a quick bit of news to say that August weather has come pretty early this year - the last 3 days have been between 35-40 degrees. we had a very dramatic thunderstorm but its a bit scary to think it could be this hot for the next 3 months.
St. James’ Park
An Alternative Campsite and Hostel in Bulgaria
Welcome
St. James’ Park is a most beautiful field in a little corner of Bulgaria and I have the pleasure of taking care of it.
Have you ever been on a bus or a train in a strange country, probably going from one interesting city to another and watched the villages go by?
Have you ever wondered what goes on in those little villages? Who lives there? How do they live? What happens on a daily basis?
Maybe you’ve just thought about getting off the beaten track and seeing the inside of a country.
Are you conscious about your environmental impact or the ethics of travelling, tourism and foreign investment?
I’ve been a traveller most of my life and I’ve asked myself these questions many times. I’ve just embarked on an exciting adventure in Bulgaria and I’d like to share it with anyone else who is familiar with these questions – this might also be the first time you’ve thought about them but all good ideas and plans have to start somewhere!
About 3 years ago, my daughter Elly bought this property in Voditsa and I agreed to live in it and look after it for a few years. I began with a plan to open an ethically run campsite and hostel but now I’m a lot more realistic about my life, my energy and the space that I want to live in. If someone turns up and wants to camp in my lovely field, then that would probably be OK but I have decided to focus my energy on sharing this space for specific events. I guess this is a secret campsite - have a look at my blogs to see what else is secret in Voditsa!
In the last 3 years I have had loads of visitors, guests and volunteers who have supported me, helped me, made me laugh, cooked for me and helped me to get my life together here. You are welcome to come and join us. I am slowly turning 2500 square metres of land that used to be a field, into a beautiful garden. I try to do all sorts of building related things and wonder why I never learned these important skills before. But slowly its getting there. I am happy to say that I have introduced a number of new people to this village and that can only help as small villages gradually get smaller. I used to be a Community Development Consultant and I’m also trying to share some of my experience with the people in Voditsa to help them make the most of their experience as a developing EU country.
Its fun and endlessly interesting here - the weather covers a range from -25 to + 45 and that has been challenging and fun too. I try to keep this site updated as much as I can but if I’m behind in my task, its because I’m out in the garden or making jam. I hope you enjoy reading about my life here and I look forward to meeting you either as a volunteer or a camper.
Kathy McGowan
By the way...
its very hot!
10th June 200922nd May 2009
Great business opportunity : the bar and restaurant in Voditsa is for rent for 400lev a month – that includes electricity. Its fully equipped –although I haven’t actually been in the kitchen. It has huge potential to be a great place to hang out. It needs a little bit of reorganising and some good music […]
Spring at St James Park
22nd May 2009News from St James Park….
Some time at the end of April.
At last the weather is a bit awful and I can have a day in the house without feeling guilty in that English sort of way – you know …. the sun is shining therefore I must go outside. This works well in a climate […]
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