Today we want to share with you the history of our new friend Olga, who after a vacation fall in love with Bulgaria, leave the impressive Moscow to start a new life Bulgaria, where she successfully develops as a professional Stand Up Comedian and much more…
Name and nationality:
Olga Pavlova, Russian.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do
I am a digital marketer, writer, editor, graphic designer. I worked in InStyle and Conde Nast Traveller magazines in Moscow. Several years ago I graduated from the London School of Journalism. I’m also a stand-up comedian.
Oh, that’s interesting! Why did you decide to do stand up?
I think stand up perfectly sums up everything I like doing: telling stories, joking, showing off…I mean acting. It’s funny, but also serious and honest. To me, there’s some psychology and even philosophy there. It’s a performance where you are the main character and your life is the script. It might seem easy, but it’s not.
For how long have been you doing stand up?
For almost a year and a half. In January 2018 I took part in Open mic in Sofia for the first time. It was organised by Inside joke Stand Up Comedy group, and now I’m a part of the group. We have Open mic in English every month, it’s free, everyone can come and participate. The next one will be on the 13th of May at Bar Amok. We will also have the paid show Bulgarians vs Aliens on the 23rd of May at Studio 5. This show has been a great success, and now we are planning to organize it in other cities apart from Sofia as well.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I came here for a holiday with my mom, and we loved everything about it: the weather, nature, food, people and of course, prices. We moved here permanently in 2015.
What do you like about Russia?
Russian culture is truly world class, and Russians are very strong and intelligent. While living in Moscow I met incredible people: unbelievably smart, well-educated, sensitive, but tough and perfectly good looking. And when I say “people” I mostly mean girls working in media. They are real superheroes. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.
What are some differences between your country and Bulgaria?
The weather, definitely. In Moscow we have winter for 6 months, it’s not for everyone. Also, the way of living is much more relaxed here.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
I like beautiful small towns: Balchik, Melnik, Koprivshtica. I like Baba Marta, musaka, banitsa, horo, home-made wine, warm-hearted people. I like buying fresh bread in the small shop where the girl smiles at me. I like sitting in the cafe at the seashore when it’s warm and the wind is mild. I really enjoy my life here.
What was the most difficult bureaucratic procedure you have undergone so far in Bulgaria?
It’s just a standard procedure I go through every year to prolong my residence permit at the immigration service, but somehow it’s still difficult. They often ask for some additional documents, and it’s a new challenge every time.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria
I had a lot of those, really. I traveled, I met wonderful people, I was working in international companies with real professionals, I started my business. I managed to find a place to rent in Sofia, and this is something I consider one of the greatest accomplishments in my life.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
English and Bulgarian.
What countries have you been to?
I lived in London for several months, I’ve been to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia.
How is your business going?
I have a company, I provide digital marketing services in English and Russian: social media, SEO copywriting, design, video marketing.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
Plan everything carefully, think about different aspects of your life here in advance. Where do you want to live, in Sofia or some small town at the sea? Where will you work? How are you going to spend your free time?
Do your research, read about other people’s experience. Maybe you know someone who has already moved here, or maybe your friends know such people. Find foreigners who moved to Bulgaria in Internet and ask for their advice. Foreigners in Sofia and Friends is a great group on Facebook, very helpful.
Learn the language, the sooner the better. There is a great international community in Bulgaria, and in big cities people know English, but you will live much more interesting life if you understand and speak Bulgarian.
Talk to locals, make friends with them, they will help you to discover amazing things about the country.
How people can get in touch with you?
I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oy.pavlova
This is my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/olgastandup/
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgastandup/
We want to thank Olga for taking the time to share her experience in Bulgaria with Foreigner BG, and we wish you success and good luck!
