Hello Newbie from Cornwall here with lots of Q's

fightingfit · Newbie Joined: Nov 06, 2009 Posts: 2

Hello everyone - Im Ange Very Happy

I have recently bought a house with land in Tsar Petrovo near Kulah - I have not actually seen the house yet (except photo's etc) but am flying to Sofia to complete the paperwork next weekend - here come the questions Smile

I will be in Bulgaria for a week but I have not booked any accommodation yet as all I can find is hotels in big towns etc - is there such a thing as family run B&B type places in more rural areas? I just want to find a place thats clean & friendly in a quiet/peacfull village as I would like to do lots of walking & learn a little about the Bulgarian way of life.

This brings me to my next question - I'll be travelling alone so as a youngish Laughing

single woman am I being stupid to think I'll be ok to go off walking in the forest, hills or wherever alone?

Im asking as friends have been going on at me for weeks about the dangers inc gypsies, theft & harrasment as I'm told Rural Bulgaria is a 'very macho' society? I dont think for a moment its anywhere near as bad as they are making out but I'd love to have some thoughts on this from people who actually live in rural Bulgaria.

I'm a little nervous about traveling alone but mainly because I don't speak any Bulgarian (although I'm trying to learn some quick Rolling Eyes

)

Anyhow sory for the long post & many thanks in advance for taking the time to read.

Big smiles Very Happy

Angela

jjmmdd

Hi Ange
Welcome to the forum
I dont live in Bg, but been many times, usually alone and stayed in a few hostels. When alone I find them much more friendly and meet more travellers
The closest I have got to Kula is Sofia, so dont know much about the area.
I did a quick search for places to stay in that area , but didnt get far, sorry.
I have met quite a few girls who have travelled around BG by themselves and all have said they felt very safe.
I dont think you are in any more danger there than anywhere else,but you have to be careful wherever you go
So , I hope everything goes well, and everything is to your expectations
I dont think I would dare buy a house without first seeing it
Take care , and good luck
Mike

jjmmdd

BTW
Look at the post
"learning Bulgarian"

its well worth downloading

Smile

fightingfit · Newbie Joined: Nov 06, 2009 Posts: 2

Hello Mike & thanks for replying

I hadnt considered hostels but will have a look as this could be a great idea.

I did download the learning Bulgarian program so am learning as much as possible in the next few days.

Yes buying the house without seeing it probally wasnt the smartest thing to do but its done now & I couldnt even buy a garage in the UK for the money so I guess I'll have to start learning DIY also lol

Im looking forward to seeing Bulgaria & will print this out to show friends who think I'm going to be murdered by gypsies!!!

Thankyou again for replying

Angela

transitinbg · Newbie Joined: May 14, 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Sevlievo

Hi Angela,

As far as your personal safety in BG goes I really think you will be fine. I've been here full time for a bit over 3 years and it's a lovely place and I'm sure you'll have no worries with the locals, they'll probably adopt you. The only thing that I would suggest is to pop into a hunting/fishing shop and buying a can of pepper spray. Don't panic it's not for warding off muggers but if you are walking alone there may be a small chance of being waylaid by wild dogs. So pepper spray and a stick would be handy.

I'm not in your area so I wish you luck with the mystery buy and finding accomodation.

All the best,
Ian

travelbug

First would not worry too much about being a single woman, I moved out to Bulgaria all on my todd 3 years ago. It can be hard, but you'll meant plenty of people more than happy to help you.

I am not sure where your house is but I can offer you accommodation in the Stara Zagora/Kazanlak area and have friends there that will ensure you are fine. Or a friend rents out her room in her flat in Sofia and will definitely put you at ease. She is Bulgarian but speaks excellent English and is well versed in helping us British buy houses.

She will also drive you around and act as translator and guide if you like. I used her for first few trips out until I was brave enough to hire a car and go it alone. Brilliant to have a native speaker along with you for booking into nice B&B's off beaten track, seeing the sights, ordering in restaurants.

I hope you are happy with your purchase. There are so many horror stories about buying blind? Did you buy off ebay?

Rachel