In this edition of Expat Stories, we had the opportunity to know the experiences in Bulgaria of Peter, that decide to move from the UK to Bulgaria following a tip from a friend, and they are already 10 years in the country.
Peter is also an active member of the Expat community, he is
Name and nationality:
Peter Hughes, Welsh
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
This our 10th winter here, I am a retired Professional Dog Trainer most of my work was Training Scent Detection Dogs for Narcotics, Explosives, Illegal Immigrants, Mobile Phones (In Prisons) and many more. Much of the work was for National Agencies in the UK and Overseas.
I am also an International Dog Show Judge, my main breed is The Rottweiler, in fact here in Bulgaria my house male Paco Blackrossesrot is a Bulgarian National Champion and a Grand Balkan Champion.
We live in the Village of Rogozina in North East Bulgaria. My Wife Dot along with the rest of our Dogs 2 Bulgarian Street Dogs who we rescued, 2 Chihuahua`s and 1 Jack Russel Terrier as well as 10 chickens.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
We wanted to retire but we knew that if we had stayed in the UK we would have had to keep working, myself because I could not say No to Dog Training work, and also we worked security for events in UK and it was becoming more and more dangerous. We came to Bulgaria as a friend told us about the country, we came we saw and we liked the People the Country and the way of life and have been here nearly 10 years
What do you like about your country of origen ?
The UK of today is not the UK that we knew, we could not see it getting better only worse, Bulgaria is like the UK of 50 years ago
What was the most dificult bureocratic procedure you have undergone so far in Bulgaria?
I was a Free Mason in the UK and have joined 2 Free Mason Lodges here in Bulgaria ( 1 Bulgarian Lodge and 1 English speaking Lodge in Balchick) and with the help of my brothers in these lodges, we have had no problem with procedures in Bulgaria.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria :
As a Free Mason raising money to pay for refurbishment of the Children’s Wards at Balchick Hospital, and other Charity work.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
English and Welsh
What countries have you been to?
Russia, France Germany, Poland, Australia, China, Jamaica Barbados, Brazil, Sth Africa, Venezuela, Argentina Suriname USA Hungary Romania
How is your business going?
Is doing good, I still do some consultation work in the UK
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
Research, research and more research and then when you get here Integrate into your locality.
Thank you very much Peter for taking the time and share your experience with all of us!
