Meeting a Mexican in a Bulgarian village is like finding a needle in a haystack. They say we don’t choose the people in our lives, but meet them by chance when we least expect it. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t choose my conversation partner—he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And the right place was the village of Ezerec near Shabla. Although I didn’t know him, on our second meeting I realized that he had a big heart – he brought watermelon and freshly squeezed juice for the participants in the Ezerec Eco-Center.
Jesús is a Mexican who decided to go to Canada to study English. He later returned to Mexico, where he worked as an accountant for 10 years. After saving enough money, he moved to the US and completed his master’s and doctoral degrees. His research focuses on the impact of language policies on teachers and students with Mexican or foreign roots. He is currently a professor at the University of Arizona, where his work involves training future teachers in the field of language.
Jesus, why did you choose the village of Ezerec?
My partner is from Bulgaria, Sofia to be exact. We decided together to look at houses in villages along the Black Sea coast. We chose the village of Ezerec because it was suitable for sports and for fulfilling my partner’s long-standing dream of a student camp. The main reason for our decision was that after we retire, we want to spend five or six months here. While I was in the village, I also met Elen, who works a lot with the community.
What did you learn about the village and what do you think makes it unique?
– I find this village very interesting. I was impressed by the fact that there are so many activities here. In the summer, there are concerts and events – I had never seen anything like this in Mexico. I don’t think there are many villages like this in Bulgaria. I think the village has great potential for development. However, there are also problems, such as pollution, for example. One of the difficult challenges is how to get people in the community to become more active.
Have you traveled to Bulgaria before?
Yes, I have traveled quite a bit. I have skied in Bansko, visited Vitosha, and been to Sofia. I met some Mexicans in an online group who live in Bulgarian cities such as Ruse, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, and along the Black Sea coast. I try to meet up with them. Some of them have become my friends—I’ve even visited their families.
Do you think there is potential for the village to develop further, and what ideas would you suggest?
Yes, there is definitely hope and a lot of potential for development. What the Community Center for Environment and Sustainable Development is doing with the eco-lager in the village is extremely important. All aspects must be considered – businesses, hotels, restaurants. And most importantly, all villagers must participate because they benefit from the tourists. I teach the theory of “Knowledge Funds,” the idea being that if you want to keep the community alive, you have to know its roots. The questions are: What is this village? What is the livelihood? How can you engage people?
Sometimes it is difficult to reach a consensus on the development of new ideas within the community. But if the newcomers understand the idea, then it will happen. It does not take a lot of money, but more commitment and working together.
Are there any problems in the village and what are they?
Yes! This is a village near the beach with fishermen and guest houses. Tourism brings money, but there are also problems – rubbish, plastic… More work needs to be done on cleanliness – more rubbish bins and definitely more signs with the warning: “Please clean up after yourself!” Another challenge is that people participate in events but do not always help with their organization. We need to work together to keep the village clean and preserve its culture.
Where are recycling bins most needed in the village?
– Definitely on the beach! There should be recycling bins and signs, because I think that teaches people good habits.
While you are in Bulgaria, do you have time to engage in traditional local activities, such as growing various vegetable crops, for example?
I wish I had more time, but when I came in May, I managed to grow garlic, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes, spinach, and radishes in my garden. In the end, during the five months we stayed, I managed to plant and grow quite a lot of vegetables. After I retire, I would like to come here for longer periods of time.
What is your favorite place in Ezerec?
– I don’t think I have a favorite place. I like the sea and seeing my friends. The people in the village are very nice.
Did you experience culture shock at first?
Maybe at first with the food. I really like Mexican food. But I also like homemade Bulgarian cheese because it reminds me of my childhood.
What do you think about the eco-camp in the village?
I really like the way you work for the well-being of the community and fight environmental problems. This is very important because without people like you, our lives would be doomed.
