Dobre, blagodarya! – Good/great/fine thanks! A useful answer and one that is surprisingly easy to pronounce! Taking it a step further;
Dobro utro! – Good morning!;
Dobar den! – Good day!;
Dobar vecher! – Good evening!;
If you like something, just say “dobre”and you’ll invariably get a friendly smile in return.
In the countryside, you can stay in family-run hotels or guest houses. The word “guesthouse”in English has lost its meaning. Here in Bulgaria it still retains its values. You will feel the full meaning of what we’re saying when you try it. Guest houses range is from basic to comfortable, according to your budget. The hospitality and local food are genuine and you know that your money is going straight into the local economy and making a difference to the local community.
Never forget to taste the offered from your hosts rakiya! 
Rakiya (Bulgarian grape brandy) is not just a beverage, it’s an institution, a way of life… and it is 40% proof! It must be treated with respect!
The first thing you learn is to drink it as an aperitif or at the beginning of a meal, not the end. Yes, Bulgarians do things differently. As my Bulgarian friends told me, it is always served at the start of big family meals and that makes everyone very talkative!
The second lesson is that it is always accompanied by something solid, normally a salad as the first course. It’s also delicious with sliced apple or cold meats. There are infinite varieties and, although I have only managed to try a few (so far!). Home-made rakiya is often the best and certainly the most powerful with an alcohol content of up to 60% or even more! If you don’t go for the grape or plum variety, try another aromatic flavour such as apricot or sour cherry.
Nazdrave!
