline-packed passions. What fueled this burst of energy? An upgrade in my eating game. When I switched to a healthier diet, the pedal-pushing and pavement-pounding became a natural high.

I was already a vegetarian for 22 years, but then I went full-on vegan about 4 years ago. Though I'm mostly plant-powered (about 95%, if we're counting), I'm not the vegan police. If a scrumptious meal beckons, I might dip into the vegetarian side of things. It's all about balance, and I'm all about respecting folks' choices – even if they're chowing down on burgers. My kids? Yeah, they're not big meat fans, but I'm no veggie dictator. I give them the lowdown on why I choose this path, but they're free to carve their own food journey.

After making the vegan leap, I turned into this endurance machine. Cycling? Heck, I've conquered up to 450 km in a single day as a randonneur. Trail running? No sweat – I can knock out 100 km (almost) like it's a walk in the park :-). Toss in swimming, and voila – a triathlonist is born. My pet challenge? "Lion Heart" – a triple threat of 3 km sea swimming, 116 km mountain biking, and a 21 km trail run. Iron Man? Yeah, I'm up for it, but it's got a price tag I can't quite stomach. Still, I'm here for the thrill of it all – connecting with nature, and making friends on the road who share my love for biking and running.

And let's not forget the epic adventures. My newfound endurance fuels my bikepacking escapades. Last year, I went on this incredible 1000 km journey around Sicily. Alongside the stunning coastal views and charming villages, I savored every "arancini" and "cornetti al pistacchio" the island had to offer – pure bliss!

So there you have it – living life fueled by plants and endless trails.


Skills
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Curiosity's my middle name – I've got this insatiable hunger for learning new things. You know, back in the day, when I was around 20, we went all out and built this impressive 3-story house. It was a family affair, plus a sprinkle of friends. We had this one construction wizard overseeing the show, but the rest? Well, that was us, diving into every nook and cranny of the process.

I'm talking from laying that very first brick to the final coat of paint – I was all in. I soaked up the knowledge needed to turn a bare patch into a home. And guess what? Those skills? They've been my trusty sidekicks ever since. Whether it's my own ventures or lending a hand to pals, those house-building days come to the rescue.

Now, if you're wondering what's in my skill toolkit, I've got the full rundown waiting for you further down my profile. From coding to crafting, I'm ready to dive into whatever new adventure comes my way.


Cook/Chef
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Alright, gather 'round, 'cause I've got a confession – cooking is pretty much my superpower. From the get-go, I've been orchestrating culinary creations that keep both meat-eaters and plant-lovers in delicious harmony. See, I'm not just about food; I'm about crafting experiences on a plate.

When my pals drop by, you bet I'm in the kitchen, crafting flavorful concoctions from all corners of the world. Call me the culinary explorer – I'm all about taking taste buds on an adventure. And coffee? Oh, don't get me started. I'm a certified barista, slinging the perfect cup for me and my buddies. This caffeinated journey even led to opening up a coffee joint and a sweet haven in my hometown. Oh, and let's not forget – that's where my waffle wizardry blossomed too. Yes, I claim the title of a waffle master. :-)

So, if we're talking favorites, brace yourself for a list of dishes that I've turned into an art form:

- Homemade pasta in all its vegetarian and vegan variations.
- Oh-so-good (vegan) Belgian waffles, adorned with ice cream and fruity delights.
- Smoothies that make taste buds dance and vegan ice cream that's pure magic.
- Veggie-packed pizzas, both vegan and vegetarian.
- Mushrooms and lentils in a delightful duet.
- A show-stopping tiramisu that'll make your heart sing.
- The famous garash cake, crafted to perfection.
- Creamy potato-broccoli soup that warms the soul.
- Halva toasts that redefine sweet delight.
- Traditional Bulgarian wonders that bring my roots to the table.
- Vegan muffins that are practically a hug in edible form.
- Mushroom and spinach risotto that's simply irresistible.
- Oven-baked beans that are comfort food heaven.
- Fresh salads and dressings that'll make you crave your greens.

So there you have it – a tour through my culinary playground. If your taste buds are ready, I'm here to whip up a feast!


Host
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So, let me spill the beans on something that really makes my heart swell – hosting. Now, I might be a bit of a wanderer myself, but when I'm around, my doors are wide open, especially for the biking souls. For nearly 9 years, I've been a proud member of the WarmShowers community, kind of like a couchsurfing deal for the pedal-pushers.

Now, I'm not always around, jet-setting and all that, but I've managed to welcome around 40 amazing bikepackers into my humble abode. Most of the time, they're on this incredible journey, hopping from Europe to Asia and back again. And let me tell you, these folks, they bring a burst of color to my days. Their tales, their adventures – it's like my world gets this vibrant makeover.

Sitting down with them for meals is a real treat. We trade stories, laughter fills the air, and I whip up these high-energy feasts to fuel their epic rides. And let's not forget – my Belgian waffle game is strong, partnered with freshly brewed, quality coffee that could rival any barista joint.

So, if you're a fellow bike enthusiast, know that my door's always open. Let's swap stories, dig into hearty meals, and fuel up for the next pedal-powered adventure.


On the end... or maybe the start
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And hey, if you're another free spirit out there, a fellow adventurer who loves to explore, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's team up and make memories together, whether it's as travel buddies on the road or as hosts inviting me to dive into your projects. After all, life's grandest tales are written when we share the journey.

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
Russian: Intermediate
German: Beginner
Spanish: Beginner
Italian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm looking for language exchange. I need a partner to practice my Spanish (online or live). I can teach Bulgarian (mother tongue) and English (beginners to Intermediates).

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Languages

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Able to teach about:  

DIY and building projects

Babysitting and creative play

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

More details about your skills

A list of my main skills (based on lifelong experience):

- Web design and development;
- Digital marketing;
- Computer troubleshooting - hardware and software fixing;
- Photo and video editing;
- Drone photography and videography (certified drone pilot);
- Teaching and training (IT topics, triathlon, dieting, traveling);
- Construction work;
- Concrete mixing and laying, rebar works;
- Electrical installation and maintenance;
- Home automation;
- Plumbing;
- Masonry work;
- Drywalling;
- Plastering;
- Door and window installation;
- Glass cutting and installation;
- Laminate flooring;
- Stucco application;
- Tile laying and wall tiling;
- Wallpapering;
- Painting (all types) & varnishing;
- Furniture assembly;
- Basic woodworking;
- Sanding;
- Metal working - cutting & welding;
- Bartending (for your party :-);
- Wood cutting & chopping;
- Demolishing (only when needed ;-);
- Gardening;
- Driving, transportation (600k+ km without incidents);
- Child care & teaching;
- Animal/pet care;
- Cooking (vegan and vegetarian);
- Singing... just kidding :-);
- Cleaning, washing, housework;
- Any kind of task, easy or challenging – I'm strong and enduring :-)

Age

50

What else ...

New to WA, but I'm not just in it for the cozy couches – my real deal is diving into new adventures, connecting with fascinating souls, forging friendships, picking up fresh skills, exchanging life stories, and embarking on journeys through uncharted territories.

If you're up for finding a travel companion, whether virtually or in person, or if you're on the lookout for a seasoned and diligent hand to contribute to your project, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'm here to swiftly respond and make exciting connections happen.

Thanks a bunch! :-)

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  vegan/vegetarian