Today we are interviewing Graham Turnbull a fellow expat, that divides his time between London and Plovdiv, a passionate about hiking and proudly making his valuable contribution to Bulgarian society.
Name and nationality:
Graham Turnbull, British/Irish dual nationality.
Tell us a bit about you?
I’m a hiker and entrepreneur by heart with a background mainly in property investment and development. I’ve had a lifelong love of hiking which has led me to start Outdooraholics – an International hiking company providing trips across Europe
What do you do in Bulgaria?
I spend 1 to 2 weeks per month in the city under the hills running Outdooraholics from our Plovdiv office. After work, you’ll find me in Kapana and other nooks and crannies around Plovdiv and also explore the incredible natural beauty of the Bulgarian countryside. I also have a passion for playing my small part in the development of Plovdiv and am involved with several initiatives here such as running free monthly interview/CV skills days from our office, setting up and running the popular monthly expat drinks and being one f the founder members of the International Rotary Club in Plovdiv (only the 2nd International i.e. English speaking Rotary club in all of Bulgaria)
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I visited Bulgaria years ago to explore this wonderful country for 2 weeks and fell in love with the people, the way of life and the most amazing natural beauty that really is Europe’s undiscovered gem. Having researched the business growth and economic development of Plovdiv, I saw the future potential and set up the office of Outdooraholics here in 2015. Bulgarian trips have become a focus for us, last year we ran 5 trips to Bulgaria from the UK with foreign customers. There’s a strong interest in the country, so we will expand our trips here as we set up our own Guest House here as well as starting a local tour operator to help bring others to Bulgaria to discover the wonderful hiking opportunities here
What do you like about your country?
Honestly – there is too much to list! The people, the energy, and change that is happening at a rapid pace, the greatly contrasting seasons, the over 8000 years of history here, the fantastic contrast in culture and way of life compared to Western Europe, being able to witness and play a very small part in the development of this country
What differences do you see in your country and Bulgaria?
Plovdiv is a wonderful contrast to my home city of London. The pace of day to day life is more laid back in Plovdiv, which I enjoy as well. I would say that in the UK, people respect more their heritage and local achievements. Strangely, Bulgarians value foreign more than local and I don’t see the reason for that, I meet many Bulgarians in London who are really excited about being away from Bulgaria, but really, I think many people miss some of the great opportunities here. I like Bulgarians’ openness to others and how easy it is to make new contacts and friendships in Bulgaria wherever I go, I love the family values and loyalty here, the safety and lack of drinking culture and the rapid pace of change here
What do you like about Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is really one of the greatest undiscovered gems of Europe! Needless to say, I love its mountains and never miss a chance to hike during my visits. I’m glad I’ve made Plovdiv my second home, with its culture-steeped streets, the Old Town, Kapana, great food and friendly people!
Which was the most difficult document/permission for you to get when you move to Bulgaria?
The bureaucracy here is pretty high and can sometimes be frustrating, things that are simple at home like changing ownership of a car which takes a few minutes takes up to half a day here of form filling and notary visits. There isn’t anything in particular, but sometimes the bureaucracy can be frustrating
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria
This is a hard one – it’s not a specific thing, but probably the best ongoing experience I’ve had here is that with the people who have been on the whole very welcoming, helpful and trustworthy towards a foreigner who’s settled here.
Do you speak other languages?
I speak English and I will be learning a bit of Bulgarian.
Have you visited other countries?
I’ve been across much of Asia – India a few times, Thailand, Cambodia, I’ve visited virtually every country in Europe and a few in Africa. I particularly love road trips and last summer drove across Europe to Bulgaria on a great 2-week adventure
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
Bring your ideas and make things happen here – there’s plenty room for growth and development. Also, connecting with your local expats’ community will go a long way. Definitely, find trusted partners and embrace the different way of life here!
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