So where are we and why are we here?

Rather unexpectedly for late October 2007 we find ourselves not telling tales of northern Greece, Italy and Slovenia, but instead of village life in Bulgaria, and in particular our new little house. Within hours of arriving here in early August, we had already decided that Bulgaria definitely had the potential to be our favourite country of the trip. On a bit a whim and casual suggestion from Gemma, we decided to try a bit of WOOFing, save a bit of cash and hopefully meet some nice, interesting people. We picked a farm run by an english speaking lady (not wanting to make it too complicated for our first WOOF experience) and a quick call later and we were booked in for a week. Upon arrival, we happily got settled into our volunteers tasks and communal living and in no time at all it began to feel like home. The eco-friendly lifestyle and organic farming methods, both being principals we ourselves aspire to, an interest naturally developed in how Kathy, our host, came to live here (and maybe how we could too!). Realistically we both know that to ever have either the capital or luck to buy anything approaching this, in Ireland or England, is well beyond our reach. Renting, with perhaps a small outside space is the best we can hope for. Bulgaria however is a very different situation. Needless to say, following such revelations, many nights ensued of mulling over the pros and cons and discussing practically if and how it could ever work. Eventually we decided to go and look at a few houses we knew were for sale, just to see what your money can buy – of course we didn’t have any money and had no intention of buying at this time, but surely it can’t hurt to look… Of course as you’ve already guessed, we saw a house we loved and to cut a long rambling story short, we are now both highly indebted – both with thanks and finance – to our lovely respective sisters – and find ourselves the proud new owners of that said house.