Another reply from Markoi


Simon!

I was just getting ready to reply to your most recent missive when, in my search for it, this email with an interview of you popped up. 

For some reason, I hadn't seen this, and so missed hearing you and your wife's dulcet tones (admittedly mostly drowned out by the commentator talking in Bulgarian) extolling the virtues of Bulgaria, particularly vs the overcrowded little island that is Britain.

On the subject of how little Britain is, I am reminded that it is impossible to locate yourself anywhere in Britain more than 75 miles from the sea. Sobering when you think about it. 

Loved the interview, loved hearing your voice, loved seeing your adorable pad in the Bulgarian countryside, loved the views. And burst out laughing at your Grand Prix driving skills as exhibited on your lawnmower. Delightful.

I will revert to you in reply to your more recent emails. 

Cheers,
Markoi

And here is my reply to Markoi's email.

My Dearest Markoi,   Monday, 10th February, 2025
Yes, I think that you were absolutely right NOT to read my blog. You have made the correct decision, and I thoroughly applaud your wisdom and your deep discernment in not reading it. I mean, if you had read my blog, www.bulgariawithnoodles.blogspot.com, then you would, of course, have become insanely jealous of my good fortune in living in Bulgaria. Yes, you are now in the U.S. of A., but do not get angry and blame yourself because we all make mistakes.
After all, what have you got to look forward to in America? War with lots of different countries around the world (Panama, Canada, Greenland and now Gaza!), higher home insurance premiums after the dreadful fires, migrant deportations doing terrible damage to the US economy, fentanyl, huge unemployment because of this tariff nonsense, yet another mass shooting and then Trump’s THIRD term. “May you live in interesting times”, as the Chinese say.
Yes, as I looked out of the dining room window this morning and saw the beautiful castle and the river, while munching on my delicious breakfast, I realized that it would be better if no one in America were to read my blog. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, my dear friend!
As for our TV interview with Novinite, the Bulgarian news channel, I thought that it went quite well, although towards the end our naughty little Jack Russell decided to roll on the grass and show everyone her fat tummy. Very embarrassing!
In case you were wondering, we did not get paid anything for this interview, but I wanted to do this interview for a very important reason. As you probably know, the government in New Zealand introduced some quite strict laws about foreigners buying property in NZ. This was quite sensible, as wealthy Chinese were buying homes in the Land of the Flightless Bird and this was pushing up prices and making it impossible for young Kiwis to buy their own home. In Spain, there has also been a certain amount of friction because of  wealthy Brits buying properties and that has made it difficult for the locals to own their own homes.

Well, the good news is that in Bulgaria lots of Brits want to buy houses in rural areas. Most young Bulgarians buy apartments in the cities because that is where most of the jobs are. In our interview, I explained that in fact many Brits purchase rural wrecks and ruins in the countryside that most Bulgarians would never consider buying. In this way, many Brits make a positive contribution to the rural economy. Well, you are involved in real estate, so maybe you are interested in these things.

At the moment we are still in our apartment in Veliko Tarnovo, but we will probably go back to our country house in March. We are not sure when we will leave and maybe we will wait until the weather improves. You cannot do much in the garden until there is no real danger of frost. Anyway, I am sending you a few photos of Veliko Tarnovo. It is quite pretty.
Even though it does make your pee extremely stinky, asparagus is super-yummy. As you have probably guessed, part of my enjoyment in scoffing our home-grown asparagus is that this vegetable is absurdly expensive in the supermarket. However, it is also delicious with some bread-and-butter, my dear wife’s homemade mayonnaise and a glass (or two) of Bulgarian Chardonnay. When we come back to Daveri in the Spring, one of the first things I always do is to check on the asparagus plants and see how they are doing. Then I make a big log fire in the sitting room, to warm up the house. Wonderful!   
Best wishes from a peaceful Bulgaria,
The Hippo

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