Today we are glad to share the experience in Bulgaria of Ruby Moore from Northern Ireland, in our “Expat Stories” she will tell us about her passions and how we should scratch beneath the surface, to see the beauty that may not be evident at first glance.
Name and nationality:
Ruby Moore, British/Irish
Tell us a bit about you, and what do you do?
I’m originally from N.Ireland, but I also spent 11 years in Scotland, so I consider that my second home.
My background is in film and media, and I taught screenwriting for a few years at the short courses department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. But, I was unhappy in the UK for many reasons, none that I can quite put my finger on! But, in 2013 I made the plunge and re-trained as an English teacher. I taught English as a Second Language for three years in Turkey, Bulgaria, and France. I enjoyed it, but it’s not my true calling. My passion is writing, and I finally managed to make it my full-time job almost 2 years ago. Now I work as a freelance writer of web content.
In 2015 I started up a creative writers group, but since I love all kinds of art I decided to open it up to more art forms. In 2016 I changed it to Creatives-Sofia and opened up the doors to artists, sculptors, photographers, designers, to anyone with a creative bone in their body! It is now a place where foreigners in the city and locals can connect and share their love for the arts.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I first came to Sofia for a weekend break. I was living and working in Istanbul and wasn’t having the best of experiences there. I looked for the fastest, easiest flight out for a few days break, just to get some rest. Sofia popped up, and I thought, ‘why not?!’ That was New Year 2014, and I loved it so much that I moved here 2 weeks later.
What do you like about your country?
I love the people, the sense of humour and the countryside- especially the area where I’m from. The Causeway Coast has some of the most stunning scenery.
What differences do you see in your country and Bulgaria?
Well, the most striking difference is the weather! But what we lack in sunshine, we make up for in the warmth of the people.
I see a lot of similarities actually; both countries have amazing nature, stunning beaches and landscapes. Northern Ireland still holds a strong family orientated culture, which I see here too.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
I love the pace of life. Sofia is pretty chilled for a city, but I know most of my Bulgarian friends disagree with me on that! I also enjoy the Bulgarian love for the outdoors, from spending time in nature, to outdoor dining… Being from N.Ireland that’s still a novelty for me!
What have been the document/procedure most difficult for you in Bulgaria?
Renewing my residency at the Immigration Office on Maria Luiza is always painful. Mainly my fault for not brushing up on my Bulgarian language skills! That and the ever-changing list of documents required. It’s like running an invisible gauntlet.
Mention one important experience you’ve had in Bulgaria :
I think the experience I’m having right now with the Creatives-Sofia group is probably the most epic for me.
Watching people become involved and get excited by art is just fantastic. Someone told me recently that they picked up a paintbrush for the first time just because they felt inspired by the group – that is truly amazing and even that one person’s experience makes it worthwhile. Being a part of this ‘movement’ is extremely exciting.
Do you speak other languages?
I speak a little bit of French, but it’s very rusty, and malko bulgarski!
have you visited other countries?
I’ve lived in 6 countries, (N.Ireland, Scotland, Czech Republic, Turkey, France and Bulgaria) but I also love to travel. I have traveled around Italy and France, been to Croatia a few times, Slovenia, Macedonia, Greece… I particularly love the vibe in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Tell us about the exhibition is ‘In this place. In this moment’ that you are preparing?
‘In this place. In this moment’ is the very first exhibition for Creatives-Sofia, which is a collective of creative people from all over the world who are living and working in Sofia and the surrounding areas.
Creatives-Sofia acts as a bridge connecting foreigners and locals, encouraging them to share their art and creative passions, to inspire, and support each other.
The exhibition has evolved into a mini art festival in a way. As well as showcasing the work of 15 artists from 10 different countries, we will also have book readings from British and American authors, a watercolour workshop with Bulgarian artist, Zaro Zahariev, and a handmade arts fair.
The title and theme of the exhibition reflect that which has brought us together, in this place, and in this moment. Creatives-Sofia is what connects and unites us, no matter our differences.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
Scratch beneath the surface. There is a lot happening here but sometimes you have to look a little harder to discover it. There is so much creativity, feeling and openness that may not be evident at first glance. But it is there, and it’s beautiful.
