Culture Shock! Bulgaria

Culture Shock!

by Agnes Sachsenroeder

CultureShock! Bulgaria is your companion to this beautiful land that was once part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and which was under Soviet influence for close to 50 years. Discover how the people came to terms with the communist past and the changes that have taken place since they joined the European Union in 1997. Learn to read the Cyrillic alphabet as you make your way around the many imposing historic buildings and understand why members of the same family may have seemingly different surnames. Enjoy a selection of delicious dishes, best washed down by a glass or two of boza—a result of the country’s agrarian roots, its tradition of honey gathering and abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Practical advice on finding a home, arranging for utilities and day-to-day living make CultureShock! Bulgaria your indispensable guide to settling in Bulgaria and enjoying its delights

Genres: Bulgaria, Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ingrid Spera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very easy read and full of helpful little tidbits, although I wish there were a tad more anecdotes as those are what really gives insight. This book was also more geared toward those who would be moving there or staying there for an extended period of time rather than a weeklong tourist. Either way, this book seemed helpful although I won't really know until I go to Bulgaria in a few weeks!

[Renie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never seen a worse book in my life. The very way the author writes is mocking. And I doubt that she did any research at all or that she tried to understand the everyday life of the Bulgarian. And even if she was, she greatly exaggerated everything.

[Albena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful book for international travelers and expats to Bulgaria, and also for natives like me who don't visit their home country so often and have gaps of years between the visits. The book contains parts about the Bulgarian history, everyday life, traditions, national characteristics, food and drinks, transportation, dealing with bureaucracy, real estate, etc., and it is based not on a theoretical research only, but also on a valuable practical experience.
There are some mistakes in the book, though. The grim-looking socialist apartment buildings shouldn't have been built in the 1930s, because at that time Bulgaria wasn't a socialist country yet - the change happened with the September Revolution in 1944.
I also don't agree with the statement that Bulgarian society is so much traditional and the word of the eldest in the extended family is usually considered. This hasn't been the case for decades, and I cannot even recall an example for the opposite.
Nevertheless, I've learned a lot from the book about what has changed in Bulgaria within the last couple of years, what should be worth seeing and trying, and was reminded of what a visitor should be careful of (a couple of years abroad are good enough to loose some instincts for self-protection).
A work well done!