Traveling Life

This summer I decided to spend one full month eating a completely raw vegan diet. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to do it using fruits, berries, vegetables, and fresh greens grown in my own EcoCostel garden. For me, this was much more than a diet. It became an experiment in reconnecting with nature and appreciating the abundance that a permaculture garden can provide. Every morning I harvested fresh food directly from the trees, bushes, and garden beds. Sweet mulberries, cherries, plums, raspberries, currants, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, herbs— everything tasted much better because it had been picked only minutes before eating. I realized how different truly fresh food is compared to produce that has traveled hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. During this month I noticed that I needed much less food to feel satisfied. My meals became simple: a bowl of berries, a few cucumbers, tomatoes, seasonal fruit, or a handful of fresh her...

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...

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...

If you’re wondering when is the best time to experience the heart of nature, fresh flavors, and Moldovan hospitality at its peak, look no further than the months of June and October . These are the times when Ecocostel Garden and Guesthouse , nestled in the serene village of Roșu near Cahul, opens up its most abundant offerings of the year. Ecocostel is more than a guesthouse — it's a living ecosystem shaped by the principles of permaculture , where food grows in harmony with the land and seasons. And if you’re a fan of fresh fruits, rare herbs, natural juices, and a slow-paced, nourishing lifestyle, these two months bring out the very best of what this place has to offer. June: The Berry Awakening June marks the beginning of summer and the first great wave of harvest at Ecocostel. It's a month of color and flavor , dominated by an abundance of summer berries . Expect to find a wide array of strawberries, mulberries, currants, raspberries , and other unusual berries that are...

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Roșu, Cahul, Moldova, EcoCostel Garden is an enchanting retreat that blends sustainability with relaxation. This permaculture haven, created by the dedicated Constantin Furtuna, offers a sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a permaculture practitioner, or simply someone looking to unwind in a serene environment, EcoCostel Garden provides the perfect summer escape. Read EcoCostel Garden Blog Here A Sustainable Paradise EcoCostel Garden is more than just a garden; it is a fully functional permaculture system that harmonizes with the natural environment. Over the past decade, Constantin Furtuna has meticulously designed the space to foster biodiversity, using ecological principles to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The garden is home to a rich variety of trees, fruits, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. From flourishing apple and cherry trees to aromatic lavender and rose...