Oh Wise and Worldy Ledgies

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by danax6

Blech.

Yes, I guess health care for everyone and a college education for everyone, to name a few things, really makes this a less great country.

but do you have cheetos, mountain dew, and american idol?

those are the makings of the real american dream.

[danax6]

Originally Posted by Sarah

but do you have cheetos, mountain dew, and american idol?

those are the makings of the real american dream.

Yes on cheetos and Idols (as it's called here), but no on mountain dew.

We have this though!



That's what I am having for dinner right now.

[carrie721]

^well as long as they're "good" ...

just don't try to feed me mediocre noodles

[danax6]

Originally Posted by carrie721

^well as long as they're "good" ...

just don't try to feed me mediocre noodles

Hey, we're only a mediocre nation.

[Sarah]

cup o noodles?

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by Sarah

cup o noodles?

psht. i will no longer eat anything that isn't designated "good" on the label.

[Sarah]

i don't think i've ever had the cup noodles. they're too expensive. i only like the 19 cent ramen packs.

[danax6]

Originally Posted by Sarah

i don't think i've ever had the cup noodles. they're too expensive. i only like the 19 cent ramen packs.

Yeah, it's a testament to how lazy I am. I don't even want to measure the appropriate amount of water or reach into the cupboard to grab a bowl. Please.

[skcin]

Well, everyone & their brother knows I've been to Bulgaria, I've talked about it enough. I know it's not Poland or Ukraine, but I would bet it's close. My impressions:

Most younger people speak at least some English, it's offered (if not mandated) in most schools as the second language. Also, people at touristy places usually do too - but be aware that once they find out you're American, you might be charged more. Th perception of many is that every American is rich.

Go to actual banks for money exchange, no small time shady operations. You'll def. need cash for the small businesses or craft market type places. Not sure about debit & such, we didn't use it.

Crime was no worse than here, IMO. There are actual gypsies (I thought my dad made that up) and they tend to be perceived as thieves & scam artists. The one crime I witnessed was a gypsy man tearing off some lady's necklace while she was walking down the street. The neighbors caught him & got it back.

Clothing & style? I was pretty surprised that there was little difference. I don't know what I expected, but people my age dressed the way I dressed.

The thing that struck me most was the way two worlds coexist so seamlessly. For example, many of my family members lived in apartments, but some lived in farm houses with no indoor plumbing. Most people drive cars or take the bus, but it's not uncommon to see people riding in carts pulled by donkeys. You'll hear native folk music one minute, American R&R the next, then European techno. Most everyone had TVs, stereos, DVD players, digital cameras, etc. You can buy boxedconvenience food (like cereal) but most people buy their bread baked fresh every morning or get eggs delivered by the local farmer. Fast food places are pretty much everywhere, but they're more of a novelty or a treat. I still get a kick out of the McD's sign written in the Russian alphabet.

Oh, you may want to get a Hepatitis A shot before you go. It's spread through contaminated food & water, or if someone prepares your food without washing their hands first. It's recommended by the CDC to get one before travel to many area of the world, including Eastern Europe (although I didn't know that when I went, so I didn't get one, and I'm fine.) Just thought I'd throw that out there.