Photo: Emil Danailov
At 60 years of age, Rasim still opts to buy a permit to cut wood in the forest – at a cost of €5/m3 – rather than pay €20/m3 to have prepared wood delivered. He keeps a horse to transport the wood home. During winter, Rasim and his wife (the elder Nebie) live in just one room, which serves as the sitting room, kitchen and bedroom. Though it is not insulated, the thick stone walls retain heat well. The couple's monthly bill for electricity is about €30.