What would make a U.S. citizen leave their homeland and start living permanently in Bulgaria? The answer may surprise many, but the fact is that Eric Halsey was captured by the magic of Bulgarian history. The first historical book he read about this country was "Crown of Thorns" by Stefan Gruev. The period between two world wars captivated his interest. He decided he wanted to study history, but not in America, but somewhere in Europe. He chose Bulgaria because it is cheaper and more affordable destination in comparison to France or Britain, and because the memory of reading the book was still fresh. In 2009 he started studying Bulgarian history at the American University in Blagoevgrad. After a year he returned to the US where he won Fulbright scholarship and once again found himself in Blagoevgrad, where he studied the life and work of leader of the Agrarian Party Alexander Stamboliyski.

Eric says history is not a science like any other, because through history man creates their identity. It is not just a collection of dates and facts to memorize. It must also be analysed and explained in an attractive way. As this country is still unknown to many, Americans Halsey decided to make a series of shows about Bulgarian history. This was how the site http://bghistorypodcast.com/ was born. What is the most interesting period of Bulgarian history according to him?

In addition to Bulgarian history, Eric likes nature, food, the Bulgarian way of life and spirit that Bulgarians have. He says that despite the pessimism he often feels inspired by people with positive energy and a desire for change. In Bulgaria he has been feeling much more useful than in the US and he wants to help the development of this country. According to him, Bulgarians should not only be proud of conquests and victories on the battle field but also with the spirit of the National Revival when people were much more united than today. They created the first schools and in times of oppression they cared for the education of society. According to Eric, it is important to be more optimistic as Bulgarians passed through a number of vicissitudes and they would overcome existing problems. Bulgarians should not give up easily and should feel happy about the success of others. Through such subtle changes in our thinking we would see this country in a different way and it would change for the better, Eric Halsey says.

English: Alexander Markov