Name: Clemens-Peter Haase
From: Leer, Germany
Age: 42

Clemens-Peter Haase has been in Bulgaria for three years, working as the director of the Goethe Institute. He enjoys his work, and the intermingling of cultures it allows him to provide. Bulgaria has always held a deep interest for this expat, and he looks forward to the remainder of his days here.

For Clemens-Peter, home is anywhere he finds a good atmosphere of work and friends. He's managed to find both in Bulgaria.

As his work for the Goethe institute drew to a close in Finland in 1998, the time came for Clemens-Peter to decide where in the world he would next continue the institute's work. Coming from a background of Eastern European history, the job opening in Bulgaria was a natural fit.

"Sofia was one of those places which became free," he said. "The cultural links between Bulgaria and Germany have always been dynamic and intensive."

Since his arrival in September 1998, Clemens-Peter has been working with the institute to bring German culture to Bulgaria. The group organizes cultural events of differing scopes, such as theatre performances, lectures and conferences. "We develop projects and programs of mutual interest. It is important to have close collaboration with other European institutions," he said.

The institute also focuses on language work - on organizing and offering various types of German language lessons. They also pay special attention to offering library and informational services. "Our main target group is Bulgarians," emphasized Clemens-Peter. "Bulgaria is a bridge to Europe, it is an essential part of Europe."

One of Clemens-Peter's first impressions of Bulgaria was one of familiarity. When he first arrived, he was staying in the former Hotel Sofia - what is now the Radisson Hotel. The statue of Alexander II on his horse in front of the hotel reminded him of his time in Finland. "In Helsinki, there is also a statue for Alexander, but he's standing. It's in the centre of the town. They are the only statues for the Russian emperor outside of the empire."

He also made some other, somewhat troubling, observations. "The economic situation was poor," he said. "It was to be seen in the streets and on the faces of the people.

"But during these three years, progress has been made. I think Bulgaria now has reason to be optimistic."

And although the process of change may not be moving quick enough for some people, Clemens-Peter said now is the time when patience is required. "Things cannot happen overnight," he said, adding he's seen the possibilities. "I immediately felt a huge potential of creativity, ability and professional skills in the fields of arts and culture."

Through his work, and his free time, Clemens-Peter has seen much of the country, and been impressed by its natural beauty. "Sofia is not, so to speak, a beautiful town, but it has an exciting urban charm," he noted.

He also felt compelled to make his way to the Rhodopes mountains after reading a book in German in 1975 which translates to "Those forgotten by the sky." The book is composed of interviews with the inhabitants of the Rhodopes who are all 90 years of age or older. When asked what the secret to old age was, one of them explained that God had forgotten them; they were forgotten by the sky.

"It is a very poetic landscape," said Clemens-Peter of his trip. "You can feel the impact of nature on the way people live."

Although Clemens-Peter has picked up a couple of languages over the years, Bulgaria isn't one of them. "I must confess, I don't speak Bulgarian, but I understand and somehow make myself clear in daily situations," he said. "It's not a lack of respect towards my host country, but a lack of time."

This hasn't stopped him from making many Bulgarian friends, and enjoying all that the country has to offer. "The lifestyle is affected by a southern way of life," he said, explaining you can see this on the city's streets with its many cafes. "An eastern mentality comes together with this and creates a very interesting mixture. Bulgaria has always been a country on the crossroads."

Considering Clemens-Peter's been out of Germany for quite some time - he was in Finland for four years prior to coming here - he said it's likely the headquarters of his institute might want him back in Munich for awhile when this post concludes. The institute typically likes their personal to spend four to five years in a country before moving on.

A return home might be a good thing for Clemens-Peter who misses his homeland and visits as often as possible. "Germany is my home country, and it always will be. I have to be there regularly."

If not Germany, however, he foresees the possibility of a position elsewhere in Europe, or even Brazil. He's not in any rush, though, and is quite content in Bulgaria. "Altogether, there are good possibilities here. It is a country where you can feel fine."