What are customs in Bulgaria?

* Greetings: Bulgarians typically greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek (for women) or a hug (for men).

* Personal space: Bulgarians are generally more comfortable with close personal space than Americans. It is not uncommon for Bulgarians to stand very close to each other when talking or to put their arms around each other.

* Eye contact: Bulgarians make direct eye contact when they are talking to someone. This is considered to be a sign of respect.

* Punctuality: Bulgarians are not always punctual. It is not uncommon for people to arrive late for appointments or meetings.

* Gift-giving: When visiting a Bulgarian home, it is customary to bring a small gift. This could be anything from a box of chocolates to a bottle of wine.

* Table manners: Bulgarians typically eat with a knife and fork. They hold the knife in their right hand and the fork in their left hand. When they are finished eating, they place their knife and fork together on the plate.

* Language: The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian. However, many Bulgarians also speak English, German, or French.

* Religion: The majority of Bulgarians are Eastern Orthodox Christians. However, there are also small minorities of Muslims, Jews, and Catholics.

* Food: Bulgarian cuisine is influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Slavic cuisines. Some popular Bulgarian dishes include banitsa (a type of cheese pastry), shopska salad (a salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions), and tarator (a cold yogurt soup).

* Drink: Bulgarians typically drink rakia (a strong alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit), wine, or beer.

* Music: Bulgarian folk music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the gaida (a type of bagpipe), the kaval (a type of flute), and the tamboura (a type of stringed instrument).

* Dance: Bulgarian folk dances are often lively and energetic. Some popular Bulgarian folk dances include the horo (a circle dance), the pravo horo (a straight dance), and the rachenitsa (a couples' dance).

* Sports: Bulgarians are passionate about sports. Some popular sports in Bulgaria include football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, and tennis.