In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
I wish you all the best. Take your time and make a good evaluation of the pros and cons of every property you visit. I also wish you luck and that you may find the place that is right for you as soon as possible. We also lived in Marbella (Puerto Banus) for several years. I had a great time, but it was not what I wanted for the rest of my life.
Good luck!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
What an adventurous life you lead!
If you could tell us what it was about Spain and Bulgaria which made you feel they weren't the right places for you, maybe someone wll come up with some suggetsions of what to avoid/what to look for in Italy. I'd be fascinated to know a bit about how UK ex-pats get on in Bulgaria - whats the food like, what's the language like, for starters!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We were close to Marbella in Spain, say no more, and all the stereotypical brits abroad were there, supplied with their english breakfasts, english newspapers- basically no foreign atmosphere etc, etc.
Bulgaria is quite different, a country emerging from very hard communist times, basic in facilities and a very hard country to live in if you like reliable services ie. water & electricity. It is a poor country and wages and expectations of the Bulgarians are still low. A friend of ours girlfriend has just got a job as a secretary in a national food producer in Varna -probably the most expensive city in BG, her salary is just 200 euros per month. A teachers salary has just been increased to 225 euros per month from 150 euros per month afer industrial action, with a further 20% increase promised for September 2008. Most items in shops are similar in price to southern Italy, but the normal Bulgarians don't shop they grow their own food, bottling it for the winter. They live in one room in the winter to save on energy which is very expensive. Our electric bill for Nov & Dec was 311 euros and we were in the UK for 3 [SIZE=1]1/2[/SIZE] weeks during that period. The food is good, mainly organic but totally seasonal, very little imported, but the quality of vegetables in supermarkets is poor nearly always past ther prime.
On the positive side the people are friendly and once you get past the communist panel high rise blocks the countryside is pleasant enough although litter is becoming a problem.
Eating out is cheap mainly grilled meats and excellent salads - the quality of food in restaurants greatly exceeds that of the supermarkets .
The language is very difficult - the cyrillic alphabet does not lend itself to easy learning and deduction of words by sight is impossible.
We would not have missed the experience of either country, but we think Italy may have what we are looking for.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
hi marbella
my wife and i have just bought a place in rosciano(abruzzo) and hope to move out full time shortly.we looked at loads of places in the area,so if we can be of help,let us know.
good luck
simon
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Simon
Thanks for your offer gladly accepted, perhaps you could PM some of your advice or recommendations.
Peter
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We got so close to buying in Ojen just north of Marbella.It was touch and go between there and Sardinia.God I'm pleased we picked here!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We lived in Ojen at top the of village opposite car park - yes I think you definitely made right decision!!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Yes I know just where you mean.We always stayed at La Posada Del Angel and where going to buy one of the houses close by.
When we first went no one really spoke English all the menus where just in Spainish god that soon changed!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Hiya I have sent you a list of Estate Agents I have bookmarked.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Thank you turtle.
Hi
I hope you will be bowled over by the difference!
Home at Last?
Best wishes
[url=http://www.tuscanyfortwo.com]Tuscanyfortwo.com[/url]
ps We spent three months driving around this area looking for our house. When we did eventually find it, and I said how lucky we had been our dear friend said " it nothing to do with luck, you worked hard enough!" Good Luck