Bulgarians' Bread and Water, and Mall CULTure

50% of Bulgarians haven't read a single book in the past year, according to a survey entitled "Sofia – a Creative Economy City".

Those of them who are still able to buy one, paid an average of only BGN 12 for books in the past year, which means that there was only one book purchased per Bulgarian household in that period.

Either because Bulgarians fail to spend money on books as they struggle to pay for utilities, or because each major boulevard in the country boasts a shopping mall with tempting sales.

Bulgaria is certainly a nation of contradictions. I see housewives filling an entire bag of groceries for BGN 25, choosing only a cheap store brand. I also see young girls and boys in malls apparently squandering money provided by their wealthy parents.  .

I just wonder how much time Bulgaria needs in order to figure out the right direction. Because the minimum wage "increase" scheduled for 2013 won't help us overcome ignorance and vulgarity.

THIS ARTICLE IN BULGARIAN