In the past nine months, I have experienced some of the most amazing sights, sounds, and cultural elements that make Bulgaria so wonderful. I swam in the Black Sea, climbed mountains, danced horo, enjoyed coffee with friends, explored caves, attended Bulgarian festivals, visited rural villages and the list could continue. I never expected that my time in Bulgaria would be so diverse. But living here has shown me how the unexpected can lead to the greatest results.
I have learned many different things about Bulgarian people, history and culture since I moved here. The time passed so quickly, and I think it’s because Bulgaria truly began to feel like home. I’ve come to enjoy the things that once were so foreign to me and have enjoyed the opportunity to embrace and experience Bulgarian life and culture.
I think the most important lesson that I learned here is to be a "yes" person. A "yes" person is someone who is willing to stretch himself or herself and embrace new experiences. For example, when someone asks you to hang out in the park, you say "yes." When you are invited to Bulgarian concerts, you say "yes." When someone hands you a new food, like кюфте (pronounced kuf-teh) or a Bulgarian meatball, you say "yes" and eat it.
