More Bulgarian Neighborliness

Last activity 23 December 2023 by janemulberry

207 Views

6 replies

Post new topic

gwynjBulgaria Expert12 December 2023 17:59:09

2264

I didn't see a good topic to add this... apart from maybe as pro-comments in the Never go to Bulgaria thread. And they were so nice, I figured they deserved their own topic. :-)

The past weekend, I popped up to our village house, just to drop off the Christmas hampers for our immediate neighbours, and have a quick check of the old place. The house is too cold for a winter stay, so I figured on driving there and back same day.

They seemed very pleased with their gift, invited in me in for coffee and fried fish (fresh from Lake Koprinka). Then he said there might be an issue with your roof... and took me out to show me from the road. Sure enough, the recent snowfall and high winds had pulled off some of the roof edging over the wood frame (I don't know the proper name, maybe flashing, maybe drip edges), and two other pieces had been 80% pulled off, and twisted in the wind.

I was going for the... it'll probably survive until spring angle. :-) He was having none of it, he thought it should be fixed ASAP. He said: "Your problem is my problem"... and proceeded to get his tools and his ladder, and climbed up on my roof. He spent a good 90 minutes up there in the cold, clambering up and down multiple times (needed another battery, longer screws, a hammer, sealant). Hammered the edging straight, put it back into place, and drilled in screws on top and sides, and put sealant on the edges and the new screws. It was a better job than when it was first done.

I tried my best to be supportive, but I'm a wussy type, scared of going up on roofs. If anyone's every been up there, you know what I mean. :-) I re-roofed my first house when I was 19, and that was pretty scary. And last time I was up on my father's roof to fix some tiles, my brother fell 12 feet off the scaffolding... that really was scary, we had to rush him to A&E at Norwich General.

And it's not like he's a youngster... I'm guessing he's getting on for 60 (I've seen a couple of grandkids). I was very impressed.

Ozzy183aContributor12 December 2023 18:50:52

106

@gwynj

Glad you have good neighbours, ours are similar i recall nearly 20 yrs ago now after a bad winter when we were over on a holiday from the uk i noticed a few tiles had slipped, i asked our neighbour if they knew any one local if they could do the repairs and before i could say anything else they were off fixing it with some spare tiles of their own and wouldnt accept any monies. I was gobsmacked. Another time in Varna i was looking for an address pre sat navs and asked a street seller for directions, they didnt speak english but the lady buying a paper did. She asked if we had a car i said yes to which she said follow me and she went out of her way to drive to the address i was very grateful as we would never have found it.

You wouldnt get that in the Uk. Our lane is like a little community sharing fruit, tools, help etc. which i find endering.

As our neighbour helped us with the roof when i was again on holiday i offered them my services as they were rendering their house, they were shocked and asked can i render and said i was on holiday i said yup and spent a couple of days helping them.

Out of the blue the other day our neighbours mother who lives on the other side of town turned up unannounced so was lucky we were in and handed me some cartons of homemade soup, i was amazed. So i did the same and made her some pumpkin soup with some of our pumpkin crop.

This is how life should be, simple and helping others where your able, its what attracted me here and why i never want to go back to uk where everyone seems so stressed and have no time for others. Well enough said goodnight all. Ozzy

GuestPoster11478Guest18 December 2023 15:12:03

214245

@gwynj

Your neighbor is like so many "villagers" and is one of the reasons bulgaria is so enchanting. Yes, it is rough in some cities just like the rest of the world. My neighbor has a huge hillside garden and is a master vintner. I am like you when it comes to life support talents however I am trying to learn and he is more than a willing teacher. Itr is fun as well as productive. I would never find this type of friendliness in my country of origin.

an3895509Active member18 December 2023 18:59:22

I am going to Bulgaria in summer it's everybody nice over there because I'm a bit worried I never been to Bulgaria before and I am a bit nervous

mickeyhartContributor19 December 2023 17:22:47

178

Most Bulgarians are top-notch. Brits out here can be another kettle of fish.

mickeyhartContributor23 December 2023 15:19:55

178

Be clinking rakia glasses and breaking bread with my Bulgarian neighbour across the way on budni vechar. The old fellow promised to help brew up my own batch so lets hope noone gets blinded.

Just cant beat Bulgarian hospitality now can you. Any of you lot calling in on neighbours this xmas eve?

janemulberryViP23 December 2023 16:30:41

1434

I'm in the UK, unfortunately, so I sent my lovely neighbours a gift basket. Hopefully will celebrate Easter with them instead!

Enjoy that rakia and koledna pitka!

Articles to help you in your expat project in Bulgaria

Giving Birth In Bulgaria
If you find yourself pregnant in Bulgaria, you may be wondering if you will have to head home to have your baby. ...
Leisure in Bulgaria
Wondering how to keep yourself busy after work and during week-ends? Here is an overview of leisure activities ...
Education in Bulgaria
Educational Structures and Background:
Opening a bank account in Bulgaria
Do you wish to open a bank account in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.
Driving in Bulgaria
Looking forward to drive during your stay in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.
Traveling to Bulgaria with your pet
Would you like your pet to accompany you during your trip to Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.
Accommodation in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is a very popular city with expatriates, more particularly with students. Find out how to find ...
Living in Bulgaria
After living in Bulgaria for several years, I look back on the decision to move abroad. At first there was a ...