It's been a long but on the other hand short ten years. The days went slow but the months went fast. And just like that, I spent nearly my whole twenties in Bulgaria. It was a solid choice - very likely one of the best ones I've made in my life. But by now it's time for a refreshing change. How come, one would ask? Well, a build up of many things at the same time. None of them particularly interesting or funny to highlight, but I might as well make an attempt. The job I currently work is happy with my performance and management is well aware I'm internationally oriented. Perhaps they caught the impression that after ten years here, perhaps I'm looking for a fresh start. After all, I'm single, won't have a family or kids, and I might as well reap the benefits of the flexibility of this lifestyle.
I was surprised by their intuition and them feeling this was actually on my mind since years. Because I always do research and look for good places to live for a few years. Part of that is that it should be a better place to live in Bulgaria - all being relative because my personal demands and lifestyle do change as I get into my thirties. As my managers were sensing I had this itch, they mentioned I could live anywhere else they had an office (despite me working homebased - just an administrative thing). And provided it's the EU, it's quite easy to jump around a bit. I immediately mentioned Poland, the country my current manager is from. They were surprised at my quick jump at the opportunity, and we actually made it work. An administrative hassle nonetheless, but we made it work. In six weeks from writing this blog post, I'll be checking in my five sports bags that now contain my entire life, and I'll be wheels off to Poland.
Why, you may ask? And it's a good question. Because my life in Bulgaria has little left to wish for. But as is often said, one really goes get used to everything. And that's good, because it means one also keeps striving for new horizons. And it's mostly that. I am quite easy at making difficult decisions. Perhaps because I'm an overthinker, I already pondered the thought many times. And then when an opportunity presents itself, I jump. Later I obviously got second thoughts (keep in mind this conversation took place about a year ago already) but I decided to keep the energy flowing. I was presented with a ball in my court. I kicked it. And instead of anxiously trying to catch it and drag it back into my court, I decided just to wait and see where it lands. And my company arranged their part, and I did mine.
In the meantime, already six months ago, I found an apartment in Warsaw. Right on the metro, in the best area of town, for just slightly more than I pay in Sofia. But this place is on an inner courtyard and not next to a gourmet restaurant of which the respirator of their industrial oven is tied to the one blowing into my kitchen, as I am currently suffering through in Bulgaria. Long story, but the current apartment I live in is less than ideal, despite it being a top building and location (at least theoretically it should be, the reality is often different). The last reason for the move slightly north, is family. I've become a proud uncle and my brother and their family live in Finland. It's a long trip from Bulgaria and there's no direct flights (there were seasonal ones) but I prefer year-round. My parents being semi-retired, they may want to see both my brother and me in one trip, and the Netherlands to Finland through Poland on one or both legs of the journey is just way easier.
Lastly, Poland is a new horizon for me. I've been there a lot of times but there's more for me to see. The country is about as big as Italy. Bulgaria is three times bigger than the Netherlands. Then Poland is three times bigger than Bulgaria, which is significant. I'll just be having a ton to do and explore and getting around is easier and quicker than in Bulgaria. With their public transport, if I have a week or so, I could go all through the south and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus once feasible, and what not. Hiking, drinking beers, enjoying simple pleasures. There's not even any reason to fly anymore. These countries are solid for a decade of exploring, provided I stay that long. I have no idea honestly.
Poland has a strong and growing economy. It is safe, in the middle of Europe, it is large, has a lot to do and see, and the food is spectacular. Warsaw is clean, modern, has a great airport and good transport. It is not too hot and not too cold, not too crowded but certainly not boring. The people are warm hearted and fun. All in all I see no downsides, keeping in mind I have my international job and it is feasible for me to live anywhere. Important for me is that I can keep practising Krav Maga, the martial art (self defense) that I've been training for five years. My trainer has ignited a spark in me and I do not want to stop training. In fact his trainings and the group of friends I have from there, are the only reason why I find it really hard to leave right now. In Poland, I can keep training with the same federation. They are well developed there.
In my life - a small lesson - I try to make a synergy of factors I'm given. They may be simple factors. But I add them up and make a solid combo. Me being on the lookout for something new, my manager being from Poland, me already eyeing Poland since years, my family's location, the economy there, my job stability, are all factors I can add up and easily make a jump with. And that's what I will do. I thought it would be terribly sad to leave and it likely still will be. But once I arranged my living quarters in Warsaw, I started envisioning it, and then the excitement started. And it is growing. So all in all a good choice I hope. Different problems will present themselves, but life is good. And it has been for the past ten years. Never have I looked with regret on my move to Bulgaria. The country has offered me a lot.
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