by Dr Annie Kay
Dr Annie Kay has been a regular visitor to Bulgaria since 1974. Annie has deeper knowledge of Bulgarian history, nature and cultural traditions than many Bulgarians. She is Chairman of The British-Bulgarian Society, an organisation aiming to promote friendship, understanding and cultural relations between the people of Britain and Bulgaria. In 1996, Annie set up the British-Bulgarian Society’s programme for tours by interests to Bulgaria. She is the author of the Bradt Guide to Bulgaria.
I have owned a flat in Sofia for ten years and visit as often as I can.
In a lifetime of visits, it’s hard to choose just one memory. However, some experiences have been repeated many times, these are examples of Bulgarian hospitality to strangers.
Over the years I have often had to stop to ask the way, frequently the person I asked has come with me to show me, or taken their own car and offered to lead me to my destination.
When I was travelling with my small son (many years ago!) whenever we stopped at a roadside cafe, he would be given bags of cherries, packets of biscuits and all kinds of gifts from people we had never met before.
Some of the tours I organise regularly visit certain areas and some of the leaders have made friends with local people. Their annual arrival is greeted with enthusiasm and the latest village news is exchanged: a marriage, newborn babies and tales of bumper crops of fruit and vegetables. Jars of honey or jam, giant pumpkins, home-made wine and even (once!) a live chicken have been offered as parting gifts. Dobre doshli indeed!
*Dobre doshli! means Welcome! in Bulgarian.
Huge thanks for warm feelings.