Today we have the pleasure to interview our new friend Abdul who 2 years ago decided, pushed by some friends, to leave his country Guatemala with the dream of discovering the world while playing the violin.
Name and nationality:
Abdul medina, Guatemalan, you can check my facebook page El Juglar Del Violín
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
I study music at the University back in Guatemala and the Violing always have been my passion, and when I graduate I decide to make a 2 months trip visiting Europe with some other musicians friends, this was already 2 years ago, my friend went back to Guatemala, but I choose to continue travelling and discovering.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I came to Bulgaria on September 25th, travelling from Turkey where I stayed 5 months playing my music and doing other jobs, like harvesting apricots on the field, was a great experience to know the real people.
After Bulgaria, I would like to go to Russia, but I spend already a winter in Sweden and I think I learn the lesson and probably I wait until spring to go there.
What do you like about your country of origin?
From my country, I like the solidarity of the people, even if we aren’t a rich country people is always ready to help the others, also I’m very proud of our cultural heritage, the Maya civilization was located in modern Guatemala, and they were a very advance community during their period.
What are some differences between your country and Bulgaria?
Since I work on the streets, I have the opportunity to see all kind of people, I like the cleanliness of the country and the peace that I feel been here, i play my music during the nights and never feel in danger since I’m in Bulgaria.
Another thing that it strikes me is the difference with the poor people in Guatemala and Bulgaria, in my country we have a huge difference in the wealth distribution with just a few families owning many of the resources, in Bulgaria I don’t see that much this inequality and poor people here are more related to some physical or mental limitations, not like been born almost condemned to be poor like is in Guatemala due the lack of opportunities.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
I like the peace that you feel here, the beautiful landscape and that the people always have been nice and respectful with me.
What was the most difficult bureaucratic procedure you have undergone so far in your trip?
Every time I cross borders is a challenge, I’m from Guatemala, my name is Abdul, and I don’t look like the normal tourist, then every time are many checks and questions about my reasons for me to stay and normally takes longer that will take for somebody else, but that’s part of the adventure.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria :
In Bulgaria have been “so far” very easy for me to work, the police don’t make me problems and that’s very important when you perform on the streets, I like to go to the underground street cross at night and study violing there, they have a great acoustics and at night there aren’t many people then I can study and practice without to worry.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
I speak English, some German and Turkish language.
What countries have you been to?
I have been in many countries: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Turkey, UK, Ireland, Scotland and Egypt
How is your trip going and what are your plans?
My trip is going well, I’m happy that the public in all countries have been very receptive with my music, I have been doing this during the last 2 years and still don’t have any date to come back to Guatemala, could a few more years, all this experience have been enriching for me and I don’t see the point to end it for now, but life has many twists, then you never know.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to Bulgaria?
My advice is don’t think it twice, come to Bulgaria is an interesting country with a great culture nice people and delicious food!
