Today we have the pleasure to share with you all the story of Daniel Krasselt, from Eichstätt, Germany, that came to Bulgaria during a university Spring break, without to know much about Bulgaria, and after a few years has moved permanently to Sofia, Bulgaria.
Name and nationality:
Daniel from Eichstätt, Germany. 23 years old
Tell us a bit about you and what you do:
I’m originally coming from Eichstätt, Germany, a small handsome town in the heart of Bavaria. In Munich, I have studied sports, event and media management and now I am working in the online advertising sector here in Sofia for an international company.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I came here the first time in 2016 in a semester break for some beers and some party. I wouldn’t have expected that I like it here so much – I didn’t know anything about the country. But in the end, I came back 3 times before I decided to do my mandatory 5-month university internship here and then finally started my full-time job after graduating from university in summer 2018.
I thought after 22 years I want to see a totally new perspective and that’s why I decided to move to Sofia permanently. I am young, and I thought why not trying something new as long as it is possible.
What do you like about your country of origin?
I like the way of living there and the mentality. It is chilled, we have some nice traditions (Oktoberfest, Bavarian food, and do not forget the beer) and we also have a great geographic location which makes it easy to explore new places.
What are some differences between your country and Bulgaria?
I think that the mentality here is more “energetic”, especially when it comes to driving. But if you are an open person, you will consider it as normal once you’re here for a longer time.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
Above all, I like the variety the country can offer. In the summer the seaside, in the winter the ski resorts, in spring and autumn the mountains.
People are happy when you try to speak their language, especially in some villages in the backcountry.
Also, the connections are really good here. Once you feel homesick or just want to hang out with the German part of your friends, you can always find a cheap flight to many of the connected German airports.
What was the most difficult bureaucratic procedure you have undergone so far in Bulgaria?
Receiving a five-year residence permit. Without any reason, I was given only 1 year and I had to file a complaint at the Bulgarian EU commission. After a week, I “surprisingly” received the 5 years with a personal welcome in their office.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria:
The day I moved in into my apartment. I arrived and I knew this is now a new part of my life I have never experienced before.
If you have the chance to change something in Bulgaria, what it will be?
I think there is always something to improve, no matter where you are. If everything is perfect, we would not have anything to talk about or complain about.
Especially, when we speak about Sofia and see how the city developed after the last 10 years with new metro lines, trolleybuses, and renovations of big boulevards, I think we can be more than happy about it.
But if I could change one thing immediately, I would definitely make the Bulgarian grammar easier to understand.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
I speak English, some Spanish and try to extend my Bulgarian knowledge.
What countries have you been to?
I have seen basically most of the bigger cities in Europe as well as Southeast Asia. I like to explore new places and prefer alternative and not so crowded cities like Kyiv or Saragossa over the mainstream ones like Madrid, Paris or London.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
I would advise people to inform their selves precisely about various stuff here. I am always surprised by people who come here and expect paradise because they read it online.
You should maybe not believe the first broker who offers you an apartment or expat service at a price twice as expensive as normal. Use your brain and think twice before you get in a taxi where the driver promises you the best price already before you tell him the address.
We want to thanks Daniel for taking the time to share his story and experience in Bulgaria.
