A Mysterious Rendezvous
Life seems to be one big adventure since moving to Bulgaria! Today was no exception. “Oh what a perfect day!” in the words of the song, and one that I will always remember. Last night Jeff informed me that our lovely neighbour, Macho,, wished to give us a warm welcome to village life by inviting us to ‘an event’. He had invited us in sign language of course! The venue was unclear, but he had been able to convey that we were to be ready at ten in the morning. To add to the mystery, he had then opened his jacket to expose a revolver! Guns are available here, though a licence is required. We have been told also that many of the ex-military personnel never handed them back when the Russians left.
Things became clearer in the morning when we were instructed to drive to a field on the outskirts of the village. Neat rows of roses could be seen in every direction; the mountains providing a striking green foil to their luminous pink. A table was set out with delicious looking fare. People stood around chatting and laughing in colourful traditional dress. Bulgarian folk music piped in the background.
Rose Celebration
We were greeted by ‘the “big boss,” the interpreter relayed reverently, this was Bogdan, our village mayor. Bogdan formally gave us a warm welcome to the village, via the interpreter, which we received as a huge honour. He then proffered us a glass of whiskey. At ten in the morning, even I was prone to refuse. However, it was obvious that this was the ‘custom’ and so we politely accepted.
We were then privileged to witness the yearly event of rose picking. The interpreter explained that they were going to video the event this year to bring attention to the village. This was the reason that. everyone was wearing traditional dress. A number of the young people taking part spoke very good English – and we were able to strike up a conversation. They were all very keen to learn about England and extremely friendly and polite. They all made us feel very welcome.
One of them jokingly remarked that what the English saw as a mountain, they recognised only as a hill. Staring westward towards the high peaks, I was inclined to agree.
We learned all about the Roses, and how important they are to our valley. We also learned about the various large local rose festivals that occur every year. This was in addition to the small one in our own village. Moving to Bulgaria has opened up a whole new world for us in terms of traditions and customs.
By around two pm, scorched by the sun, we made our excuses and reluctantly left. We felt humbled by the reception we had received.
Moving to Bulgaria was definitely the right choice
We spent a few hours at home tending to our small homestead. Later we headed off to ‘Vicky’s’ – our dear friend and fantastic cook who owns a bistro in a small village on the other side of Karlovo. As always we received a very warm welcome. Vicky was so glad to see us, as was her husband Evan, especially when we explained that we would be moving to Bulgaria for good. We had a lively conversation interspersed with my attempts at the language – usually hilariously received; the meal was, as always, delicious.
Later, we were joined at the table by Kristos. Kristos was a local man who explained that he owned a white horse of whom he was very proud. He lived in a small homestead nearby. Kristos left the table and returned soon after with a gift of sheep’s cheese, some milk – straight from his cow; and some homemade wine. Everything tasted just so much nicer than supermarket food. These are some of the reasons we love village life here so much – the food is so good and wholesome; every one is so friendly and generous; it is so lovely to feel so welcome; and the sun was out until we made our weary way home late that evening.
