2025 is fast approaching, and I am looking forward to a life-changing journey that I have been preparing for a long time. This time, the goal is not just a visit, but to settle down – to create a home in Bansko, the picturesque mountain town in Bulgaria. With a long-term residence permit that opens doors to a deeper connection with the country, I am now realizing my dream of living close to nature, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the Pirin Mountains. My future in Bansko is not just a geographic shift but a lifestyle transformation. Thanks to Boryana, my life partner and love, I now see a calm and creative freedom ahead of me that I could only dream of before.
A place of creativity and unexpected meeting
I can hardly imagine a better place to write and create than from my new home in Bansko. The majestic views of the Pirin Mountains stretch outside my window, a reminder of nature’s power and the stillness of time. Here, I will spend my days filled with words, ideas, and thoughts that can grow freely in an environment that inspires both depth and reflection. The view of the mountains, with its changing colors from dawn to dusk, will be the backdrop for everything I create.
Being here, surrounded by nature’s stillness, strengthens my inner voice. Here, I can focus, write, and share my experiences and insights, inspired by both my life in Sweden and my new daily life in Bulgaria. I look forward to immersing myself in both long-term projects and shorter texts that reflect the unique blend of Scandinavian calm and Balkan intensity.
Banskillier: A Title with Pride
Living in Bansko means embracing a unique way of being and thinking, and the term "Banskillier" captures this precisely. The men of Bansko are often referred to as "Banskillier," which symbolizes their deep ties to the place, the mountains, and ancient traditions. Being a "Banskillier" means more than just being a man from Bansko – it reflects a particular mentality, heritage, and community. It’s an identity rooted in the strong connection to the landscape, to work, and to the cultural values passed down through generations.
These men, as Banskillier, carry a sense of pride and respect for their origins. Many are skilled craftsmen, mountain guides, and farmers, with a deep understanding of nature’s rhythms and beauty. Banskillier are also often the hosts of the town’s traditional festivals and markets, generously sharing their heritage with both tourists and younger generations. Meeting a Banskillier is to encounter someone with deep roots and a big heart, someone who carries their home and culture with them in everything they do.
Wonder at Bulgarian Culture: Kukeri and Traditions
One of the most fascinating parts of my journey to Bulgaria has been discovering the country's rich culture and traditions, especially those unfamiliar to me. One of these is "Kukeri" – a tradition performed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and a good harvest. It’s an experience of colors, sounds, and movements unlike anything I’ve seen before. Seeing these masks and costumes, crafted with such skill and meaning, feels like stepping into another world, a world that holds folklore and heritage.
Kukeri, along with other traditional celebrations, humbles me before the deep respect Bulgarians have for their roots and customs. I am learning that every dance, every costume, and every ritual carries centuries of history and collective wisdom. Through these cultural encounters, I feel a stronger connection to the place and its people, and I realize that this is part of truly belonging – understanding and respecting the stories that have shaped the country.
Slowliving in Bansko
Living in Bansko means embracing "slowliving" – a concept that has taken on new meaning for me here. In today’s society, we are often caught in a constant flow of activities and obligations, but here in Bansko, life is about taking a step back, breathing deeply, and living in the present. It’s a calm that seeps into every part of my daily life, allowing me to truly take in everything I see and experience.
Taking a walk in the mountains, sipping a cup of coffee, and enjoying the peace that surrounds me, letting my thoughts flow freely without the pressure to accomplish something quickly – this is the life I want to live. Here, I don’t need to chase the next goal or project; I can let my ideas mature and take shape in their own time. Slowliving in Bansko gives me the time and space to deepen my thoughts and reflections, and here I find a mental and spiritual peace that I have longed for.
The Love That Made It Possible
My new lifestyle, my fascination with Bulgaria, and my decision to settle in Bansko – all of this is thanks to Boryana. She has shown me the country through her eyes, and her love for her homeland has rubbed off on me. It is she who made me see the beauty in both the big and small details – from the mighty Pirin Mountains to the quiet moments over a cup of coffee at a simple café. Boryana has given me the courage to live life slowly and to dare to see deeper into the values that matter most.
Thanks to her, I feel at home here, in a place that was once completely foreign but now feels like my own. She has opened the doors to a new world and helped me embrace a lifestyle where peace, respect for traditions, and inner calm are the focus. With her by my side, I look forward to creating a life that is as rich in memories as it is in inspiration.
A New Path Forward
My journey to Bansko is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Here, I will build on my creativity, write the stories that have waited to emerge, and share my thoughts and experiences. It is a time of renewal, a chance to create something lasting in a world that moves ever faster but where stillness is still available for those who seek it.
Moving to Bansko, living in a rhythm where each day has its own place, where inspiration from nature, culture, and love fills me, is a dream come true. Thanks to my love for Boryana and for Bulgaria, this chapter will be one I will always cherish. Together, we are building a new future in the mountains, where we both can grow, create, and live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us.
By Chris...
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