The truth is, complaining is practically a national sport. For Bulgarians, it's not just grumbling—it's a delicate blend of humor, self-criticism, and deep wisdom, garnished with a pinch of drama that only we can achieve with such grace. Plovdiv residents are no exception, and although many of us affirm that we live in the most beautiful city in Bulgaria, there's always something to complain about.
Here are the most common things Plovdiv's residents complain about:
Public transport is practically nonexistent, and that's no secret. Buses are few, and on weekends and in the evenings, they’re as rare as a white swallow.
Potholes on the Roads - this isn't just a Plovdiv problem, but the fact remains that many inner-neighborhood streets are in terrible condition, often riddled with “craters”.
Endless Repairs and Road Closures - The underpass near the train station, years of repairs on “Alexander Stamboliyski” Boulevard, and countless other projects. If you ask Plovdiv residents, they'll tell you there's always something closed, and it's definitely an issue.
Traffic - Although it doesn't compare to Sofia's, it’s likely linked to the previous issue. Rush hour traffic is nerve-wracking, and sometimes it's quicker to walk if you're in a hurry.
Overdevelopment - Hundreds of buildings sprouting up in all sorts of plots across the city. Entirely new neighborhoods are forming, but unfortunately, the infrastructure often doesn't keep up with the pace of development.
Damaged or Missing Sidewalks - This is probably somewhat related to unregulated construction. The lack of proper pedestrian pathways is a serious problem and sometimes even leads to accidents.
High Prices and Taxes - It's true that we live in Bulgaria's second-largest city, but the rate at which prices rise far outpaces income growth. Visiting a restaurant in Kapana now feels as expensive as dining in the center of major European capitals.
Summer Heat and Winter Cold - While winter months aren't as cold here as in other parts of Bulgaria, Plovdiv residents are definitely not accustomed to subzero temperatures and often complain about the snow and cold. In summer, the complaints reverse, with the heat making it unbearable to go out until late evening, when the cobblestones cool down.
Sofia Residents - "Because of Sofia residents, Plovdiv Airport isn’t thriving"; "All the money and cultural events are in the capital"; "They even took our fair". These are just a few remarks we've heard, and we’ll leave it to you to decide whose side you’re on.
Incomers from Other Cities - They belong in a separate category, especially when it comes to parking and traffic. Complaints here reach another level, particularly about vehicles with license plates from Haskovo, Kardzhali, and Pazardzhik.
Dirty Air and General Pollution - Unfortunately, in winter, Plovdiv ranks among the cities with the most polluted air in Bulgaria, affecting us all with its toxicity. Trash is another perennial topic, with constant complaints about inadequate waste collection and cleaning, especially in the outer neighborhoods.
Тhere are no comments yet.