How about living near the oldest town in Europe?

“SOFIA: Archaeologists in eastern Bulgaria say they have unearthed the oldest prehistoric town ever found in Europe, along with an ancient salt production site that gives a strong clue about why massive riches were discovered in the region.”

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Culture/Art/2012/Nov-02/193587-europes-oldest-prehistoric-town-salt-site-found-in-bulgaria.ashx#axzz2B5BFJSlv

Another story said the salt dome was 3,900 meters high.

While searching for more information on Provadia, I came across several sites advertising houses and/or land. One list was described as a derelict house on 2,300 sq. meter plot. 11,000 Euros. (Open to offers.)

That’s not a bad price, especially considering the “Open to offers.” The house is “about 21 miles” from town, and I have a preconceived notion that distance is a long trip during a Bulgarian winter.

The listing continued: “The roof of the house has been replaced and therefore in excellent condition. … There are fruit trees and a well in the rear garden. The plot is set in a secluded area with panoramic views all around. There is an abundance of wildlife in the area.”

Judging from the pictures, open land gives a good rifle shot in all directions. That “therefore in excellent condition” might mean the new roof prevented further damage, but lack of inside pictures makes for at least a bit of skepticism about the interior.

I am too old, anyway, to move to another country, especially in Eastern Europe. Terrain is nice and if I had an M37 three-quarter ton truck loaded with necessities, a drive from Bulgaria across the Ukraine into the Caucasus and then into Central Asia would be an adventure.

One Bulgarian real estate listing, though, stated a pictured house was in “the Muslim area.” If an agent has to point out religious areas, I don’t want to live there.