Blindly placing a pin in a map may not be what most people usually do when they are looking for a new country to live in, but it worked for British expats Garry and Gabriela, who now live in Nikolovo, Bulgaria. Here they talk about their B&B, their passion for organic farming and pig farming, and what they think of various aspects of expat life in Bulgaria.	Garry and Gabriela

-Where were you born?

UK

-In which country and city are you living now?

Nikolovo, Bulgaria

-Are you living alone or with your family?

Just the 2 of us

-How long have you been living in Bulgaria?

2 years

-What is your age?

Over 40

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Bulgaria?

Love the 4 seasons here but found the country by blindly placing a pin in the map.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Very simple as it is in the EU

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No problems so far

-How do you make your living in Bulgaria? Do you have any type of income generated?

We have a unique B&B /Pig Farm and working smallholding here in Bulgaria.

We grow organic fruit and vegetables and rear our own pigs who may get a little muddy from time to time but contary to popular belief...are very smart and clean.

However they are not allowed in the house!

The pigs on our farm are fed a vegetarian diet.  Although omnivores by nature they enjoy better health and produce a better quality of meat if they are not fed meat or meat products from other animals… They do however get the odd worm and bug or two!

We moved here and since October 2007 have been renovating the buildings and working the land. We grow all our fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices without using any chemical pesticides, herbicides (weed killers) or fertilizers.

Working the land this way is very labour intensive so occasionally we have students from all over the world stay and help us out.  They are usually studying organic farming and it’s an excellent opportunity for them to gain some "hands on" experience and for us to learn a bit more.

We are striving towards using solar and wind power to provide all our electrical needs, and become as environmentally friendly as possible.

We produce and home cure our own Bacon, Sausages and 'Parma' Hams along with Chops, Pork Roasting Joints etc.,  for sale to anyone living in Bulgaria.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

We think it is important to learn the local language and so have lessons every week.   It is important to respect and if possible join in with the customs and traditions of our neighbours.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss my family and look forward to visits from them to share my new life.  

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Only to improve and advance our organic life here

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We have bought our house here it was approximately one tenth of the price for the equivelent in the UK

-What is the cost of living in Bulgaria?

Initially it was very inexpensive compared to the UK - but now we have a Bulgarian income and the cost of living is rising!

-What do you think about the locals? 

Most locals are very helpful and curious, but like the world over there are some good and some bad.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Bulgaria?

The summers are great, the winters are harsh.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Bulgaria?

Do not trust Property Agents (The same can be said for everywhere!) Carry out lots of research and do not always go with the first option or price presented to you!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Bulgaria?

Our own site is  www.bulgarian-holidays.ws