Want to learn about the benefits of our courses? Click here: https://smokinya.com/testimonials/
Hello! My name is Kyriaki.
Today we were asked to write our mid-term evaluation. It has now been 38 days since I arrived in Marchenik, and there are still 55 days left before the end of the project. I am one of the nine volunteers in the Wild Vibes team.
Time passes very differently in the village compared to the city.
I needed some distance from my everyday life back home. To be honest, I wanted to step away from everything I had built until now—my job, the apartment I was living in, and the daily routine that I had chosen for myself.
I left behind people I love, a job that gave me financial independence and wonderful colleagues, my car, and the comfort of a familiar life. So why did I come to a small village?
Because the choices I had made no longer inspired me. I felt like I was simply surviving in the city, doing what every adult is expected to do, without really feeling connected to it.
I came to Marchenik to leave behind the fast, repetitive rhythm of city life and become part of something more meaningful. I wanted to be part of a more collective vision, where people work together, learn together, and create something that will last.
Life in the village can be demanding, but everyone in the Smokinya team is always willing to help, and the other volunteers are incredibly kind, supportive, and generous. I am really happy to have met people from different countries who are close to my age.
Every week brings something new to learn or experience. We scrape old walls, clean and prepare roof tiles, cut wood for windows and doors, clean the yard and village paths, and work on many different building tasks.
Since arriving here, I have learned how to use many different tools and make and manage a fire. I have also had the chance to practise my English every day, which has been a very valuable experience.
I am especially excited to see the Barn Space completed and to know that I was part of making it happen.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned so far is that not everything has to happen immediately. It is important to give time to the things we create and not rush the process. Sometimes we simply do not have complete control over everything, and that is okay. We need to take a breath, trust the process, and let things develop at their own pace.
“You can’t rush greatness.”
Living together with the other volunteers has also been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience. Sharing the same space every day allows me to see how different people face their fears, challenges, and the unknown. One volunteer challenged themselves to learn how to ride a bicycle from scratch. Another challenged themselves to attempt a 42-kilometre hike for the first time.. It has also been inspiring to see the different ways people take care of themselves and support one another.
In our free time, village life offers a different kind of happiness. You can enjoy peaceful walks in nature, spend time with the local animals, or simply appreciate the quiet surroundings. If you enjoy running, the roads around the village offer beautiful uphill routes surrounded by nature. They can be challenging, but every minute of the run is worth it.
Overall, this project has already taught me much more than practical skills. It has reminded me to slow down, be patient, appreciate teamwork, and find joy in simple moments. I am looking forward to everything the next 55 days will bring.
Want to learn about the benefits of our courses? Click here: https://smokinya.com/testimonials/
Should you have a question, contact us: info@smokinya.com.
Финансирано от Европейския съюз. Изразените възгледи и мнения обаче принадлежат изцяло на техния(ите) автор(и) и не отразяват непременно възгледите и мненията на Европейския съюз или на Европейската изпълнителна агенция за образование и култура (EACEA). За тях не носи отговорност нито Европейският съюз, нито EACEA.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
