Bulgaria: The World's Fastest-Shrinking Country

Welcome to Altimir, Bulgaria, a village on the verge of extinction in the fastest-shrinking country in the world. With the lowest birth rates and the highest death rates the world, Bulgaria is at the front lines of population decline. Here's what life is like inside a disappearing village haunted by the promises of communism and capitalism. Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
"Altimir" was directed by Kay Hannahan (www.kayhannahan.com/). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
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[@mustang19ms]

Poverty is not the saddest part for me, it's the elderly being alone without their children next to them, dying one after the other..

[@agentorange20]

My KZbin Channel poverty is the cause for not having kids? Tell that to the impoverished in the United States who have more children per capita then the middle class or the affluent. Same for those in the EU. Same for the horde who’re impoverished in the third world. Where you see a great deal of this adults without kids, especially by choice as part of the emerging social ethos, is in the liberal progressive ideology.

[@dexocon2658]

Sadly, the older ones vote with the most corrupt politicians

[@AvgJane19]

@@agentorange20 i think they're referring to how children move away for better opportunity because their home is impoverished.

[@riverice7]

That’s happening here in the US. I work in a hospital72% of the patients don’t have family visit them or care for them. They die alone. A black eye to the American society.

[@kostadinpantev]

There is a difference, though. Bulgaria is a developed society with a highly educated population that was somewhat well off and then became impoverished. This leads to a drop in birth rates, because people have high expectations of themselves and their children that they just can no longer meet. A less developed and educated, traditionally poor society produces more children out of necessity, as a source of income. @@agentorange20

[@djblame8954]

I am a Black American, and I traveled Sofia Bulgaria during my 3 year stay in Kosovo. I will say, the Balkans in general, and Bulgaria in particular has some of the hardest working, proudest, and welcoming people the world over after you get to know them. They will accept you as a person, when you show them your heart. The people never hesitated to lend a helping hand or welcoming smile during my time there. I will cherish those memories as among the fondest I have.

[@bozhidardimitrov3573]

I don't know what the reason for that mentality is, but you know only half the picture. Towards foreigners 99% of the population is indeed very welcoming (there's always exceptions), but when it comes down to local topics, whatever they are, it's the complete opposite. People spit on everything that doesn't suit their ideas even the slightest, everyone is paranoid that the other person tries to screw them up, they blame the politicians for everything even though it's not them throwing trash on the streets instead of in the bin... it's very hypocritical and I have no explanation for this phenomenon.

[@martinivanov5300]

Божидар Димитров, и аз съм на същото мнение! Много от хората във България например не си изхвърлят боклука и после винят другите. Буквално пред терасата ми се чисти на всеки месец-два, защото си изхвърлят цигарите.

[@krukz0r498]

@@bozhidardimitrov3573 Yes,because some of them are old people growing up in the communism era...you have to understand that is not easy to switch sides everytime.

[@bozhidardimitrov3573]

@@krukz0r498 what does this have to do with the communist past?

[@krukz0r498]

@@bozhidardimitrov3573 I live in Romania and you can find some old people who have strict opinions about society and other things,just like the communism thinking. What i mean is yes,in a big city like bucharest,you can find open minded people,but in some villages,good luck with that.

[@coma3286]

As a Bulgarian I can say that our land is gorgeous but the people that rule it are making it hard to live in..and that's the sad part.

[@xsickamvs278]

управниците ни си пълнят джобовете и това е най-важно. :P

[@MK-tl4zr]

I am french and its basicly the same thing if you go to a local french farm but they speak french

[@mikaylapetrova847]

we need to unite to take em down

[@user-ck1ib6zn7b]

Тъпото че и ние не правим нещо особено като жители Съединението прави силата ама сега сме малко или повече всеки за себе си

[@randommoth6069]

Права си

[@ZIZUU]

I am from Romania, and the same thing is in my country... Hope for better times. Pray for Romania and Bulgaria...

[@user-rc3df5rq9b]

Mb you should start doing, not paying?)

[@woshiq2]

this is so sad.... greetings from Bulgaria

[@kalinprr]

Finally some romanians in the comments :)))

[@inactive4324]

stop praying and do something

[@peachyshuu3533]

@@inactive4324 Their goverment tried to legalize corruption and they started protesting and literally almost Nothing happend

[@marlind9430]

"Welcome to the Balkans my friend... We don't live, we survive..." lol

[@Burago2k]

Sadly...everyone wants your money and you get nothing in return..not to mention that politicians get everything cheaper even though they get a massive paychecks compared to normal people..

[@Trowo]

Basically the same as in Lithuania.

[@presinedelcheva5221]

It’s not that bad

[@danage2689]

Ako si bg si mnogo sgreshen

[@martinjekov5863]

Brat tva e nqkvo zabutano selo drugite durjavi sig si mislqt teq ebahti afrikancite

[@ultranomad9351]

Hi, Im from Moldova. We are experiencing the exact same situation as Bulgaria my friends. Corruption and a past war has killed our country. My condolences to the Bulgarian friends.

[@todoranandrei8716]

Ultra Nomad Salut frate! Eu sunt din România și situația e asemănătoare în unele sate,dar eu am noroc că trăiesc în unul dintre cele mai frumoase sate din România!

[@ultranomad9351]

@@todoranandrei8716 noroc tie. Eu cred cu situatia din azi. Este mai bine sa ne unim cu Rusi.

[@carcotasu081]

@@ultranomad9351 Uniti-va, ca oricum sunteti o adunatura de rusi.

[@DiCETheNice]

@@ultranomad9351 Spalat pe creier ce esti.

[@hahahaaha7208]

N-o sa ne fie mai bine cu rusii

[@jonesaffrou6014]

people who put wet spoons in sugar jars you have been warned

[@PaulReinhard]

Lol, I just remembered that my wife does this so I put down my headphones and told her to stop that shit.

[@studiokgb2968]

You know what spoon is?!? Clever man

[@bobi_77z]

babushka will beat you up

[@jeep19]

That's just like, don't put the tongue 😝 in the butt crack... same same 😉

[@user-hi2fp1he5g]

@@bobi_77z in Bulgarian it's babichka ;-)

[@anleeeee5554]

I cried my eyes out. As a Bulgarian the nostalgia and sadness that was suffocating my heart while watching this was enormous. My grandparents lived this life... and when I go back and walk on the empty streets in the small villages around the cities where most of the people I knew because of my summer holidays are now long gone. It breaks my heart... it truly does!

[@johniewalker4356]

Are you really Bulgarian or were only your parents Bulgarian. Your name isn't Bulgarian at all.

[@anleeeee5554]

@@johniewalker4356 да, наистина съм българка. Защо иначе ще пиша подобни думи? Само някой, който е бил част от тази действителност може да я почувства дълбоко.

[@suprensa4393]

Are you living and working abroad?

[@anleeeee5554]

@@suprensa4393 yes, I am. Don’t go in the direction of telling me I am part of the problem, please. Just keep it! :)

[@muthuchelvam6751]

@@anleeeee5554 is every part of Bulgaria is going through this or only some particular parts can anything be done to improve the problem

[@VUJKEEEEEE]

This is a problem everywhere in Eastern Europe like the old man said “ Villagers are getting older and the you are going abroad or to live in cities”

[@iriyabran]

Many people liked living in the villages, it's the country killing the small business that has driven people out cause they can't support themselves. Farmers used to thrive in this country and then it all crashed down. Everyone's in the few big cities buying crap imported food from the big stores when they used to produce quality fresh food in the past for themselves and live off from selling it.

[@princebuster93]

@iriyabran Yes, I agree, many countries are in decline, this will be people's downfall....I would love to get away from the city and live like this, the world is FAKE and PLASTIC, and most have been sucked in. The world is about to suffer a massive food shortage....what are people going to do??? The book of Revelation says that 2 thirds of the worlds population will die of starvation during the Great Tribulation, which is coming soon. It will last 7 years before Jesus Christ returns. No one can save themselves from what is coming, receive Jesus Christ's payment for your sins and you will have eternal life, God bless you

[@rhodesianwojak2095]

^^^

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Milos Vujatovic It's been that way for ages, literally.

[@ahmadparampam125]

It's not only in the Eastern Europe but also in the southern countries. All here in Indonesia, most of young people goes to city looking for a bit of money

[@Didntwanttomakeauser]

I love how they talked to the film crew and treated them like guests. Instead of pretending they're not there.

[@Dennodq]

They are old people.

[@GorskiNunavut]

Bulgarians are known for their hospitality,similar to all people that live in 3rd world countries.

[@arbanaskocudo]

You said it right

[@sirmars94]

@@GorskiNunavut Bulgaria isn't a third world country.

[@chima6291]

@@sirmars94 An average GDP of 8,031.60 USD, slightly less than that of China, Bulgaria definitely is a third world country, like China.

[@dingoto]

And still Bulgaria have the best internet speed in the most countries in Europe.

[@beeverywhere9003]

dingoto and the best summerseason beaches

[@nexustcs5847]

and the most brainwashed people as it seems

[@salyoshkin]

Finland is the best internet

[@katerina6990]

@Donald J. Trump i'm Greek, the ''In Greece the people in charge take care of their nature''part is totally wrong sadly...we burn our forests every summer just because garbage are everywhere and stupid people throw cigarettes on them so it gets even worse and when it comes to the cities,( i actually study in sofia-bulgaria right now) and i have to say the city is SO clean in comparison with Greek cities that are discusting..

[@sarahj9575]

What do they need internet for ? If they are living in the most miserable conditions?

[@AD45]

Balkans need to stop looking up to Americans and Russians and start working on bettering their countries and improving their lives! Greetings from Romania

[@h3y]

russia looks like that basically tpp

[@faucetisreal]

sadly now balkans just leave their countries instead of improving them.. i hope in the future the economy will be stabilized

[@AD45]

@@faucetisreal True, where are you from?

[@faucetisreal]

@@AD45 im from romania too ;)

[@AD45]

@@faucetisreal Super, ma bucur ca mai sunt si oameni cu o astfel de opinie

[@closer2theheart684]

The most important thing I learned here today is to NEVER put a wet spoon in the sugar jar. Thanks Dimitrova!

[@aluisious]

I learned that every place in Bulgaria is downhill by bicycle.

[@watmosphere]

I learned this rule at the age of 6. An easy solution is to first put sugar in the cup and only then pour water.

[@duartesilva7907]

I also abhor that. My feelings are with Dimitrova.

[@saammmy7]

that's why you keep an extra spoon in the sugar jar. One for adding the sugar and another one for stirring.

[@aluisious]

@@watmosphere Why put the spoon in the cup before the sugar is in?

[@sports__moments]

Same thing in Serbia, Bosnia... Probably the whole Balkans. Not a situation exclusive to Bulgaria

[@bravo4741]

Bosnia is the worst. Lost 1.045.874 (23.9%) citizens in 22 year period, by census. Balkan is terrible place.

[@FluidBarber]

NBK I am sorry to hear that, Bulgaria lost 2.3 million people, a little over 20% in 25 years. Very sad

[@seviulker]

NBK it’s not terrible at all. The Balkans have got some very old and beautiful places and almost everyone likes this. It doesn’t mean that if the Balkans are getting worse and worse in population the whole community should be terrible 😤

[@paschikshehu7988]

Albania too

[@a.thales7641]

Well all of these people emigrate to Germoney to collect German earned Money. Just like Refugees.

[@Inseut]

Such a melancholic but nostalgic place. Makes me feel homesick. I'm Brazilian. Love you guys from the Balkans. Corrupt governments are something we - Latinos and Balkanci - have in common.

[@hello-friend990]

I'm South African. Count us in

[@bhardzporzee1843]

I'm a Filipino, count us in

[@dr.apollo4226]

Corruption is rampant EVERYWHERE

[@margaretm6065]

KensoulEu ur Brazilian, so Bulgaria made u feel homesick how? u like China?

[@vinissues4634]

Ppl say "corruption is everywhere", but they have no idea the standard that Brazil sets in term of corruption. Nobody can beat us in thins area 😎

[@peterpetrov1783]

I am a Bulgarian that has lived in the USA since I was 9yrs old and I still miss Bulgaria. I try to go back every year and hope to one day start a business there to better the country and the people lives.

[@rangelparishev7473]

I hope you succeed🙏❤️🇧🇬❤️

[@christos.5302]

Айде айде време е след вируса

[@user-em6ym9rj4u]

Peter Petrov Do try to come back. Loving Bulgaria is useless without trying to make it a better place 🙏

[@neotrnty4717]

lol stay in usa Bulgaria mafia country

[@harbi5460]

Lucky...

[@alexandergraham2197]

I am new to Bulgaria . I am an exiled Scot living here on my pension . I love this country as much as where i am from . The people in our village are the most amazing friends . They share what they have and we are made very welcome as a villager . I live in Dobrolevo the next Village up the road . I remember when i was younger living in the rat race of the UK , i didn't really live i just worked my but of and for what . I have to say i would rather have nothing here than everything in the UK . The people the peace and the pace of life are something i have learned to love . This is a beautiful country and i know we do better . Soon the young people will come back and make this country great .

[@gosho0]

Thank you for the kind words, Mr.Graham ! Bulgarians respect Scotts a lot especially because of the bagpipes which are the most popular folk instruments in both countries.

[@xiiv.emilia]

Thank you! I'm a Bulgarian living in the UK (London) and I just don't feel like this is where I'm meant to be. In 2022 I'll be finishing secondary school (currently year 10) and so I'll be returning to Bulgaria. I can't wait.

[@user-pg1er7ct9v]

Thank you! Let's hope that the good times will come for my lovely country and people. I am working in England too.

[@esterzach]

I wouldn't write off Bulgaria just yet. Bulgarians have been lied to for a long time in more than one ways. The worst of all is that someone convinsed us that our country is the worst place on the planet and there is no hope for it and we should leave if we have any brain left. That lie has been repeated over and over again, until almost everyone of us believed in it. Bulgarians are resilient, but they believed the lie. That we are small, insignificant and out country can't give anything to the world. We forgot ourselfs, our value, our history and believed nothing depends on us. For many years most of us walked on a land, that could provide everything, full of thousands of years of history on every step, and we didn't see it. We were observing Greece as if it's some freaking miracle, we were observing The West with their economies, everywhere else looked better. And we had that. Now people from outside come and find out our country and show us how amazing it is, and we are surprised. But thanks to those people, we started to look around and actually see, started to understand the potential. And is it any surprise we love those people. For too long we were negative and too pesimistic. And the lack of traveling around the world made us isolated and we forgot that every places has it's problems. We have been in trouble before. But there was times we were also kind of amazing. In terms of culture, spirit and strenght. We just have to remember that again.

[@alexandergraham2197]

@@esterzach The prospects for Bulgaria are enormous . The biggest problem i have is we did not come here earlier .

[@Dabidto]

The cinematography in this is better than most short films in the Oscars. Marvelous!

[@clodieclod]

Yeah. Unfortunately it looks like the translation has been done by someone still in high school. It's translated quite literally and misses out on way too much imo.

[@clodieclod]

LOL. After seeing the credits it seems it was a high school project translated by 3 people. At this point I don't know what's sadder - the situation in Bulgaria in recent years or how The Atlantic got 3(!) translators for this short film and they all messed it up completely. The irony is that everything in Bulgaria works just like that since we joined the EU- at first some funds go to person X for a certain job. Then person X finds person Y and Z to do the job for him and gives them a part of the money. So you end up with scattered funds along the way and the job being terribly done if done at all.

[@NikeBG]

@@clodieclod The subtitles aren't too bad - they often miss the subtleties etc, but that's common for subtitles in general, due to their nature (you have to make them as short as possible, so slow readers could have a chance as well). Now, the end credits - those were hilarious!

[@ioan4o94]

@@NikeBG These credits are a form of art. P.s. Bulgaria Total War - Never forget!

[@clodieclod]

@@NikeBG Yes they are really bad. There almost aren't two sentences in a row without some kind of a mistake. Cutting on volume has nothing to do with the quality. It makes sense to bulgarians but for english speakers it's just broken english. An easy example is the translation of 'работа'. Used maybe 20 times and always translated as 'work' instead of 'job/s'. That's just one of many examples I can give you that the translation is half-assed and poorly done.

[@artisalcohol6435]

it is heartbreaking to watch these kinds of videos about your own country

[@1SouthernRaj]

damn BTS fans are really everywhere lol

[@OkOkOkIMightKnowYou]

John Clayton My god. Your confusion of social economic and system flaws in the nation re quite remarkable.

[@nikolabv783]

@@johnclayton4946 You don't know what feminism is, do you? 😀

[@johnclayton4946]

@@nikolabv783 Feminism is cancer! Men and Women are not equal! We weren't equal in the 1950's! We weren't equal in the 1980's! We will never be equal! Enjoy the collapse sheep!

[@dimitaru.8408]

@@johnclayton4946 Maybe in western europe, bulgaria has natural gender equality, because we were raised in that matter and it is in our culture, that was never a "problem". We were destroyed due to 50 years of communist dictatorship which if anything undermined womens rights and natural family functions leading to today when we are ruled by the same people, that destroyed our country as they continue to do so.

[@DjProfiK]

Only real bulgarians can smell the intro of the video

[@daraka1754]

Да

[@appleslover]

What was he doing?

[@sunnyvalev3028]

Yep, I smelled it alright.

[@rumendoychev8285]

A не, бе

[@yakublmaoo8468]

Туршия

[@melikepamuk4368]

I grew up in a small village in eastern europe too this is pure nostalgia

[@GeorgeGabor19]

I live in Canada now, but I grew up in Hungary, this is a pure nostalgia for me as well.

[@albrechtnechtan9443]

@@GeorgeGabor19 You should go back and save your nation from a declining population count.

[@mihailnikoloff2554]

@@GeorgeGabor19 Glad to hear it's not just Bulgaria.

[@jayfawn8478]

It should happened it africa and muslim countries tho...

[@TeamToast]

You're part of the problem

[@Slobber88]

The opening scene, with the guy that pulls a cabbage out of a vat in the basement, brags about the cabbage and then complain about the cold, that was exactly how I pictured Bulgaria. Then I went there. Bulgaria is beautiful, the food and wine is top notch, people are friendly and have a great no-nonsense mentality.

[@yovkoyovkov9005]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@miainman6659]

My family have been visiting Bulgaria for over 16 years. We go to : Sofia, Burgas, Nesebar, St Vlas, Pamporovo, Plovdiv, Sozopol, Balchik, Varna, Sinemorets, Borovets and Bansko. Everything in this documentary shows many Bulgarians lives. It’s true that it’s a dying country. Areas such as the ski resorts and beach holidays are busier than ever but the villages surrounding them are neglected. The mafia is a big problem in these areas but the Balkan spirit still lives one. The people are welcoming, loving and extremely appreciative and we love it. Please support the country as much as you can. It’s beautiful

[@jord19100]

Thank you ♥️ I

[@user-em6ym9rj4u]

Thank you Mia ❤️

[@miainman6659]

@Big Smoke I love it there!!

[@yovkoyovkov9005]

Thank you ❤

[@kucam12mischablue]

villages are empty but cities have the most expensive cars in the world and the seaside the most expensive villas and the most modern in the entire Europe. this is what happens when wealth gets concentrated in the hands of thieves that bled the country dry - people get discouraged and leave the country for the plague that is its politicians. this is the same problem in Romania, and in all the Balkans. this is the Russian model that we are running from into the hands of people that are all but happy for the cheap workforce we provide.

[@v.9802]

Russian model ?, that is not a russian model, this is a totalitarian model created from those in power during late Communism to legaly take hand on the capital during early democracy era, to create artificially appointed buissnessmen and concetrate in their hands the money and thus controling the country's policies. Why do you think any ordinary russian will find this to be ok?

[@kucam12mischablue]

I haven’t seen or heard of any major protests in Russia against the oligarchs they have in power. or am I missing something? And it’s not about the population being okay with this it’s just that this model is something that started in Russia and was then adopted in the former Soviet satellite states

[@v.9802]

@@kucam12mischablue It started simultaneously in all the Eastern block, it may have been thought in USSR first, who knows exactly, but it was adopted by all, so russian method is a little harsh. Yes, we do not protest this, honestly those people work in shadows, we probably don't know their names even, the oligarchs are just front faces to this process. I'm not seeing protests against banking, oil and gun producing families in USA as well but the grip they have over the economy there is probably of the same magnitude.

[@v.9802]

@@kucam12mischablue I never said those people that are in shadows in the East are jewish. I never blamed USA for this either, just pointed out that once the capital is concentrated in hands of a few, the media tends to keep their mouth shut about those few, lots of people don't know who they are. So don't put words in my mouth! Honestly, I too think that our discussion will lead to nowhere. Other than standing by my point about oligarchs being puppets in our coutries, I will probably agree with most of what you write. We aren't united and don't protest. We're waiting for something to change for the better and because things change, at some moment it will, but this way it will be a long process. Take care!

[@kucam12mischablue]

@Kekistan Shitlord Ro and BG are fighting a very close fight for the last place in the EU.

[@Jana-em9hi]

I have met young poeple from Bulgaria and they were all skilled, educated and hard working. I am a computer scientist and they were too, but their level of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. Hope their country will remain nice place to live.

[@kk_1212]

And you are Czech, I believe?

[@user-pi3zj5ii5j]

Did you meet them in Bulgaria? Because if not, you might have found the answer to why it's shrinking so much.

[@angelmirchev8433]

sorry to say, but Bulgaria hasn't been a nice place to live in a very long time that's why our population is just over 6 million at the moment. This film showed the extremes but to be honest our cities are nowhere near the standards of our western counterparts. And it's really sad since the country itself has so much to offer in terms of beauty culture and natural resources.

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@user-pi3zj5ii5j One of the saddest things which I think Communism and especially coercive outside control did to so many countries of Eastern Europe is rob the people of understanding how economics normally work if government isn't dictating. Most of these factories died when Communism did because they couldn't actually make and transport products as efficiently and effectively as ones that had begun only where they made economic sense instead of filling a government checklist. My experience was Yugoslavian where everything was by controls top-to-bottom no matter how little sense it made if we were free to choose. Our job was not to think about it.

[@coldovengaming8261]

We had 24 million at one point now not so much over 5

[@anna.bananna]

When I was a little kid I used to live in a small village like this to help my grandfather with the goats. Every day was so precious, from morning till evening I was in the forests of Sredna gora free from the bustling world. It was before 10 years but for those years so much has changed. There were a lot of people, now we have only 15. There was a little shop where my grandmother used to work...Even it went down. Very sad. But the saddest thing is not the poverty, it's in our hearts. Its in the declining culture. In Bulgaria every little village has its own folklore, its traditions and specifics. The country is not big but is very very rich of folklore. And it is so difficult to see how there are no young people to keep it alive. I hope that when I get old I will not bring anything of this treasure to the grave. I hope that I will have children and grandchildren to stay here with me and pass the traditions and music to the next generations.

[@Rasenmaehermann89]

Thank you for writing this up. It was interesting to read. I wish I could support your country by purchasing some product. Here in one district of Berlin we used to have a store that sold bulgarian food. I bought cheese and sausage there a few times. the sausage was strange but the cheese was good. It was closed a few weeks ago.

[@anna.bananna]

@@Rasenmaehermann89 Thank you for comment. A lot of programs are needed here, volunteers and teachers for the minorities. A lot of investigation is needed for healthcare and education. But the most important is government... There are some superstitions around that someday USA or China would take over the country. Sounds insane but it's possible. Also a lot of USA weapon is already stored here. So it's just a question of time for this territory to be exploited in some way. This is nature. The strong live, the weak die. Actually noone says it but its completely our fault to be in this situation. Even Khan Kubrat said it before 1000 years " Sons, stay united and nothing can break you." What do we do? We never learned a simple thing. What I see not only here but in the whole world problems come from illusion. Reality is what unites people. But they never accept reality, their thinking is too abstract. So easy to be a victim.

[@delian66]

@@anna.bananna It is easy to feel like a victim, without a strong faith - faith in your God, in your people, in your society, in your family even. Ask yourself what has helped us survive, even in much darker times, and what caused (and continue to produce) our demise as an independent people (on paper).

[@KrizchanS]

Ще се омъжиш ли за мене!

[@thebitcher2.061]

I'm amazed how these people still have a smile on their faces even tho they live in such tough conditions. Strongest people I have ever seen Love from Austria 🇦🇹❤🇧🇬

[@vain_abundalakaka]

That's normal for them, and me lol It's the norm in Bulgarian villages

[@user-du7bs3ji8x]

Yes i know its terrible here but we are at least strong peoples to survive

[@effysu9704]

Because they don't know to live the other around.

[@hts7228]

i remember this village from my childhood, i have some of my best memories from there... one of my grandmothers lived there. now i don't even know what happened to her... seeing this really broke my heart beacause it's just so sad seeing your home being ruined like this.. love for all other countries which suffer from those problems too

[@stanveritas2890]

Yes mine were from nearby Barzina.

[@JudgeMarmianWiZard]

Yes freinds and relatives more important than €€€

[@BogomirIvanov]

И аз съм така с моето село, незабрави мигове, спомени, игри, но за жалост селото се довършва

[@afrikansevdalinoff5298]

@@stanveritas2890 Hello dear neighbour, Manastirishte here.

[@Jeppe123123123]

There is something amazingly calming about the way Yordan is cruising around on his bike

[@shanegrimes3455]

So calm😊

[@georgimavrodinov4500]

Better be happy You don't live in Bg

[@Jeppe123123123]

@@georgimavrodinov4500 I am! But I am also inspired by his approach to the world and the circumstances around him.

[@plamennonchev7422]

Jeppe Larsen Don’t listen to this negative idiot...they showed you an abandoned village,but overall our country is not that bad at all.

[@plamennonchev7422]

Jeppe Larsen So don’t make conclusion based on this one video...do your research

[@TheSingleAss]

Don't call rakia brandy. It's a national drink in many eastern countries.

[@Edmund._.Dantes]

I hate that I can't find it in NY, when I went to Bulgaria last summer I had it for the first time now I'm trying to get over here.

[@OG96932]

Rakia is a brandy made in many balkan countries

[@Joso997]

@@OG96932 rakia is no brandy? It shouldn't be given the same name, it is very missleading. Rakia is home made always, while brandy is always the same taste that you buy in store

[@OG96932]

its our version of brandy, if you know how its made then you would understand

[@Kerwin-Kendell]

Damn right. Rakija is beautiful [although I've had quite a few hangovers from it] :)

[@deanjohnson7283]

The problem of most Bulgarians is that they get so hypnotized by the amount of money they can earn in western countries is that they leave Bulgaria to go work there as slaves for below minimum wedges just because its "what everyone else is doing"... The problem is, there, you must work a lot harder in order to prosper and to get "accepted". I am still working in Bulgaria, making more than double the average monthly salary and around 4 times the the minimum salary.... Started from the bottom, working over 100 hours a month for 50 euro, learned my way up, worked hard and got here... Almost everyone can do the same, especially if you start a business, it is hard, there is competition but a small corner store can bring you quite a lot of money monthly. Rents outside of Sofia are pretty reasonable, you can rent an apartment where you can live with your wife and 1-2 children for around 150 euro and if you and your wife get around the average salary of 800BGN (400 euro) you can live pretty well, go on vacations and so on... yes, you are not gonna drive the latest car, but I don't think people in the province of the UK and Germany live in 5 bedroom apartments and have cars for 200,000 euro... People have become so materialistic that they tend to forget where they came from, all they care are cars and iPhones... Almost NONE of the people who left Bulgaria, left because they simply could not make it financially here, no matter what they say... Yes, there are people who lost a parent, who could not really make ends meet, who live in a village... that could not make it, but I can guarantee that they just didn't try hard, they didn't want to succeed here... I am telling you that because I've been there, I wasn't making a good paycheck, I was thinking of going to the Netherlands as I met a guy from there who told me that he would help me out if I decide to do it... but I didn't want to leave my family here... as you can see, for someone who never learned English in his life (we had 2 hours a week in high-school, but I didn't pay attention as the things we were learning were very basic) my English is quite good, I found a job with it, I started studying things that were written on it... what I am trying to say is... Things are not as bad outside the villages as anyone makes it look... I come from a town with around 10-15,000 people and I could have stayed there and lived just fine, you can rent a apartment for 25 euro a month... yes, 25 euro... and get a salary of around 300-350 euro...food is inexpensive and if you have a wife that works too you can make a pretty good living... you can still have an iPhone X or a newer car... This is already getting too long... the thing I am trying to say is, greed sucks, it separates families and makes us look bad, when things are not as bad as they seem... If you are one of the few people who read the comment... thank you, and I hope everything goes well with your life, no matter what choice you made...

[@alexanderdenisenko4347]

There is similar situation in Russia, especially in Far East of Russia. I am sure that reason of what's going on in the whole world is that life meaning became money. Now, God is money for most people of the earth.

[@willibobsful]

@@alexanderdenisenko4347 The day will come when their money is no use to them,then we will see who is really the strongest.

[@treefiddy727]

People always go to where they can have better quality of life. Really this is nothing new and has been going since the dawn of mankind

[@thedarksword3495]

@@willibobsful C'mon don't bring religion into this

[@jerrykruger]

I'm from Southern Poland. Highlands of Tatra. we have many nearly abandoned villages where the entire population moved to Chicago and other parts of USA in search of better life. I'm one of them, and I understand. life is a lot easier on this side. but when I go back my heart wants to cry. abandoned villages, rusting production plants, total destruction af polish national economy. is this life as part of eu better choice? many disagree

[@chirsxp8887]

"Hey you, don't tell me there's no hope at all Together we stand, divided we fall"

[@resetcoder]

It is one of the most difficult things today to achieve the state when people stand together. Malicious politics have a very advanced knowledge how to avoid union, and how to divide people. They know very well what is that quote. That is their worst dream, if people stand together. They do everything to make that not happen.

[@viktor-bebe]

Hey you, getting lonely, getting old, can you feel me

[@johnclayton4946]

It's the same situation in the entire Balkans! Yes even in Albania and Macedonia and Greece! Why? George Soros Says I Don't Know!

[@dqnev5872]

Pink floyd reference aye

[@josefnagy1697]

In Bulgaria together we stand, together we fall

[@BlueRangeTV]

Being a bulgrian, i looked at the subs all the time just to see how you translated stuff

[@tmmedia9600]

Is it accurate?

[@csDiablo1]

@@tmmedia9600 Yes, they are very accurate, not to say exact :)

[@hdgamerz3149]

There are a lot of mistakes in the subtitles..

[@filippetrov1980]

@@hdgamerz3149 Yeah ...

[@user-mf7bf5jn1y]

yeah there are a lot of mistakes but when you think about it it was pretty well translated keeping in mind the fact that they were mostly speaking in a dialect and there’s a lot different sayings that don’t have a direct translation to english

[@rajendralamichane6140]

Charming and sad. Sad but charming. The direction is worth every applause. Great work in capturing so much in such less time with little characters.

[@tincan6747]

There's nothing positive about this

[@sashoradoulov3504]

My dad is from Bulgaria. Going there is quite an experience.

[@kiwifit620]

A good one?

[@Karoline01657]

I heard it has about 70% of the worlds roses. (which is a lot for a country the same size as Liberia!)

[@sashoradoulov3504]

@@kiwifit620 I just saw your comment after nearly a year. Yes, a very good one.

[@sashoradoulov3504]

@@Karoline01657 While on highways in Bulgaria, I’d sometimes see rose fields from out the window going on for miles.

[@Karoline01657]

​@@sashoradoulov3504 I know, my family originated from Bulgaria and every summer (not this one because of Covid) me and my family go there to visit relatives. And also my family is the only family in my extended family that does not live in Bulgaria!

[@lashapasieshvili9603]

I am from Georgia, and everything is same here. new generations left villages and move to capital city Tbilisi, in the villages only old people stay. Our teenagers are going to Turkey on season works, such as hazelnut and tea collection and work in high demand, under high pressure. our mature people working as a nanny, babysitter or elder caregiver. in Georgia only kids and old people stay. here doesn't work anything. no insurance system, no health care system, no police, no justice, government doesn't care about people. this is the sign of the DEATH! and Georgia every day step by step, getting closer to death. our current government keep going "brain washing talk" to us, that we are going to be greatest country in the world... oh my poor country, by our current government where are you going?! where?! (facepalm)

[@armenbabikian94]

Wish Georgia the best, i hope it will better situation for both countries armenia and georgia 🙏

[@Whoreminator]

Damn. Georgia is the only country with nature close to the Beauty of Bulgaria. This feels sad ruining the 2 most beautiful countries in the world.

[@Jathinr]

Plant a lot of fruit trees , one day it will save people from hunger . Crooked politicians will destroy many countries and people will suffer in future.

[@emrebayram1778]

Selam komşu! We have same problem bcs Our government is a piece of shit. I hope we are all together see better days... Greetings from Turkey

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

As a Greek, my heart's bleeding for my beloved Balkans.

[@sciencepower5552]

Κομμουνιστική προπαγάνδα είναι για να δείξουν ότι και καλά ο κομμουνισμός ήταν καλύτερος. Μην ψαρώνεις

[@sciencepower5552]

Μια χαρά είναι η Βουλγαρία, η Ελλάδα έχει μεγαλύτερο πρόβλημα με την υπογεννητικότητα.

[@glarosa4919]

Благодаря ти (thank you)

[@hanz2904]

Greek:beloved ballkans Someone:mentions macedonia Greek:REEEEEEE

[@hanz2904]

@@Shadowhunterbg as a Macedonian i hate Bulgarians but such misery and all in all sadness still pains me Bulgarians arent weak nor Serbians nor Macedonians were all in the end slavs fighting for control of the ballkan and not realizing hoe desperate and misarable is the situation for the people living in it

[@TheDodgerZay]

It's funny to watch this video for me as a Russian with English subs and Bulgarian speech. Btw, this video is so relevant for post-communist countries.

[@angelinimartini]

It really is relevant with all the migration going on to the cities. But this is now becoming a worldwide thing. People are centralizing in the cities because of technological advances and the movement of these physically demanding jobs to very poor countries. People just simply have no opportunity in the countryside. But it’s interesting to see how much communism had an impact. It makes you nostalgic even though we all know it had its downfalls. Quite the upside too.

[@apextroll]

It is relevant in more ways than one.

[@camkraw893]

I always wondered how countries like this faired after the Soviet collapse and this mini documentary is a great insight in capturing some of it. Are most rural areas in post Soviet countries like this?

[@iwilltakeyourpassword453]

Im bulgarian, and when i go somewhere in europe and talk with my mom, if im like in a shop and i ask the guy on the to like give me a plastic bag to take my groceries, and the dude sometimes replies in russian and im like "shit, what do i tell this dude without making him uncomfrtable"

[@jutoa6458]

Do you even need the subtitles?

[@Erik_Emer]

I mean, as an Asian, I see this in China and in Vietnam (I'm ethnically both). People are going to bigger places, but never return.

[@mrksa9453]

But luckily you actually have kids. Little people here have kids..

[@user-pd6bd7ir4z]

well yeah thats how it is. welcome to the reality. nobody wants to get left behind. it sucks for these oldies though i ll give you that

[@sh0werp0wer]

Bulgaria's population has decreased by about 30% in the past decades, so it's not really comparable to what you're describing, which is simply urbanisation (China and Vietnam's population hasn't decreased). Rapid urbanisation happens all across the world, with rural villages being abandoned. Japan, however, is about to go through something similar population-wise, due to very low birth rates and almost no immigration. Japan's population is set to drop by about 40 million people in the next 40 years. That's 1 million per year.

[@user-pd6bd7ir4z]

Julian Nikolay Krogh-Fredriksen You’re sort of correct about Bulgaria but you obviously dont know what you’re talking when it comes to Japan. I live in Kansai, Osaka and the number of immigrants and foreigners here is huge! (yeah a lot of tourists thats true but for instance the number of vietnamese residents has sky rocketed from almost 0 to about 40,000 in just 10 years. Not to mention young people from korea, China, the philpines, and SE Asia. So Japan has actually started having a LOT of immigration.

[@sh0werp0wer]

@@user-pd6bd7ir4z Japan's immigration is still close to none compared to other developed countries. That is a fact, and the reason why Japan's population is drastically shrinking. Your subjective opinion of what "a lot" of immigrants mean, doesn't really change that. It is, however, true that the Japanese government somewhat softened their immigration stance last year, but in the past 10 years Japan's immigration has been close to none compared to most other countries. Japan opened for more immigration last year because it desperately needs it. Foreign residents still make up less than 2% of Japan's population, compared to 8-25% for Western countries. Japan accepted 20 (!!) refugees in 2017, out of 20,000 asylum seekers. Germany accepted 1 million Syrian refugees in 2015 alone, and part of the reason was to battle an ageing population, as Germany has had the same birth rates as Japan for about the same amount of time. So to say Japan has a lot of immigration is pretty ridiculous. Japan's population is set to decline by 1 million per year on average for the next 40 years. In some aspects it is interesting that Japan is doing this, as we now get to see how a highly developed nation can cope with such a huge demographic decline and ageing population. It serves for a good "science experiment".

[@user-bu5fg6rz9x]

Balkans are peice of heaven .Romaia,Serbia,Bulgaria - beautiful nature,fertile soil,mountains and sea just so close. In 50 years or less these lands will be divided and taken by the big countries ,thats their goal......

[@faucetisreal]

its always been the goal, how many times in history did empires come to conquer the balkans... i dont think there was a moment when they were entirely independent hmm.....

[@vesnanuspahic7510]

Cakti Trash Istina u Srbiji blizu Zemuna jos uvek zivi covek koji se nikad nije selio iz svoje kuce ali je ziveo u 7 razlicitih drzava.To govori sve..

[@popularshows6433]

What do you think about Bosnia?

[@vesnanuspahic7510]

Lala Lala Jel mislis ima li slucajeva kao u Srbiji pa verovatno ima pogotovu zapadna Bosna.

[@popularshows6433]

@@vesnanuspahic7510 Ma vidim dijeli ljubav, pa reko nek zapadne i Bosni malo haha

[@noneyours3237]

We're not going to talk about the calf jumping out of the window?

[@stratusstratus]

LOL

[@rosshoyt2030]

Nope, those gosh darn liberal snowflakes have a strict policy against talking about calfs jumping out of windows.

[@shammydammy2610]

Jersey cows are good jumpers... :)

[@prashantvicky]

It looked like it was afraid of something. You don't jump out of windows, unless there is some serious risk to your life.

[@gurlbye9942]

@@prashantvicky it was just running away from the man as they're clearly uncomfortable around humans. notice it flinched too when he saw the camera man at 4:25.

[@rickshearer]

Talented film crew and director...capturing true life personalities, reminiscing the lively past and facing a fading future.

[@archetypex65]

Oh yeah...🙄🙄🙄 Because they're not some left-wing lunatics, no way. That's crazy talk 😂😂😂

[@davejones6392]

Yeah, beautifully done . At once uplifting and poignant, the two little children didn’t seem to belong - soon they will be gone to the city too. The others will face old age together which is a blessing I suppose.

[@edthe2nd]

This is like watching a novel, you can almost hear an invisible narrator.

[@deplorablefilth]

the sad part is that this video is so true.Not only Bulgaria is suffering- the whole Balkans are.Greetings from Bulgaria.

[@anotherthink9236]

Now i see that communism it was better that this shit. Greetings from ukraine

[@anotherthink9236]

@- Invictus - i know my comrade

[@supernova7966]

Romania is same?

[@johnclayton4946]

@@anotherthink9236 George S thinks the Balkans are making progress day by day! They are growing in deaths year by year!

[@olivertaleski9137]

Same thing in Macedonia :( very sad

[@ridgoro]

my GF is from Bulgaria and this is exactly what she tells me. I visited the country and they're warm and welcoming people, and they're countryside is beautiful . They have had bad luck in their history with their turkish and russian occupations. I hope someday soon they become a thriving country.

[@shpenatka]

I'm pretty much used to this sight and it brings me nostalgia. I live in a small village in Czech Republic, but I've been visiting Bulgaria very often for the past few years (our highschool has a partnership with another one in Bulgaria, so we visit via european projects). We usually visit big cities like Varna and Plovdiv, but it's impossible to not notice poor villages as you ride by bus. I'm always having mixed feelings as I look at those villages - It brings me nostalgia of visiting my family members back when I was little, but it also makes me sad that such a wonderful country is full of abandoned buildings, garbage dumps, underfed animals and poor people.

[@kristiyanindzhev6454]

Czech Republic arghhhh beautiful country! Wish Bulgaria(my country) was like yours! Yes your country isnt perfect or super rich but at least its not super poor like mine, its in the middle nicely balanced. Most importantly it keeps on developing unlike mine, this is why I am forced to live in London like many other of my fellow countrymen who are scattered around Europe...

[@stepanpytlik4021]

@@kristiyanindzhev6454 Developing? It could develop faster, but it isn't. Why? Because of our politicians

[@podlodialgilap3490]

@@kristiyanindzhev6454 and how do you expect Bulgaria to develop itself ? , save some money and go back into your country , help to develope it , not only you but the millions of Bulgarians around the world

[@kristiyanindzhev6454]

@@podlodialgilap3490 I to help develop this mafia run and corrupt politician country! No thanks.

[@altergreenhorn]

@@kristiyanindzhev6454 Bulgaria have a irresponsible politicans like 3 years ago they blocked a south stream gas pipe line from Russia to EU from which they will get more than 1 billion Euros per year as transport fees...I guess they don't need that billion

[@moonclawlol916]

I feel SO bad for you Bulgarians. Love from your Serbian suporter😭🇧🇬💕🇷🇸

[@gacomics5951]

You're Serbian but don't understand the old couple is actually Serbian as well that's been turned into Bulgarians, probably assimilated due to suppression of Serbian identify of their parents. Can't you understand the dialect they're talking with? You're probably from northern parts of Serbia.

[@Anonymous-qx1vd]

@@gacomics5951 Except 2 or 3 words they are speaking Bulgarian and these words are known even near the black sea so fuck off

[@Anonymous-qx1vd]

@@gacomics5951 Its like to say that croats are Serbians only because they speak the same language

[@gacomics5951]

@@Anonymous-qx1vd Don't get your Bulgarian panties in a bunch.

[@aleksandrafilipova1307]

And i feel bad when our brothers hate us...why we are not together all people's in balkan? That's not hard... 🇧🇬❤🇷🇸

[@Aremacphotography]

I am an American as well and married into a Bulgarian family and it is the best thing I have ever done. The food and culture is amazing, you will make unforgettable memories. If you have never been please rent a car and drive from Sofia to the Black Sea, stop off at the spa towns, Rila monastery, the old capital and so much more. We drive though each time and find new unseen gems. The exchange is great for foreigners it is one of the most affordable places to travel. I promise you will LOVE BULGARIA! One day I will retire outside of Sofia and raise our family. Don’t believe the people that talk bad about this country, they do it for clout and most likely have never spent more then a month here. BE PROUD OF WHERE YOU ARE FROM BULGARIANS!

[@yovkoyovkov9005]

Bulgaria will survive through,just like it did in the past. But most importantly it should focus on its strongest feature-Духовността!❤

[@wesleyshiong]

I cannot breathe watching this and my soul was sucked into the film.

[@SpywareEverywhere]

it was well done. The people were very likable.

[@prudiceflc]

all best from Czech..

[@starbohal8775]

i'm from Bulgaria.. Living here is not that bad... That movie shows the reality in my country wrong but still have some trues

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

I am a Greek Thracian from the Greek part of Thrace, This reminds me my village in Evros, we have many cultural similarities, like the cabbage ! i'm very sorry to see there is so much poverty my brothers, i hope your children will have a better future.

[@dnlxl]

And keep in mind that this is north by the Danube. Northern Greece and Bulgaria are very, very similar indeed.

[@tsvetoslaviliev6641]

There is no future.

[@GorskiNunavut]

@@tsvetoslaviliev6641 Agree with you😪

[@franca9995]

are they having children?

[@GorskiNunavut]

@@StreetWorkoutBGBulgaria Sorry about that, but it's a bare truth.If you get, what I mean....

[@HarryToeface]

I fell head over heels in love with a Bulgarian. We spent months together but she had to return to her country. We still talk and I'd still marry her today if she wanted to live in the US!

[@justsomeone7999]

Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania and Greece there will be a time that these countries can live in harmony

[@bt1gm]

Lots of hate in the Balkans it's like the middle east of Europe

[@geribejl5924]

Where is this North Macedonia country that you are talking about?

[@bt1gm]

@@geribejl5924 don't worry about country names and politics. Geri in Australia we call people like you stocka. For the farms

[@justsomeone7999]

@@geribejl5924 F.Y.R Macedonia, but it was renamed North Macedonia a few months ago

[@justsomeone7999]

@@psikopate333 I really do not have any opinion on this. Sorry

[@Overlord99762]

It's saddening yet cozy somehow, this gave me a lot of mixed feelings

[@dirheist]

That's how most of Eastern Europe feels when you drive through it now. Because of the diaspora and economic situation, most of the kids leave for Germany/Switzerland/Canada to pursue work there. This leaves troves of villages left only with the elderly making any improvements difficult.The old then die and the villages are abandoned and reclaimed by vegetation and the earth.

[@plottwist1733]

I think it feels cozy because they're just living a humble/simple lifestyle. A life without Instagram and feeling the need to show off to other people all the time. Something that's been lost here in the West.

[@Overlord99762]

@@plottwist1733 you're right

[@mase002]

@@plottwist1733 I think that is really only the cities of the west. Smaller towns are still fairly simple and keep to themselves.

[@manictiger]

This is how it is, Artyom. It may not be like the world we once had, but it's home. This is our Metro.

[@skmk88]

Love from Serbia and America. May your remaining days be full of brandy. Props to film crew. Exceptionally made.

[@intel386DX]

Jebala nas democracija

[@marejov83]

@@intel386DX Bas..

[@user-jx3pz6pv6x]

Поздрави брате!

[@skmk88]

Šljivovica

[@dat4450]

Sadly...the Bulgaria once we all knew is almost gone.

[@johnclayton4946]

@Hungary #1 George Soros Disagrees With You!

[@johnclayton4946]

@XXCoreXX Hungary isn't doing very well either so.......yeah it will be a waste of time trying to defeat Soros because more will come to replace him. It's only a matter of time before you realize your Nation is destroyed into ruins!

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

@XXCoreXX Soros already own the EU and also USA and most countrys in the world.. he belongs to the 1% you know.

[@natko8090]

I hope situation gets better and people return to bulgaria

[@daraka1754]

Natan k We should start work to do it

[@natko8090]

yeaa we have a lot of work to do

[@johnclayton4946]

George Soros thinks this is the best Bulgaria and The Balkans have ever been!

[@josefnagy1697]

Yeah, hope

[@demiantova5167]

Доста тъжно... Наистина обичам родината си, но да гледаш как се разпада е тежко. И все пак съм благодарна, че съм родена точно тук! Горда съм с история ни, традициите ни! Никъде другаде по света няма подобно нещо!

[@nikolapetkov1051]

Просто oh yeah yeah yeah

[@catninja4950]

Да така е, но тук живота е труден.

[@sszzzzjsjzj]

тъжно или не... такова е положението... масово са с по 6 - 700 лв заплата... как се преживява така ако си сам? традицията и историята ни не е от значение щом добрия и нормален стандарт на живот липсва!!!

[@Vladi4ek007]

Это проблема почти всей восточной Европы, к сожалению.

[@kosio0808]

ами... гордей си се :D :)

[@asn9337]

I'm Romanian. Even without the subtitles, I understand everything going on in this video.

[@Dido01239]

How? There is nothing in common between the bulgarian and romanian language. May be you are one of besarabian bulgarians in Romania.

[@filippetrov1980]

@@Dido01239 Ае ти тъп ли си е ...

[@eurovicious]

​@@Dido01239 He means figuratively, in terms of the situation.

[@Cris-hd1wb]

@@Dido01239 Noooo you don't get it, he means he understands what the video's about, not the language spoken throughout it, we don't understand Bulgarian 😅

[@Dido01239]

@@Cris-hd1wb I understand after the second read :D

[@duboislili]

I have wonderful memories of this amazing country when I traveled there in 2004...this documentary is very moving and shows the daily struggles of Bulgarian countryside people, the decaying villages and aging population that is left behind. I remember driving through the country and witnessing the same things..the people were charming and very welcoming. I would love to go back...Thank you for sharing!

[@xiiv.emilia]

You definitely should go back! Plovdiv is 100% worth seeing! Its beautiful and has so much history (as it is the oldest city in Europe)

[@lukeivanov2327]

Bulgarians have one of the highest median incomes in the United states out of every other ethnic group ($78,000 compared to $59,000) and 60% of Bulgarians aged 25 or older in America has a bachelors degree. If our crappy government wasn't so corrupt and we channeled our hard work and intelligence to bettering our country, we would be living like the Scandinavian countries.

[@lv9265]

Yeah but that's really because it's very difficult to migrate to the US and people with more prestigious jobs or higher education migrate there a lot more easily than everyone else. Imagine going there as a poor Bulgarian. I'm not even sure I've heard of such cases.

[@Tanerk24]

My heart goes out to these Bulgarians. My mom is a Bulgarian Turk and I witnessed first hand life in small Bulgarian villages. I love how villagers are humble, kind and always try to stay positive I wish them all the best

[@AYPICSTUDIO]

Not Bulgarian Turk but Turk from Bulgaria - there is difference kanka!

[@brucehaddow2666]

I got homesick while watching this, even though I'm from Canada.

[@ivvie1452]

I hear that so often! It seems like people visiting my homeland experience the mix of love patriotism, nostalgia, and disappointment that haunts Bulgaria. Visitors have told me that those emotions are everywhere and they don't know why at first until they learn more about locals. It's strange to some, and even me sometimes though I feel it deeply every day, but I guess this is simply the soul of the land and its people, constituting itself in every-day life.

[@Stadtpark90]

There is dignity and authenticity. And yes: melancholy. - And some beautiful music at the end. But at least people still know how to get by on a subsistence way of life. I’d probably starve: without some practical knowledge about keeping animals and gardening and conserving food for the winter, I’d be lost.

[@hhhhhh-em1rm]

i am bulgarian descend and never been there but im feeling homesick watching this 🤔

[@quantummotion]

@@ivvie1452 In Portugal, the people have a name for this - "saudade". And the feeling created an entire music genre - "Fado". And like many others, watching this video made me think of where my parents came from (the Azores) and the hardships one endured, and of the young moving away. The Azores has changed, in many ways, for the better, but as the people in this video complained, the EU interferes A LOT with traditional ways of living, working, eating, and drinking. God bless and protect the people of Bulgaria, and in time, give wisdom to its young about what they leave behind.

[@violett000]

I was born in Sweden, but my parents are from Serbia. 🇷🇸❤️ My biggest wish is to move to Serbia to be with my own people in my own country, but so many people are leaving and telling me I am crazy and stupid. 😔 I really wish the situation gets better in the Balkans during my lifetime.

[@alinamih]

You are not crazy, people go back to their roots all the time. Serbia is not even that far away from Sweden :)

[@lelemudpalamudic7134]

I have female cousine in USA she is born ane raised there,but she want return back and live Serbia...for me it is wierd.

[@claudiu4500]

Same with me, I lived in Belgium for 6 years and always wanted to go back to Romania 🇷🇴. I am lucky that my parents feel the same and don't want to stay here anymore so this summer we are moving back. Everybody says that we are crazy and things but there we feel at home, not here. Always follow your heart!

[@violett000]

@@claudiu4500 I love Romania 🇷🇴❤️🇷🇸 I am glad someone understands, like sure your life is relatively secure in western countries, but if you love your home country then your soul will be hurting if you are not there.

[@lionkinggamer9458]

@@claudiu4500 Romania isnt even that bad anymore lul. You can live really well in the cities

[@ecolovies]

Hello, I am French, living in Bulgaria, half time in Sofia, half time at 10 km from Altimir... Lovely countryside area. You could make or see such a film about East of France, where the iron and steel firms are all closed and the population is unemployed. Same situation, it is not just in Balkans where the life is so sweet... Greetings to my Bulgarian friends 😃

[@yovkoyovkov9005]

Thank you 🙏

[@NessieAndrew]

Basically same thing as Romania. Every single family has people that went to work outside the country.

[@scottpascal3099]

Not quite, Romania is doing much better than the rest of "Eastern Europe". I'm Canadian working and moved to Romania with 2 months wage I can afford a good car.

[@Joso997]

@@scottpascal3099 because you are paid Canadian salary

[@NessieAndrew]

@@scottpascal3099 Exactly

[@kristiyanindzhev6454]

To be honest romania is bad as well but has better chances of developing in the future 10 to 20 years than bulgaria does

[@filipperic2491]

Same in Serbia. Tbh, when you look at it, there is no bright future for us here, there's always going to be corruption.

[@fionatanzer5270]

the singing at the end is absolutely delightful

[@kosmicheskiprah]

It is the typical Bulgarian folklore music.

[@emilnikoloski395]

@@kosmicheskiprah No, it's not. It's a Macedonian song called "Na Struga dukan da imam".

[@darthmaul7220]

@@emilnikoloski395 Well, well shouldn't be an old North Macedonian song then?

[@MACEDONIAbitola]

Darth Maul WOW you have so much LOVE for MACEDONIANS I can feel it that want to steal the songs also . Why is it you just can’t say YES it’s MACEDONIAN Song ?

[@MACEDONIAbitola]

Yani L you meant to say TYPICAL STOLEN MACEDONIAN FOLKLORE 🇲🇰

[@syno4937]

"300 People used to work here, now it's a Ghost-town"

[@jutoa6458]

Excacly

[@awsomemodels]

@@jutoa6458 Hey it kinda cool that you're subbed to geography now 😂😂😂

[@johnclayton4946]

Empowered Women don't have kids! It's not just villages it's entire countries that are slowly going extinct and becoming ghost towns! Why do you think Europe is taking all those Muslims in? Low birth rates and they need more workers basically men but Male Suicide in Feminist Societies is four times higher than that of women! Facts I just Red Pilled you!

[@kurosakirektyou7729]

This is from call of duty MW the pripyat mission

[@johnclayton4946]

@ Commies are everywhere today and Commies support Feminism to the core!

[@teamroninz3108]

As a bulgarian im shedding tears...

[@FriendlyCroock]

Oh Europe. My poor beautiful beautiful dying Europe. I do not want to live in a world without the beautiful peaceful indigenous people of Bulgaria.

[@ryankov]

we've survived for 1400 years, i doubt that a bunch of corrupted politicians can wipe us out :))

[@jesusbalderas329]

All is good when it turns bad. People are here to stay for billions of years.

[@balkanforestboy5040]

@@ryankov But you have to admit they're doing a great job at it, aren't they? Looking at the data...

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

the jews are on a mission !

[@redpillbulgaria-v2.063]

@@hyenalaughingmatter8103 Finally someone hit the nail on the head ... 👍👍👍

[@sistertidy]

Sad.. I left Bulgaria when I was 17 years old. I wasn't able to get job for two years. When I found one in a factory, they didn't pay me. I borrowed money, bought one way airplane ticket and left. Forever. I had to live without electricity, sleep on the floor, stay hungry and more, but I made it. Now I have medical degree, good life and lots of dreams. Thank you for my good genetics, Bulgaria, but I'm still unable to forgive your politicians and the ''democracy''.

[@tropickman]

@dicho dichev ...how naive....

[@krassiable]

Left Bulgaria 29 years ago and I never felt the guilt of leaving...however my plan is to go back and live a simple lifestyle. I would like my final years is t

[@Czar_Simeon_I_The_Great]

​@@krassiable Ill write in English just because I do realize there will be internationals reading it. Its not your fault you don't really understand politics and I dont mean to offend you or anyone else. I just want to say that ironically the US won the cold war resulting in the fall of the communism and the absolute destruction and COLONIZATION of all Eastern Europe. The irony is, when all this happened the US opened their border and consumed our populations (not only Bulgarian) and enriched their genetic material with our lets say amazing genetics and used us as a leverage to increase their already winning one. Bottom line is we believed in empty words, made mistake after mistake, did not recognize propaganda from the reality and this is the result - 9 million to 6 in 30 years. Dont mean to bore anyone so Ill just say that this is not the end and we still do have a chance of being a successful country again. The fake liberalism in Europe is dying to the Patriotic parties and Nationalism is taking the edge. I am not saying to vote for anyone, but we all know what these morons that rule us for the past 30 years are pathetic liars serving the same master (you can read it when you see what they all do - the same) There is a party named Възраждане, and since we are all sick and tired of "saviors" Id highly recommend you to search them out by yourselves and see what they do and decide for yourselves if you believe in them or not. Ill just say that this is the only party that donated 100% of their subsidy to families that could not have children (invitro) at a total of 2 million lev. This is just one of the things these people DID and not just SAID.

[@alexrunev4197]

Срам ме е да ви чета коментарите...

[@procletnic]

Alex Runev - и мен ме срам от разни вчерашни дебилчета, които се тупат в гърдите, че са големи патриоти, обаче се осигуряват на минимална, а патриотичността им се изразява предимно в пиене на пърцуца и омраза към хората дръзнали да си търсят щастието някъде другаде по света.

[@lukassbeataddicts]

I’m from Poland and it breaks my heart to see this. Poland developed into modern country, because of what was our curse for centuries, which is bordering Germany is now economic advantage over south. However Polish government trying to build new motorway via Carpatia to boost north-south trade. It will connect Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.

[@canadian7530]

Because of all the money you receive from the EU

[@lukassbeataddicts]

It's not that simple, EU never fund 100% of investment that's why Bulgaria struggle to absorb EU funds which are available to them. Also corruption was mostly eliminated in Poland. Southern Slavic nations will eventually develop, just need modern infrastructure. @@canadian7530

[@dimifisher7942]

@@canadian7530 lol, bollocks

[@boribori618]

Its still our country and I love it no matter all the flaws it has ❤️

[@johnclayton4946]

Flaws you say! The Entire Balkans is in the same situation! Coincidence??? I think not! George The Snake Master Is Making A Lot Of Money From The Balkans Now He Needs A War To Sell Those Damn Weapons And Make More Money $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$! Muahauahuahauahauhaauahauhahau

[@dreameme8173]

@@johnclayton4946 mm are you okey?? Calm down please

[@johnclayton4946]

@@dreameme8173 George Soros is more calm than I am!

[@mdg936]

I like how it's like a short film even though it's a documentary.

[@superdeluxesmell]

Marcus Gerber I don’t. I’d say it’s neither.

[@SHINeeKeyTaeyang9925]

all documentaries are film.

[@superdeluxesmell]

rosec *sighs* How profound.

[@SHINeeKeyTaeyang9925]

whoosh

[@superdeluxesmell]

rosec I think you may be lost, Reddit’s over there.

[@drServitis]

BEAUTIFUL SINGING AT THE END. GIVES A FEELING OF THE HEART, SOUL, AND CULTURE OF THE BULGARIAN PEOPLE.

[@vanpopajco]

That is Macedonian song , not bulgarian. It is hard for the singer to sing it properly.

[@drServitis]

@@vanpopajco Oh, then they fooled me. Thank you for letting me know. Still very beautiful singing I think.

[@emilnikoloski395]

The song's name is "Na Struga dukan da imam". It's an old Macedonian song.

[@nikolalesov8359]

@@@drServitis Macedonia was once part of Bulgaria, so you will find a lot of common songs, and othe cultural similarities.

[@ovidiuhozan1079]

@@emilnikoloski395 can you give me a link, it's sound celestial ...

[@sophiasharma456]

when i was in bulgaria over the summer i met a young teenager in the town of ruse. his enthusiasm for his city and welcoming and friendly attitude left a lasting impact on me. the country (along with romania) was one of the most interesting and beautiful countries i have ever visited and i would love to return for longer to experience some less wealthy villages

[@DrPanda202]

Love this documentary, no reporter talking, just the people who the documentary is about sharing their story, this is how documentaries should be.

[@w1ngnuts]

The cinematography and camerawork on this was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the quiet moments and tranquil pacing. I also like how you interviewed the people as it really gave you a sense for their humanity. I felt like this could have just as easily have been sitting across from my grandmother in the small town I grew up in. The only thing I will say is it didn't really tell me much about the underlying issues or reasons behind Bulgaria's population decline or what the implications were for the future, but I think in order to do so while keeping the character of the film, it would have had to be much longer. Well done

[@dimitermarchev9040]

2-3 million Bulgarians went to other West European countries because of mafia government that steer the country into corruption. Bulgarian corruptive government does not look after its people, but to make themselves rich. They do not think about the future of the country, which is crazy, considering their children that live and will be living in the same place. Government with its prime minister and most of the Parliament have to be convicted for treason against its own people. European Union knows about it, but western politicians don’t care because corrupted Bulgarian government serves them as well. It is a sad situation, but it will lead to huge changes that will start from within people living in the country.

[@sarahjacob5163]

@@dimitermarchev9040 Проблема е, че тях и протестите ни, не ги плашат. Що народ се събираше пред парламента за протест след протест. Дали тия във властта се изплашиха, или дори мигна ли им окото? Да бе! Пука им на тях. Пъхнат си стотачката у джобчето и се скрият зад охраните и къщите - палати. Смешни са всичките. А най-тъпото е, че са продажни и лесни за натиск и манипулация. След 20 години обаче, ще управляват циганите, дето сега биват спонсорирани от данъците ни и останалото измиращо население. Според мен, за да се промени нещо, трябва един преврат да стане. На власт да бъдт поставени наши хора, сигурни човеци. Продажниците на съд, а с палатите им да се настаняват истински нуждаещите се! Разбира се, това ще доведе до абсолютна анархия. Ще се избием помежду си, ако не е добре организирано, ама кой ще се навие да организира? Няма никой. Само си седим и се оплакваме, и нищо не правим. Ето ме и аз съм същата! Няма будни, а ако има те са малцинство. Ами какво друго да кажа... ще се видим на запада. Жалко, че така са нещата, много жалко.

[@dimitermarchev9040]

Sarah Jacob, аз си мисля че процеса вече е започнал. Има много Българи, които се завръщат в България. Повечето са видели какво е нормално, свободно общество където има държавност и контрол за това какво и как се върши. Именно тези хора ще направят промяната. Вижте групата във фейсбук “будни за България”. Онзи ден са правили протест в София и полицията се е опитала да ги разпръсне със сълзотворен газ, но вятъра се е обърнал и всичкия газ е покрил полицаите. Това е началото! Както казват старите хора-срещу народа не може да се върви! Рано или малко по-късно Българите ще се вдигнат и никакви престъпни политици не ще могат да ги спрат!

[@sarahjacob5163]

@@dimitermarchev9040 Много хубаво ще стане. Ние не, ама поне внуците да се радват на държава като държава. То не бяха османци, фашисти, комунисти, та сега и мафия. Е, няма оправа от векове насам. Искрено се надявам до края на века в България да настъпи един катарзис. Нужно е!

[@podlodialgilap3490]

@@sarahjacob5163 много трудно ще е. Българите не са като французите да ни им пука от нищо и да строят гилотини , един автомат да гръмне и всички ще се разпръснем като пилци ако ще и 1 милион протестиращи да сме. Разни мафиотски организации (подобни на ТИМ ) са проникнали в всички държавни сфери , и няма да пуснат кокала лесно

[@Iully27x]

Zdravei! Lovely video, lovely people! Hope time will make things better! Greetings from your Romanian brother!

[@definitelyapatrician7790]

Thanks, brudah. I respect romanians, and I don't hate Bulgaria. I like it's history and culture. But the emigrates and corruption

[@fucckindummy3830]

Bruh these peaple show only the bad side of our country

[@greigsanderson]

The best country on earth. My favourite place is Veliko Tarnovo.

[@lamarr51]

I live there :)

[@mihaildraganov470]

As a person born and living in bulgaria I'm in love with rundown places, and abandoned buildings. I think there's something fascinating with ruins an aery sense of mystery I suppose. Such a beautiful cinematography though

[@strictlyunreal]

If they didn't speak Bulgarian, I would've thought this was shot in Romania.

[@CmotanMC]

@Hugh Jones it's not far away, less than 30km from Beket

[@burns83]

It could be the country side of any nation in Europe

[@umitsahin8698]

They may look similar to Romanians but the language is not similar at all Romanian is a latin language and Bulgarian is a slavic language :)

[@TheDeextra]

That's an insult to Bulgarian 😂

[@jebatevrana]

Or in Croatia.

[@ibenzawla]

This is the result of chronic corruption both at the local and state level.

[@ollielife1]

The soviet union, and now the EU.

[@yarpen26]

@@ollielife1 Except that the USSR facilitated corruption and it was essential to its survival. The EU at least triest to combat it.

[@archetypex65]

@@yarpen26 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@arbanaskocudo]

Same in Croatia

[@pavelpavlov9277]

@@yarpen26 Dear sir surely you must be joking. Corruption and nepotism are the only things that grow in EU. Just look at those Brussels fat burgers. Are only hope is the Chinese politburo.

[@damirbato5686]

Greetings to my brothers and sisters in BULGARIA from BOSNIA.We have had shared history for thousands of years and look where we are today?We allowed foreigners to privatize all of our natural resources,industry,tourism,farms,and our people are scattered across the globe.Balkan people are so humble and generous that they allow their governments to rob them blind and never say anything.BOSNIAN BOGUMIL

[@sashotsenov]

I'm Bulgarian. If you went to a Bulgarian city you will see the shiny side of Bulgaria. All villages are being abandoned yes but the population isn't going down like 500000 a year but less

[@sashotsenov]

And rakya isn't brandy! It's a whole different thing.

[@vayne7556]

Но все пак затъва държавата - за съжаление и ми чупи сърцето....

[@sashotsenov]

@@vayne7556 WELL IF BASTARDS LIKE BOIKO DIDN'T DICTATE US THEN ALL WOULD BE GUD AND SHINY

[@vayne7556]

@@sashotsenov Правителството е виновно, да, до някаква степен,но и населението има вина.Повечето Българи нямат амбиция да се развиват и от там идва голяма част от проблема.

[@johniewalker4356]

@@vayne7556 ostavi brat, vse nqkoi ni e vinoven na nas, USA, Rusia, Boiko, se nqkoj ni prechi da zapretnem rakavite da nauchim zanaqt i da se nagodim spored pazara. Idvat u nas i ni troshat krakata i rucete.

[@peacefulglory6659]

Bulgarian "Balkans" ar the most beatuful place in the world!

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

Croatia and Greece are much more beautiful mate !

[@gali6249]

It’s not more beautiful

[@gali6249]

Bulgaria is most beautiful

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

ok

[@peacefulglory6659]

​@@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt skase...

[@itirozgizep7463]

I'm a Turkish Thracian and my family's from Yanbol Bulgaria. This felt like watching my mom and dad drinking wine with their friends. I love how similar we look and live despite all the differences we have. Also the village looks beautiful, just needs a little mending and painting. I hope people find the will and money to return it back to its better days. THAT CALF THO!!!

[@DIYexplanied]

The same faith awaits the villages here sadly. Greetings from Macedonia!

[@Moon420]

Hi im from Macedonia too

[@ivanpetrov5258]

Stomio heh Bulgaria *

[@johnclayton4946]

George Soros says fate doesn't exist!

[@balkanforestboy5040]

Чудя се ако в Антарктида направят градове и заплатите са супер високи, дали българите и македонците биха отишли там на гурбет? Мисля, че се търси по-бързото и лесно забогатяване, но винаги се плаща цена. А може би най-голямата цена е загубата на идентичност... down the road.

[@KraliMishev]

@@balkanforestboy5040 На този етап може и да е неизбежно вече.

[@denisdenchev413]

I'm Bulgarian and I'd never leave my country to go work for someone else where I'll be seen as less. (no matter the situation within Bulgaria)

[@mihailistrate8878]

As you can see the Mentality is the hardest part to change..but you have to earn your respect, to build it; not take it for granted!!!

[@plamengeorgiev7882]

A lot of people keep telling themselves that and keep working their prestigious jobs like mad sometimes working two jobs even, only for a seasonal worker in Greece with 0 qualifications to earn twice the money in half the amount of time. Mind you, some people don't really have the luxury of choosing. It's either minimum wage or work abroad. Try to guess which one they're gonna pick if they want to have a family.

[@l.k5244]

You can always study, get a degree and go work as a needed foreigner in a field where not many locals are going. That's exactly my immigration story and I have never been seen as less since I'm literally helping them more than their helping me.

[@denisdenchev413]

@@plamengeorgiev7882 I know. What you said is completely relevant but without the people there can be no change.

[@balkanwitch5747]

I'm Romanian, I left to the UK and I'm not seen as less by anyone. All you need to do is learn the language, adapt and overcome. If you don't like the language or culture it'll obviously be harder though...

[@plamenabozhinova8931]

So much love, sadness and nostalgia captured in 17 minutes. Well done to all parties involved. Pure love

[@edwardhernandez8079]

These two folks remind me of my Puerto Rican Grandparents, always arguing over the little things, but hardly ever leaving one another's side

[@paries1014]

Im bulgarian by heart Love my favorite country ❤❤❤ We have same problem in iran shrinking

[@user-uk1bi4fp4z]

Awww.. Love to Iran from Bulgaria! 😘 Hope the situation in our countries get better! 🙏

[@svetlastoianova3567]

I've always been fascinated by Iran since i was very little; wish to visit one day. Much love to Iran from Bulgaria

[@eskimocheeks9911]

Sweet elders. Reminds me of my Croatian grandparents. God bless you Bulgaria and it's people.

[@MikeyPaper]

Balkarstan

[@shanegrimes3455]

I notice they are very comfortable while filming

[@heythere160]

Very interesting piece which shows how the spiral of depopulation in rural areas is virtually impossible to stop, with a few exceptions. This is not just happening in Bulgaria, mind you. Many other towns and villages in Europe, particularly those under 5000 inhabitants, are doomed to become completely depopulated within the next 30 years. I say this as a Spaniard who comes from one of the regions that is specially affected by this problem. A sad trend, yes, but practically impossible to revert or halt.

[@mihailnikoloff2554]

Sad, but Spain is much bigger country and can somehow maintain its population, while ethnic Bulgarians are being replaced by Muslims, Gypsies and Turks.

[@Lindsaylbb]

It’s a global phenomenon.

[@ab9840]

They say that in the future the majority of people will be living in the mega cities of the future. Bulgaria seems to be facing the problem many nations have in that all the money tends to stay in the Capital Metro Area. The farther you are from the capital the less money and political influence your region has. Bulgaria also is in the EU. and wants to introduce the Euro. That means they must cut back on expenditures in order to maintain a balanced budget. Guess who more then likely is feeling the cut backs. Bulgaria is very centralized. Time to create the United States of Bulgaria and give much more power to the provinces which would become states. More local power equals more control over local economic development. Currently, the central government appoints the provincial governors.

[@balkanforestboy5040]

Yeah, it's a global trend. If these places are to be saved, they need to save their livelihood. In my opinion, this is not going to happen by going deeper into the mire of globalism. Local economy may be poorer, but it was sustainable and it has sustained us for generations. And societies were much healthier. Obstacle number one is the government and the E.U. putting all sorts of obstacles to small and medium-sized businesses in Bulgaria, which makes it even harder for those who have tried to make ends meet and not evacuate the country.

[@amogusenjoyer]

Mihail Nikoloff nobody is replacing you. Nobody wants to live in bulgaria, especially not turks. Imagine living in such a shithole and still thinking there’s some sort of massive migrant threat to your country lmao

[@user-mi4yc7pr3x]

It's not so depressing. I ve been to Bulgaria in the north ( Ruse) and loved it. Will come back for more

[@AlexAhmedov]

But the villages die and the cities get bigger

[@yp8292]

@@AlexAhmedov It's a bit of a cycle tbf, at some point people in cities will start repopulating villages as they get full

[@tylerbozinovski4624]

As a very close relative of the Bulgarians, it's kind of disheartening to hear about their rapid decline. They got defeated in three wars in just the first half of the 20th century, only to be ruled by the communists for about 46 years after their third defeat. The Bulgarians wanted the Slavic-speaking parts of North Macedonia (which is where my ancestors are from by the way), but they failed, and now the Yugoslav communists have successfully managed to make my people hate the Bulgarians and love the Serbs. Now, the North Macedonians hate all of their neighbours except for Serbia, and Bulgaria has struggled to recover from communism and war. Slavic North Macedonians are really just brainwashed Western Bulgarians in my opinion.

[@Khaled91]

Apparently, a lot of these Eastern European countries are suffering from emigration...Where their own citizens leave the country.

[@JujataX]

Khaled S of course we all leave. The political and economical situation in the country is just horrible. People barely manage to put both ends together. We all leave either in the UK, Germany, Spain, Us or anywhere around the world. The worst is that a lot of people on documents live in Bulgaria but the truth is they are actually somewhere abroad

[@henryzakarian6298]

@@JujataX Why leave? Why not start a revolution? Isn't the economy suffering because everyone is leaving?

[@user-mg9fo4rx9b]

If you were in our position you would understand why we all escape our beloved homes. We have a choise between poverty in the Balkans or something close to normal live somewhere in a more developed country. You cant blame us for wanting a normal life and you shouldnt even try.

[@henryzakarian6298]

@@user-mg9fo4rx9b Personally, I'd rather be poor than live in a foreign country, except maybe if I had kids.

[@Khaled91]

@@user-mg9fo4rx9b Firstly, I didn't blame anyone for anything.. I was making a point in reference to the video and that it is common all over Eastern Europe. Not just Bulgaria. My own family left Eritrea 🇪🇷 50 years ago and now we live in the UK. So I understand your situation.

[@mstislavherasymov9037]

Reminds me of my babushka in Crimea. I will probably be a nostalgic grump when I am old too.

[@angelinimartini]

I haven’t even hit 30 and I’m already a “nostalgic grump”. Maybe it’s just human nature but some things were just definitely better in the past.

[@lanzfarnazo6484]

Vanya Malinin.. Was that correct

[@in6587]

@@angelinimartini you're beautiful. Would you like to be my 2nd wife?

[@CelenaTheShy]

🙏1 like 1 prayer for The Balkans И ако обичате лютеница също дайте палец нагоре

[@toaster-a960]

Кой не обича лютеница!? Това ми е антидепресант след Animal Crossing и Рисуването.

[@rangelparishev7473]

Да живеят България и Балканите!!!... и лютеницата разбира се

[@greta116]

Nothing new in in my country Lithuania. Very same situation of young people shrinking- the country is very beautiful, very old and with very archaic and beautiful traditions. We are recovering very quickly after just 20 years of free living after Soviets occupation, which destroyed a lot of things and delayed our progression. The reality is the same, that more and more young people seeking to find well paid jobs, goes to live in big cities or emmigrates from Lithuania to weatern countries like UK, Germany, USA. While big cities shines and vibrates with culture aliviness, capitalism and etc., villages becoming more empty, youngsters going to live abroad. That’s not only Lithuanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian or other countries reality. We are not exceptions. Stay strong, Bulgarians! I studied and lived in Bulgaria for a short time, and I can say, that one of the most friendliest and warmiest people are bulgarians. You are very beautiful nation with so much potential, so much interesting cultural and nature sights which admires foreign people... just need right political hand. My greetings to you from Lithuania. ❤️

[@lonelyhetaliafangirl4936]

Awww thanks for the support 🇧🇬❤️🇱🇹 You must understand Bulgarian...

[@svetlastoianova3567]

I worked with two Lithuanian guys in the Netherlands. We didn't speak much even though we lived in the same accomodation, but they were the kindest, most heartfelt people I've ever met. Always looking for a way to help out. Love from Bulgaria to Lithuania