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Published: December 15th 2009
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---That it's so long since my last blog!! In that time I have found out more about the novel insurance world of Bulgaria,reconfirmed the reliability of car and mechanic, and found out that a lot of my old friends seem delighted to see me.Whoo eee!
Firstly Hallowe'en was fun but not really a going concern yet. Several of the 'family' adults were missing which in itself is a rare occurance but those that did come enjoyed the snacks and fireworks - so I was not too unhappy. The next day however when the others came the remaining snacks and toffee apples went down a storm. Now I have to find proper toffee apple sticks although the fireworks have already been replenished from the new Xmas stocks.(In Bulgaria they are a tradition at new year and so hit the shops just before I left.)
The car got a service before I came and returned again when a fuse blew in the fog light circuit.Very cheap and obviously effective as I had no mechanical problems on the trip to Britain.
Having also sorted insurance for car(small and big) and mot by myself this year it was another big milestone in my
learning experience. Unfortunately the complicated world of house insurance was to explode in my face before stabilizing! When I returned from Cornwall in July I tried to find out why I had not had the promised insurance money.I was told that they needed a proper(headed) billhead from the builder,photos of the work done and an independant statement re completion of the work done from a person of rank such as the mayor of Yunets or a policeman. Stan,when I eventually managed to contact him, agreed that he would provide the billhead and because he knew the mayor the confirmation letter.I had already obtained the photos at that stage. When neither had arrived by September I eventually rang the head ofice of lev insurance and was put through to the claims dept. They informed me that I was not entitled to the 1265Lv as the property was not insured for vandalism (and as nothing had been mentioned as taken) that was what they considered to have happened. So my extra toing and froing to find Stan was in vain. Also of course the information given me by the insurance woman was incorrect. Had I known there would be no insurance we
might have dealt differently with the repairs.!Still what was done was done and the work to the house etc was more to the fore.
However when it's insurance came close to renewal and also 4 of the other houses I deal with, I went to my car insurers Allianz who had been so great when it came to helping me get a decent insurance from the old Lev one and who were offering a special deal on house insurance.The 4 were covered for vandalism and burglary and Yunets for vandalism as I was informed burglary was mainly for portable items and all of value was a fridge freezer(tall).What a mistake.It seems take nothing for granted.Despite new locks,grill doors etc once again it was entered and the front grill on the 'secure room' window torn sideways. Not a big space but they managed to take the old cast iron wood heater out through it and the fridge freezer through the back door /grill.So obviously it was pre -planned not oportunistic! However when the police came and asked my 2 neighbours nobody had seen anything!Now we had been burgled and a claim just 2 days after the insurance cover began.The vandalism this time was minimal but I left them trying to see what they could get for me albeit little.Very kind as the problem must have happened in the preceeding 15 days only 2 of which were with the new insurance.Normally a claim could not be pursued in the first 5 days within setting up the cover but since it was still covered by Lev ins I left them their policy and hope.Time will come to see if it worked when I return.However anyone reading this and having to insure a Bulgarian property should take note.'Contents 'insurance only has same risks as the house provisions which obviously does not include burglary(nor more surprisingly vandalism/breaking and entry damage).These along with earthquake must be addended and covered separately.Also with the burglary cover you have to include all items you want covered with serial numbers and pictures.Taps do not appear to be obvious contenders but they are quite expensive here and all the taps at yunets were taken!
Now to pleasanter times.With the exception of a mistake at a junction in Romania ,unsigned and costing me time and diesel on a 160 Km diversion back towards Bulgaria(!) the journey went easily via Saltzburg and Frankfurt as devised last time.I even had 1/2 day in Frankfurt at the Christmas market and zoo and still arrived at the docks in Dunkirk at 22.30on 1/12 with my sailing booked for 14.01 on 2nd! They said I could transfer to the noon sailing on 2nd,so that night I slept in the docks car park.I had said to Joan and Den that I would arrive early on the 2nd to spend the day with them but even after sleeping and killing time on the internet at Maidstone I still arrived on the Wirral at 5.30 am(just a tad too early!)Yet again I availed of internet and refils of coffee at the nearby services. Eventually I called to the house at 8am and we had a lovely time.That evening I set off for Birkenhead and Norfolk Line terminal at 8pm(the time they retired to bed) and slept on the docks car park ,when I eventually found it.Not realising Birkenhead was on the Wirral side of the Mersey till 2 circuits round Liverpool later once I'd spoken to the police.It seems the Birkenhead tunnel (on my ferry map )goes from and not to Birkenhead( as i expected from the name.) So in future that's another mistake that won't be made.
Have met up with the linedancers,and legion friends,had 2 hooleys and a Xmas dinner,visited the doctors to get my tablets and tests completed.Tomorrow I hope to complete my visits to friends in Belfast before and after the dentist's at noon.Also to complete my shopping list for return to Bulgaria.
So all's well that ends well! It only remains to wish everyone a merry Xmas and a happy 2010.Supergran.
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