DOMINIC Marcus Clark is the sort of person you notice in a crowd.
Standing almost two metres, with a solid build, his proportions may allude to stereotypical representations of Bulgarian weightlifters or “heavies”. An enthusiasm for life is matched by an enthusiasm for alcohol and sexual innuendo, which when combined with his outgoing nature – “I’m an Aussie and I love my beers, we’re mates with everybody” has landed him in occasional trouble in Bulgarian nightclubs. But underneath his imposing exterior lies someone with a softer heart, a builder with artistic foundations.
Dominic first came to Bulgaria four years ago on a trans-European trip; his love for Bulgaria sparked by a romance with a local, and he has subsequently spent a significant proportion of the ensuing time using Bulgaria as a base for his travels. He was first welcomed into Bulgaria by the sight of the Art Hostel’s manager in underwear at 5am, and now finds himself working here while his girlfriend finishes her studies before the couple head for Australia.
Dominic’s involvement with the Art Hostel grew from initial caretaker role into a broader involvement with the activities of Destination Bulgaria Foundation. Accused of drinking too much Scotch at the hostel, Dominic was invited to do something more constructive with his time, and assist with an artistic programme “play against violence” with orphaned children in Berkovitsa. Dominic quickly warmed to his role, “it touched me – the kids are great, unconditional love. They really enjoyed me because I’m so big and they could say all different swear words in Bulgarian and I’d have no understanding. It didn’t stop me drinking the Scotch, just not on the weekends.”
Dominic now focuses his efforts on co-ordinating development of the hostel, focussing on the social atmosphere and the infrastructure to realise his vision - the hostel becoming “the best hostel in Eastern Europe, if not the best in all Europe”.
He hopes that he may be able to work with the Art Hostel to set up similar projects in “Macedonia, Yugoslavia or even Croatia before the opportunity is lost.”
Dominic has encountered frustrations attempting to implement this vision.
“I have a theory you need to spend money to make money, but it’s not so easy when people’s incomes depend on this”.
He also dislikes what he perceives as a Bulgarian mentality.
“If you want to try to create something, everybody wants to try to take a piece now. All of these people wanting to get the most out of you now instead of that business being able to grow and create more business. Everyone wanting to have their piece of the pie now instead of waiting for that pie to become a pie shop.”
There are other frustrations too.
“What I hate most about Bulgaria is plain and simple: it’s the rubbish. You know coming from Australia I just can’t handle the mentality of watching someone unwrap a cigarette packet and throw it out the window.”
But in spite of all of this, Dominic has found a love for Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s nature takes Dominic’s fancy, particularly the Seven Lakes in Rila. While walking activities hibernate through winter, Dominic is loving skiing.
“I’ve been skiing at Bansko. This is the first time I’ve got to go skiing since I’ve been here. I hurt my leg last time I was here – slipped over drunk out the front of Chervillo and hurt my knee.”
Other aspects of Bulgaria’s liberal attitude appeal to Dominic, particularly when he’s behind the wheel of his Russian-make car.
“I love the way people drive because it gives me an opportunity not to have to conform and just drive like them.”
Oddly enough, Dominic’s love of dogs even extends to street dogs, and he often feeds them. This humane aspect manifests itself in respect for young Bulgarians: “If you give a Bulgarian person who is genuine an opportunity he’ll grab it like a pit bull and will surprise you.” Dominic also loves Bulgarian yoghurt and family values, something he feels are lacking in Australia.
Dominic is quintessentially Australian – and quite proudly so. He misses his vegemite and his Noosa surfing lifestyle on Australia’s sunshine coast. Although he loves Bulgaria, he looks forward to again living back in ‘Oz’. He’s brought some Australian skills to Bulgaria, particularly at his girlfriend’s brother’s wedding where he received a crash course in Bulgarian dance. He also used his Australian Rules football skills in securing the thrown garter, “but I didn’t know by claiming the garter it means that everybody picks me up and carries me on their shoulders, and I’m 120kg so its not the easiest job for people to carry me around on their shoulders with my girlfriend’s brother’s wife’s garter!”
Sometime in the future, Dominic hopes that he may extend his Bulgarian conjugal experience, when his girlfriend may become his fiancee.