ClearlyEnlight's Travel Blog

The Energetic Culture.

2009-11-10T16:13:00.003+02:00

The other day the children from the school presented a performance of the culture of Bulgaria. Here are a few pictures. The cultural aspects of Bulgaria goes back to folklore. The style of dress and music is always the predominant feature. The family I am good friends with, their youngest daughter of the family preformed amongst the other kids in the old Soviet building on the road to Istanbul, which denotes the center of the village; the small library is within this building with the DSL. Within a certain perplexing position there is a strong sense of community, but then on the other hand many of these people hate each other that is clearly noticeable from the difference in energy from person to person. The family of girls avoid certain people in the village, they are positive girls that understand the importance of avoiding negativity.

I mentioned previously that the energy is transmutable and the undercurrent is afflicted with a negative value. Certain days this village is a great place to live, according to my perception within that moment. The rhythm is certainly slow, the food store is just down the street, while walking down the street to the library or food store I always see someone I know. The acquainted family of girls are very nice and positive. And, my immediate neighbors are pleasant.

On the other hand, some days the energy within the streets is overcome with a strange level of pessimism, and cynicism that causes an atmospheric entrainment of despondency. My dwelling area resides positive energy, and the strange energy that did exist transmuted. But outside the gate into the street presents itself as peculiar.

Many cultures such as the Mediterranean cultures express a closer level of physical contact that entails kissing each other on the cheek as a greeting and farewell. Predominantly, the English speaking countries are observed as distant and in need of space. Certainly, America, Canada, Australia, and the British display a distant nature. However, my good friends in California and I exchanged hugs, this was automatic with my female friends. My experience so far is that the Bulgaria culture is very distant. And, a sentimental nature is nil. Considering the overly emotional nature of sentiments in America, I don't mind the lack of sentiments here in Bulgaria. An imbalanced level of sediments caused from an overly sympathetic disposition that only leads to grief and sorrow.

Andy is Traveling Haiti.

2009-11-07T11:22:00.002+02:00

A quick note: Andy the Hobo Traveler is currently in Haiti.

I am sure this trip of his will be interesting to follow @ HoboTraveler.com

A Positive Routine—The Meridian Clock.

2009-10-30T10:58:00.003+02:00

Since I returned from my short excursion from Turkey, I have been easing into a positive daily routine. I am determined to maintain a positive daily routine; bad habits are easy to acquire and once a habit becomes a rut, changing can be challenging among the similar geographic location. However, this is not the case amongst my lifestyle within this non-progressive Bulgarian village. I did say to myself that if I would slide into an unwanted rut, I would seek a departure.

I have studied the meridian clock since I learnt the rotation in massage school. Understanding the meridian clock and respecting its natural flow can assist a person in their well-being.

Bulgaria switched to standard time last weekend, which I don't mind. From 0700 to 1100, the spleen and stomach organs which relate with the wood meridian are active. It makes sense, it's the time most people get up and break their overnight fast. Before 0700 the large intestine is active which motivates the morning elimination. The best time to wake up is between 0700 and 0800 in relation to the meridian clock.

I am the most productive in writing and website building between 0700 and 1100. I have stopped drinking black tea in the morning. I started a new hearty drink of hot milk,, honey and fresh mint, totally enjoyable.

The fire Meridian is active in relation with the heart and small intestine between 1100 and 1500. This is the best time to accomplish a task or physical labor. At 1100 I visit the local library where there is fast DSL and will be warm in the winter for one hour. The doors are shut from 1200 until 1400, so I head home and cook some lunch and will accomplish any tasks that are in need, and if I have a cup of black tea, British or Arab style, I will enjoy the tea within the time of 1200 and 1400, however, this is not a daily drink, but an occasional treat. Caffeine addiction is predominately prevalent among the world. Commonly, from observation, multitudes will awake and break their overnight fast with a cup of coffee, or unsophisticatedly, multitudes. In the morning our chemistry is vulnerable to addiction. It is a healthy benefit to have a breakfast prior to drinking a caffeine product. Foremost, during the active fire meridian is prime time to drink caffeine.

The water meridian is active that relates with the bladder and kidney meridian between 1500 and 1900. This is a natural siesta time of the day. I am sure you notice the energetic change around 1600, it is the most non-productive time of the day. Note that the water meridian is active between the active fire meridians.

At 1900 the fire meridian is active, again, until 2300. However, this time there are different organs active; the sex organs from 1900 - 2100 and the thyroid and adrenals from 2100 - 2300. Have you ever wondered why people are motivated for entertainment in the evening? Among the younger generation this inner motivation is clearly proven, although, unaware, the active sex organs and the thyroid gland are the inner cause. Is your pet actively high-spirited in the evenings, my cat is crazily playful in the evening, and he naps every day between 1400 and 1800

The daily meridian clock makes sense and generates a healthy disposition, unfortunately, though, the majority of humanity is unaware the natural rhythm of the meridians. Possibly this could explain why multitudes of people experience "a bad day". In the morning, we eliminate and eat after fasting throughout the night. Fire is active that provides the best time to work, and then the water meridian is a natural break throughout the day. In the evening couples may have dinner, entertainment, and sex. What a perfect day!

2300 hundred is the best time to go to sleep, between 2300 and 0300 the wood meridian is active that relates to the liver and gall bladder. Partying into the early hours in the morning can be unhealthy. The reason debauchery may occur during the night with people that are drinking is that the liver is active between 0100 and 0300, and the liver relates with anger and resentment along with a host of other negative emotions.

Between 0300 and 0700, the metal meridian that relates with the lung and large intestine is active. Have you ever wondered why a large amount of people wake up around 0400? The lung meridian is active, however, the similar emotions are Dogmatically Positioned and Grief. Considering that an immense amount of humanity is Dogmatically Positioned from the falsehood the world teaches through the media and religion; there shouldn't be a wonder why people wake up during the active lung meridian. Dogmatically Positioned negatively generates grief. In addition, that a majority of humanity smokes that effects the lung organ. Between 0500 and 0700, the large intestine organ and meridian are active. The coldest time of the night is during the hours of 0500 and 0600. The active large intestine organ preps our morning elimination of waste.

* If you experience a slothful energetic shutdown during the active fire meridian (1100-1500) this means your fire energy is imbalanced. This imbalance could be from a congested emotional reality. The fire meridian relates with large variety of negative emotions that included Lost, Abandon, absent mindedness, depleted. It could also mean your water meridian is imbalanced if you are lethargic during the fire meridian and energetic during the active water meridian.

** An over active fire meridian can lead to depletion, balance is the key.

*** Sleeping through the morning into the fire meridian can be very unhealthy. Drinking and partying into the early morning hours is extremely unhealthy; observe people that live that type of lifestyle and who sleep through the earth meridian.

Recognizing the energetic dynamics of the meridian clock of the natural human rhythm of the day can assist in well being for our human chemistry.

An Introspective Outlook—Bulgaria.

2009-10-23T11:11:00.000+02:00

Leaving for a time to a country that expresses a different character, belief system, energy, and mind-set, and then returning to Bulgaria is providing an introspective outlook. The atmosphere of the winter's nest is private and mostly quite. It would make all the difference if the house were one kilometer out of the village. However, it is not; the house is within the village. Even though I live on a good street with nice neighbors, indeed though, the village is negative. I find it astonishing how the populace of a village, country, and culture can allow the powers of negativity to befall their personage. A clear result of watching negative passive television and utter boredom. Boredom leads to gossip. Gossip if not restrained leads into mocking, labeling, ridiculing; an unbridled tongue leads into a heart of jealousy and envy. Observing the negative entrainment of the Bulgarians generally, there is no wonder why this country progresses slowly. However, the negativity within the village is at an extreme.

The domination of the darkness (negativity) is an extremely powerful force. I have observed people experience an unwanted disagreeable situation and allowed the negative forces browbeat the unaware individual. Indeed, awareness of the powers behind the negative and positive energies is crucial. Yet, many individuals allow negativity into their lives through music, television, movies, and may choose atmospheres that the undercurrent of energy is an entrainment of negativity. It is an ironic concept, although affirmative. There are some people that prefer negativity, like a snake enjoying his dark hole. The predominant power of negativity within each area is a common theme throughout my travels, some locations are more unpleasant that are oppressed with a strong level of negativity. Contemplating that this whole world is under the domination of the wicked lower entities—the observation of negativity should not come as a surprise.

I am eagerly awaiting the cold winter; it will shut everyone inside. I will be set up to the point of having to head into the neighboring town once a week. This summer the village was slightly energetically draining, yet with school in session, and the cold slowly arriving everybody has slowed down wanting my attention. There are only a few situations that will force me to leave earlier than the spring: a kaput boiler, the water pipes freezing, or an allergy striking my senses. An allergy for myself is from an unfavorable atmosphere. Before I left Santa Cruz I was afflicted with an allergy for one year, which started exactly after my seven year mark of living in Santa Cruz. I found an acupuncturist that treated my system for a host of different allergies, however, this allergy was an atmospheric allergy that departed my chemistry once I departed from the area.

Even though there is a high percentage of negativity within the culture of Bulgaria, once a person is established, Bulgaria can be a pleasant place to reside. If a person wants to let their life pass-by like a mosquito bitting the behind of the flesh, then great, Bulgaria is for you; it is an easy place to let days just pass by eating sunflower seeds, and it seems like a twinkle of the eye. Having said that, it does depend on the disposition of the individual, for many expats Bulgaria is a great place to reside.

Back at the Winter Nest—Bulgaria.

2009-10-19T10:28:00.001+02:00

I am back at the winter nest in Bulgaria. After ten days, it is much colder and I did fire-up the wood burning stove. I can say that this stove will be extremely efficient, and burning coal is the ultimate; coal burns hotter and much slower than wood. My cat is extremely jubilant concerning my return; he stayed in the house all day mingling and fraternizing my legs and sleeping on my bed. However, the outdoor experience in the rain and chilliness is good for him. When I leave for a week in January, he will get a great experience of growth being out in the winter. The neighbor girls stopped over twice a day to feed him, and the five year old boy across the street didn't hang little Misty. I don't think the little brat could catch Misty, although he has caught birds and strung them around the neck for a slow death. One aspect about cats, they are incredible survivors in the cold, rain, and snow.

The discrepancies, culturally, between Turkey and Bulgaria is extraordinary, in the context that there is only a minor comparison. The main aspect of Turkey is the dogmatically positioned nature resulting from the powers of programed indoctrination of Islam—the positives and negatives exist. The Turkish people are pleasant and friendly, and Turkey is an easy country to visit compared to Egypt. From my village, Istanbul is only a six-hour bus ride. I did want to return to an area where I visited prior to grasp the perception of familiarity and the dynamics upon return to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a strange country in reference to the easy going cultural disposition. Bulgaria is refreshing after ten days among a dogmatically positioned culture. I've adverted to prior that once a person is set-up, and not need to cause a complication by accomplishing a task, or dealing with the bureaucracy of the country; Bulgaria is an amiable place to experience and dwell. I found it refreshing to return. Even my village, with the streets lined with cow shit, and many village dwellers ignorant and negative; the traditional lifestyle and familiarity of my neighbors, and their strange social behavior is a relaxed comical event. Although, after time spent, the atmosphere in Bulgaria transmutes. My English friends in the mountains commented concerning the impression of first arrival, return, or a continued stay. They live 16 kilometers from the town where I house sat for five weeks. When I visited two weeks ago, the beautifully isolated area is extremely refreshing. But, living there an extended time, the area can become oppressive because of its isolation and the dilatory progression of Bulgaria. The dynamic of the dilatory progression in Bulgaria is what causes a burdensome energetic undercurrent. However, the nonchalant mind-set—if balanced—is attractive, suitably, balance is the key, which is not always attained from the locals.

The positive side of the Bulgarian culture in respects to the humor, the friendliness, and lenient perspective stance I experience to be pleasant.

Excellent Cuisine—Konya!

2009-10-16T18:33:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I arrived in Konya enjoying some excellent cuisine. I met a nice guy from Belgian that travels a month at a time to different locations. He traveled Iran and loved it, and interesting enough, visited Somalia aside from other locations.

Taking the tram into town from the bus station, I met a very beautiful Turkish girl, she didn’t speak any English, however, I did say hello and introduced myself. One thing about a Muslim woman, I am convinced that they would make a very good wife and are very good at mothering children. Although, marrying a woman from a traditional culture includes the family. I am meant to live single, but it is just the concept. I have had plenty of opportunities to pursue a relationship with an interested onlooker of the Arab and Turkish cultures. The Muslim women are very loyal, and dedicated in marriage, except for a beauty loss as the age increases and possible weight gain. In contrast, the Eastern European women who can retain their completion as the age increases.

My perception in regards to travel has changed, although it has almost been two years since I departed America; the charm and drive wears off unless a person is trying to become popular or make money from traveling and blogging. This winter I will contemplate the best alternative direction to pursue. The biggest dilemma while traveling is my digestion; my digestion suffers because I am used to eating home cooked fresh food. Also, my writing suffers; this last month at the Bulgarian nest I accomplished much writing, and truly enjoy writing on a spiritual level. To effectively write within a spiritual level requires solitude, a daily routine, a quiet atmosphere. Actively traveling can be energetically depleting, and an exhausted chemistry inhibits effective cogitative thinking and writing.

I am contemplating on a lifestyle/traveling idea that might seem a little out of the ordinary, I will write in more detail this winter.

Tomorrow I am heading back to Istanbul and will be back in Bulgaria soon. I am looking forward to seeing my cat, if he survived the ordeal of staying outside, the girls in the village (I bought gifts for them) and cooking some lentils, rice and oats. The food in Koyna is the best in Turkey, however, to much meat. I am bringing an assortment of seeds (pumpkin and sunflower) and lots apple tea including some Turkish black tea back for the winter. The apple tea might have sugar, but no caffeine.

Traditional Turkish Food!

2009-10-12T11:29:00.002+02:00

Many readers might remember when I was in Urgup last year I posted a review on the Ailanpa Cafe & Wine House. I am back here enjoying grandmas home cooked traditional turkish cuisine.

A Return to Turkey!

2009-10-12T11:12:00.005+02:00

I crossed over the border to Turkey on Wednesday and arrived in Istanbul. I stayed two nights at a very loud hostel and took the 12 hour bus to Cappadocia. The border crossing was comical. The customs decided to check all the bags of the buses, we were held up at the border for two hours. I was very surprised what people pack into their bags. Lots of pork products and whiskey/Rakia the customs officer confiscated from the Bulgarians.

From all the hostels I have experienced from the last two years an interesting dynamic never fails to amaze me: Europeans, Asians, Arabs, and everyone that is non Brit and non-American never snore. The only people that I have experienced in the last two years that snore—loudly like a barking cow—are Americans, what is the emotional dynamic and disposition of this subject? This is not an absolute generality, only my personal experience.

The last six to seven months I have only visited with two different Americans in Bulgaria. I have met a variety of Americans in Istanbul and Cappadocia. A total head rush viewing the obscured disposition of emotional baggage Americans project. The brainwashing that causes fear and ignorance is predominate within the emotional reality and minds of Americans, and, of course, around the world. However, identifying the detrimental disposition of congested emotional baggage that the media is causing is astonishing. The problem is that the false propaganda that is taught, most Americans are stupid enough to believe the garbage—totally remarkable.

This type of experience snuffs out any desire to return to America.

The fearful disposition that is a predominate quality among the masses of humanity is the result of indoctrination of fallacious propaganda. —CE

A Variety Travel Blogs.

2009-09-24T13:20:00.004+03:00

I have been reading a variety of travel blogs since I departed America almost two years ago. There is information about a majority of locations that travelers blog about. However, there are few bloggers, compared to the norm, who will write about the cultural aspects of the country. Within the characteristics of a country, positive and negative exist, and, most bloggers refrain from writing about the negative. Many onlookers abstain to identify the mass negativity within the world because of fear and hopelessness encountering a lack of control over the dynamics of the world that produce a reality of paralyzed will. Some travel blogs are based on teaching or embedded within shallow tourist content, consequently, I speed read though many blogs. Yet, there are a few bloggers that produce excellent content.

One travel blogger that I follow is AndyHoboTraveler, traveling for 12 years, though returning to America on occasion for up to two weeks, his travel writing is realistic. This last spring/early summer Andy traveled a large part of Eastern Africa. Starting in Ethiopia and traveling by land down to Kenya. From reading about his description of reality concerning the level of envy and jealousy and want of heart among this region of Africa, I can say I have no desire to visit this location of the Globe. I think Andy’s blog stands out compared to the norm in relation to the content that he posts, except when he talks about himself. It is kind of comical, his writing skills are slightly poor, which he freely admits; however the realistic context of life situations among the different cultures is superior.

Traveling abroad for a substantial about of time—as a result of reading travel blogs—I can acquire a strong sense of the dynamics of a country. Once a person understands the underlining motivation of the inner heart, comprehending the context of dynamics of a region is not difficult.

Another travel blogger I mentioned prior is Steve is Lost. After motorcycling around India, he flew to Thailand to buy another motorbike and is biking around Asia. The bike “Sasha between his legs” died. Steve bought a another bike to continue the journey. Currently, Steve is enjoying lots of fishing in southeast Asia. The Southeast Asia route for travelers is similar; from the multitudes of blogs I read, most travelers have taken the same route. Steve’s style is a little different than your average traveler which is influencing my perspicacity of traveling Southeast Asia.

My previous strong interest traveling Southeast Asia has dwindled because of the touristic syndrome: the repetitious travel route, locations, and sites perceive as bland, except for the food, or course. Nevertheless, motor-biking around Asia is attractive.

Too add, Otts-world, a woman who left the corporate world to live as a nomad, and has been living in Saigon. She is currently in Mongolia posting excellent pictures. Her motorcycle tales of Saigon are quite comical. As Westerners, we seem to have a positive outlook, only to experience that the power of negativity has engulfed a culture, country, or village/town. Otts-world’s description of the small villages in Mongolia are appealing to read. I can just sense the level of negativity within the isolated villages in Mongolia.

A quote from Otts-World concerning a village in Mongolia: What I thought would be a nice respite from the harshness of ger living turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. However, being a culture junkie, I found the villages fascinating beyond belief. I always had the same thought run through my head, “Who in their right mind would live here?”

A Travel Around the World, a couple from England traveling for a year, finished parts of Southeast Asia, and New Zealand, and now is wrapping up Australia. New Zealand and Australia are popular destinations for the one year travelers. I enjoyed their visitation beach scenes while they were in Thailand, and they post good tips concerning the location and transportation. Looks like they will be visiting America during their around the world travel.

An American couple spent close to six months in New Zealand, in addition to Two Guys Around the World that visited down-under. The context that turns me off from the countries down-under is the peculiar frame of mind concerning alcohol. Ninety percent of people I met from down-under while traveling was preoccupied with a focus (obsession) on alcohol. Yet, the people I did met that refrained from the “party lifestyle” were extremely amiable individuals that possessed a disposition of depth relating to life. My percentage of interest about traveling Australia and New Zealand is a mixed bag. I am sure visiting the locals would have a different mind-set than the travelers.

A Pair of Panties and Boxers is traveling China. The enjoyable posts are insightful for any perspective traveler to China. I do admit, she writes some most comical posts about the dire reality of squat toilets.

“The one thing I absolutely loathe about China is the lack of Western toilets. Those hole-in-the-ground-you-have-to-pee-by-squatting apparatuses make me cringe every time. I’m a girl — how am I supposed to pee that way?” Five hours into the bumpy bus ride and two bottles of water later, I was bursting with thoughts of shiny automatic-flush toilets and marble sinks. Alas, what greeted me at the makeshift rest stop was an outhouse made out of mud and three little children asking for a 50 cents fee for using their “bathroom.”

I hurriedly deposited the coins into their eagerly awaiting palms before standing in line behind my fellow travelers. I held my breath in anticipation of the stench that will inevitably waft up my nostrils. When it was my turn to step behind the tiny cloth drape that doubled as the door, I realized why there was a such a long line to begin with; there were 3 ditches lined up next to one another, with the teeniest of mud walls to separate each one.
We, being Westerners, have an innate sense of privacy that non-Westerners don’t recognize. The shame of seeing each other with our pants down forced us to go in one at a time, while the locals watched us curiously and asked each other in Chinese “How come they can’t see that there are 3 stalls in there?!”

I do have a slight interest in visiting China more than other parts of Asia.

I have been following Intinerant Londoner through Central and South America. Geoff started his one year travels in Mexico and has been heading south this entire summer. He did the incredible Huayhuash circuit hike and posted some truly beautiful pictures. He experienced some disappointment in Bogota, but enjoyed Colombia. Many bloggers rave about Colombia—I have cultivated an interest in visiting Colombia. There are many other bloggers I follow that traveled through South America. My interest in South America has increased, possibly more so than Southeast Asia, maybe because of the Latin Dance scene.

Go See Run Eat Drink is bouncing around Europe including a short jaunt into Russia. She has been active with the Hash Walkers in different locations. You may recall I did a Hash walk when I was in Cairo. A few interesting mishaps have occurred that included her computer screen breaking in Denmark and losing her wallet in Barcelona (I cannot recall how many people lost their wallet in Barcelona). However, she is hanging in there and battling forward, which is admirable. My suggestion is to slow down, visit some small towns and take in some culture and landscapes—avoid the big cities for awhile.

You may be wondering about my future travels. On October 8th I will head to Istanbul to renew my Bulgarian Visa, possibly visit Cappadocia, I might stay two weeks in Turkey. This spring I will be heading to Poland in the car, which will allow me to camp along the way. Mostly what I bought for this house I will pack in my car. Not only for camping, but also if I decide to find a flat in a location of interest. After the summer road trip, I could return to Bulgaria for another winter, or move on and fly someplace—the moment will decided, and certainly within this moment, I will refrain from thinking about any details.

Continued Dynamics with DSL.

2009-09-17T14:09:00.002+03:00

I have inquired about the DSL on several occasions, and it looks as though it is a lost cause. The only company in the country "BTC" (American owned) that provides DSL seems to be changing their system, so even my neighbor that has an installed phone cannot receive a new service currently. I have investigated the mobile internet through the two different phone companies, I could get 12 GB for 60 Lev a month, although that is a costly monthly expense. There is an open wireless connection at the local cafe here in the village, aside from Uncle George’s house. There are also two different open connections in Parvomay. I will refrain from pursuing DSL for the home. In someways, I do prefer not having DSL in the home, I do get more offline work accomplished.

To continue with a few more dynamics of Bulgaria, observing the village is insightful and amusing. The neighbors are very friendly, but nosy based on curiosity. They continually bring over vegetables and fruit from their gardens. They view me as a guest and do observe myself as different, but with a curious outlook, they are perplexed that I will not own a TV. Like any other town or village, the gossip and boredom are at an extremely elevated level. The young kids suffer within the negativity; if they don’t get out of the village after high school they will never change. The negative dynamics of the village will forever keep them stuck within the sticky congested emotional baggage. Some families carry a labeled reputation. Because of the negativity, in addition to the suppression of free expression, the aging process is accelerated on a profound level.

I advert to prior that the progression is dilatory here in Bulgaria. The sluggish motivation of progression is baffled within a catch twenty-two process. Resulting from the fact that accomplishing projects and tasks are an onerous exhausting experience. And, the bureaucracy to accomplish a legal enterprise will instantly accelerate the aging process within an individual—the inner ambition of a new project becomes lethargic. The Bulgarians own their home and are established, starting a new adventure is subdued because of the cognition of the problematic Bulgarian system. Each country is embedded within a tangled confusing level of established bureaucracy or “Bureau-Crazy”. In many countries, this is the reality that the subjects are living under: without free opportunity, corrupted government that creates an entrainment of negativity, and a dominating nature that suppresses freedom of expression—each country experiences these dynamics within a different level.

The difficult nature to fulfill a project suppresses inner motivation and ambition. Thus, a catch twenty-two spiral creates an energy of slothfulness suppressing enthusiasm. Since I am set up for the winter I have no desire to start any other type of project.

I created few friends in Parvomay, one person who speaks good English that lived in London for three years. We meet to visit at the cafe each week. The friendship level in Bulgaria is amiable; getting to know people is kind of easy and sustaining. Parvomay is the medium size town 5 kilometers from the village. It is an amiable town that resides a different type energy that the village.

I will be heading to Istanbul in a couple of weeks for a new visa. I am not too sure if I want to attempt for the long term visa, I am tired of the hassles. However, I can also head out of the country in January in needed. Right now I will be here at the nest for the winter. Come spring, I will decided on the path to pursue.

A Few Dynamics of Bulgaria.

2009-09-14T13:23:00.002+03:00

Mitsy's favorite outside sleeping spot.

After a couple of weeks from being finished with the winter nest except for some small tasks, I cannot help from writing about my realistic view of Bulgaria. I did advert to before that Bulgaria is an easy going country. Indeed, there are laws and rules, but there is no comparison to the western countries. In addition, if an individual seeks to live the traditional life, this type of lifestyle is possible, including living slightly secluded. Taking in consideration the prices is relatively low, in respects to chosen items; Bulgaria may seem like an easy catch, positively, it did and still does to many English people.

Scrutinizing the context that everywhere positive and negative exists, as well to cultural discrepancies—considering the dynamics of the country is crucial before creating roots. Many British people have boughten houses here in Bulgaria and spent thousands of English pounds to experience they couldn’t finish the house, or they finished the house, but could not generate any income being forced to return to England. Moreover, the media in England portrays a picture of fantasy and romance concerning buying a house in Bulgaria. There is a vast contrast from the English cultural way next to the Bulgarian way, likewise, American verses the Bulgarian way—two different styles of life. Clearly, for many foreigners living in Bulgaria is amiable, however, the complaints are similar.

From life experience, and an introspective listing ear—there are a couple of subjects that are predominately negative here in Bulgaria. The first subject is that 75% of the population of workers are shoddy, careless, lazy, irresponsible who continually carry a negative attitude. It is one of the first negative characteristics I noticed here in Bulgaria. It is very difficult to accomplish a building project because the workers that weigh in with integrity are busy. The worthless worker will say he will do the job, but then not appear for a week, or if he does arrive for the job, the quality of work is amateurish. Considering the high level of alcoholism— motivating a person from their TV or morning beer is impossible. One reason for the lackadaisical mind set, all the villagers are established, they all own their home, each family has orchards and small farm animals. The small amounts of money most villagers receive is adequate for food, cigarettes, and booze.

Winter Wood.

Experiencing the “ultra difficult task” of getting this small house ready for the winter—the exceedingly arduous work of restoring or building a home here in Bulgaria would be a fruitless worthless undertaking: financially, emotionally, and most importantly—spiritually. An interesting fact is that the work out here is tough taxing work, people that are in their 70’s look as if they are in their 90’s.

The second subject is the dilatory progressive nature of Bulgaria. Ideas and projects happen slowly out here in Bulgaria, the smallest tasks, such as getting DSL hooked up, can take three or four months. A major dynamic is the negative attitude concerning work, the 75% worthless workers don’t do their job well, the cause and effect create a catch twenty-two problematic atmosphere within the country, although subtle. The slow rhythmic progression of Bulgaria causes an effect of a passive, uninspired, humdrum brain; besides, any slight behavior—out of the ordinary—is viewed as “deranged” within the village—the suppression of free expression is excessive.

The third subject is in respects to the imported goods that Bulgaria purchases—80% of the goods imported are cheaply manufactured garbage from China and Turkey—absolute junk. The quality items are at an inflated price because of the lack of competition. The determination will require spending lots of money to repair a house with quality materials next to cheap stuff that will break in due time and cause a major headache.

A principal positive feature of Bulgaria is that the fear level is low compared to the west, and there is no connection to Israeli propaganda, except within the media, which I avoid.

The Local Anthill.

These three facts of reality of Bulgaria would create gray hair at an accelerated rate by attempting to build or rebuild a house, a venture that is pointless according to my personality. I visited with the cousin of neighborly George who lived in Ireland for six years. They moved back to Bulgaria and built a major greenhouse complex growing cucumbers. They speak fluent Bulgarian, and they experienced a difficult time in the beginning because they didn’t know anyone here in the village. It took two years to build the greenhouse complex with gray hairs added.

A close up of the anthill.

There are other features I will write about at a later time about the dynamics of Bulgaria.

Mouse Hunting, Tile, and Wood.

2009-09-07T10:06:00.002+03:00

Saturday, Sonya’s dad installed the tile in the shower room and entryway; a major help, plus they are selling me a wood stove at a great price. In addition, they are helping me get DSL into the house, possibly through the grandparent’s house across the street since they have a phone. Sonya’s family is very amiable, reliable people. Indeed, the reliable compared to the worthless are a minority, however, the responsible, genuine individuals, even though few, are exemplary.

An interesting concept among the neighborly help is that the neighbor that hooked up the hot water heater and fixed the gate did the work for free, in addition to giving me tomatoes and peppers. And, Sonya’s dad did not charge nor will he accept any money, although I am taking out the family for dinner some night. The plumber and big fat george that never showed saved me some money.

Last Thursday, the task of accomplishing a couple of cubic meters of wood out to the house occurred. The wood is not cut small, it’s cut at a meters length. In addition, they just dumped the wood in front of the house. The kids came through again, and helped move the wood into the yard. I took them out for pizza because they helped paint the windows and moved the wood. Neighborly George said he would help cut the wood with his chainsaw.

It is interesting observing how the kids are easily entertained. The smallest invention, like rolling up the used masking tape into a “baseball” and setting a bucket in the distance and throwing the ball in—exciting stuff. The boredom rules over the villages and towns; individuals do lack creative thought of what to do—television is a major cause, thinking of gathering to play volleyball or softball doesn’t happen; yet, no different from any other town/village around the globe. The kids that have taken a liking to me are positive, and they do avoid the kids that are negative in the village.

There has been a small mouse running around the winter house. His escape routes were under the door, which the newly installed tile closed it off by narrowing the gap, and the shower and sink drains. I knew the mouse was in the house, so I closed off the drains. The kitten (I haven’t decided on a name yet) noticed the little scoundrel, although cute. Totally—the hunt, chase, play, and kill was a scene from Tom & Jerry, except for that Jerry never gets killed in the cartoon. A big addition to the story, another mouse came up from the drain after the first mouse was terminated, and the attack from the kitten was outstanding. My new juvenile kitten is on high mouse alert! I have a few names in mind, snoozer, snuggles, or maybe MT, for “Mouse Terminator”. After this episode of two kills, he caught a moth, too. This night has been an excellent time observing nature in action. Catching the two mice, I notice a soar in confidence in the kitten, he has been sitting at the “kill corner” all night.

A New Kitten—and a Finished Awning!

2009-09-03T10:29:00.006+03:00

From the picture you can observe the awning finished, it turned out OK, this next spring I will reinforce it, however until November it should be a solid structure against the wind. The awning measures somewhat large, at 5.5 by 4 meters. In addition, today it rained and the water drained off of the awning properly.

I decided to just place rugs in the winter house/summer kitchen. Accomplishing things out here has been so difficult that I decided not to install a floor; the rugs will be work well for the winter, and next spring I will decide if I want to install some type of floor. The energy is amiable, and the kitchen house is a great summer nest. I have made some nice friends and they all like the energy of my atmosphere.

The neighbor friends gave me a kitten; a cute little rascal as you can see from the above picture, and young enough to train to ride in the car. Basically, I have become familiar with five different girls and one ten-year old boy. The boy speaks good enough English to translate and many of the girls sought out his assistance for an introduction. There are three girls who are sisters, 14, 16, 18; the 18 year old seems crazy about me. Then another female friend joins along. Then the neighbor across the street, their great granddaughter (Sonya) visits occasionally from Parvomay, she speaks the best English of the bunch and translates. However, the boy who is ten, just stays out in the village with the grandparents during the summer and on the weekends during school, he lives in Plovdiv; once he leaves we will be out of a translator except for when Sonya visits. However, the interactions with the village can be energetically draining; the cold weather and school starting will slow the interaction down. It is very interesting observing the boredom among society. My immediate next door neighbor (George) is a very nice person, he has helped with a few things once he noticed that help from the brother ended, which worked out for the best. I bought an English Bulgarian dictionary, and this book is a great help for translation purposes with the neighbor. This next Saturday, Sonay’s dad will be installing the tile in the shower room and entryway. Big fat George in the village never showed for the tile, similar like the plumber guy. This is one dynamic that makes me ill, people saying they will do something but then avoiding, without any communication. The lack of integrity is pitiful among humanity around the world, although the girls that I have become friends with are reliable. Yesterday, they came over to help paint the windows and have tea, plus they will fed the cat when I head out for a holiday occasionally.

It seems like some people have the impression that I bought a house here in Bulgaria? I have not bought a house or any land, yet. I will be writing about the experience of getting this house set up, and if I will buy a house or some land here in Bulgaria in the future.

Final Phase—Bulgarian Nest.

2009-08-23T14:01:00.001+03:00

I have been working hard accomplishing the task of getting ready for the winter out at the house. This last week I accomplished the pluming in the shower room, the project was kind of difficult; however, the shower completed and I completed the pluming myself without being able to speak the language. The neighbor hooked up the electric to the water heater, the boiler is electric and wood burning.

This week the Rakia is ready to be processed for distillation, and I will finish the awning by the end of this week. The floor will be installed soon. After the floor is in then I will buy this nice wood burning stove that has an oven and install it, and then finish the windows.

This process has been an experience and I have a different perception about buying a house. In addition, the lack of assertiveness among different cultures is astounding. The plumber in the village said he would do the plumbing but never showed, he kept saying “tomorrow”, however he could not express that he did not really want to do the job—I deicide to tackle the job myself.

The different cultural dynamics from cultural to cultural is interesting; however there is always a common level of qualities among humanity.

My neighbors are very nice, there is a constant flow of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and some grapes. Everyone has grape vines in the village, however not for making wine, just for eating.

Still Working—Posting Soon.

2009-08-17T18:03:00.002+03:00

I should be posting soon, I am on one of the final phases at the house.

MoonShining in Bulgaria!

2009-08-11T11:53:00.004+03:00

The last few days we accomplished much out at the house. We hired a friend that works with plaster. He plastered, smoothed, and painted the walls of the winter house. We also got the poles for the shade awning into the ground.

Getting the walls complete was a lot of help and very affordable, it would have cost the same to buy quality tools for the job. After the shower plumbing is installed, we will only need to paint the inner door and frame, and the windows and frames. Then we can focus on the flooring.

We decided to pick all of the plumbs and make Rakia. We picked 15 buckets of plumbs and added 39 kilos of sugar mixed with water which will yield about 50 liters of booze. I am not a big drinker, and Bulgarian rakia is something to be respectful of because of the high alcohol percentage. However, it makes a great bartering item. We might have some mulberry and oak barrels constructed and age the rakia for 3 months for a nice wood barrel flavor. I never thought I would be moonshining in Bulgaria.

We are also contemplating on getting some bees to make honey, two hives would be good to start. We visited a friend in a different town that has a long row of bee hives that produce about three tones of honey a year. Interesting enough this town is where the oldest tree in Europe stands which was planted around 350 BCE.

The winter house/shower room/summer kitchen.

Buying a few sheep to make cheese, and some hens for eggs would be nice, but I don’t want to get in over my head with too many projects, the garden will be plenty or work to maintain next year.

A Relaxed Atmosphere—Bulgaria.

2009-08-02T13:54:00.004+03:00

I bought this 3D map of Bulgaria.

Staying here in Bulgaria there are many aspects I prefer than in my home country. The easy going, relaxed atmosphere is related with non-enforced laws. Jivko asked me if he could drink some beer in the car while driving to the house— I asked it is legal? He said yes, any passenger can drink alcohol in the car. Even the driver may have a beer as long as his or her alcohol blood levels stay under a certain level.

I mentioned the laws in America concerning an "open bottle" in addition, that a person would rather not use a used beer bottle for water in their car because they could be accused for an open bottle of alcohol, and that nobody in the car is allowed to drink. Here in Bulgaria a person can enjoy a beer in a park, beach or wherever. I can produce my own wine or Rakia, which is made from plums and sell it at the local outside market on Saturdays. In America, The UK, and mostly Western Europe these activities are illegal.

These two pictures is of the dog I pet sat along with the parrot.

There are several other aspects I like about Bulgaria, an important aspect is that nobody tries to over charge me compared the countries I traveled including Greece.

The longer I am away from the United States the more I am observing the cultural congested baggage that people are stewing in; setting undo amount of rules and laws upon the populace is causing a repressive nature, which, in turn, causes discontentment and the crime rate to increase.

The crime rate seems kind of low here in Bulgaria, but I certainly don’t pay any attention. The only thing I notice is the police will stop people for speeding and check if the paperwork for the car is up to date. None of the police can speak English so they just let me pass.

Within the villages there is no police force whatsoever.

The Heat is Rising—Bulgaria.

2009-07-31T11:10:00.004+03:00

Here are some pictures of the house. The winter dwelling place with the running water and shower room is the white building with the window, which is detached from the summer house.

The last week I have been slowly working out at the house within the summer heat. Jivko will head out with me on Monday and Tuesday to help paint and get the plumbing up in the shower room. The last week worked out well being at the house alone, I got a good feel of the area and I think I will really enjoy living at the house. On the property there are four different types of plum trees, one apricot tree, one cheery tree, one late peach tree, and two walnut trees. The garden area is well over 200 square meters.

We started painting, so all we will have to do is set up the plumbing in the shower room, lay the tile in the whole house, and then paint the windows.

The Huge Walnut Tree.

In the mean time we are building a wooden shade area which we will plant a grape vine. I will put a tarp over the wooded frame for the time being, or possibly cover it with wood beams.

I will be researching how to preserve the fruits for the winter. I will plant lots of herbs—the first thing is to plant some mint, although there is some low grade wild mint in the year near the ant hill. There is a huge ant hill against the fence. We cleared out a dormant ant hill, which consisted a major amount of sand. As you can see from the pictures the walnut tree is huge.

This is a picture of the Parrot I was pet sitting.

I am contemplating on setting up a process to catch the rain water into a 1000 liter bin and pump it out for the garden including the water from the well. There is really no other way to water the garden. I am not to sure how we are going to plow, we might try to man powered style, if that fails then we might ask the neighbors if they have a horse or donkey to pull the plow.

I should have more pictures posted soon.

Quick Outing Today—Hisar.

2009-07-16T13:35:00.003+03:00

A quick outing today. Zhivko and I went to inquire about the car registration, I guess I need a Bulgarian ID before changing it into my name. So on Monday we will head to Plovdiv, and the lawyer will have ready the paper work for the company and the paper work for the ID. It will be nice to have a Bulgarian ID. We will also inquire about the DLS for the house in Plovdiv. Then we will get the car registered in a few days, most likely in Parvomay, although they said I have until the end of August when the insurance needs to be updated into my name to register the car.

We did get the oil, oil filter, and air filter changed in the car. It is always a good feeling to have clean oil in the car, I insist to run clean oil. However, quality oil is expensive here in Bulgaria.

In September I will inquire about the long term visa in Sofia, and find out if I have to go out of the country to a Bulgarian embassy or not.

This weekend we have some couch surfers staying with us here in Hisar.

A Productive Two Days.

2009-07-15T20:57:00.003+03:00

The last two days have been very productive. Boris’s mom came out the village, we had to figure out the water and she paid the tax for the next couple of years on the house, I am holding on to the receipts. One thing in Bulgaria, concerning the car, the company, and whatever else, the tax needs to be paid first, and then everything gets done, however the tax is very cheap.

Yesterday, a local plumber fixed the water problem and now the water is flowing; the well also has water deep down into the ground, but not for drinking. The last two days we cleared out all the junk in the summer house, and a guy with a horse drawn wagon hauled it away. We also found the stash of wood and coal, bag loads of coal, and plenty of wood, I might just buy two cubic meters of wood to be on the safe side for this winter.

The big expenses, I thought, (wood stove, boiler, and wood/coal) will not be an expense. I will have the plumber change the piping in the shower room and buy a new shower head. What a giant help Boris’ mother has been getting the summer house cleaned out, the dry kitchen was the worst. Boris’ mother lives in Greece and is leaving to go back home on Friday. Aneta (Boris’ cousin) showed me around the town that is 5 kilometers away.

I will be staying in Hisar until Monday, taking a break. Zhivko (Boris’ bother) will head out on Monday, for the week with me to the house. We will prepare the summer room to sleep in, cut the grass and put up a shade awning, and start painting, tiling, and put in new piping in the shower room. Then we will paint and tile the winter room and entryway. Tomorrow in Hisar, Zhivko and I will get the car registered, switch the insurance into my name, and order the DSL for the house; I also need to get the oil changed in the car. We will also look for a weed whipper and an awning, and a few other supplies.

I am so happy to have the summer house cleaned out. When I saw the multiple bags of coal that is located in a locked room by the winter house, my eyes lighted up, also there is tons of paper and cardboard to start the fire this winter. There is a chicken coop in the back, it would be nice to have some chickens. I could get some eggs and at some point in time cutting off a chicken’s head, butchering his ass, and make some fresh organic chicken soup—it’s a long shot.

If you are a control freak, avoid moving to a foreign country. One thing I have learned is that the people here know their country, and village, and what works best—trust is essential. The plumber uses horse hair against the threads to prevent a leakage. I was kind of surprised when the horse wagon pulled into the yard. I must say, Boris’s mother found the right connections in the village. Uncle George (Aneta’s dad who is Boris’ grandfathers brother, who built the summer house) says he will stop by for some tea on a regular basis. He is a really nice guy, although it seems like he thinks I understand the language. Some of the locals just talk, and talk, I just nod my head the Bulgarian style.

I met the neighborly drunk, I think he excited that I might have a TV, sorry, not where I live, his mother is bent at the waste. The old people that are bent at the waste is from chronic farming.

Working on the House!

2009-07-13T19:22:00.003+03:00

The last two days I have been working on the house in Belya Reka. Yesterday, Boris had the day off and we moved everything out of the winter house. The winter room with an attached shower room will be my main dwelling area. I will also have a nice outdoor patio area; I will be creating an yawning for shade.

The summer house is where I will store stuff, and possibly fix it up, we will see. The winter house with the kitchen and shower is the priority. The winter house has a sink and running water. I have decided to use the wood/coal burning hot water heater. There is no point about buying a new one. I will just fire up the wood burning boiler every evening for a shower and to wash dishes. Boris said that his grandmother was very proud about having the wood/coal burning boiler, so it just hit me like a light, create good energy and make the late great grandmother proud.

I have the room totally cleaned out, and can observe what needs to be updated. I need to do some plastering, patching some of the walls. I think I will tile the whole house—the living space (7 meters square), shower room (3 meters square, and entryway (2 meters square). Boris’ mom supplied many things for the house, a wood burning stove for the winter, an electric cooking stove and oven, a gas burning stove; I do prefer to cook on a gas stove. They also sent a good futon mattress and there is a lot of bedding there that needs to be cleaned. Laying tile will provide coolness in the summer and a lot less dust.

The villagers are really nice, the uncle stopped over and pulled out a few nails. The guy from the cafe stopped by to say hi and helped me move a few things. Also, the neighbor across the street stopped by and gave me a couple of apples. I really like the energy of the village so far, and it feels very relaxed. The big town, only 5 kilometers away, provides everything.

Right now I am driving back and fourth to sleep in Hisar, and I can say Hisar is a wonderful relaxed area. Once I am settled I will start posting pictures and more information about Bulgaria—stay tuned.

House Sitting Completed.

2009-07-10T16:50:00.003+03:00

I just arrived in Hisar, Boris' family town, his brother lives here, and the flat is where they grew up. Yesterday I drove up to the northern border to get a new three month visa, and then stayed one more night at the house sitting place. Today drove to Hisar across the highest mountain pass in Bulgaria; the car is running great.

Hisar is known for excellent natural spring water. Historically, a walled Roman settlement existed, which the ruins of the walls still stand, also an area where the Roman Emperor visited to rest. I do agree, Hisar is a relaxing area.

I will began getting the house ready where I will be living, which is only 75 kilometers from Hisar, I should have DSL hooked up soon at the house.

We're Cruising in Bulgarira with ClearlyEnlight.Info

2009-07-05T13:12:00.006+03:00

I bought a car from the couple I house sat for in May. We took care of the paper work on Friday, all I need to do is get it registered within two weeks. The car is a French made Peugeot that runs diesel getting excellent gas mileage, a great running car.

Plus I will be launching a web site offering my services building affordable Websites this fall. I have my first customer, and will start to build a website advertising two different holiday homes.

Looks like I will not have to head to Sofia, Boris deicide to move into a different flat in Sofia, so he move all my stuff, and stuff for the house, to his brothers which is about 75 kilometers from the house I will be living at this winter.

I just need to head to the border of Romania and get a new three month visa, first.

I have launched The Insight Guide at ClearlyEnlight.info, I understand that many readers may not be interested in the context of the subject, although if you could take a look at the design work that would be great, leave a comment if you like. The in-depth articles each have their own home page, if needed check out the Site Map to navigate.

I will update the Insightful Compositions once in a while and will be adding the rss reader feeds soon.

Parrots in Bulgaria.

2009-06-26T09:43:00.003+03:00

One week of house sitting completed with the Orange Wing Parrot and the large Bulgaria sheep dog. Another week an a half of house sitting and then I decided to visit Romania for a few days, then head back to Sofia and get another three month visa.

The first time a non-EU resident applies for the long term visa for Bulgaria, they want the person to head out of the country and attain the visa at an Embassy. I don't have the paper work with me to get the long term visa in Romania, although I thought of taking a small holiday in October. So I will start getting the house ready for the winter and get settled during August and September and then visit Macedonia and maybe another country and get the long term visa while I an visiting.

I really enjoy being around a parrot again, it has been a long time. While I lived in Ohio I did some Parrot rescue and did some breeding. I will most likely get a Parrot, I did find a breeder in Greece. I will wait to see if I find the right type of property to buy before buying a Parrot.

I must say it is really different not blogging on my own computer. Once I get back to Sofia I will be loading up a couple of new websites and revealing my plan how to bring in some income. Many English people are forced to go back to England after living Bulgaria for awhile because it is very difficult to make any money. However the variety of things I will be pursuing I think will work out just fine.

I most likely will not be able to post any pictures until I get back to Sofia.

By the way, I woke up early this morning with Michael Jackson vividly on my mind and was shocked to notice on the Internet that he died.

Arrived to House-Sit.

2009-06-20T09:00:00.003+03:00

I arrived at the house to care for the parrot and the dog. We coulden't find the password for the wireless Interent for my computer, but I can the home owners computer for the Internet.

I should be posting soon.