There’s something about secrets that truly feeds the ego. I had been looking for this place the Americans call “candlebar” but Bulgarians call “humbarra” (meaning “barn”) since we arrived, hearing endless stories about the mysterious knock-requirement, lack of electricity and signless entrance. And consider it a project. You won’t find it on the first try. But when you do, you’ll see how this space, the original publishing house of the first communist newspapers in Bulgaria, with only wicks, fire and wood, can take you back in time. Order some wine from a box, be careful on the railing-free loft, melt into the mellow and learn a little bit more about this battered Balkan country. Absorb the idea that here, Big Brother was, at least at one time, more than just an Orwellian character.

Hint for finding it: Find Graf Ignatiev St, turn at the Ugly Fox, go half a block and look for the Zion sign…

Many of you might have noticed the posts kicking in from our newest contributor Andrea who is currently embedded in Eastern Europe. Andrea Enright, entrepreneur and writer from Denver, CO, is a Peace Corps volunteer living with her husband in Sofia, Bulgaria. She works with Habitat for Humanity and Traditzia, a foundation that helps socially disadvantaged artisans to help themselves through art therapy and direct market access. There, she provides marketing, volunteer management, organizational development (lets try staff meetings!) and coordinates private-public partnership. She also travels plenty and writes for the local English newspaper, a Bulgarian travel magazine, her own blog and to aid foundations for grants. While she’s not living in a hut, her Peace Corps experience has its own challenges, like sifting through the thick and grim post-communist dust of a repressed nation. After this goodwill gig, she’ll be traveling around the world for six months and landing a stellar job in development. Look for her pieces on hostels, East-meets-West destinations and evolving traveler technology.

Connecticut based graffiti artist Sket One recently released five awesome toys based on food and household products most of us see everyday. They’re all up for viewing at the Subcultures “Art of the action figure” show at Channel 1 in New Haven, CT. If you’re unfamiliar with Sket One’s work, be sure to check out his site– he has designed for a wide range of companies from corporates like EMI and Universal Records to the indie toy lovers, Kid Robot. Via Notcot

Munny (Sponsored by Kid Robot) is supporting independent artists alongside our friends at Plastic Chapel and Capsule Gallery. They are having a Munny show fittingly named, “Follow the Munny” June 9th through July 14th. Featured designers include Evan Hecox, Scot Lefavor, and the world famous Jason Thielke (shown here), and you, well maybe. Part of the show is open to the public for an entry fee of $10 and there will be prizes for the best Munny including, money, money, money! Okay not really, but when else can you use that line? There are actually a bunch of great prizes including a signed Kozik 10” BONDAGE Smokin’ Labbit. Entry deadline is May 31st so as Munny would say, “Work hard and practice” and get your best Munny out there for all to see! Details to the shows after the jump.

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