I recently started a European Solidarity Corps project related to ecology together with
YDCMA organization (Youth Development Centre for Mutual Aid) based in Kazanlak,
Bulgaria.
I arrived in Bulgaria on September 24, landing in Sofia, the country’s capital. My time in the
city was short, but it immediately gave me a first sight into a place that is both dynamic and
rooted in tradition.
I did not have the opportunity to explore Sofia in depth but I could already perceive its
energy as a capital city: with busy streets and the architecture, a mix of modern, historical
and urban elements.
I hope to return to Sofia and also to visit other Bulgarian cities in order to develop a deeper
understanding of the Bulgarian society.
What impressed me most in the very first days was the journey from Sofia to Kazanlak. I
was struck by the natural scenery: mountains rising in the distance and wide valleys
created a sense of tranquility.
The Bulgarian landscape seems to combine beauty and contrast, where nature coexists
with villages and towns that reflect both history and modernity. I’m coming from another
country, Italy, and this wide physical area gave me the impression of entering a space
where nature plays an important role.

Another aspect that I noticed from the beginning was the hospitality of the people I met.
Every person I encountered was kind and willing to help me, even when communication
was not easy. Not everyone spoke English, but this did not represent a real obstacle.
Instead, it encouraged a genuine effort on both sides to find alternative ways of
understanding one another. Smiles and kind gestures became part of the interaction, and
this created a welcoming atmosphere. It is often said that the first impression of a country
depends on its people, and in this sense, Bulgaria gave me a very positive beginning.

Language itself is an interesting challenge. Bulgarian, with its Cyrillic alphabet feels quite
different from italian. It may seem difficult (and from my perspective it is) but hearing it
spoken around me every day makes me curious to learn more, at least some basic

expressions. Even if English is often used in international contexts, I believe that making
the effort to approach the national language is an important part of experiencing a country.

Food is another element that has started to introduce me to Bulgarian culture. Food is
often a way to understand more about traditions, family habits, and the identity of a
community. For me, trying typical Bulgarian food is not only a matter of taste but also a
way of connecting with the everyday life of the people who live here. I look forward to
continuing this exploration of flavors in the following weeks.

Although my stay in Bulgaria has only just begun, these first impressions already give me
a sense of the diversity of the country. On one hand, there is the natural beauty of its
landscapes, on the other, the warmth and openness of its people. At the same time, there
is a cultural dimension that becomes visible through the architecture, the language, the
food and so on… the cultural aspect, which people carry within themselves and which
makes them who they are.
I’m convinced that it’s impossible to fully understand someone’s culture unless you’re part
of it. Despite that, connecting with people from other backgrounds has allowed me to grow
and broaden my perspectives. That’s what I’m aiming to do and what I’d like to continue to
do in the future.

In conclusion, my first days in Bulgaria have been marked by discovery and curiosity.
Arriving in a new country always brings both excitement and a certain level of uncertainty,
but here I have found a welcoming environment that makes the process easier and more
meaningful. I hope that I will be able to explore more of the cities and regions, to learn
more about Bulgarian history and culture, and, at the same time, to deepen my
understanding of the society.
Above all, I hope to use this opportunity not only to learn from the country but also to
contribute actively through the ESC project I have started. Bulgaria has already offered me
a promising beginning, and I am looking forward to everything that still lies ahead.

Cecilia Birindelli