A glimpse of Life in Bulgaria, A request for your support

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all doing okay, keeping safe and well. I know it's been a difficult time for so many, especially for those in flats or no outside area. We all miss seeing friends and family,won't it be wonderful to finally see them again. Im fairly used to not going out too much, so for me it's not been a huge difference and I am so lucky to have a large outside space. A lot of you will know I love roses and this year they have put on an amazing display. Especially this one, It's called Zephrine Drouin and has a wonderful scent.

I have to say it is a very different story when you are told to stay in,when the choice isn't your own you can immediately feel trapped. One of the things I really miss, has been coming over to the UK and my visits to Hochanda. My visits there have always been so uplifting, I am always made to feel so welcome. 

I ventured into the village square yesterday so I could share some of it with you. It's deserted, apart from the weeds slowing making an appearance between the paving. I am sure they will be cleared away soon and the villagers will soon come back, bringing life to the center again.

After my last post about the lockdown a couple of people said they were disappointed that I hadn't shared what it was like here, I didn't think anyone would be interested but here is a little about how it's been. There's been a huge difference in the way the lockdown has been implemented here and the way people have reacted to it over the weeks. Back in January, even before there was anything official, people were acting on their own initiative, the supermarkets were sanitizing trolleys and giving hand gel to each customer before they entered the shop,other than that life was still very normal.

By the beginning of Feb they were limiting the number of customers in the store, only 50 at a time and then it was one in and one out. Up to the end of Feb it had been changes made by the supermarkets and distancing that kept the numbers low, these little changes were still before anything official. I heard that by the 25th Feb the Bulgarian Government had installed thermal cameras in all of the Airports, Land and Sea Ports.

In the village, there is a little shop/bar, I can only describe it as being similar to a small corner shop in the UK with a bar attached. I took a photo to give you an idea. This had to shut when the bars restaurants had to shut.

There's also a square in the center, a lovely peaceful place and even swings and a slide for the Children. The large building is a community restaurant/bar where we can all get together for meals. It's especially great at Christmas and New Year when there's dancing, singing, quizzes and lots of prizes. It's always a lovely atmosphere when everyone gets together.

At the beginning of March Wizz Air stopped all flights to and from Italy & Israel. Herein Bulgaria they started disinfecting all trains and buses etc. At the same time cinemas,theaters, schools & shops closed.I was still hoping to come back to the UK, then on March 16th Boris Johnson gave the advice to Stay at Home and social distance, but at this time is was voluntary so I was so pleased that I could still travel. I actually thought it would have been the safest time,with many people staying in.

Looking at the news & pictures being shared on thee news and online, I was surprised at how many people weren't taking and notice of the advice given, the supermarket photos were shocking,from an outsider looking in and knowing what it was like here, many people just couldn't believe what they were seeing. It wasn't surprising  that the stricter measures were put in place the following week. Obviously it was a very small percentage,but sadly it spoilt it for the wider population. I have no idea why people act so differently here, but the public were great with the social distancing even before measures were put in place. I forgot to add earlier in this post, they have been adding some new seating in the  Village square, around the edge. They will be lovely to sit in and enjoy drinks and friendship.

This is where I would like to ask for some support for something I feel really strongly about. Last Wednesday part of the Agriculture Bill was voted down. This was the part that was to safeguard and protect Farmers,Crofters and Food Producers across the whole of thee United Kingdom. I have prepared a petition for the Government and they are looking at it as I type. The petition is to ask for assurance that all imported produce meets at least the same standards in the UK. It's the very least we should expect. Why should we import food and choose to eat food that falls way below the UK standard.

It seemed very strange to me that there was no mention of the Bill in any of the news, considering it's a huge change. UK farmers should not be put at a disadvantage by allowing sub standard imports. I need 21 Signatures at this stage for it to be reviewed before I can share it more widely. Over the next few days, I am going to provide further information,for now I would really appreciate the support for this very important issue. There's no point having World Leading Standards in the UK, If we don't expect Trade Partners to have at least the same standards in Animal Welfare, Food Safety, Quality and Environmental Issues. The petition will stop accepting names at 21, to be reviewed. We still have time to make a difference and support the UK, Details of my Petition are below, these are not showing until it's been reviewed Click this link to sign the petition:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/321419/sponsors/new?token=CbNoHlVRd0ixYwIoroXC

My petition:

Assure us the UK Agriculture Bill will protect the UK’s Food & Farming Sector.

We need assurances that The Agriculture Bill will not be made law without legislation to ensure Agri-food imports are produced to at least the equivalent of those required by Farmers & Food Producers across the UK.They must not be put at a disadvantage,by allowing sub standard imports.

This important bill will be the foundation of the UK’s Food & Farming policy. Food standards must must be protected in any and all Trade Deals. We need a Cast Iron promise from the Government that all of these future imports are produced to at least the equivalent environmental, animal welfare & food safety standards as those required across the United Kingdom. To do otherwise will put the sector at a huge disadvantage. We're building ourselves a better future.Why should we accept anything less.

I know I am really looking forward to the day we are all safe and free to see Friends & Family, Children, Grandchildren and Parents. Until that day comes, we will have to keep each other positive. Like I always say, Im here and feel free to get in touch, I always love to hear your stories. Take care and Stay Safe.xxx