Title: Bulgaria‘s Beauty and Hope: A Reflection from the Slopes of Mt. Rila
In an era dominated by global travels and bucket lists, it takes a moment to appreciate the gems right in our backyard. Bulgaria’s Minister of Finance, Kiril Petkov, recently shared this sentiment on Facebook:
"There’s no need for me to go to the Alps or the Rocky Mountains in North America when we have such beautiful mountains here in Bulgaria."
Petkov’s enthusiasm is not misplaced. Recently, I found myself on the majestic Mount Rila, reminiscing about a biblical parable where God, having given lands to various nations, was left with none suitable for the Bulgarians. In a fit of generosity, He chipped off a piece of heaven and gave it to us.
Our group was blessed with more than just stunning vistas. A friendly hiker sprained his ankle, and to our rescue came the mountain rescue team – kind and efficient, they made sure our hike ended well. Later, we enjoyed a home-cooked lutenitsa ( insisting that nothing beats our local cuisine) at a local eatery. It was a day full of Bulgarian hospitality, reminding me of the potential in our nation.
Yet, the question remains: why can’t we translate this beauty and unity into a well-functioning state? My conversations with locals yielded some insights:
1. Loss of Hope: Many have lost faith in their power to influence change. Some residents from Samokov shared stories of vote-buying, leading to apathy. A lady confessed, "I’ve spent my conscious life hoping for improvement, but nothing changed. I’m just tired."
2. Acceptance of Corruption: There’s a growing tolerance for corruption and malpractice. A lawyer I spoke to casually mentioned how bribes are commonplace in the judiciary. She dismissed the new prosecutor assigned to my case as "the most servile one."
This acceptance of the unacceptable was a common thread in our conversations. If we’re to build a better Bulgaria, we must actively resist this trend. Here’s to hoping that 2025 brings renewed hope, increased vigilance, and a commitment to change from each one of us.
