Across Borders: Letters to Radio Bulgaria in June

From Germany to Pakistan, from Argentina to India, Radio Bulgaria continues to bring together people united by their interest in our country. In their letters, they share memories, congratulations and gratitude for the opportunity to stay connected with Bulgaria through our online publications and programmes.

DARA's victory at Eurovision, the achievements of Bulgarian athletes, the country's tourist attractions and the 90th anniversary of the Bulgarian National Radio were among the topics that resonated most with Radio Bulgaria's listeners and readers and featured in the letters we received in June. Here are some of them:

"Dear friends at Radio Bulgaria,

First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at your station on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. I would also like to congratulate Bulgaria on its Eurovision victory," writes Oliver Fülla from Germany.

"As a Eurovision fan, I was delighted that the programme I listened to devoted not only considerable attention to the Bulgarian Prime Minister's visit to Germany, but also to Bulgaria's victory in the contest. The report clearly showed the significance of this success for Bulgaria beyond the music scene. I am delighted that next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held in your country for the first time, giving Bulgaria a wonderful opportunity to present itself to the world.

I am very pleased that Bulgaria won Eurovision and that next year's contest will take place in Sofia. I think it is a beautiful song that appeals to today's young people. As far as I know, Bulgaria has never before achieved such success at Eurovision," writes Radio Bulgaria also plays an important role in helping international audiences discover every aspect of your country. I am very pleased that your informative and entertaining German-language programmes are still available online, and I hope they will remain so for many years to come—for your benefit and mine alike. Thank you for the beautiful QSL card you sent me in confirmation of my latest reception report. I truly appreciate that Radio Bulgaria continues to issue QSL cards."

"My sincere congratulations on DARA's Eurovision victory with her song Bangaranga. I was absolutely delighted. In 2027, Bulgaria will host the contest."
Andreas Fessler, Germany

Another long-standing listener, Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pakistan, who follows our programmes with great interest, wrote:

"Warm greetings to the respected team at Radio Bulgaria. I hope you are all well and in good health. Your news and reports on current affairs are extremely valuable because they are fact-based and presented with a high level of journalistic professionalism. I greatly appreciate the way you provide clear and balanced information about Bulgaria's development, culture and international relations.

I recently read your article about Bulgaria's youth artistic gymnastics team, which won a bronze medal at the World Championships for athletes with Down syndrome in Sofia. I was delighted to learn of this achievement. Winning a medal at a world championship is a source of pride for any country, but in this case it is especially meaningful because it highlights the talent, dedication and determination of these young athletes. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring and important story."

Radio Bulgaria's Albanian Service also received messages of appreciation from its loyal audience following its coverage of a protest outside the Albanian Embassy in Sofia in support of demonstrations in Albania against development in protected areas along the country's southern coast.

"Thank you for supporting us. We love the Bulgarian people!"
Pali Ndoja, Albania

"Bravo!"
Mimoza Seferi and Nadire Hoxha, Albania

The occasion of June 2 – the Day of Hristo Botev and Those Who Died for Bulgaria's Freedom also prompted heartfelt messages.

"Hristo Botev is a hero and a Bulgarian poet whose works have been translated into Albanian in the anthology Anthology of Bulgarian Poetry, which I am proud to have in my personal library. Together with the great Ivan Vazov..."
Shuaip Memishaj, Albania

Commenting on an Albanian-language Facebook post about the cleanliness of Bulgaria's Black Sea waters, Fadil Ribari from Kosovo wrote:

"It's true! From 1989 until 2007 I spent my summer holidays every year on Bulgaria's beautiful and clean Black Sea coast."

We are grateful to Fadil, who never forgets our Albanian Service wherever his travels take him:

"I'd like to send you my greetings and wish you a wonderful day and a successful new week. You are always in my thoughts because I grew up with Radio Bulgaria."

Jawahar Almeida from India shared his memories of visiting Bulgaria:

"Years ago I visited Bulgaria, spending time in the capital Sofia and in the Black Sea city of Burgas. I also travelled by car from Sofia to Montenegro on the Adriatic coast. Bulgaria is a beautiful country with fascinating traditions. Congratulations on the 90th anniversary of Radio Bulgaria. I have been listening to your programmes since the days when you broadcast on shortwave under the name Radio Sofia."

Horst Cersovsky from Germany wrote while on holiday in Northern Ireland:

"Dear German Service of Radio Bulgaria, today I listened to your German-language programme while on holiday in Northern Ireland. Listening to a broadcast from Sofia here in the north of Europe, overlooking the sea and the Causeway Coast, was especially relaxing."

Another German listener, Olaf Muenzer, sent us greetings from the Bulgarian Black sea coast:

"Hello, Radio Bulgaria! Greetings from beautiful Sozopol, where I am currently spending my holiday. I came across your website almost by accident while looking for the local weather forecast. As a long-time DX enthusiast, I was surprised to discover that the German-language programme of Radio Sofia still exists. It brought back memories of the good old days, when we sat on the beach with a portable radio listening to shortwave broadcasts from home and around the world. Today everything is available instantly via the internet, but somehow it all felt much more exciting back then.

I also read your article 'Bulgaria Seeks to Reverse the Decline in German Tourists' and agreed with much of what it said. Much more needs to be done to improve both accessibility and Bulgaria's image abroad. Younger people, in particular, hardly think of Bulgaria as a holiday destination. When I told an acquaintance I was going to Sozopol, she asked in astonishment whether I would be spending my holiday in a war zone. I first had to explain that the suffix '-pol' comes from Greek and has nothing to do with Ukraine or Russia.

Of course, the arrival of welfare migrants from Romania and Bulgaria has not always helped the region's image, especially here in Germany's Ruhr area. That perception could change if Bulgaria were promoted more widely as an affordable alternative to overcrowded holiday destinations, offering beautiful sandy beaches and something for visitors of all ages."

Whether sent from Bulgaria's beautiful Black Sea coast or from the farthest corners of the world, these messages remind us how much our programmes mean to listeners and readers everywhere.

Victor Guzhov from Russia wrote:

"Dear friends, I always enjoy listening to your programmes about your wonderful country, Bulgaria. Thank you for your work, which helps strengthen Bulgarian-Russian friendship and promotes the beauty of Bulgaria in Russia."

From Spain, Juan Carlos Pérez Montero sent his warm regards and added:

"As for listening to your station, I've continued to follow your broadcasts whenever possible. As usual, it's a pleasure to hear the news, culture and different aspects of life in your country. Warm regards from Valladolid and until next time!"

Lars Gellermann from Germany also expressed his appreciation:

"It is a real pleasure to listen to programmes from Bulgaria. My thanks go to the German Service for your informative news coverage and fascinating features."

David Iurescia from Argentina highlighted both our programmes and a recent addition to our website:

"Warm greetings from Argentina! I very much enjoy your programmes, which keep us informed about everyday life in Bulgaria, as well as its culture and music. I am also delighted that the radio's website now includes a section where acknowledgements of received correspondence are published every month – and in Spanish, too!"

Alexander Golubev from Russia wrote simply:

"Thank you for your interesting programmes. I wish you every success in your work. Clear skies and 73!"

Thomas Voelkner from Germany sent his seasonal greetings:

"Dear Radio Bulgaria team, once again I send you my warm early summer greetings and thank you for your audio programmes. With my best wishes."

Martina Pohl from Germany praised the commemorative QSL cards marking Bulgarian National Radio's anniversary:

"Many thanks for the QSL cards you sent me. The historical photographs featured in this special series marking the station's 90th anniversary are truly something special. My very best wishes to you all."

We conclude this month's selection with a letter from Peter Vaegler of Germany, a listener who has followed Radio Bulgaria for more than half a century:

"Dear friends in Sofia, since your programmes have been available only online, I have listened less often, although I have been a listener for more than 50 years, back when you were still Radio Sofia. I always liked your QSL card series because they featured typically Bulgarian themes."

"I recently listened to your programme about the Belene Nuclear Power Plant. Construction has been under way there since 1987, so I imagine many technical upgrades are now required. I also found the legendary folk song Master Manol particularly interesting. Romania has a similar legend, but there it is associated with the building of a monastery. It seems that every country has its own version of the story. Since your programmes are available to listen to at any time, I will certainly tune in more often again."

Every letter we receive reminds us that Radio Bulgaria continues to connect with people across the globe, building bridges that transcend borders and distances. We are sincerely grateful for your trust, your support and your enduring interest in Bulgaria. We look forward to hearing more of your stories, memories and impressions in the months ahead.