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jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA
| reply to Sparrow
Re: [Serious] UK developers in the EU +
Leah,
I think it might likely be dependent on just what sort of ex-pats you're encountering in Bulgaria. Here, in Reston, VA, (and especially in my own neighborhood), they're all quite friendly and polite, possibly not quite so gregarious as the natives. I think many of 'ours' are people who first came to the US on business, liked what they saw and with whom they dealt and decided to resettle here. Generally speaking, it's cheaper to live in the US than in the UK; I suspect the same is true of Bulgaria (like Spain?). I think many of them like the fact that Government is far less intrusive on their lives in the US (or Bulgaria) than in the UK, especially these days. They are a bit skittish about the level of violence in American society, however. (I suspect that's why they tend to settle in the ex-urban areas here rather than in the central cities or deep countryside.)
I find it very hard (either here in the US or when I'm in the UK) to tell you specifically what they may find distasteful. They're perfectly willing to tell you what they like (or dislike) about America, but they're quite reticent on being obvious about how they react to you as an individual.
They don't particularly care for American super-patriots, especially those who believe that America has some sort of 'manifest destiny' to spread 'freedom and democracy' throughout the world. After all, the Brits have been there, done that -- and they know how it eventually ends. (Ever notice how few countries have actually adopted the American concept of democracy?) Apparently, the American super-patriot must be fairly common abroad. I've often found a presumption that I'm one of them, which it takes some time and experience to disprove.
Similarly, they don't particularly care for the super-religious American stereotype, especially those that feel they've a mission to evangelize the rest of the world to their chosen variety of Christian fundamentalism.
The Brits may be just as loyal to the UK and just as religious as any American, but they tend to keep it to themselves.
Actually, I think dave may be the person you really need to hear from on this subject.
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
Sparrow
Crystal Sky
Premium
join:2002-12-03
Sachakhand
| 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. 
--
"Be simple, be earnest and spread that simplicity throughout everything you do." | |
wonko3fc
Verbum sat sapienti
join:2001-06-02
UK
 ·BT Broadband
2 edits | reply to jvmorris
JV (Ever notice how few countries have actually adopted the American concept of democracy?)
That suggests that your 'buddies' there  have a concept as opposed to what may be a better chosen word, such as, Oh, I dunno, Ideology?
| |
jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA
| Okay, okay,
Most 'democracies' have some form of parliamentary system rather than our tri-partite national government of three independent and technically co-equal branches (executive, legislative, and judicial), each with specified zones of authority. Members of the US Judiciary are nominated by the Executive but most be confirmed by the Senate, members of the House and Senate normally require election by the electorate with a majority (which brings us to the increasingly common run-off elections, followed by a Court battle as to which votes are legitimate), and normally the President is elected by the Electoral College which most commonly reflects the candidate with a plurality in each State (but this is completely left to the discretion of the individual States, a right that Florida threatened to exercise in 2000).
We also have a federal system of national, State, and local government with each level having different amounts of autonomy. (And the degree of autonomy between State and local government varies from State to State in the US.)
Technically, only the people are sovereign here.
On the other hand, many Americans do not understand the distinction between Head of State and Head of Government; it's the same person here.
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
wonko3fc
Verbum sat sapienti
join:2001-06-02
UK
·BT Broadband
1 edit | Yes, shame really....
When it was all modeled upon the English system that you managed to get it so wrong, whilst your immediate neighbors to the North seem more or less, to have it just about spot on - wassa mattter wiv you all?
Somebody stop me, this is just toooooo easy  | |
jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA | Oh, I keep forgetting . . . they don't teach you guys about the American Revolution, do they?
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
wonko3fc
Verbum sat sapienti
join:2001-06-02
UK
·BT Broadband
| No point mucker, that was an internal dispute between North and Southern Fried Chicken if memory serves - did you mean the 'scuffle' for Independence by chance?That you would have got anyway as at the time, the US was considered the least important of our far reaching empire and had you waited a few more years we'd have given it to ya! Could have saved a few lives - still, it's the 'merkin way | |
jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA | So, . . . you were planning on surrendering all along?
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
wonko3fc
Verbum sat sapienti
join:2001-06-02
UK
·BT Broadband
1 edit | Oh I dunno, I've suddenly lost interest and become fascinated with "Randy JV"!!!??!!?!??!?!?!??!??
So what's that all about?
[Ed]
Thinking about it, you lot don't have a terific record of home, or away matches for that matter. Just remind me of the details of the battle of the Niagara river again... You all were trying to do what again? Against who now??
| |
jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA
| Now that we've completely trashed Sparrow's thread, I forgot that you guys don't teach game theory either.
Lest we forget, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." (But I think you already know that, don't you?  )
Now (and with a tip o the hat to the French, of course), the current American paradigm is as follows:
1) Wait until a lot of people have already been killed
2) Intervene when everyone already involved is getting exhausted.
3) Kill a lot more people.
4) Get bored, declare victory, pick up our marbles and go home.
5) Revel in our gory, err, glory, that is.
Got that?
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
jvmorris
I Am The Man Who Was Not There.
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-03
Reston, VA
| reply to wonko3fc
said by wonko3fc  :Oh I dunno, I've suddenly lost interest and become fascinated with "Randy JV"!!!??!!?!??!?!?!??!?? So what's that all about?. . . Randy was long ago and (now) far away. Think he was here on BBR/DSLR, but I'm no longer positive about that.
On the other hand, there were some old posters in this very Forum that I'd really like to see start posting again. Unless they're 'lurkers' who now sign in anonymously, I doubt we will see them again (and pardon me if I don't name them).
I owe (both of) these guys a lot, but I don't know how to contact them anymore.
--
Regards,
Joseph V. Morris | |
Sparrow
Crystal Sky
Premium
join:2002-12-03
Sachakhand
| reply to jvmorris
said by jvmorris :Now that we've completely trashed Sparrow's thread, I forgot that you guys don't teach game theory either. Lest we forget, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." (But I think you already know that, don't you? ) Now (and with a tip o the hat to the French, of course), the current American paradigm is as follows: 1) Wait until a lot of people have already been killed 2) Intervene when everyone already involved is getting exhausted. 3) Kill a lot more people. 4) Get bored, declare victory, pick up our marbles and go home. 5) Revel in our gory, err, glory, that is. Got that? Dear, dear Joseph, you are incorrigible aren't you? But, I shall graciously tip-toe away and allow your imposition. Found a great apartment today, so nothing is going to ruffle me little feathers.
By the way, you have the policy pinned down succinctly. Bravo.
--
"Be simple, be earnest and spread that simplicity throughout everything you do." | |
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