Since when have you lived in Bulgaria and in what ways has the stay here has changed you?
I have been living in Bulgaria for four and a half years now. Before joining Alpha Bank, I studied finance at the University of Athens. After that I directly joined the bank and worked in Athens for 20 years. When I received an offer to be transferred to Bulgaria, I found it challenging because of the different environment. What’s more, from the point of view of my career, this was a great opportunity for me. At that time, the bank had only one branch in Sofia. Today we have 50 offices and we will have 80 by the end of 2007. So, to be part of a team for the bank’s development and networks expansion, for me it was a unique experience. A lot of work is needed, but you also get great satisfaction. All this experience that I got in bank management takes me one step ahead.

Where did you live in Greece?
I grew up in Athens but, due to my father’s work I also lived in different towns of Greece and some years in Cyprus. I have a sister and a brother-in-law who live on the island Miconos. They often come to Bulgaria and I also visit them at least once a month, during the weekends. I keep in phone contact with my family almost every day.

After (learning of) my assignment, they were all a little bit sorry that I would go away, but they supported me a lot. I am so content in Bulgaria that, for the time being, I’m not thinking of moving from here. I like it very much here – the environment, the people, my job. All my life is calmer and more human in Sofia. I go around Bulgaria, visiting our offices – something I like very much. I have many friends – both Greeks and Bulgarians.

What were your expectations about Bulgaria before coming here?
Before coming to Bulgaria, I didn’t know many things about the country. I had visited Bulgaria once as a student, but at that time circumstances were totally different. Since I came, Sofia has become double what it was and development shows in every field – business, investment and entertainment. From the first moment I didn’t feel a stranger. I adjusted immediately to the environment. Bulgarians are very generous, sociable, welcoming people. I think we Greeks feel at home not only because of the geographical proximity, but also due to our common religion, similar history, customs and traditions. Both our nations love to have a good time.

What other similarities do you find between Bulgarians and Greeks?
I think we have many things in common. A difference I can think of is that Bulgarian businessmen get involved in many different activities. People in Sofia smile more, they also very often give flowers to each other whenever celebrating something. Life is calmer here, at least for me. It takes me one hour to go to my office in Athens and here it takes me a quarter of an hour.

While you’re in Bulgaria, do you keep Greek traditions?
We keep them. Not only the religious ones, but also the national holidays. The Greek embassy in Sofia always organises gatherings for us on these occasions. We have two associations – the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria and the Greek-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, and we meet also. I divide my time between Greeks and Bulgarians because I have many Bulgarian friends and I take part in their celebrations. I like to see new customs.

Does history make the two nations closer?
The borders not only divide but also join people, as I think it is in our case. At present, aside from our common traditions and mentality we have developed strong economic relations between us, too. Greece supported very much Bulgaria in joining the European Union. Bulgaria also supports Greece.

Probably the main stereotype of Bulgarians of Greeks is that you are cunning. Is there a typical stereotype that Greeks have of Bulgarians?
Some years ago many people in Greece thought that Bulgaria was underdeveloped, at a level lower than our own. Based on the impression from people who work in Greece, I could say, in general, that we are well intended towards Bulgarians.

How do you cope with learning Bulgarian?
I believe that ability to contact people directly is important for any essence of relation – formal or personal. That’s the reason, as of my arrival, I started with Bulgarian lessons. In my working environment, I am trying to communicate mostly in Bulgarian, although it’s surprising how many people also speak Greek.