2021 – our unforgettable meetings with foreigners who chose to live in Bulgaria
Photo: personal archive
In 2021, the reporters of Radio Bulgaria will meet you with people from different parts of the world who have chosen to live and work in our country. From our conversations with them, we can conclude that despite the uncertainty and limitations of the pandemic, they are successfully adapting to new conditions and are happy with their lives here.
Such as retired teacher Raymond Wilkinson from Ireland, who has lived in Chepelare for years. and can not enjoy the beautiful nature, cheap life and mild Rhodope climate and especially – the cosmopolitan environment created in the resort town:
“There’s an Irish word we use for ‘party’ and it’s craic. Craic is when the music plays, people have fun and enjoy the company with pleasant conversations over a good drink. There is a lot of craic here in Chepelare! ”Says Raymond Wilkinson and concludes that he has found his happiness and destiny in his favorite Rhodope town!
On a gloomy winter day 11 years ago, the German Jonathan Midendorf arrived for the first time in Bulgaria. His first impressions sealed the dirty air, litter and clutter everywhere, but as soon as spring broke and the apricots blossomed, he joined our page. Jonathan settled in the Ruse village of Nikolovo with his family and developed successful organic farming, and his products were distributed in Europe, the United States and Canada. “Like all people in the international relationship with Bulgaria with corruption and criminal chronicles, so in the beginning customers were not skeptical, because the name of our brand mentions the name of Bulgaria,” said Jonathan, adding that over time he succeeded to impose the brand MadeinBG abroad and that for nothing in the world does not replace his life in the small village of Nikolovo.
And in 2021, despite Brexit and the pandemic, thousands of Britons did not give up their second homeland, Bulgaria. Keith Halsted is no exception. For 9 years now, the retired British Army employee has been enjoying the peaceful old days in our country in the shown Rhodopean village of Smilyan. Keith is in love with our nature and hospitality. She is involved in tourism, renting rooms to guests from all over the world.
Judging by our meetings and interviews with foreigners, they chose to live and work in our country, the British are the biggest fans in Bulgaria. “Come to Bulgaria, work, be creative and you will succeed” – I urge the British vlogger Jamal from his YouTube channel dedicated to our country. His real name is Reese Douglas. He is a digital nomad and says he has traveled all over Europe. But when he first arrives here, his life turns 180 degrees. “I came in one month, fell in love with Bulgaria and the month grew into two, then three. Here I am, in Plovdiv, where he has been living with my girlfriend for three years. And guess what – I’m no longer a nomad because I’ve settled permanently, “says Reese. According to him, our country is the ideal destination for young people who want to have something in life. “Bulgaria has helped me become a better person,” Reese concluded.
And what can a British chef do in the conditions of a pandemic in our country? Well to cook and share local recipes and your experiences on YouTube, of course! Gareth Lee Gradwell lives in Varna and adores Bulgarian cuisine. He studied Bulgarian with the idea of opening his own coastal restaurant. He likes that people here stick to their traditions. “It’s nice to see young people dancing, following the folk calendar,” says Garrett. And when asked what Bulgaria’s taste is, this answer is: “For me, the real taste of Bulgaria is the taste of its freedom.” Whatever these words mean, one thing is certain – for Gareth Bulgaria is a quiet haven, providing him with the opportunity for work and family happiness.
And with another chef we meet you in the past 2021, but not English, but… Italians. And not just anything, but world famous. And the owner of a small restaurant, but not anywhere but in the village! These are Gianfranco and Anna Chiarini. Their list of countries visited includes destination 114, where they help local entrepreneurs start their own businesses and transform their restaurants into their favorite places and an unforgettable experience. Today, they enjoy their work in their family restaurant in the almost deserted Bulgarian village of Devino. And why did they choose Bulgaria? See the extraordinary story of Gianfranco and Ana and one of the most read publications on the pages of Radio Bulgaria in 2021:
In the last month of 2021. we also meet you with Mohadese Mirzaee, the first female pilot in Afghanistan. In August, she managed to escape the Taliban in Bulgaria, where she sought refuge and a chance to restart her aviation career. Radio Bulgaria recorded a video interview with her. Look at him:
Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova
Photos: personal archive, Veneta Nikolova
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