First impressions after moving to Bulgaria

We bought our house in Malko Tranovo in August 2016, but moved here from turkey on 15.01 17, arriving 16.01.17. We arrived in about 1 meter of snow, and minus 27 centigrade. The house was frozen, in spite I left some electric heaters on when I left after some renovations in november. The entire bathroom war frozen, and we had to renovate that first thing to do, let´s say for about a month we have lived a pretty much medieval life.
But: we found easily help with a contractor, which did a very good job of doing the renovation, plus some other works, like pouring a concrete floor and tiling in the annex, where now the washer, dryer and my workshop is. Nature was awesome with this amount of snow, all was white and our Lezzi, a german shepherd- retriever mongel, did not get tired playing in it. We got easily contact, in spite we did not (and really do not speak) bulgarian.
We found quickly our ways around with a nice lady translator from Stara Zagora, miss Zornitsa. She introduced us into the health insurance- and other offices.
Yet, it took us about a year to find out about expat meetings. We are now in regular meeting in a cafe in Chirpan, and have loose contacts to people in Stara Zagora.
After 3,5 years, I have to say that I do not regret moving here.

Bulgaria is a Rose bush, forever in Bloom with thorns on the branches.  Would I  regret my decision to retire and move to Bulgaria?  Never!   Most people are genuine and welcoming.   We enjoy all that we have been able to accomplish over the past five years.  Learning the culture was easy, learning the language was very difficult but it is possible to learn if one applies themselves.  Now that I can speak in the native language I am perceived very differently by natives. 

My one negative comment is that I have had to develop thorns with the working class who have greatly disappointed me by thievery of tools, merchandise and sandbagging.  I have had several workers during the last five years and believe the best in everyone only to be disappointed by the village people mentality.  Yet, despite the negative experience for every bad person I have found many  a bright shining star who has joined my enterprises and makes up for the disappointments.  Perhaps it is this way throughout the world!

 

I chose Bulgaria because of the strict policies on immigration and safe borders as well as what I believe is significant investment opportunity.  I now have many rental units.   In spite of Covid we are making a positive cash flow---not much,  but better than a loss. For this I continue to be pleased.  One only has to look at most of the rest of the EU for self satisfaction.   I say to France and Germany, "So, How is that working for you?" 

It is a sad state in Bulgaria as the view of  some of the working class is that ALL government and Police are corrupt so they should take advantage of all they can.  Ney!  They should take advantage of the opportunity to add value.   The anti -Government movement will eventually succeed and when it does and better examples are set Bulgaria could become the tourist center it hopes to be.  Better to be prepared for success than have it bypass one because of a sullied reputation. 

I have met many people on this site and encourage all to network to learn the ups and downs till they are firmly established and then help others.   The best evidence is communication among each other and to have a contact at your destination.   We , as X-Pats are a unique group---each with different goals but one goal is certain and that is to create a better life for ourselves and all around us.

Got here a 1yr ago, love the country and people, but as soon as you have to do anything with city or state goverment goes down hill very fast, have only had one good experiance that was with getting driver lisence other than that not very good at all, it is almost like they try to make it as diffcult as possiable.

This might be a duplicate post.  Yes, Indeed it is problematic, but it is easier to get anything done in Bulgaria than California.   It is called TIPS! 

My experience is that at every government or regulatory window there is another door guarded by a police person.  Recently when we were in a 3 hour line for some nonsensical approval.   I approached the policeman-guard , gave him 20 lev( $12.00) and said can you assist me with advice on how to accomplish this registration?

I was immediately taken to the front desk, took care of business in less than ten minutes.   Time is money!   Learn to look for the other door and the guard and always have 20 Lev on you.   Don't get frustrated, Be Happy!