Bush's Visit (or the Semi-Chaos Surrounding It)

George W. Bush arrives in Bulgaria sometime this weekend. His official visit is set for 10-11 June. This is not the first time that we have had high-profile visitors in Bulgaria (there were the visits by Clinton and the late Pope John Paul II), but it seems like the first time every time. There is a whole lot of confusion about which part of the city center will be blocked off, how traffic will be redirected, and what the hell that means for us ordinary citizens who need to get to work or home in a semi-normal fashion. This time is no exception. That is why our company has decided to take the day off and just avoid all the hassle altogether.

My apartment building is located right next to the boulevard that leads to the airport (aptly named Brussels Blvd); my apartment faces in the direction of the boulevard. Last week, when I came home one night, I found a few notices posted downstairs warning us that from 9-12 June, there should be no repairs done to the building's facade, all exits to the roof should be locked off, etc. Basically, taking security precautions because Bush is going to drive by. That's all good, but it's not like anyone is going to check what everyone who lives in the apartments facing the boulevard is up to during those days. So the signs, in and of themselves, seem a little pointless.

This morning on TV I tuned in to a discussion of how Bush would be protected during his visit. The discussion centered around whether or not Bush would try Bulgarian food and wine. The news anchor asked the very "intelligent" question of whether Bush will be trying out rakia while here. What does it matter? I can't believe people waste time discussing what he will or will not eat. The only thing I learned from this discussion was that supposedly Bush quite likes Bulgarian feta cheese and that all food/drink he will be consuming while here will first undergo some chemical analysis to ensure there are no poisonous substances in it. That must be quite a hassle to go through at every meal while abroad, but guess that's the price you have to pay for being President of the United States.

Bottom line is: people are mostly annoyed by the fact that Bush is visiting, myself included. And although we may not greet him with booing like the Czechs, we still would rather that he come and go as quickly as possible.