Falling in Love with the Rhodope Mountains
A man falls in love with the Rhodope Mountains at first sight. With its beautiful nature and mysteriousness, the mountain carries an extraordinary power. It brings hope. Determined to become a part of the extraordinary life in the mountain, far away from the hustle and bustle and closed walls, Ivan and Vanya move to the village of Zornitsa with the idea of finding their new home, but also turning it into a center for new knowledge.
The idea to replace the capital with the Rhodope village was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when due to anti-epidemic measures, all people were locked in their homes. From Sofia to the Rhodope Mountains, the journey began, seeking a new beginning and a deeper connection with nature.
Escaping the City: Finding Peace in the Rhodope Mountains
During this period, we saw the consequences of isolation. Our four children, once everyday and ambitious individuals, became completely different,” shared Vanya Iribadjakova with Economic.bg. It was at this time that her family was faced with the dilemma of whether to buy a home in Sofia or outside the big city. The isolation and its negative effects tilted the scales towards escaping into nature.
Both of us knew that we would search for our place in the Rhodope Mountains. We both love this mountain range. We happened to stumble upon Zornitsa. We went, and in fact, we never left again.
Exploring Life in a Bulgarian Village
Vanya says, “Let’s go to the Rhodope village,” as they rent a place to stay for a few months, with the idea of seeing if they really like this way of life before permanently moving there. In their free time, the couple explores every corner of the mountain in search of their place. One day, their hosts offer them several old buildings that they themselves are selling. The property was so overgrown with bushes that when they were told there was a house somewhere, we couldn’t believe it. Arriving at it, when we stopped at
Creating a Home Away from Home
As we gazed out the window of the barn and saw the view in front of us, we knew this was our place. From a piece of land overtaken by wild nature, Ivan and Vanya managed to create their own home. Eventually, they decided they wanted to share it with others.
For us, opening our home to people was unexpected. We never wanted to create a place to rent out, to be hoteliers. But we thought it was a good idea to start renting out the first floor of our house,” Vanya shared.
And so, the “Iris” apartment was born, impressing so many.
Discovering a Hidden Gem in the Rhodope Mountains
Two tourists were amazed by the number of people who loved this place. They were living in a village with only 17 permanent residents. For them, it was a great opportunity to meet people who also loved the Rhodope Mountains, to break out of social isolation, and to create new friendships. Eventually, Ivan and Vanya decided to start renting out their romantic hideaway – the caravan they had previously and brought to Zornitsa. This is how the bungalow “The Caravan” was born. The studio and apartment “The Barn” are also available for rent.
The Majestic Beauty of the Rhodope Mountains
The Rhodope Mountains offer a breathtaking view, showcasing the beauty of nature. It is a place where one can truly connect with the power of the mountain. Ivan and Vanya are teachers by profession and calling, as they like to say. She teaches mathematics, while he teaches computer science. Initially, their idea was to establish a physical school in the mountains, but they soon realized that it would be too costly and might not have the desired impact. Therefore, they decided to create an online platform with developed lessons in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology for students.
Creating a Learning Hub in the Mountains
Imagine a platform that brings together the knowledge and experience of many teachers in one place, making it easier and more attractive for them to pass it on to children. And their corner in the Rhodope Mountains to become a hub for teachers, driven by the idea of sharing their knowledge with as many people as possible.
Our main idea for “Our Place” is to turn it into a gathering place for like-minded individuals who also want to create educational content. We want to create a center for teachers in the mountains,” says Vanya.
Idea?
Empowering Education through Innovative Programs
In Bulgaria, a group of educators is working on creating a platform to support the educational system with extracurricular content. They already have a program in Sofia schools, but they believe it can be further developed. The goal is to create a program that is open for teachers to use in extracurricular activities, delivering knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
What better place to create such a creative product than in the mountains, where time seems to stand still and the power of the Rhodope Mountains can be felt in the air?
The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Mental Health
Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for mental health, beyond just improving physical fitness. Engaging in regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, and improve overall mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels, and increase cognitive function. Physical activity has been shown to stimulate the production of new brain cells, which can improve memory and cognitive abilities. Exercise also helps regulate hormones in the body, which can have a positive impact on mood and mental well-being.
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Simple activities like walking, jogging, or cycling can have significant benefits for mental health. Even just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. So, lace up your sneakers and get moving for better mental health!