More building problems. Deadly mushrooms running riot under the stairs. Water pouring through ceilings. Not my news but second hand news from the neighbours. They returned from Bulgaria this week after the pre-winter visit to drain their water supply and shut their two houses up for the winter.

They worked hard over the summer to counteract all the problems caused by shoddy building work -- inadequate damp courses, poor plumbing, faulty burglar alarms. The late aumtumn visit has thrown up even more problems.

With no lead flashing on the roof, the rain was pouring into one house from the roof where it abutted the chimney. The water poured down the inside walls, newly replastered in the summer after putting in a damp course, leaving them in a sorry state.

In their main house, problems were even worse. The fungi under the stairs were lethal. Even breathing in the spores could cause terrible damage. When they had them removed, the whole staircase was riddled with dry rot and could not be saved.
The staircase was new just over a year ago.

For the duration of their stay, they had to access the bedroom on the upper floor by ladder. Snow fell in their second week, effectively trapping them in the house. Both water pumps froze and they had to melt snow for water. Ellie insists the house was colder inside than than the temperature outside. "There was no insulation and just one small wood fire to heat the whole house. Even the jugs of snow refused to melt."

Any consolations? Yes, she now has three beautiful pairs of furry boots and a gorgeous leather winter coat. Just the thought brings back her radiant smile. Prices are still such good value for money if you have a British income.

Just back from another revitalising visit to Veliko Tarnovo. I never tire of the old town, the views over the gorge, the marvellous food and the enthusiasm for life everyone there seems to show.

It's all change with the new impetus to join the EU -- a move that is faced with dread by many of the British ex-pats who had hoped to escape rising prices and bureaucracy by moving to Bulgaria.

However, many Bulgarians see their acceptance as something to be proud of. Many others are hoping it will reward their entrepreneurial spirit. There are now over 70 estate agents in Veliko Tarnovo alone. Thousands of properties are flooding the market.

Glad I'm not selling. I'm really happy with our little house. It's my fairy tale house in the woods and it's looking lovely thanks to all the work Bulgarian friends have done in my absence.

Can't wait for the Spring to get back there. I'm not a snow bunny, prefer following primrose paths.

Annie in Bulgaria is back thanks to the swift response of Blogger support staff.
Those of you who tried to check in last month will have found a hijacked site which was a link farm rather than a blog.
For this I apologise.
Sadly I do not have all of the site backed up but shall do my best to reproduce it bit by bit using the backed up articles on my computer.
The language articles will transfer to the new Bulgarian Visitor blog.
The travel and related articles will stay here.