Looking into the Bulgarian explanatory dictionary, we will see that “aylyak” means a person who does not know work and worries. If you ask Bulgarians what aylyak is, they will tell you that it is a wonderful state of mind in which you may not have a job or money, but you feel good, relaxed and nothing bothers you. This short word contains the whole essence of the Bulgarian mentality, which can also be described by the legendary quote from the Bob Marley song - “Don’t worry, be happy.”
On the streets of Bulgaria you will most often hear the expressions “calm down”, “no problem” (no problem), “don’t oppress” (don’t worry, don’t worry). Bulgarians do not like fuss, nervousness and an overly serious attitude to life. Relaxation, calmness, healthy indifference and the ability to enjoy life are held in high esteem in the lands of ancient Thrace. In a country where summer lasts six months, from April to October, and a bottle of homemade wine or rakia (homemade fruit vodka) can be found even in the poorest home, people prefer to take their time and live, enjoying the moment.
The working day in Bulgaria often begins at 8 - 8.30 am and, as a result, ends earlier than in Russia. Bulgarians value their comfort very highly and prefer to have enough free time to relax after each working day. The peculiarities of the southern climate allow most of the year to spend free time in the fresh air - friendly and family walks in parks, forests and along the coast are part of the integral daily routine of the descendants of the Thracians.
In the parks you can see a variety of active recreation - families and groups of friends play frisbee, badminton and sox (hake in Bulgarian), families with children play hot potato, hide and seek, football and dodgeball. In the squares and parks of large cities, companies of skaters and BMX riders gather, conduct group classes in slack-line, various types of martial arts, yoga and aerial yoga (some city parks have special structures, others use low tree branches) and active dancing. Such groups often gather based on interests and, if desired, you can join them for free or for a nominal fee.
Bulgarians are friendly, open and sociable people, positive. If you need help in Bulgaria with directions, finding an address, or just advice on where to go and what to visit, you can always turn to the locals, who will help and advise you with a smile. At any time and anywhere in this sunny country, they will happily talk to you, invite you for a cup of wine or other treat and slow down your internal clock to a leisurely, flowing and sweet ailyak, like May honey.
The best advice is to relax, treat yourself and have fun!