Traveling Life

Winter has always carried a special kind of magic for me. When I look back at my childhood, I don’t remember just cold days and snow—I remember a world that felt endless, bright, and alive. Everything seemed bigger then. The snow was deeper, the nights were quieter, and even the simplest moments felt full of meaning. My parents didn’t have much money, but they knew how to turn ordinary days into unforgettable memories. One winter stands clearly in my mind. There was a lot of snow that year, the kind that covers everything and makes the world silent. I wanted a Christmas tree like everyone else, but my parents didn’t have the time or money to buy one. Instead of disappointment, my father offered me something better—an adventure. He took me with him to a friend who had a big pine tree in his garden. I was a very active child, always climbing and running, so when he told me we would climb the tree together to choose the best branch, I felt pure excitement. We climbed into the cold air, ou...

I still remember the winter of 2012 — everyone in the world was talking about the Mayan prophecy, the end of days, fear, chaos… but for me, that New Year’s Eve felt like the beginning of something beautiful. My little place in Roșu village, where Ecocostel was just a dream slowly taking shape, became a crossroads of countries, languages, and stories. That year I hosted a full house — couchsurfers arriving from the USA, Romania, Ukraine, Italy and Portugal, all gathering under the same simple Moldovan roof for one big celebration. I had never seen so many different passports in my home at once. And I still remember the laughter, the socks drying by the sobă, the sound of people trying to pronounce words like — "mulțumesc" being the hardest one. What made that winter magical wasn't only the celebration, but the shared joke that traveled from mouth to mouth. For many years, travelers described Moldova as “not developed,” saying the streets looked like England a hundred year...

I planted my fig tree fifteen years ago, with a mix of curiosity and quiet courage. In Moldova, figs are still considered an exotic fruit, something you expect to see in warmer, southern lands, not in a countryside garden shaped by cold winters and strong winds. Yet I believed in it, and more than that, I wanted to learn from it. At the beginning, my fig was small and fragile, almost losing it after first winter. Every winter felt like a test. I protected it with care, covered it with my blaket in cold nights with -12C, and learned its rhythm year by year. It taught me patience. Some seasons it suffered, some branches froze, but every spring it returned with fresh green leaves, as if reminding me that life always finds a way when it is respected. Now, after fifteen years, my fig tree is strong and generous, this summer of 2025 I succeded to harvest 55kg of fresh figs. Its large leaves create a deep shade in the EcoCostel garden and its fruits ripen slowly, filled with sweetness and...

Winter is often seen as a quiet season in the garden, but for me it is anything but empty. I have been a professional gardener for over 20 years, and I’ve learned that winter is not a pause—it’s a different rhythm, one that feeds the seasons to come. When the soil rests under frost and snow, my hands are still busy. Winter is the time when I organize, reflect, and prepare. I clean and repair tools, plan new garden layouts, and review what worked and what didn’t in the past year. This is also the season when I sell seeds, sharing future harvests with people who, like me, believe in real food and healthy soil. Every packet of seeds feels like a promise waiting for spring. My winter days have their own simple joys. I watch documentaries and movies almost every day, often with a bowl of popcorn in my hands. These moments of rest are not wasted time—they inspire me. I read books about nature, ecology, and sustainable living, and I spend hours on YouTube searching for new ideas on regenerati...

Anyone with a garden can transform it into a peaceful oasis, I truly believe and know this, because I have witnessed it over and over again in last 15 years of my experience working and living this way. For many people, a garden is still associated with stress and hard work, as society largely views a wild garden—without strict order and structure—as something negative. I often meet people who feel pressured by their garden, believing it must be controlled, trimmed, and constantly maintained. Yet a wild garden, with its many different plants, trees, and habitats for animals, makes the garden vibrant and greener. These spaces are full of life. They awaken a deep, primal sense of trust in nature and freedom within us, grounding us and making us feel safe and at home. In contrast, orderly, straight, and rigidly designed gardens automatically trigger stress responses. They demand perfection and endless effort, keeping us busy instead of allowing us to rest and connect. This is why I offer ...

My name is Constantin Furtuna, and while many of my peers feel trapped in a relentless cycle of debt and stress, I have forged a different path. I’ve managed to sidestep the systemic pressures that make it so difficult to thrive in a country like Moldova, where average salaries often fail to cover the high costs of modern living. My decision to move back to the village, grow my own food, and embrace a minimalistic, plant-based diet offers a powerful testament to the possibility of a different way of life. This choice wasn't about giving up; it was a deliberate rejection of an unfair system and an embrace of a deeper harmony with nature. The economic reality in Moldova is a harsh teacher. The contrast between urban and rural life, and the figures tossed around about average monthly earnings, often hide the real, underlying struggle. For many, the cost of living, particularly in cities, quickly consumes any modest income, leaving little room for savings or security. The minimum wage,...

I’ve always liked to share and spread the things that matter most to me—ideas that spark curiosity, stories that bring people closer, and moments that remind us we’re not alone in the world. Even as a child, I found joy in passing along something that inspired me, whether it was a book I couldn’t put down, a song that made me feel understood, or a lesson I learned the hard way so someone else wouldn’t have to. Sharing, for me, has never been about attention or validation. It has always been about connection. When I discover something meaningful, my first instinct is to carry it to someone else, as if enlightenment only becomes real once it’s passed from one pair of hands to another. Over time, I’ve realized that this instinct is not just a quirk of my personality—it’s one of the ways I make sense of the world. Spreading positivity, knowledge, or encouragement doesn’t mean pretending life is perfect. In fact, it’s often the opposite. Some of the most powerful things I’ve shared have com...

Hi, I’m a traveling gardener — someone who moves across Europe offering gardening help in exchange for not only fair payment, but also a place to sleep and some food. If you have a garden that needs care, I’d be happy to come and work with you, wherever you are. I’m originally from Moldova, where I first learned to work with plants and soil. Gardening has always been a passion for me — it connects me to the earth, keeps my body and mind active, and brings real satisfaction when I see something grow. But more than that, I’ve always loved traveling, meeting new people, and discovering new places. That’s how this lifestyle began. Seasonal Work That Works for Me Back home, it’s hard to earn enough from gardening alone, especially during the colder months when there's not much outdoor work. That’s why I travel and work during the gardening season — spring to autumn — and save the money I earn to help me through the winter months when the weather doesn’t allow this kind of work. By doing...

Hidden in the quiet village of Roșu, near Cahul, "EcoCostel Garden and Guesthouse" invites travelers to discover the authentic soul of Moldova. More than just a place to stay, it is a living experience of traditional culture, nature, and hospitality, where every guest becomes part of the story of this land. A Garden Full of Life and Taste At EcoCostel, the garden is at the heart of everything. Fruit trees, berries, figs, apples, grapes, dogwood berries, hazelnuts, and walnuts grow here in harmony with permaculture principles. Guests are welcomed to taste the rich harvest, enjoy fresh fruits directly from the trees, and even learn how to prepare traditional recipes. Dehydrated fruits and homemade nut milk are also offered, reflecting both Moldovan tradition and modern healthy living. A Home with Stories The guesthouse, known on Airbnb as " Moldovan House ", is more than accommodation—it’s an opportunity to live like a local. Visitors are greeted with homemade Moldova...

On 15 September, she could have turned 19. Instead, we remember her with heavy hearts — she passed away on 11 July 2025, at only 18 years old. The news of her death reached me only a few days ago, and it has deeply saddened me. Aleksandra was a rare and brave soul — a young traveler who embraced the world through. She ventured across countries not for luxury or comfort, but to meet people, exchange cultures, and live freely. In spring this year, she visited my home as part of her journey. She stayed with me for a week, sharing her smile, her curiosity, and her energy. During her stay, Aleksandra helped me in the garden, planting and nurturing young life with gentle care. She also kindly translated parts of my blog into Polish, wanting to make my words and my story more accessible to others in her country. These may seem like small things, but to me they were moments of pure human connection — the kind that reminds us why we open our doors to strangers who quickly become friends. Sadly,...

Traveling is not just about places you see, but also about the people you meet and the authentic experiences you share. In the heart of southern Moldova, in Roșu village near Cahul, travelers are welcomed into a home that offers more than accommodation – it offers a window into Moldovan culture, cuisine, and traditions. This is “Moldovan House”, my guesthouse listed on Airbnb, where I invite people from around the world to live the true Moldovan experience. Stay with a Local Host As your host, I open the doors of my home to travelers who are curious about Moldova’s lifestyle and heritage. Through ** Airbnb’s trusted social travel network **, you can book your stay easily and securely, knowing that you are welcomed as a guest but treated as a friend. Taste Traditional Moldovan Cuisine At “Moldovan House,” food is at the heart of the experience. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals prepared with fresh produce from my permaculture garden. From rustic dishes like *mămăligă* with cheese and s...

Late summer and early autumn are the most generous months in the EcoCostel garden. The land comes alive with color, flavor, and the abundance of fruits and nuts that ripen one after another. This natural cycle not only fills the table with seasonal delights but also provides a precious store of vitamins and energy for the colder months ahead. A Symphony of Fruits and Nuts In August and September, the garden transforms into a living pantry. Figs soften in the sun, apples grow sweet and crisp, grapes swell with juice, and red bright dogwood  berries  and  brown  bright  jujube berries add their tangy touch. At the same time, hazelnuts and Greek walnuts fall into baskets, bringing their earthy richness. Each harvest follows its own rhythm, ensuring that something fresh is always ready to enjoy. Preserving Nature’s Wealth The beauty of this season is not only in the fresh taste but also in the possibility of preservation. Dehydrated fruits and carefully stored nuts ...

BNB **EcoCostel** carries a unique story that begins with a dream, a name, and a group of young travelers. Long before it became known under today’s title, the place was called **CostelHostel**, a name born from its founder’s first name, Costel, and the spirit of hospitality that shaped the project. The Couchsurfing Beginning In 2014, during one lively August, Costel hosted a group of young people, 23 travelers, through Couchsurfing. They loved the warm atmosphere, the simplicity of village life, and the sense of cultural exchange. Their encouragement motivated him to start a blog and to think of hospitality as something bigger than just sharing a couch. At that time, Couchsurfing had already made him one of the most known hosts in Moldova. He was the only one who had welcomed more than 100 travelers from around the world. While many young Moldovans used connections through Couchsurfing as a step toward emigration, Costel chose a different path. He stayed. He remained rooted in his vil...