My stay at Mokovec, Nova Eeman;

Mokovec, a farm surrounded by both hills covered in trees, as well as many lovely and excited people. Being apart of this group of strangers from all over Europe, coming together to volunteer at a farm, sharing our knowledge and experience, was beyond any of my imaginations. We were so enthusiastic and eager to learn as much as we could during our stay. And much did we learn! 

Coming together to all do gardenwork in the sun, weeding, planting, making seedlings and mulching, to making a new fence around one of the gardens all in the first 2 weeks! Processing the vegetables we harvested to have them during the other seasons, by pickling them, making pesto, or, by turning them into sauce.

As we experienced the changing of seasons, we also experienced a change in the work. Closing the barn was an experience. Digging for hours with 6 other people, building stone walls as if you were doing a big puzzle, shoving big strawbales to close the walls and act as insulation at the same time, using a comically big hammer to straighten the walls, and, to close it all, plastering the strawbales with a lime plaster. 

Working on the barn felt very gratifying to me. Seeing the process and the result of your labour. Knowing that your help is appreciated, and that your work will exist for many years to come.

But, most of all, I loved the community aspect of my stay at Mokovec. Experiencing for the first time what it is like working and living with 7 other people, including little Zarja truly felt like a blessing. A big group of strangers, who would have never known each other if it wasn’t for their love of sustainability and self sufficiency. Sharing this experience with 4 other volunteers, Peter, Prija, and, Zarja was amazing. Working together, eating together, laughing together, and living together is a feeling I wish everyone could feel. This community feeling is something I will continue to keep chasing for a long time.

Something as mundane as cooking became an experience, since there was so much to cook with. The kitchen became a place to release your creativity, and share this with the others. Working on the barn would have been insanely different if it wasn’t for everyone that was involved. These people gave energy, happiness and determination, that even you, if you have zero experience with building, could do it. They made you believe yourself that you could do it. And at the same time, you are having a lot of fun building! 

Overall, I feel such gratitude towards Prija and Peter. For making such a beautiful project that is Mokovec. For providing such lovely accommodations for their volunteers. For investing time and energy into the volunteers, to make sure everyone is feeling alright. 

Waking up in the yurt everyday felt like a dream. Witnessing the change of seasons was stunning. And feeling this connection with the people around you and the land was beautiful. 

Experiencing a community lifestyle, learning sustainability and enjoying every day is how I would describe my stay at Mokovec in short. It was so enjoyable, that my partner and I are even coming back to volunteer for a second time!