From my perspective in Kentucky, Helen's blog post adds some interesting new ways of looking at Sophia.  What she describes is not so different from any other big city, it is just that she revels so in the opportunity to have so many choices.  I think people here pretty much take the range of choices for granted.  So Helen, where did you grow up?  In a city?  In the countryside?  Is your appreciating of the benefits of city life typical of city dwelling Bulgarians?  Or do you simply have a positive mindset that helps you appreciate the broad offerings of a large city?