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troyannick

Joined: 24 Dec 2011
Posts: 605

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 7:35 am Post subject: Bulgaria

Folks
Just been in Bulgaria in the mountains for 4 months recharging,reassessing and watching and learning how things work in a real rural community.On the face of it the people look poor but look beyond and you find a very different story.They grow produce for themselves then find a niche market to sell on or barter.
They have very pronounced seasons so theres always a changing scene, and they tend to move around their property ending up in one space for the winter as it gets very very cold.
Fuel is wood, lighting electricity and theres a council tax of about 20 pound a year for bins, street lighting, snow ploughs makes you wonder where our council tax goes cos everything functions.
September is a good month where the apples are collected and after the potatoes, then the alchahol production brandy from apples and wine from grapes.
Then the wood stocks are really topped up either bought or as Ive discovered alot of people have woods, and many ' collect ' wood.
And the weather.......stunning no wind mostly blue skies

gz

Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8951
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 7:56 am Post subject:
How far are you from Bulgarian Lily?

Bulgarianlily

Joined: 01 Jun 2008
Posts: 1667
Location: South West Mountains of Bulgaria

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 9:05 am Post subject:

My question too!

It is also the sense of a live real community that we love, a working village where everyone is involved and everyone grows their own. We have received so much care and love from our neighbours here, it is impossible to compare it with the UK.

Just checked previous posts and I think you are in the stara planina, quite some distance from us here on the western edge of the Rhodope.

gz

Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8951
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 9:08 am Post subject:
but a lot nearer than the rest of us

Hairyloon

Joined: 20 Nov 2008
Posts: 15425
Location: Today I are mostly being in Yorkshire.

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 12:06 pm Post subject:
Whenever I read posts here from foreign parts, I can't help wondering about import-export opportunities. I can't imagine we've got anything here that you'd want to import though.

troyannick

Joined: 24 Dec 2011
Posts: 605

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 2:26 pm Post subject:

Im a good way away from BG lily I passed through your way a few years ago when te tunnel to Greece first opened went past the lakes, through Gotse Delchev, wish I hadnt though the Greeks were a bit rude on the border and was paying 4 euros for a beer in Kavala.
Im in the Stara Planina just outside Troyan been there since 2003 though not full time.Love the place.
Hairy loon there are export opportunities, Ive been taking 4x4 s down every year and caravans, car spares, computers and now the Bulgarians are buying stuff from ebay through me though just on a small scale.Certain foods are cheaper here Im taking a load of rice, olive oil which is really expensive, toilet rolls,shower gells, tea, and various other things which I barter for local produce.
Used items are much more available here eg Im taking a few good chainsaws next time as well.
Whats cheap in BG as Im sure Lil will tell you is the day to day cost of living, taxes insurances you can live on next to nothing.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 9:11 pm Post subject:

Hairyloon wrote:

Whenever I read posts here from foreign parts, I can't help wondering about import-export opportunities.

I can't imagine we've got anything here that you'd want to import though.

Marmite.

alice

Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 2820

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 10:22 pm Post subject:
Norman Wisdom.

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 10:24 pm Post subject:
That's the Albanian's isn't it? Or do Bulgarians like him too?

alice

Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 2820

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 10:30 pm Post subject:
Dunno. Do they they wear curly slippers? Anyway, it's all 'abroad'. Which is ghastly.

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 12 10:31 pm Post subject:
I reckon they'd like Patum Peperium if they were given the opportunity. Should the diplomatic corps be doing something about it?

Green Rosie

Joined: 13 May 2007
Posts: 10498
Location: Calvados, France

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 12 8:47 am Post subject:

sean wrote:

I reckon they'd like Patum Peperium if they were given the opportunity. Should the diplomatic corps be doing something about it?

*sigh* - now has huge desire for toast and Gentleman's Relish

Went

Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 12 10:22 am Post subject:
Sadly, this is one of many that provide heinz baked beans, marmite and whatever else takes your fancy: https://www.britishcornershop.co.uk/

Bulgarianlily

Joined: 01 Jun 2008
Posts: 1667
Location: South West Mountains of Bulgaria

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 12 11:59 am Post subject:
After five years here, the only shopping list we have is the odd jar of marmite and golden syrup. Everything else is available here including baked beans for those that want them! Oh except for seville oranges, can't get them.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 12 12:14 pm Post subject:
I didn't pick Marmite randomly, you know. I'm probably coming over in February. I can smuggle some over and post it if you're short.

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