News

The essence of Bulgaria

And indeed, Caroline and Lewis did not hesitate to purchase a house in Pchelinski Bani, a village near the ski-resort Borovets. Here, it seems, is in fact what Caroline has always wished for: a quiet little house in the mountains, the place she loves so much, that is close to a metropolitan area that provides great opportunities to pursue a new and interesting career. Added to the picturesque surroundings in the Rila Mountains are the natural water-springs around her house, which she describes as “unique”. Caroline says that you can’t experience the true Bulgarian feel in the cities; it’s the villages that have the inimitable sense of history. Maybe it’s exactly this difference between the urban metropolitan life and the quaint rural existence that makes Bulgaria such an interesting and unique place to visit.

“I think that this is something Bulgaria should be proud of, the hot mineral spas made a superb impression on me, they are a fantastic and rare resource. I have hot mineral water in my house! That is unimaginable in England.”

Caroline has had a lot of experience in Bulgaria. She’s travelled all over the country, and visited historic landmark towns like Veliko Turnovo, Kazanlak and Plovdiv. But the Black sea coast has really made an impression on her.

“I was impressed with the seaside, there are these little towns, like gems on the coast. Places like Sozopol and Nesebar are really fantastic to visit. The culture, the history, it’s all there. The climate here is amazing as well, because it’s hot in summer and cool in winter, very few countries in Europe have both.”

But although the antique towns have received approval and admiration form Caroline, one thing she did not take to was the urbanisation of the coastline in resorts such as Sunny Beach. The Bulgarian seaside is fantastic, she says, but it is awful to see how greed and money can spoil something so beautiful. In her opinion the extraordinary experience that the tourists would want, and namely, the peace and quiet, will be ruined due to overcrowding with too many hotels and attractions on the seaside.

Albeit overrun by foreign hotel investors, the Black Sea coast remains as attractive a destination for British tourists as ever. Considering Bulgaria’s awaited EU-membership, British citizens now see investment in the properties around the country as very lucrative.

“A lot of British people move out here, and search for a relaxed and quiet style of life, that you can’t find in Britain. It’s attractive, because here there is a way of living that is totally unfamiliar to most foreign tourists. It was a factor in our decision to come and live here as well.”

Caroline has not only found a paradise home in the Rila mountains, she has also come across a lucrative job for herself. A Cardiff University graduate, having an Honors Degree in Law and German, she has decided to be a teacher.

Only recently having completed her teacher-training course in February this year, she now works in an Elite private language school.

The adventurous thrill seeker has now decided on a career in teaching here in Bulgaria. Her husband Lewis has also decided to be a teacher and will start a course in July.

“I like teaching, and I think I will continue with it, my plans are to stay here for three, four, maybe five years, and why not even more than that. For now, I’m happy here.”

Having taken a risk moving here to Bulgaria, Caroline and Lewis are now enjoying what was undoubtedly a successful decision.