Saint Nicholas Day
pleasantplacesbulgaria Coming from a protestant background, we aren’t very “big” on the Saints. Although I’ve heard about them, sung about them at school and learn more about them as I’ve got…
moving to Bulgaria
Cottagecore -Live Your Dreams
Introduction This post begins with a brief description of Cottagecore . It then looks more critically at the movement, and how it differs from a typical self sufficient lifestyle. The…
Blue skies and red tiled roofs
Setting the scene It was the morning sunlight that captured the scene so well. The house was in disarray, we still hadn’t finished redecorating and refurbishing, and my crumpled bed…
Living the Good Life
Setting the Scene Anyone old enough to remember the popular sitcom ‘The Good Life’ will understand the fascination engendered by the exploits of the middle class couple who turn their…
Bulgarian Village Life
Where we are In this post I will describe typical Bulgarian village life. Our village is situated about 15 kilometres from the main town of Karlovo . It is a…
Runaway Chickens and Enthusiastic Builders
Since moving to Bulgaria every day seems to bring a new adventure. This morning we were proudly presented with three chickens by one of our lovely neighbours. Excited to welcome…
Baba Marta – Rites of Spring
The advent of spring was traditionally seen as a transition between the death of winter and new life and rebirth. Countless fertility rituals exist across the world to mark this…
Epiphany Celebrations – Kalofer Bulgaria
In England, the sixth of January(Epiphany) marks the demise of the Christmas decorations we have so lovingly installed just a few weeks earlier. I have always found this a sad…
Karlovo – Our Nearest Town
Karlovo is our nearest large town and we love it! There is a beautiful square surrounded by bars and restaurants where one can sit on one of the many balmy…