A Proud Englishman in Tirnova
He was beaming with pride, glowing with happiness as the people in the restaurant admired him. He was the only person in all of Tirnova who could speak English. Later, through my interpreter, I made him very emotional by saying that his knowledge of English was too limited. He insisted, “What say? Me small boy—two years—Australia—me Englishman.”
Dreams of Going to London
Later, he came to my room. He was convinced that I was an important man! He also considered himself an Englishman. He told me he wanted to leave Bulgaria and go to London. But he didn’t have the money. He asked, “Will you tell the British Government to send me £250?”
I explained that I was unsure if the British Government would help, especially for someone born in Australia to German parents and who left when he was only two. I promised to try my best, but I also cautioned him not to get his hopes up too high. He left, still upset, and tears were in his eyes Ancient Bulgaria Tour.
Life in Tirnova
A Busy, Messy Town
The streets of Tirnova are narrow, full of cobblestones, and very smelly. Wastewater is thrown into the streets, which keeps them cool but makes them unpleasant. Carts pulled by slow, heavy black buffaloes make a screeching sound. Ponies loaded with wood push through the narrow streets, and the people driving them are shouting and swearing.
Vendors sell melons in the gutters, and they curse and complain if a cart wheel crushes one of their melons. There is also a donkey carrying chickens tied together with twine. The donkey is led by a strong woman in a red skirt, who uses a stick to hit the nose of any buffalo or pony that doesn’t get out of her way.
A Relaxed Atmosphere
In the middle of the morning, half of the men in Tirnova are sitting lazily outside the cafes, sipping drinks, smoking many cigarettes, and playing dominoes. The town has a very laid-back, slow-paced vibe.
No comments:
Post a Comment