Fun Facts

A short survival guide to Bulgarians: how we talk, how we nod, what we believe in, what we do at the table, and who we laugh at – mostly ourselves.

1. Famous Sayings, Translated LiterallyExpressions that sound perfectly sensible in Bulgarian and utterly insane in any other language.
2. Yes Is “No” and “No” Is “Yes”Why Bulgarians shake their heads when they agree and nod when they don't – and how this confuses the world.
3. Regional Humour: Who Laughs at WhomThe people of Gabrovo, the Shopi, Plovdivers and everyone else – and why the best jokes are about our own town.
4. Superstitions and Grandmothers' RulesWhy we don't sit at the corner of the table, don't pass things across the threshold, and fear a draught more than a bear.
5. At the Table: Cheers, Rakia and the Long GoodbyeThe rules of the Bulgarian table that nobody writes down but everybody follows.
6. Fun Facts to Impress Your FriendsThings about Bulgaria that will impress your friends – or at least make them pour you another one.

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