SAD AND QUIET
Noah Maayan was born 64 year ago in Israel, and five years ago was relocated from Prague to Sofia by his company, to become the asset manager of Mall of Sofia.
Have you experienced special treatment here because you are a foreigner?
The treatment is positive, when people hear my name and Israel. I asked why, as there is antisemitism in Europe, and I was told, "We are too busy hating the Turks, so we don't have time to hate the Jews."
Is there something specific in the Bulgarian character?
Bulgarians look sad and quiet. Even the mass rallies in 2013 were quiet, unlike in Greece for example. Bulgarians are afraid to demand things. They can laugh at themselves, and laughing at yourself is very nice as it means that you are adult.
Has life in Bulgaria surprised you?
I came here from Prague, a beautiful, amazing city, and I cannot help but compare Sofia with it. The main difference was that the Czech Republic looks like the West, and Bulgaria looks like the East. I am not saying whether it is good or bad, but that's the fact.
Do you celebrate any Bulgarian holidays?
My girlfriend is buying me Martenitsa and her mother makes wonderful sweetbread for Easter. I don't celebrate Jewish holidays.
Describe Bulgaria in three words.
Food. Stara Planina, the nature. But it would be more enjoyable if the roads had no potholes.
Do you plan to stay?
When I retire, I couldn't afford the same standard of living in Israel as I have here.
What does it mean to be Bulgarian?
You are born here, so you are a Bulgarian. Even people who have emigrated, after many years they would identify themselves as Bulgarians. Another thing, most Bulgarians prefer to bow their heads when there is a problem, not to fight it.
Do you feel a part of Bulgaria?
Many times I hear myself saying, "what the hell is happening with us", and by "we" I mean "we, Bulgarians".
