Bulgaria is a country of contrasts. Old buildings and infrastructure from the Soviet era stand side by side with new European-style buildings and structures. The people of Bulgaria are extremely friendly and hospitable. This happened to me just two hours after I arrived in the country. I was wandering around, lost, looking for a place to eat, when a woman stopped me on the street, asked me in English what I was looking for, and led me to the door of a restaurant.

I was also surprised that, even though the public transportation seems very old, it runs very smoothly and is very punctual unlike in my country.  I was also surprised by the variety and quality of Bulgarian cuisine. I really didn’t expect them to have such a wide variety of dishes, or for them to be so delicious.

Another thing that really surprised me is how well Bulgarians pick up other languages. I’ve met a lot of people who spoke perfect English and Spanish. This really struck me because in my country, apart from the most highly qualified professionals, ordinary people usually only know one language.

I’ve also been amazed by Bulgaria’s incredible landscapes, forests, and natural surroundings. It’s very different from where I come from. On the other hand, Bulgaria’s history is fascinating, as it is one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe, with countless Thracian tombs scattered throughout the country.

In conclusion, Bulgaria is a country that has pleasantly surprised me and exceeded my expectations. I’m looking forward to exploring it further and learning more about its culture, cuisine, and history.

Francisco Casas Montilla

Spain