Sparrow
Crystal Sky
Premium
join:2002-12-03
Sachakhand
| reply to jvmorris
Re: [Serious] UK developers in the EU +
Hello Joseph,
Thank you for chipping in.
Most of the people whom I've encountered so far are in our age group, self-admittedly middle-class, comfortable, obviously decently educated, properly and pleasantly reserved, but also, as mentioned above, much friendlier than New Yorkers. I felt completely at home with the group, (albeit I feel at home with any group).
There was also one North Carolinian in the group and I had to laugh at myself for not recognizing his accent.
Most came here initially on visits/vacations prior to Bulgaria joining the EU because of the low cost and beautiful beaches (Varna is a seaport city). Looking back five years, real estate here, at that time, was what any of us would consider a steal. People who were looking for vacation homes, retirement or speculators came in droves. Bulgaria, still in bandages from the break of 1991, sold at what we would consider rock-bottom prices, and it caught on.
After their ascension to the EU two years ago, and the lev (Bulgarian currency) was pegged to the euro, prices are what even I consider abnormal for the average income of a Bulgarian. The average income here is approximately 300 euros a month, with utilities on par with what I paid in NY. In some cases, food prices are higher here than in NY as well. Chicken cutlets that I used to purchase for $1.99 on sale in NY, cost at least three times that here. Cotton skirts that I could pick up for $10 in NY cost 50 euros here!
Anyway, you know I am not a flag-waving Yankie under any circumstance, and I can't say I miss a single thing (except my cats and plants that had to stay behind) from home.
As with any group, religion and politics are always hot-topics and should naturally be avoided. I agree that religion should be a private affair as well and not being a staunch patriot, I guess I am good on that ground.
Except for those under 30 and especially my high school students, I have to say I did not expect Bulgarians to be as closed-minded and cold as I am experiencing. The fallout from the old regime will not clear the air for at least the next 10 to 20 years. There is virtually no law enforcement here, bribes are considered part and parcel of any transaction that requires a stamp of approval, contracts of any sort are virtually worthless, and taking anyone to court is almost a joke, because the court system is corrupt as well.
However, on the other side of the coin, if one has a place in a village not too far away from the centers and has a comfortable income, one can live quite well here without having the fear of someone always looking over your shoulder as is the case in the US and the UK. Laws are quite lax here and with a small bribe, heads turn in the other direction.
Immigration is at the whim of the local authorities, and I can thankfully report that we were in and out with a 10.70 leva fee (about 5.50 euros) and given carte blanche to finish up the details at our leisure. I did not need to extend my visa as anticipated, because we are married for more than two years already. I was extraordinarily lucky as I have heard horror stories. The biggest expense we will incur is for translation of our documents.
Because I am currently tutoring Bulgarian students, I am becoming more aware of the corruption in the school system as well. It would make your head spin. The kids are my best and most reliable source of information.
One thing I certainly have in common with the British ex-pats is that we can not fathom the stubbornness of the average Bulgarian. My case was the rule, not the exception. My experiences are considered "normal" here, and that is scary, you must admit.
By the way, if you know of anyone looking for a great price on a custom-built villa about 40 kilometers out of Varna, let me know. 
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"Be simple, be earnest and spread that simplicity throughout everything you do." |
