Bulgaria & Eastern Europe 1993 - Working on Assignment

Photo: Photo: Heroic Communist statue, somewhat defaced

April 15, 1993 I spend the day at the apartment and write a reserve system description.

April 16, 1993 With Krasi, Albena, and Milena we go over the proposed system. Late in the day I meet with Plamen M. We talk about management structure. One thing he says is he doesn't want to be one of these people that have a secretary that keeps him from talking to people. He agrees to meet again on Tuesday.

Images & Impressions Cars. BG Plan like a number of the new Bulgarian companies had a new expensive BMW or Mercedes car. These were a way to give the image of success when they solicited prospective clients. BG Plan also had purchased less expensive Korean cars, one of which Albena drove. I observed that much of the premium income of BG Plan had gone toward purchasing these new cars, and not toward assets that would help to pay the future policyholder obligations. Few, if any, staff or agent of BG Plan drove their own vehicle. Clothes People dressed very professionally and neatly. But I also noted that they might wear the same dress or suit to work 2 or 3 days in a row. TV/Radio In Sofia there are 2 Bulgarian, 1 Russian, 1 French television channel, and CNN. Cable TV is also available. On the radio is Voice of America, BBC, and numerous Bulgarian stations. Western (rock & roll/rap/top 40,etc) music is featured on many stations. Flowers Bulgarians have the delightful custom of buying flowers for many special and not so special occasions. If you buy flowers be sure it is an odd number of flowers. Even numbers of flowers are usually meant for funerals.

Photo: Sasha, Roumen, Evgeni & Dr Stefan enjoying a cigarette break

April 17, 1993 I sleep late. Walk downtown and back. In the evening I go with Albena, Ogi, and Monika to a childs concert/show that s televised. The folk dancing at the end is very good. Ogi's cousin was in it as a ballet dancer.

April 18, 1993 Work on memos for Plamen, etc. Take a couple of walks.

Photo: Holy Sunday Cathedral, Sofia