Bogaletter nr1 of Bogata Suma

To you the receiver

This 4 seasonal newsletter is about the adventures of finding some piece of land as a result of following a dream for years and at last jumping to the first piece and the setting up of next steps.

Thanks to my (past) supporters

Having searched around the Pyrenees for some years, Croatia became ‘it’. Searching I did for some years. I have been inspired by family and by my own vow to do as I say. What also helps is developing as a person, I have myself and the Essence Organisation to thank for that. A university years course in project management is a welcome tool too, thanks Lex van den Honert (TU Twente). Also Barbara, my wife and our son Nol are a constant support & inspiration. My business partner Frank van Egmond is an unexpected joy in my life. Not to forget about Ekosense, Ana Marija the architect of Bogata Suma, Robby Schenk and the many others of Ekosense, Pula Croatia.

Getting in touch with Croatia(ns)

Being Dutch doesn’t guarantee success in life. Being Croat doesn’t guarantee success for the returnees. In the plane I met a Croat real estate broker from the US who’d developed himself from a janitor to holder of 1000 apartments. In the beginning he knew only about a light bulb. In the end he knew a lot more about buying, where, what and how to finance and exploit real estate. He told me we could probably better help him within time to buy something in Croatia. He’d been gone for 28 years and didn’t know very much about the details in the country anymore. Sometimes starting somewhere a fresh can create un expected opportunities.

Creating a new life out of nothing

Anyhow, this Boga- letter is about the adventure of creating something totally new. Out of scratch. I once promised myself that if I would have bought my first piece of land I would buy myself a couple of Aligator Skin boots.

Now we are in the environmentally friendly business. I should have gone to Africa and catch them myself.

I will start blacksmithing again. My candle holders will light the restaurant. Ride my own horse if there’s time left. Probably the cook will want me to cut the onions.

If you are interested in the birth of a small eco friendly resort

It is still 6 months to go. And we will be there for half a year at least. We will take our old hippy bus and probably live in there for part of the time. Whatever happens I will have gathered a lot of people around friendly initiatives. Following in the footsteps of my father. At least in the eko concerns of it. Who would have thought that?

You are welcome

Next year 1 st of may first tents can be set-up and meals enjoyed in our starting camping. Next letter is coming in January 2008. It will be about the first half of the half year before the start. What we experience. What still needs to be taken care of. Renting out the house in Leiden, calculating what we need in Croatia, contacts with the mayor and government, do we really get water within 10 days of asking for it? Etc.

Also those of you interested to join the initiative are welcome to contact me. That can result in a longterm development of initiatives in Croatia and maybe later in other areas. In the first place Bogata Suma starts its initiative as a camping in the area of Voijnic.

Looking forward to hear your reactions to is first letter.

If you have suggestions for subjects & experiences relating to Croatia and willing to publish those via us, you are welcome too.

Greetings from a green future,
Peter