Bansko - relaxing on the slopes

Bansko, Bulgaria, is a fantastic budget ski resort, located about 155 km south of the capital, Sofia, in the Pirin Mountains. If you don’t want to have to sell one of your organs to pay for your next skiing trip then Eastern Europe offers a handful of vibrant holiday destinations boasting reliable snow conditions and buzzing après ski. With more than 70 km of ski runs, plenty of ski schools and extreme winter sports on offer, Bansko is arguably the most popular budget ski resort in Eastern Europe, and many Brits flock there each year for their powder fix.

Whilst compared to Mayrhofen (known as the Ibiza of ski resorts) it doesn’t quite reach the same level of night-time mayhem, Bansko does have the ability to satisfy the average partier with its array of clubs, bars and traditional eateries.

Clubs and Late Night Bars

Personally, as a young adult skier, I found Bansko’s nightlife to be exciting, vibrant and incredibly fulfilling. If you’re someone who enjoys cheap alcohol, a healthy mix of live bands and chart tunes and the choice of a clubbing or enjoying a quite tipple by the fire then Bansko could be the place for you.

A skiing holiday wouldn’t quite feel complete without that one inevitable mid-holiday night where you go completely crazy and never manage to piece together how you made it back to your hotel room. Every year I vow to eradicate the night which causes me to miss a crucial morning’s skiing, and every year I fail. So now I have succumbed to the fact it’s just part of the holiday!

Two Hot Areas for Clubbing

Bansko Club Nightlife

There are two completely separate areas in Bansko which are great for clubbing. If you’re located near the Gondola station then the bars around there are open until the small hours. Amigos is probably the most popular bar/club at the moment, in high season you can enjoy a full live band rocking out to English/American classics until 3am.

As this bar is incredibly popular with the Brits, expect prices which are a little closer to home. Sticking to the local draught lager however, will save you a fortune and doesn’t go down too badly after the first two 500ml tankards.

In the Old Town, located approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the Gondola you will find the night club named Oxygen. It’s quite a different experience to Amigos in the sense that you’ll experience DJing and dance tracks rather than live music; partying often continues until 6am, when dreams of making the first lift are well and truly out the window.

Bansko’s Hidden Gem

The hidden gem in Bansko however, is a small place which resembles a traditional Bulgarian house. It’s a place quite like no other and I make sure I pay it a visit each year I return. The Bash Bar is by far the best place for nightlife. It’s tucked away just off Glazne Street and isn’t well sign-posted; it’s the place ski instructors and locals party hard on a Friday night. The DJ gets everyone moving with funky bass lines and mashed hits, whilst the barman – who has an uncanny resemblance to Jack Osborne – serves you shorts or local lagers.

A More Relaxing Atmosphere

If you’re looking for a more chilled-out vibe but would still like to mingle with the Brits than I highly recommend the Friendly bar. It lies adjacent to Amigos and has an acoustic act playing Brit Pop classics and other pop renditions each night. There’s always a warm atmosphere and sing-alongs aren’t uncommon. I’d say this is one of the cheaper tourist bars in terms of lager and local spirits too.

Traditional Bulgarian Wining and Dining

Bansko at night - Mehana restaurants

You simply have to sample the traditional Bulgarian wining and dining experience at some point during your stay. Although the British-inspired bars are great for a boozy night, you’re severely missing out if you don’t spend an evening in one of the hundreds of Mehanas. Mehanas are traditional Bulgarian eateries offering delicious home cooked food. Here you will experience the real Bulgaria, and enjoy tucking into succulent meats on a bed of sizzling vegetables, accompanied by a mulled wine next to a blustering fire.

In some of the Mehanas they really go the extra mile to get you to stay. String quartets and piano players are a common Mehana feature, and they’re perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. The drink and food prices in Mehanas are unbeatable and you’ll undoubtedly find the best European lagers by bottle here, as well as amazing and fulfilling food.

Bansko – Nightlife for Everyone

The beauty of the Eastern European giant is that there’s exciting nightlife to suit a large number of different tastes. Whilst the spring chickens can head off to the vibrant nightclubs, more seasoned skiers can soak up the relaxing atmosphere in the cosy Mehanas whilst sipping on a fine wine and tasting even finer food. With many resorts in the Alps, you find that resorts are generally tailored to suit one kind of nightlife, Bansko is different in the sense that you have more choice on how to spend your evening; making it the perfect skiing destination for large groups serving members with diverse ages and tastes.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2012. Written by sstaszko

Post tags: apres-ski, Bansko, bar, Bulgaria, mehana, nightlife, restaurants, ski resort, skiing in Categories: Destinations

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Finding a phone or mobile phone number in Bulgaria is NOT easy. A residential telephone directory does not seem to exist, or I couldn’t find one. Business phone books fare a little better, but not much really. You can call a Bulgaria number easily enough, though. The country phone code for Bulgaria is 359. Bulgarian area phone codes need the "0" in front of them when you’re dialling in Bulgaria, or rarely "99" (try this if you have a problem). Miss off the "0" from outside the country.

Go to Guides Bulgaria http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/Phone_Codes.aspx if you need phone dialing codes of Bulgarian cities, villages and regions, just choose your district.

Free telephone number search

KOMPASS
http://www.kompass.com/guide/L_1_I_en_Z_BG: Business to Business directory. Search for Products/Services and Companies, or via category. In English.

BUSINESSPATROL.COM
http://www.businesspatrol.com/country-links/businesspatrol_links.php3?topic=Bulgaria: Bulgaria Business Resources and Links but only list 38 reources.

BCCI
http://www.bcci.bg/services/directory/catalog_en.htm: Official trade directory from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Use "guest" as username and password.

YELLOW PAGES BULGARIA
http://search.yellowpages.bg/: In Bulgarian so use the Google toolbar. They’re supposed to be in English too, but I couldn’t find them.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Tony Page

Post tags: Bulgaria business directory, Bulgaria phone code, Bulgaria phone directory, Bulgaria phone number, Bulgaria yellow pages, mobile Bulgaria in Categories: Useful facts

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Useful facts to help you plan your visit to Bulgaria

• Festivals
• Public Holidays
• Visas
• Language
• Health
• Time
• Electricity
• Weights & Measures
• Money, Banks etc.
• Useful Telephone Numbers

Festivals

Bulgarians love festivals. Christmas and New Year are big, and other major festivals include “Ladouvane” – a festive ritual for young girls on New Year’s Day or Midsummer Day (24 June), Shrovetide and Mummers’ Games which take their beginnings from the Dionysian festivals of the Thracians and mark the start of spring, ‘Lazarouvane‘ – an Orthodox festival dedicated to love and the family, Trifon Zarezan (Vinegrower’s Day) and St. George’s Day, linked with health and abundance.

There’s also “Baba Marta” or “Martenitsa“(March 1st), when everyone gives each other ‘martenitsas‘ – small figures made of white and red threads (representing blood and snow), a symbol of the awakening, of spring, health and happiness.

The Bulgarian oleaginous rose yields 70 percent of the world’s attar of roses, used by every major perfume company as an essential constituent of its products. If you’re around in late May – early June, the rose-picking season starts in the Valley of Roses which stretches between the Balkan Range and the Sredna Gora Mountains.

But you’ll have to be up early. Rose-picking starts at dawn, before sunrise and before the rose fragrance has had a chance to disappear. The Festival of Roses is celebrated on the first Sunday in June in Karlovo and Kazanluk with carnivals, processions, folk songs and dances.

BULGARIAN FESTIVAL & EVENT CALENDAR

Bulgarian Public Holidays

Visas:

Most of the foreign citizens entering Bulgaria don’t need visa but they must carry their valid international passport. The list of the countries which citizens need visa, when entering Bulgaria, can be found at www.mfe.government.bg.

Language

The official language is Bulgarian, and this is written in the Cyrillic alphabet (after its founders – Sts. Cyril and Methodius) which has 30 letters. Fortunately you can often find things also written in the Roman alphabet, but not always by any means! It pays to learn to recognise a few important words in Cyrillic…

• Good morning/day/evening = Dobro utro/ Dobar den/ Dobar vecher;
• Hello = Zdraveite;
• How are you = Kak ste;
• My name is … = Az se kazvam …;
• Thank you = Blagodaria;
• Excuse me = Izviniavaite;
• Would you please help me = Bihte li mi pomognali;
• How much does it cost = Kolko struva tova;
• Numbers: edno (1), dve (2), tri (3), chetiri (4), pet (5), shest (6), sedem (7), osem (8), devet (9), deset (10).

Health risks:

Bulgaria poses few health risks and there are no vaccinations required for entry. BUT, medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. As the facilities in local hospitals are not of the greatest, it’s important to come with insurance that includes emergency evacuation.

Time:

GMT (London) + 2 hours, East-European time (Germany) + 1 hour (GMT+3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Current Bulgarian time

Electricity:

220V, 50Hz, 2-pin (round) plug

Weights & measures:

Metric (same as France)

Metric Weights and Measures and their equivalents

Clothing and shoe sizes conversion: US, UK, Europe

Money:

The Bulgarian Lev (Leva, BGN)

• The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro. 1 EUR = 1.955 BGN. Coins are called “stotinki” (100 stotinki = 1 lev). You can exchange currency at any bank branch (hours are listed below) and in any of the numerous exchange offices (some of these are open during public holidays). Euro-cheques may be cashed at many banks. Don’t be tempted to exchange money in the streets or outside banks and currency exchange offices despite the better rate offered. No prizes for guessing that the odds of getting ripped off are NOT in your favour
• Bank Opening Hours: The working hours of the banks are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Currency exchange offices are open to 6 p.m., some 24 hours a day.

Check out the current Euro exchange rate with your currency here (close the new window to return): TRAVEL SIGNPOSTS CURRENCY CONVERTER

Useful telephone numbers :

Dialling code for Bulgaria from abroad: +359. You can make local and international telephone calls at automatic street telephones; these use tokens and calling cards. Tokens for local calls (0.20 leva) and calling cards can be bought from any post office or places where newspapers are sold

• Police 166
• Fire Brigade 160
• Emergency Medical Aid 150
• Operator for international calls 0123
• Operator for long distance calls within Bulgaria 121
• Business Directory Enquiries 144
• Residential Directory Enquiries 145
• Emergency Road Service 146
• Weather forecast 175
• Time (“speaking” clock) 180

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Tony Page

Post tags: banking hours, bulgarian money, bulgarian time, electricity in Bulgaria, events, festivals, health, information, public holidays Bulgaria, telephone numbers, travel to Bulgaria, Useful facts, visas in Categories: Useful facts

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Rila Monastery, like something out of Shangri-La

Bulgaria is a country that has gone through centuries of foreign invasion and occupation.  A visit to Bulgaria therefore provides the possibility to explore its history from pre-historic times through to the period of the Alexander the Great, the harsh Ottoman period and then through its days as part of the Eastern Bloc.

Bulgarian Treasures

However, Bulgaria is more than a destination for history buffs only.  It’s scenic landscape and sightseeing options make this an ideal destination all year around.  So unique are its historic heritage that several landmarks have been included in the UNESCO heritage listing.  Some of these are:

• Rila Monastery – The most impressive monastery compound in Bulgaria with exceptional architectural and artistic merits.  Its setting is like something out of Shangri-La
• Nessebur -  The old part of the town with its architectural, historical and archaeological reserve
• Sveshtari Tomb – A Thracian tomb from the first half of the 3rd century B.C.
• Kazanluk Tomb – Another Thracian tomb, dating to the late 4th to early 3rd century B.C.
• Ivanovo Rock Churches -  A rock monastery compound of the Holy Archangel Michael, with partially preserved churches
• Boyana Church – Noted for its unique murals

Summer and Winter Activities

In summer, Bulgaria’s beach resorts, with its crystal blue waters, are a huge attraction for European tourists who come in search of sun, sea, sand .. and cheap beer!  Costs are still relatively cheap in Bulgaria and all along the beach resorts you’ll see ads touting cheap beer.  An added attraction for tourists include the extremely cheap seaside real estate.  Visit Sunny Beach and you’ll see lots of low quality high-rise blocks with huge advertisements listing prices as low as 50,000 Euros.

Other activities in summer include cycling, mountain climbing, hiking, golfing, hunting and paragliding.

In winter, Bulgaria’s high mountains turn into picturesque and perfect ski slopes. Borovets in the Rila Mountains is the oldest and biggest mountain resort in Bulgaria. Other popular ski resorts are Pamporovo (in the Rhodopi Mountains) which also runs a premium ski school, Vitosha which is home of Bulgaria’s National Ski School and the modern resort of Bansko, situated at the foothills of the Pirin Mountain in southwest Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a country that is quickly being discovered by the travel world and if you’re looking for a destination that’s not yet over-run by mass market tourism,  don’t leave your visit too late!

To see photos from our Bulgaria albums click here.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Helen Page

Post tags: beach resorts, Boyana Church, Bulgaria holidays, Ivanovo Rock Churches, Kazanluk Tomb, Nessebur, Rila Monastery, ski holidays, Sveshtari Tomb, Visit Bulgaria in Categories: Destinations, Featured

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Shopping in the city centre

Over the past years more multinational companies have been setting up in Sofia and there are now more luxurious hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment centres in the city centre.  Along the big boulevards like Tsarigradsko Shousse and Nikola Vaptsarov, a variety of modern business centres are also being built.

The brand new underground that connects the city centre with the outskirts now also brings more people into the city. Shopping malls like City Centre Sofia, Mall of Sofia and Sky City Sofia have all come up in recent years to tap into the increased shopping demand.

Where to Shop

Mall of Sofia on Alexander Stamboliiski Blvd. (west of the city centre) is the most stylish of the shopping malls.  It is a smoke free mall (hurray!), its interior is light and airy and it carries a better range of shops.

City Centre of Sofia on Arsenalski Blvd. (south of the city centre) is on the edge of South Park.  This mall is spread over six levels and there is also a cinema complex here.

TZUM, the Central Department Store, is at 2, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Boulevard in the very heart of the city centre.  It is close to key government headquarters such as the Council of Ministers, the Presidency and the National Assembly.

Interestingly, the tourism agency is asking people to Boycott TZUM as they used to keep a showcase tiger ‘Shakti’ in the store.  Although Shakti has now been moved to the zoo, there are rumours that TZUM intends replacing the tiger with a panther.  If this is true, then I’m with the tourism people as this is not acceptable.

Other shopping areas

Apart from the shopping centres, other shopping areas are:

Vitosha Boulevard – is the posh shopping street of Sophia.  This is a semi-pedestrianised area and its worthwhile checking out the side streets as well. Vitosha is a long street which cuts through the centre of Sofia and walking along Vitosha you’ll also see some of Sofia’s nicest buildings, such as the Sofia Court of Justice, Sveta Nedelya Orthodox Church and the Banya Bashi Mosque.

Pirotska Street – is just across from TZUM.  It is the only pedestrian shopping street in Sofia, so it’s worth a visit.

The HALI – Central Market Hall – was formerly a food market.  The interior of this heritage building has been refurbished and it’s an interesting place to visit to see its architecture.  There is a variety of small shops on the upper level and the ground floor is predominantly occupied by food stalls.  The locals do their food shopping here.

Alexander Nevski Square – There is a flea market here and you’ll see interesting objects like antique cameras, lace work, jewelry, coins and medals and objects from their Eastern Bloc days.  It’s hard to tell if these are genuine goods from bygone days or objects that have been manufactured for tourists.  Nevertheless, they are cheap enough and Tony and I found a ring each here.

What to buy

Jewelry, religious art and art in general are good value in Bulgaria, but if you only want small souvenirs to take home, go for the rose products like rose oils, soaps and fragrances.  Bulgarian-grown roses produce the best rose oil in the world and this is an essential element in all famous brand named fragrances.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Helen Page

Post tags: Alexander Nevsky Square, City Centre of Sofia, Hali Central Market, Mall of Sofia, Pirotska Street, rose oil, rose oil products, shopping malls, TZUM, Vitosha Boulevard in Categories: Featured, Shopping

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The Patriach, The President and All the President’s Men

Yes, I was fortunate to have had such an encounter with the President of Bulgaria on our Sofia stopover. We were in Sofia for our second visit and this time, fortuitously, it was St. Sofia Day (September 17). On this day, the city, together with the rest of the eastern Orthodox world, pays tribute to the Holy martyr Sofia and her three daughters Faith, Hope and Love. Sofia however did not take its name from this holy martyr, but bears the name of its ancient church Saint Sofia – a symbol of the Divine Wisdom.

By fluke we found ourselves in the middle of a celebration

We would like to say that smart planning got us to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on this morning, but actually we had no prior knowledge of what was happening around town on this religious day. We were concentrating on photographing the different sides and facets of this beautiful Cathedral when in a moment’s break in focus, we noticed that groups of defence personnel, police and crowds of people had started gathering in the area. An official event was about to take place, but we couldn’t get anyone to tell us what it was in English.

St Sofia Day Religious Ceremony

The President arrives

We thought we had missed all the good viewing spots, but fortunately a bit further up from the media stand, we found a spot under a shady tree. We felt quite triumphant as this position turned out to be much better than the media stand! From where we were we had a frontal view of the altar.

More people were gathering along the street and everyone seemed pretty patient in spite of the long wait. Eventually, a black limousine pulled up in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral square. A very distinguished looking man got out of the car and walked towards the altar. The local lady next to me was beaming in smiles and she proudly told me that it was their President, Georgi Parvanov, accompanied by the city’s Mayor Boyko Borissov. Thank you dear lady for putting this ceremony into a more meaningful context for me. Cameras clicked away while all the military personnel and police stood to attention.

The President did his ceremonial duties, greeting the senior priests, inspecting the guards and then greeting the diplomats. After the national anthem, a liturgy was conducted by the Deputy Patriarch (we think).

St Sofia Day Military Parade, Sofia, Bulgaria

Plucking up courage, I asked for his autograph

The President did a ‘meet and greet’ in front of the church and as he was leaving a tall teenage boy asked for something to be written in his notebook, I think. The President wrote a long message in this boy’s book and it was touching that he took time to write a lengthy message. When he was finished, a lady next to me handed her notebook for an autograph which the President kindly obliged. Not speaking the language, but gauging from his friendliness, I plucked up courage and asked for an autograph as well, mumbling something like ‘Hi, I’m from Australia’. He looked up, surprised at a foreign voice, but nevertheless signed my notebook and I also scored a quick handshake. So this was the day that I had my presidential brush with fame.

It really made my day in Sofia! It’s not everyday that one gets to meet a president of a country whilst on holiday. The greatest disappointment was that Tony was nowhere to be seen. He was sensibly staying away from the ‘men in black’ who were no doubt the security agents. With his professional camera gear, he looked more than just a tourist and didn’t want to risk any issues with these agents and therefore missed the photo opportunity.

The story gets better

As the President was leaving and the crowd dispersing, I said to this senior looking military guy that his President is great, “he’s so friendly”. This guy turned out to be the Chief of Military Protocol. Tony recognized him, through his lenses, giving instructions during the official proceedings. We were indeed blessed by St. Sofia on this day. Our newly found Colonel friend was a fantastic guy and the story gets better!  More in next post….

To see our St. Sofia Day Ceremony Album click here.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Helen Page

Post tags: Bulgaria, Faith Hope and Love, Holy martyr Sofia, Patriach, President of Bulgaria, Sofia, St. Sofia Church, St. Sofia Day celebrations in Categories: Featured, Sightseeing

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Snezhanka - a thick creamy yoghurt

Although Bulgarians love their meats, salads and soups are also important elements of their cuisine.  Traditional cuisine combines influences from the Ottoman Empire with peasant cooking styles.

Fresh vegetables are plentiful and these are eaten raw, roasted or stewed with meat in terracotta pots.  Meat dishes mainly comprise pork, veal and chicken which can be grilled, fried or cooked as a stew, and lots of garlic, onions, oil and spices are used in their cooking.

Meals start with a salad

Bulgarians always start their meal with a salad.  Shopska salad, made with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, fresh or baked peppers, onion and sirene (a salty sheep or cow’s cheese), is the most popular.  A variation of the Shopska salad is Ovcharska.  This has all the ingredients of the Shopska plus grated egg, mushrooms and sometimes ham is thrown in.  Other popular salads include:

• Snezhanka (thick creamy yoghurt with chopped cucumber or gherkins, walnuts and garlic)
• Russka salata (small chunks of vegetables in mayonnaise)
• Kyopulo (roasted aubergines and peppers with loads of garlic and parsley)

The salad is washed down with a glass of rakia, a local spirit made of grapes or plum.

We were offered this at our dinner at the Hilton Hotel.  Tony tried it but I abstained as alcohol on salad alone would have knocked me out!

A Hot Starter

The salad can be followed by a hot starter which includes popular dishes like Chuski byurek (pepper stuffed with cheese and herbs which is covered with breadcrumb and then fried) or Sirene po shopski (a white cheese baked in claypot with an egg and pepper on top).  Roast vegetables with a light tomato sauce are also popular.

If you like soups, then the popular ones to try are Bob chorba (traditional bean soup with vinegar and chilli), pileshka supa (chicken soup) or leshta (lentil).  A local favourite is Shkembe chorba (tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar).  Apparently Bulgarians have this soup as early as breakfast time!

A soup that’s served more in summertime is Tarator (cold yoghurt and cucumber soup).

And now to the Meaty end of the meal

Bulgarians are serious meat eaters and to many men a meal is not a meal if meat is not included!  It’s no wonder they are world champion weight lifters!

Grilled meat (na skara) are very popular and include:

• Kyufteta (spicy meat balls)
• Kebapcheta (spicy sausage shaped mince meat)
• Parzhola (chops served with French fries)

Kavarma (meat and vegetable) and Gyuvech (chunks of lamb and vegetables) are two of the most popular claypot stews.  Dried salami such as lukanka and pasturma are also consumed a lot.

Fishertarians and Vegetarians

There is not much choice for fish eaters with trout and some Black Sea fish being the only offerings.  Vegetarian meals are usually a compilation of the salads and roasted vegetables.

Where we chose to eat

As a relatively new destination for tourists, it may not be easy to get to local restaurants or to order food in a local eatery if you don’t speak the language.

On the two occasions that we were in Sofia, we stayed at the Hilton Hotel which is out of the city centre, on the fringe of South Park.  We dined at the Seasons Restaurant and had excellent dining experiences there.  Rossen (maitre’d) and Nikolai (waiter) couldn’t do enough to make our dinner there a memorable experience.  These two professionals took time to explain to us Bulgarian food, rakia and their range of wines and although the signature dish at Seasons is Beef Chateaubriand, they made sure that the chef cooked us a delicious non-meat meal.

© Bulgaria Travel, 2009. Written by Helen Page

Post tags: Bulgarian cuisine, Food, Hilton Hotel, Seasons Restaurant, what to eat in Bulgaria in Categories: Featured, Food

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