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An
Introduction to Bulgaria - A Diverse Country of Diverse People
Bulgaria offers a diverse range of countryside from majestic snow
capped mountains, to flat plains, rolling fields and then the sandy
beaches along the southern part of the coast and the more craggy areas
to the north. There are numerous lakes and dams, gorges, caves and rock
formations. There are many monasteries, ruined fortresses,
archaeological discoveries such as the Thracian King Tombs around
Kazanlak and the old fortress and temple carved out of stone at
Perperikon down towards Kardjhali. Bulgaria has a wonderful diversity
of wildlife with wolves still roaming the wooded mountains of the Rila
and Pirin areas, wild pigs in the Balkans and hundreds of birds and
other creatures in the many nature reserves around the
country.
And the people are just as diverse. Visit a rural farming community and
you'll see old men herding the goats along the streets, in no rush to
go anywhere while old women sit in the shade on benches peeling
vegetables or watching the world go by. Cows and sheep roam freely
along the sides of the road, watched over by a single shepherd and his
dog. These places seem untouched by change and seem not to have moved
with the times in stark contrast to the busy, noisy streets of cities
such as Sofia or Varna, where young girls parade around in the latest
fashions and store windows boast the latest technology.
But that is what makes Bulgaria such an appealing country. You can
immerse yourself in the street cafe culture of the cities, sipping
coffee all day long or drive just 20 minutes out of the city and be in
a place that time forgot, where the fields are still ploughed by horses
and vegetables picked by hand.
Of course change will come and slowly these old ways of life will
disappear. Many old villages and farming communities are left desolated
as the young move to the cities or abroad in search of jobs. But with
the recent influx of foreign property investors, some of these villages
are going through a revival, houses are being bought for renovation,
plots bought to build on. And this has a knock on effect for the
village, it can create employment for local builders and tradesmen,
mean more custom for the local shop and cafe and so on.
So if you are planning a visit to Bulgaria do not restrict yourself to
spending a week in an apartment in Sunny Beach, hire a car and go and
explore the diverse landscape. You will not have to travel far. Only 15
minutes inland from the over development and concrete jungle of Sunny
Beach, you will find sleepy traditional villages in the foot hills of
the Balkans surrounded by vine yards. Or head south and visit the
gentle rolling plains and wooded areas leading to the Strandza
mountains.
Then you'll get to see the real Bulgaria, the diverse landscapes, the
local wildlife, the different ways of life, the different cultures and
the fantastic friendly people that will be more than happy to welcome
you to their village.
For more
tips and advice on buying property in Bulgaria get yourself a copy of
My
Bulgarian Property Nightmare: A
Cautionary Tale for Would-be Investors. This
ebook is full of
useful tips straight from a Brit whose first Bulgarian property
experience
turned into a nightmare. It allows you to see what can go wrong and
avoid the
pitfalls as I share the benefit of my experience. In this true account
you'll
learn what can go wrong, what to do if it does and why Bulgaria is
still a great
choice for people keen to invest, holiday or live there.
TheTravelBug
Website - Bulgarian Advice and
Property For Sale
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