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Socializing
When meeting someone, Bulgarians usually shake hands. Formal greetings include
Kak ste? (“How are you?”) or Zdravaite (“Hello”). The
informal equivalents, Kak si? and Zdrasti or Zdrave (“Health”),
are used among friends, relatives, and colleagues. Other phrases include Dobro
utro (“Good morning”), Dober den (“Good day”), Dober
vetcher (“Good evening”), or Leka nosht (“Good night”).
Close female friends might kiss each other on the cheek. First names are used
in informal circumstances. Otherwise, professional titles or Gospodin (“Mr.”),
Gospozha (“Mrs.”), or Gospozhitsa (“Miss”) and family
names are used. When parting, it is common to say Do vizhdana (“Till I
see you again”). Friends might also say Vsichko hubavo (“All the
best”) or Ciao (“Goodbye”).
Socializing in the home or in cafés is an important part of Bulgarian
life. Friends and neighbours commonly drop by for a short visit without prior
arrangement, and Bulgarians often invite friends over for dinner. Evening visits
usually start after 8 pm and may last late into the night on special occasions.
Bulgarians take pride in being hospitable and enjoy good conversation; it is
considered rude to leave early.
Way
of Life
Bulgarians value a neat, well-dressed appearance. Clothing is Western in style
and European fashions are popular
Skiing, soccer, and basketball are popular in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian soccer
team became a source of national pride when they competed in the semi-final
round of the 1994 World Cup; an international soccer tournament held every four
yearsMany people also enjoy walking or touring the countryside.
Bulgaria’s Black Sea beaches and large mountainous areas offer recreational
opportunities.
In August many Bulgarians go to the Black Sea beaches or the mountains.
Bulgarians greatly enjoy folk dancing and music, and festivals held throughout
the year highlight various aspects of traditional Bulgarian culture. In cities,
the performing arts (ballet, opera, and classical music) have generally been
well supported, and even small towns have a local theater. Other popular leisure
activities include watching television and going to the cinema. Young people
enjoy various types of popular music, including rock, disco, and folk.
Culture
In the Middle Ages (especially in the 10th and 11th centuries), Bulgaria was
the center of Slavic culture. Over the centuries Bulgarian culture has been
influenced successively by Byzantine, Greek, Russian, and Western cultures.
For thirteen centuries the Bulgarian has been creating literature, art and music.
Bulgarian culture has given the world men of great achievements, unparalleled
in history.
History has allotted Bulgaria a difficult and dramatic face. Much has perished,
but even more has remained - a rich spiritual world which will show you with
the colours, rhythms and melodious songs of living Bulgarian folklore, the unfading
beauty of Bulgarian arts and crafts, the gaiety and vivacity of Bulgarian festivals
and customs, the piquant taste of Bulgarian cuisine and the delicate fragrance
of Bulgarian wines.
Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine tends to be oriented toward meat and potatoes, but vegetarians
needn’t worry as several of the more popular dishes are cheese-based.
Troughout Bulgaria you will find catering establishments of different categories
serving different foods:renowned luxury restaurants, taverns which serve national
cuisine, restaurants serving foreign cuisine, fast food outlets, pizzerias,
numerous caf?s and pastry shops, entertainment spots, etc.
Bulgarian wines are internationally renowned and one of the country’s
prime exports. Among the whites, Chardonnay and the fruity Traminer are distinctive;
particularly Khan Krum or Targoviste labels. In addition to Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon, Bulgaria boasts two extremely fine grape strains of their own, Melnik
and Mavrud, a dark wine cultivated by the ancient Thracians. Bulgarian beer
is also noteworthy, with several regional brands. The national spirit, rakia,
is a fiery brandy ritually consumed with a variety of appetizers (meze). Experiment
with different brands, several of which produce “otlezhala”, a matured
rakia.
Cost
of living
The cost of living in Bulgaria is among the lowest ones compared to the remaining
European countries. Most of the things here cost about and even more than ½
less than their European equivalents.
A liter of mineral water –0,5 BGN
A cooling pint of beer –0,5 BGN
A bottle of Melnik red wine (one of Churchill’s favorite wines) –
about 3 BGN
Local cigarettes –1 BGN
A dinner for two in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant (‘tavern’)
does not exceed BGN 30-40 in most cases
A color film/36 pictures –4-8 BGN
Bulgarian first quality terra cotta tiles –12 to 20 BGN
Purchasing a car in Bulgaria is an option if you are buying an apartment or
villa. A decent ‘run-around” can be purchased for under 3000 EUR
and insurance is very cheap.
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