Cleo

Food, freedom, Bulgaria, food.

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npub1nydzn3jd2cgq805hgsjn4eqnhgknpv5kwzxh3rr5nu7ss549umqqjm0p3u

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsfjx3fcex4vyqrh6t5gff6usfm5tfsk2t8prtc336f70gg22j7dsqpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsjmv969

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1nydzn3jd2cgq805hgsjn4eqnhgknpv5kwzxh3rr5nu7ss549umqqjm0p3u

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Last Notes

2026-02-01 09:06:14 UTC

Wyoming wants to be a sanctuary from foreign censorship:
"The GRANITE Act prohibits Wyoming courts and agencies from recognizing or enforcing foreign censorship judgments."
It "positions Wyoming as a legal sanctuary for companies and individuals facing overseas censorship. The bill explicitly encourages technology firms to relocate or host their servers in the state to benefit from its protections."
https://reclaimthenet.org/wyoming-introduces-first-ever-foreign-censorship-shield-bill-granite-act

2026-01-26 08:11:58 UTC

Progressive Americans: "I'm moving to Europe! They do things right!"
Europe:
https://i.nostr.build/SAStdx6yNMPsgwbx.jpg

2026-01-26 07:57:12 UTC

Also: People at risk of debanking need to be able to spend Bitcoin.
IA donation to a podcaster or publication that might become disliked is safer through Bitcoin. But for that to work, they have to accept Bitcoin. #nevent1q…0cw6

2026-01-18 14:28:42 UTC

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That sounds like Krampus!

2026-01-18 13:34:48 UTC

It's kuker season in Bulgaria. Strange beasts emerge to scare away evil spirits and ensure health and fertility in the new year. The biggest festival is happening now, in cold Pernik. I'm waiting for slightly later festivals like the ones pictured here, in Yambol and Stara Zagora.
https://i.nostr.build/zJA4ogxeIjOPxbIj.jpg https://i.nostr.build/hT7WK444wxBtUJaS.jpg https://i.nostr.build/UPYARQskOJEUsb0c.jpg https://i.nostr.build/TCwDzosKMU3Zd8yC.jpg

2026-01-17 15:10:51 UTC

Hey, fans of protein! Make a nest out of spiced ground beef, bake it a bit, drop an egg in the middle, and bake it some more. You've created the classic Bulgarian dish "bird's nest." #foodstr
https://i.nostr.build/8lnmn4Be4f1dnD11.jpg https://i.nostr.build/t67LZNGXznzHQ3cg.jpg

2026-01-17 15:03:30 UTC

I feel so...toasty? Unfortunately, those are napkins on the plates, not piles of bacon. In Sofia, Bulgaria. https://i.nostr.build/3r9sPr1PXs3QuUhH.jpg

2026-01-17 10:35:17 UTC

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As a newbie, I looked into Alby, but it seemed more complex than I needed. Instead, I used the wallet that YakiHonne provided and parked a small amount there for zapping. A couple of weeks later, something happened to its connection and it showed a N/A balance and no transaction history. I sent a DM to YakiHonne asking what was going on and got no response. My funds reappeared a day later with no explanation.
I learned my lesson and switched to self custody using Wallet of Satoshi, which I downloaded because it looked simplest. So far, it has been fine.

2026-01-14 20:47:43 UTC

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I love polenta!

2026-01-11 21:15:26 UTC

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I'm using Yakihonne on Graphene without trouble. It actually works better for me on Graphene than on the desktop.

2026-01-11 13:42:56 UTC

Hungry? Order the sach. You'll get grilled sausage, pork, chicken, eggplant, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes in a sizzling stone pot. At a Serbian restaurant in Bulgaria. #foodstr
https://i.nostr.build/Gjvyg1yLNaowhpy6.jpg

2026-01-11 09:28:28 UTC

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I forgot another detail: As an immigrant, I was required to go to a literal jail to renew my visa. We all passed through security to enter the jail compound, stood in line in the jail exercise yard, and entered the jail building to submit our forms and fingerprints.

2026-01-11 09:17:53 UTC

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As a former legal immigrant to that country, I'll add:
- Fees for every step of the process to be absorbed into the state: original visa application fee, often legal fees on top of that, then ID photo and fingerprinting fees every 1-2 years, renewal fees every 1-2 years, and for some, black-market fees to get a renewal appointment without having to wait six months (5 years ago this was 300 eur)
- A special form and punishing fees aimed at people who had money abroad; when I left, the state could fine you 10k eur for a single mistake on that form
- If I retired, my foreign pension would be taxed as earned income

2026-01-11 08:58:22 UTC

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Good morning!

2026-01-10 20:19:56 UTC

https://i.nostr.build/YbjZLUp6TguOElxb.png

2026-01-09 21:13:44 UTC

I lived in Mexico for a while, and my housemates were two young escapees from Venezuela. They had to leave to build their businesses; there was no other option. They were so traumatized by their experiences in Caracas that they were jumpy, nervous when a stranger approached, struggling to believe that it was safe to sit at a streetside cafe ... The shootouts and street battles back home were live streamed into my living room.
A leftist acquaintance, a professor who loved Comandante Marcos and every other trendy symbol, lectured them about how Chavismo supposedly brought literacy and equality to Venezuela. The guy was Mexican but was no different from the liberals I had left in the US. They believed every fairy tale that helped them feel morally superior. They supposedly knew what was best for people they would never meet and who lived lives they could never imagine. #nevent1q…v0mv

2026-01-06 14:17:42 UTC

Today is Yordanovden / Epiphany. Hundreds of people gathered at the Maritsa River in Plovdiv for prayers and the annual ritual: A cross is thrown into the cold river, and hearty young men try to find it.
https://v.nostr.build/dyXx2TUDB9SRCfMa.mp4
The cross was found, so the party began.
https://v.nostr.build/C9JSepEu6FvW9UMd.mp4

2026-01-06 07:29:41 UTC

Good morning! It's time to go outside and play. Your toys are waiting for you in the playground, along with all the other kids' toys. This is hard for a foreigner to believe, but here is photographic proof. It's like this all the time. #Bulgaria
https://i.nostr.build/3sI2A99tWj0wEKIe.jpg

2026-01-05 15:58:21 UTC

Goodbye, Vimeo! I'm delighted that I can keep you "safe" by putting my scandalous videos about folk dancing on nostr.build instead.
https://i.nostr.build/K2grwuDVo5HV2Jho.png

2026-01-05 15:42:49 UTC

Replace Facebook with RSS:
Do your local organizations make announcements only on Facebook? You can probably turn their pages into RSS feeds so you don't miss things you care about.
What you need:
- The URL of their FB page (must be public)
- An RSS creation service -- FetchRSS works
- An RSS reader
Usual process:
- Paste the FB page's URL into the feed creator
- Copy the feed URL that results
- Paste that into your feed reader
This has been working well for me, using FetchRSS and Feedly. When I click an item in the Feedly feed, I see the full Facebook post while not logged in to Facebook.
One hitch: The free version of FetchRSS requires you to be logged in to Facebook if you want to create more than one FB feed. You can either find another service or pay FetchRSS $4.95/month for up to 25 feeds and no FB login.
I've lived in two countries that heavily depend on Facebook. In my current city, cultural events, volunteer activities, warnings about street or water repairs, and most other announcements are published on Facebook, not on public websites and often not in news media. This is stupid, of course, but (so far?) we have ways to work around it.

2026-01-04 18:01:01 UTC

I've been tromping around my city, collecting addresses for OpenStreetMap. Sometimes it's hard to find the number on the door. And now you can share the fun! Can you find the address in each photo?
First, an easy one.
https://i.nostr.build/vXcGXV1TJGXQmSer.jpg
Subtle and eerie:
https://i.nostr.build/ryUKJZqcFmJjq6YG.jpg
Hint: The entrance is A, but the address isn't 15.
https://i.nostr.build/5mkISgRhKZHy5IXS.jpg

2026-01-04 17:01:28 UTC

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Before jumping from one powerful word processor to another, you might try something simpler and see if it works for you. I'm a huge fan of Typora, which is a clean, minimalist app that lets me focus on writing and not on aligning bullet points or tab stops. It works on Windows and Linux. It uses markdown for formatting like boldface (easy to learn), and it can export to Word, PDF, HTML, and other formats, as well as importing Word etc.
I agree with people who say using a GrapheneOS phone for a while is a good step toward Linux. You get used to using a lighter, cleaner system on your phone, and you start to want the same experience on your computer.

2025-12-30 19:34:32 UTC

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Joplin can sync to several common cloud services, like OneDrive. It can also sync to any provider that supports the WebDAV protocol for reading and writing data. My email provider includes file storage that supports WebDAV. It gives me a WebDAV address that tells Joplin where to put my files, and I set up a key that gives Joplin permission. I use that for Joplin sync instead of getting a separate subscription for a cloud service. https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/sync/

2025-12-30 10:32:02 UTC

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Go to settings in email provider, copy WebDAV, paste into Joplin settings. Not complicated.

2025-12-29 20:11:36 UTC

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I've used Joplin for that, synced using my email provider's file service

2025-12-28 19:06:30 UTC

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You're not the only one. I love markdown so much I switched to Typora for all my word processing.

2025-12-28 12:03:13 UTC

Some people say that leaving is immature. You're supposed to stay and fight. But walking away can radically change your life.
Example: I left a bad work situation and started a business.
It made me location independent, so I left my country for more interesting and challenging places.
When my field became irrational and cancel-happy, I left it by selling the business.
Now I live where I want, do what I want, speak 2.18 languages, and never have to look at LinkedIn :).
#nevent1q…3eec

2025-12-28 10:35:32 UTC

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Walking away is a superpower.

2025-12-28 09:18:48 UTC

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A great way to end the year!

2025-12-27 17:20:09 UTC

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I tried it for a hurt lower back and got dramatically worse. So I'd say it has an effect, but maybe not the one you want. I later learned that you should start with very short sessions, like 5 minutes, but I'm leery of the whole thing now and think 0 minutes is about right.

2025-12-27 14:08:26 UTC

Today's breakfast: Bulgarian mekitsi. Magically crispy, chewy, and fluffy at the same time. Served with jam and brined cheese for the perfect mix of sweet and salty. #foodstr
https://i.nostr.build/ZSaboX05OYeCF0GG.jpg

2025-12-27 13:59:07 UTC

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Good morning (afternoon)!

2025-12-26 14:03:46 UTC

The sun has finally come out, and so has this #catstr.
https://i.nostr.build/r02F8Dc6PTgRHfEb.jpg

2025-12-25 08:08:09 UTC

Merry Christmas! This morning, men in Yambol, Bulgaria, dance and sing to bring health and happiness in the new year. Teams from the Kargon neighborhood dance first for their friends and neighbors...
https://v.nostr.build/pGQvVAefX4a85Xyt.mp4
...and then they process to the center of town, attracting huge crowds.
https://v.nostr.build/KBwUaGCYh4Lrshi0.mp4

2025-12-25 06:55:47 UTC

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Merry Christmas

2025-12-24 21:00:39 UTC

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Merry Christmas! I hope the future has steak.

2025-12-24 20:16:35 UTC

Good night, everyone, from me and my Estonian alter ego. I found her picture in a flea market in Tallinn. I hope you have a peaceful night. https://i.nostr.build/YdAvx3qGCU6121l5.jpg

2025-12-24 10:09:18 UTC

GM! Christmas is coming, and so is the baby Jesus to these nativity scenes in Yucatán. His spot is empty until he's born. https://i.nostr.build/4AOrntzUtQ4oSChW.jpg https://i.nostr.build/n2z9HqxeuzaloXxD.jpg
Left: a pueblo near Mérida. Right: Sisal, Yuc.

2025-12-23 17:03:02 UTC

Maybe 2026 is the year that you go to Romania. https://i.nostr.build/dY6FsYxwW64e3wM1.jpg https://i.nostr.build/wIv78KszeV5KZT3j.jpg https://i.nostr.build/Mk51Ah24VyqnUTEH.jpg https://i.nostr.build/cTNikku4nKxbCNKo.jpg
Clockwise from top left: near Sibiu, also somewhere near Sibiu, Sighișoara, Vama.

2025-12-23 15:27:11 UTC

#Language learning can knock decades off your age. These bears look happily forward to the day when I can complete a Bulgarian immigration form by hand. https://i.nostr.build/sho1dQUWhQOC6kXk.jpg https://i.nostr.build/x2o7ohDzi3s8T9zw.jpg
I also enjoy reading Sherlock Holmes stories in kid-friendly Bulgarian. https://i.nostr.build/nxyasCzE2lQL3leV.jpg

2025-12-21 16:27:14 UTC

One reason I chose Bulgaria: Traditional dance is alive, part of daily life. It's not just polished and put on stage. There are lots of groups who dance for fun and to keep the tradition going.
https://v.nostr.build/8OeoOVHmshBb3rAy.mp4

2025-12-21 15:50:49 UTC

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Speaking as a normie and former marketer: Listen to their general conversation to identify a pain point. Maybe they're fed up with social media algorithms or censorship. Maybe they're having trouble opening a bank account due to not having the right passport or address. Then mention only the part of the bigger picture that addresses their pain.
Example: Amy got kicked off Facebook for no reason and is pissed about it. Tell her Nostr will never kick her off and she can persuade her friends or favorite group to join, because they also won't be denied. By the way, Nostr is more fun with bitcoin, but it's not required. The end.
It's probably enough to get her onto Nostr and help her quickly find people to follow or bring her friends. She'll see the value for herself.

2025-12-20 20:44:14 UTC

I'm using an advent calendar that's similar to an old German one that my family had. The windows show life Before Screens.
People read books, play instruments, prepare food from scratch, write letters with a pen and paper... (and get married with a tall gelatin cake?).
Let's make 2026 the year we go back in time. https://i.nostr.build/myqC7bo5kNOCgB34.jpg

2025-12-20 20:14:49 UTC

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I chose Joplin because it seemed simpler than Obsidian. I've used it for big writing projects as well as all my notes and plans. I organize notes with folders and sub-folders rather than tags.

2025-12-18 22:29:14 UTC

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Unfortunately where I live everything is on Facebook. Events, interest groups, local government. I'd be happy if I could get just one group to move its discussion and events to Nostr. Otherwise YouTube is still useful for me, but I use NewPipe to access it.

2025-12-17 17:17:48 UTC

Twitter / X has given up already despite Elon's alleged support for free speech. The new privacy policy includes:
"we may need to remove not only illegal content but also content considered harmful or unsafe"
"we may collect and share information to estimate or verify your age"
I'm glad I removed all my content from YouTube, Vimeo, and Twitter. I'm already shut out of Vimeo and suspect YouTube and Twitter will soon follow. Thanks to Nostr and nostr.build for giving me a safe place for my content.
https://privacy.x.com/en/blog/2025/updates-tos-privacy-policy

2025-12-16 19:19:00 UTC

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Yakihonne

2025-12-16 16:13:30 UTC

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I hope you enjoy a better quality of life in Spain. I ended up leaving Spain for Bulgaria for cultural and small-government reasons. If BG gets too exciting, I might look to Asia.

2025-12-16 15:01:53 UTC

A small #catstr contemplates antiquity. https://i.nostr.build/7jpDucMyo0TYFHNz.jpg

2025-12-16 13:56:00 UTC

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Both a song and a ritual: This happens every Christmas morning in Yambol, Bulgaria. https://v.nostr.build/pGQvVAefX4a85Xyt.mp4

2025-12-15 22:06:23 UTC

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I'm the same way and chose Joplin because I could create folders and sub-folders. No tags, few links, just hierarchy and standardized note titles.

2025-12-15 08:04:23 UTC

Good morning. The sign says that you're under video surveillance, but there's no camera. There's only Borko. Borko is enough. https://image.nostr.build/2ed4d8fe59bcb1176c17e5529b5c5cb32b12762614f8b0e4f1cdab53c1c48ac2.jpg

2025-12-14 18:01:52 UTC

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Are you a meal prepper? I eat almost entirely out of my freezer, and this is one of my favorite things to eat. They're crunchy Moroccan-ish beef borek-like things, straight from the freezer to the air fryer, snarfed with thick sheep yogurt. #naddr1qv…fmrk

2025-12-14 17:16:45 UTC

Some Bulgarian playgrounds offer a place for children to practice the rules of driving, but I've never seen a kid use it the way it's intended. They're all little rebels careening about on kick scooters. https://image.nostr.build/c5546ae67292fcaac42a35c348d23dc13bcad5599e0f9fbc0f88bfe705863de6.jpg https://image.nostr.build/944dcf8c33670d683c57b7388253700c8e411b663511773f2642d25e50582d92.jpg

2025-12-14 09:20:48 UTC

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Browser: Vanadium
Notes, external brain: Joplin
Podcasts: AntennaPod
Radio: Transistor
YouTube: NewPipe
Maps: CoMap
Translation: DeepL
Twitter, Facebook, etc.: Tabs in Vanadium; no app installed
Read stuff aloud: Evie (give it a text file, epub, web site, etc. to listen to it)
Launcher if you like extreme minimalism and don't care about widgets: Olauncher

2025-12-14 09:12:24 UTC

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Firefox on desktop, Vanadium on mobile

2025-12-12 10:51:11 UTC

My second pot of Turkish coffee for today. I turn off the heat as soon as the Donut of Delight appears. If I wait too long and the coffee boils, it loses its foam. #coffeechain https://image.nostr.build/683f52073abe8f7a42f0998e352061fd1b477c2e4ffc0d46fbfa10d707de3a04.jpg https://image.nostr.build/5696e3e7a67fe5f8b3630917967cbe84a8cf531802d00a8106a5703e683a45e8.jpg

2025-12-10 21:17:34 UTC

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I think it's a national train going from Dragoman near Serbia to Svilengrad in the southeast, near Turkey.

2025-12-10 20:10:21 UTC

A winter meal in Yambol, Bulgaria: cumin-rich adana kebap, bulgar salad, and grilled tomatoes in front of the fireplace. Ресторант Къщата. #foodstr https://image.nostr.build/f2c52ab4d00d70c1da51ef8d9254fe228a58d7b1e670ff9d857b586b918f1942.jpg https://image.nostr.build/064329c0fb595eac77c2f3970bae083900592f0365cee512322785460e4dc9f0.jpg

2025-12-10 19:45:19 UTC

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That looks like the restaurant Caru' cu bere in the old town of Bucharest. It's a good place for a hearty traditional meal and folk dance show.

2025-12-10 17:56:52 UTC

Hi Nostr, thanks for creating an alternative to the algorithms. I'm here to post snippets of life in Bulgaria and eastern Europe, plus occasional thoughts on being a foreigner. There will be food. Plus traditions, which are still alive here. And trains. Today's train is waiting for you. Maybe you'll get off in Chirpan for a big plate of meatballs in tomato sauce. #introductions https://image.nostr.build/9a20e6a8bcb5bb79070a1ec35f174e53a90c0d406512c4c49c8cb65764fc58f5.jpg

2025-12-10 17:26:53 UTC

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I'm a newbie who started with Primal but switched to Yakihonne for easier searching & discovery. I had also read, maybe incorrectly, that Primal can be affected by Cloudflare issues.