We've already sorted out the British with their parties, the Greeks with their coffee, and the Romanians with their speed. It's time to look in the mirror. Bulgarian tourists in Bansko are the backbone of the resort, but also the most colorful group, if we know where to look.
You don't need to hear the line. „"Oh, are these people crazy with these prices?!"“, to understand that you are standing in front of a compatriot. The team of Vbansko collected 8 visual signs that give us away unmistakably, even when we are silent.
8 signs to recognize "Ours" (without hearing a word)
We are pragmatic, critical, and we like to „hack the system.“ Here’s what that looks like from the outside:
1. The Sacred Backpack (The Mobile Buffet)
While foreigners ride with just a lift pass in their pocket, Bulgarians almost always carry a backpack. And it's not empty.
It is full of strategic supplies: sandwiches with sausage/ham, waffles, water and a thermos. Why pay 20 leva for a sandwich at Banderishka, when homemade is tastier? If you see someone sitting on a bench and taking out food wrapped in a napkin or foil – this is our person, reasonable and prepared.
2. The „Search for free parking“ maneuver“
The Bulgarian has an innate allergy to paid parking lots (Blue/Green zone). You will recognize the car of the Bulgarian tourist by the fact that it circles the neighborhood around the Gondola for 30 minutes in the hope of finding that one free spot in the mud or snowdrift.
If you see a car parked at an impossible angle on the sidewalk to save 15 leva – the registration is almost certainly Bulgarian (most often SA, SV or from the region).
3. The Family Instructor (The Man Teaches the Woman)
Classic view: A man who skis well tries to teach his girlfriend/wife/child to ski to save on ski school.
He gestures nervously, points to his knees, makes demonstrations with aggressive movements, and she stands aside, looks at him evilly and is visibly in the mood to cry. This one doesn't need translation – it's a Bulgarian family drama on ice.
4. The Flat Canteen (The Secret Weapon)
The foreigners drink mulled wine from the restaurant's glasses. The Bulgarian discreetly takes a metal canteen from the inside pocket of his jacket while riding the lift.
The contents are usually homemade brandy or cognac for a „rebound.“ The ritual involves looking around, taking a quick sip, and passing it to the companion next to you.
5. The Critic's View
We are demanding customers. While others enjoy the snow, Bulgarian tourists in Bansko they often stand in front of the information board or in line with their arms crossed and a skeptical expression.
They point at the track and shake their heads disapprovingly (a sign that the track is not well-groomed or has pebbles). The critical look is our trademark.
6. The Equipment: The Two Extremes
There is no middle ground with Bulgarians. You will see either:
- Full equipment from Lidl/Decathlon (the pragmatic skier).
- Super expensive, latest model equipment (often replicas or second-hand from “Olh”, but looking like it was for the World Cup).
7. The table: One soup, five spoons
In the teahouse at the track, the Bulgarians apply a budget optimization strategy. A group of four sits at the table. A large soup (bean or tripe) and four teas are ordered.
Then, from those magical backpacks (see item 1), additional provisions are taken out and consumed "illegally" with the soup.
8. The Phone: Work Doesn't Wait
Unlike the Greeks, who talk about business with pleasure, the Bulgarian looks at his phone with anxiety. You will recognize him by the fact that while he is at the most beautiful view, he writes emails or argues with someone on Viber with a tense face. A vacation is a vacation, but a boss is a boss.
Comparison table: Us vs. The World
| Situation | The Foreigner | The Bulgarian |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Burger at the restaurant (30 BGN) | Sandwich from the backpack (Priceless) |
| Parking | Pays 15 leva at the barrier | Park in the snowdrift, walk |
| On the lift | Looking at the landscape | Drinking from a flask / Scrolling through news |
| Ski lesson | Hire an instructor | Teach the woman alone (ends with a scandal) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are there the most Bulgarians in Bansko?
The largest influx of compatriots is during the school vacation in February, as well as around the national holiday on March 3. Weekends are also traditionally “Bulgarian”.
Why do Bulgarians bring their own food to the track?
It's a combination of pragmatism and tradition. Prices in the area are often perceived as unjustifiably high ("tourist trap"), and home-cooked food gives you more energy to ride.
Conclusion: We, Bulgarian tourists in Bansko, we are a unique breed. We may grumble about the prices and look for the "cheapest", but we truly love the mountains. And let's face it – a homemade sandwich with lukanka in the fresh air is the most delicious gourmet food in the world!
🌍 Who's who in Bansko?
That was just one piece of the puzzle. Do you want to see the full, colorful picture of all the tourists in the resort?
English (UK)