tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406486664540112952024-03-18T05:02:58.489+02:00A Letter From The Back Of Beyond - A Bulgarian BlogRural Bulgarian life as seen through the eyes of an Englishman who now lives in a very small Bulgarian village.
A blog aimed at three different sets of people. Firstly there are those who might be considering relocating to Bulgaria, some of the information might be of help. Then there are those who have already made the move. Finally there are the Bulgarians themselves, maybe they are curious to see just how a foreigner views and copes with living in their country. Welcome to the blog. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-56396219121237710712017-03-14T23:05:00.000+02:002017-04-12T10:40:05.947+03:00Visiting The Fang Mechanic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDF014a5zA9DccmXzpI8D0jPeRPs6vg7nfJ3qc7NeFc4LKfCm7CaFbTRNTdaCgKod7JqWgf1cmLNqQ7FMA7-eTPrAJ1G0Rl5fbURZRz1O68SHXf_xiNCTvS6IGtwe6wzcOy5VjgJWVpCi/s1600/Teeth6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDF014a5zA9DccmXzpI8D0jPeRPs6vg7nfJ3qc7NeFc4LKfCm7CaFbTRNTdaCgKod7JqWgf1cmLNqQ7FMA7-eTPrAJ1G0Rl5fbURZRz1O68SHXf_xiNCTvS6IGtwe6wzcOy5VjgJWVpCi/s320/Teeth6.jpg" width="320" /></a>Well today I finally bit the bullet, and paid a visit to one of my least favourite institutions. No, not the KAT Office in VT, although that probably runs neck and neck in the popularity stakes. My better half has been, friends have been, but if I can find an excuse to wheedle my way out of going I will do so. I am of course referring to the Dentist. I did venture into one a few years back, and although the treatment was OK, it did feel a little odd being treated in a glorified garden shed. I have to admit that I was even slightly nervous making an appointment for my better half the other week, even more nervous when I took her for the appointment last week, but absolutely bricking it when it came round to my turn today. Sometimes having a sweet tooth can mean that I am my own worst enemy, even more so when a liquorice toffee pulls out a filling. The toffee wasn't wasted though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyNw3Gn2ySkpr885oYkfcBNHD53nxUNGhYrhGA-4WOs_HNZRiQOcEBl4lOue_iHkQLMF9JopRBtEuYtHh_VPtYHq8BpBBQ5jS652O1_Df8oF8j-sGoIr78X80_bg8_iA8y5Rh2kD8Yvmb/s1600/Teeth8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyNw3Gn2ySkpr885oYkfcBNHD53nxUNGhYrhGA-4WOs_HNZRiQOcEBl4lOue_iHkQLMF9JopRBtEuYtHh_VPtYHq8BpBBQ5jS652O1_Df8oF8j-sGoIr78X80_bg8_iA8y5Rh2kD8Yvmb/s320/Teeth8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I guess that I might have a bit of a phobia about these people. Even walking into a dental surgery I get a mental image of the Dentist in Marathon Man. I have to admit that it has taken a while to find a fang mechanic that we are both 'happy' with. Maybe happy is the wrong word where I am concerned though. It is only a small dental practice, but it does seem to be quite popular. The good news is that it looks and smells clean, with that strange antiseptic type smell hitting you as soon as you step into the waiting room. There is no receptionist so everyone just sits there patiently, waiting their turn. People even turn up for emergency treatment without an appointment, and with no receptionist people are in and out speaking to the Dentist while she is carrying out treatment on a patient.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnACLbUP2cupYFgxVHBt_MWTkMczbYbloXpcuRsXK0v6BExPJM4eFHxvZi_KNiLNv6vpMiOiAsYdXondG-rpOWuDT17z2VblZd8t2klJT60XW7xjM_mgL9zQxOFq1w4ffxZwoF_weqXMd/s1600/Teeth5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnACLbUP2cupYFgxVHBt_MWTkMczbYbloXpcuRsXK0v6BExPJM4eFHxvZi_KNiLNv6vpMiOiAsYdXondG-rpOWuDT17z2VblZd8t2klJT60XW7xjM_mgL9zQxOFq1w4ffxZwoF_weqXMd/s320/Teeth5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So today was the day, the boss lady was due to have the final fitting of a crown, and I was 'persuaded' to let the Dentist have a look at my teeth. I knew full well that I needed treatment, but I have been putting it off, and off, and off. I can safely say that I haven't had any aches and pains from my teeth, but if the boss lady is having treatment then apparently so am I. We got there about 10 minutes before our appointment, and the waiting room was quite packed, and there was a man in the chair being treated. So there was me thinking, "that's not so bad the Dentist is busy, so I can make an appointment for another day." Just as I thought that she finished treating the bloke in the chair, and we were spotted. I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a farmer's Land Rover, frozen to the spot.<br />
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I did have a stay of execution, as one of the women sat in the reception had come in for some emergency treatment, so she was next in the chair. The Dentist told us that it would only be a few minutes, and then it would be our turn. Twenty minutes later, and two nervous cigarettes, the emergency treatment was finished. The woman walked out on her own, and there had been no screams of pain, so things were looking up. On the downside it meant that my turn was getting ever closer. Net was now in the chair and the Dentist was wittering away, too quickly for either of us to fully understand what she was saying. Bless her, she has got a translation programme on her mobile, so she is now speaking into her phone and then showing Net the translation. Unfortunately Net's glasses were in her handbag, and that was out in reception with me, so I was summoned into the inner sanctum. With a bit of charades, pantomime and the translation programme we actually worked out what the Dentist was trying to say. So I was back out into the reception room while the treatment was carried out.<br />
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The waiting room was starting to fill up again, two women and two children. I started to think that with appointments running over that I might be able to escape, but once Net had finished I found myself sat in the chair staring up at the ceiling. I guess that the Dentist had worked out that there was a good change that I would make a bolt for freedom. Net certainly had as she was stood in front of the door, and that was the only exit that I could see. The good news with Net guarding the door, it also meant that no-one could burst in and speak to the Dentist. So it was time for me to pull up my big boy pants and try and get through the coming ordeal. There was a bit of prodding and poking, and me trying to speak round what felt like a mouthful of tools, and eventually the Dentist decided that I would have a temporary filling done.<br />
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I didn't notice any roadwork signs going up, but it felt like a pneumatic hammer was being utilised. The drill turned out to be even smaller than ones I have previously used working on printed circuit boards, but it felt huge. The temporary filling only took about 10 minutes to do, and I was instructed not to eat for 2 hours. So for the next 2 hours I had a strange antiseptic taste in my mouth. Something akin to a cross between a Victory V lozenge and a Fisherman's Friend, neither of which I am a big fan of. Perhaps I had accidentally licked the surgery floor or something, my mind does go numb but I am fairly sure that I would have remembered that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3heHWUmxfuQUJkRbSWXyl-klhjQl4YwEr-fB0GWyIp59u_BL4iai4BG5SMY5EcW-XKBW8VIKp02N2bp9CvmHV1ZboX8r2z3ngBq7hWIHjZIrhu4aXWd6uRNoe5B3lRe7DG9TH2m_HiPA/s1600/Teeth3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3heHWUmxfuQUJkRbSWXyl-klhjQl4YwEr-fB0GWyIp59u_BL4iai4BG5SMY5EcW-XKBW8VIKp02N2bp9CvmHV1ZboX8r2z3ngBq7hWIHjZIrhu4aXWd6uRNoe5B3lRe7DG9TH2m_HiPA/s320/Teeth3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So I now have another appointment for next week, to get the temporary filling made permanent. Perhaps I could get away with wearing a mask like this. For today's treatment, it cost the princely sum of 90 Leva, and that was for both of us. So even given the state of Sterling at the moment, that works out to be round about £40. Everyone we have spoken to rates this Dentist highly, and even though I will be nervous next week I don't think that I will have to be strapped in the chair like a victim of some Medieval torture. Maybe as the time gets closer that may well change. So spare a thought for me next week, and wish me luck. I'll try not to be a big girl's blouse, although does anyone know how long a temporary filling can last? Truth be told, the dental work that I have had done here has been so much better than that in the UK, although most of my UK work was carried out by the military so perhaps that is not too surprising. The good news is that the rather odd antiseptic taste has now disappeared, but I have yet to give this temporary filling a liquorice toffee test drive.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-45071020531725921002017-01-06T18:14:00.001+02:002017-01-06T18:14:57.805+02:00Anyone Can Be Cold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBi99ebDdQIceHCUM2w3OVrt74iACRnPloQT-Tb43pZyo38kpqAUVdKu5O6HL_n3YpipQfw335DLQnKFBP_W17ueC4j_dh8sz9HqQXapQE4cDwdikn1ZvL77ij4dEww9luFvQ4oqJXYZv/s1600/Weather.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBi99ebDdQIceHCUM2w3OVrt74iACRnPloQT-Tb43pZyo38kpqAUVdKu5O6HL_n3YpipQfw335DLQnKFBP_W17ueC4j_dh8sz9HqQXapQE4cDwdikn1ZvL77ij4dEww9luFvQ4oqJXYZv/s320/Weather.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome to the first blog of 2017, I hope that you have all had a good Christmas and New Year. As you can see from the image to the right things are going to cool down just a little, particularly overnight. It will all prove to be a good test of the changes we have made over the last year, so far things seem to be working but the mercury in the thermometers hasn't plummeted that drastically so far. We managed to get through Christmas with it being fairly mild, but things certainly look as though they are about to change. We shouldn't complain as the previous two winters have been unusually mild. Snow has been constantly falling since last night, and the trenches I dug this morning I have had to dig out again.<br />
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So what changes have we made here? We have tried to keep as much character to the house as possible, but we decided to finally do away with the old internal doors and windows. None of them really shut properly, even after I had planed them down. Planing them did give other problems, as various gaps appeared. Holding a hand up to these gaps a draught could be felt. So we took the decision to replace them all. The new doors and windows might not be in keeping with the character of the house, but they do now actually close, and none have to be held closed with hooks and eyes. When closed there are no longer any draughts, whistling through non-existent gaps. We have also put extra rolls of insulation up in the roof space. So in theory we should not end up trying to heat the village via our attic space, even though the roof now has a thick layer of snow to provide even more insulation up top. Down in the cellar we have a new wood burner. The old one worked fine but had a smaller door, so we were limited to the size of logs we could actually feed onto the fire. With this new one it has a massive door. Anyone who splits wood out here will be aware that there are often problems, some logs you end up nibbling bits off and that seems to be it, even if a splitting wedge is used. Now with the generously sized door I can even fit a stump from the black swamp inside, even with those awkward roots which always seem to grab hold of things.<br />
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The main change that we have made has been the insulation on the outside of the house. We have also insulated some of the internal walls, then wallpapered over the top. I've seen other people do the same to the outside of their houses and it all looked quite simple. Don't be fooled, it isn't as easy as it looks. I didn't think that sticking insulation to the walls would be that difficult, so I was just going round sticking up sheet after sheet while trying to get things as level as possible. Gaps were carefully filled in, and I lost count of house many sheets of polystyrene I went through. I can safely say that I got fed up with the sight of those little white polystyrene balls, as initially I was cutting the sheets with a kitchen knife (but don't tell Net). It was then suggested that I might find a gas soldering iron easier to use. It did cut down on the amount of balls floating around the garden. I thought that I was doing so well that I carried on sticking sheet after sheet to the wall. Bulgarian weather had other ideas, and the sheets I had stuck up in bright sunshine the adhesive must have dried out too quickly. As one morning I spent chasing round the garden gathering up sheets of polystyrene which had blown off. I then had to work out which sheet went where, it was a bit like trying to do a jigsaw without the box lid. I have since found out that I should have used the plastic pegs as I went, but we live and learn. More by luck than judgement I didn't, as I would have put the meshing on incorrectly, as I would have used the central pins to hold the mesh in place. Fortunately we have a friend who knew what he was doing, and he did all of the meshing and plastering for me. Even the fiddly corner bits, and around the doors and windows. Thanks Dani.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiqN6CQYLitOycp2PZWJ00U3Vl2w0qvtWbZ8M2ygxtUqr78rctGB001B0wZb9NbW8of2txImWrFap8nYIFEA6BNQ4CFw4tFaAyzRR184ufV6VQWaLkge5LJEO4LsH9ruz4MEUOkGad1uK/s1600/DSCF4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiqN6CQYLitOycp2PZWJ00U3Vl2w0qvtWbZ8M2ygxtUqr78rctGB001B0wZb9NbW8of2txImWrFap8nYIFEA6BNQ4CFw4tFaAyzRR184ufV6VQWaLkge5LJEO4LsH9ruz4MEUOkGad1uK/s320/DSCF4459.JPG" width="240" /></a>Things are going well so far, as we are now down to -8C and indoors is warm and cozy. So -8C outside, and indoors it is a comfortable 23C, so it would appear that our endeavours are already paying dividends. It might also have something to do with the fires being lit, a stomach full of beef stew and a pair of Granddad slippers on my feet. The dogs are sprawled out in front of the fire in the little lounge (even though they often smell like they have lived on a diet of Sprouts for the last month), two of the cats are sleeping on the furniture and the other one has laid claim to one of the dog beds. We might just survive this winter comfortably, without having to touch the extra firewood which we stocked up on. The freezers are still full as are the cupboards. We have plenty of dog and cat food, torches and candles are in convenient locations, and mobiles, laptops and kindles, not to mention the all important Internet dongles are all fully charged. I hope that you manage to stay warm and safe too. Before I forget, the blog figures for last year went past 200,000 hits, and that can only be down to all who have accessed the blog. Very many thanks to you all, especially to those who have shared the blog links with friends and family. People have been very complimentary about these blogs, but they are only ever as good as the people who read them. Stay warm, stay safe and please accept my wishes for a happy and healthy 2017 for you and your loved ones. Remember that Spring is just around the corner.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-57584564767165024552016-11-10T21:59:00.000+02:002016-11-12T21:02:33.153+02:00Size Can Be Deceptive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L1qE2Vu2Vj03E3H53npoP-XuV5jDSAsPNkBVmWSolJjbq91mgxb2x4fQc-KKMmAVdYYJVVkpCJH3HJ6PifP2lrQ5ngkAaQsjbJGN9B-KLJ1TfdUbZcWzmMq0o2enkAWipsBikIrFLuUr/s1600/Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L1qE2Vu2Vj03E3H53npoP-XuV5jDSAsPNkBVmWSolJjbq91mgxb2x4fQc-KKMmAVdYYJVVkpCJH3HJ6PifP2lrQ5ngkAaQsjbJGN9B-KLJ1TfdUbZcWzmMq0o2enkAWipsBikIrFLuUr/s320/Blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Those who have read the previous blog article will be aware that we have now got a new car. As with anything new there always seem to be a new set of problems which will accompany it, and the car was no exception. Although the problems didn't arise from the car itself. It is a bit wider and longer than we are used to. We knew that the wooden gates on the driveway would have to be dug down, as they have sagged a bit in the middle. I know that feeling, so I can sympathise with them. So we did that, and the gates can now open fully, to allow the new jalopy entrance to the driveway.<br />
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Being a bit wider and longer, also seems to mean that it has the turning circle of a small bus, or could that be because of the Carlos Fandango wide wheels? So the driveway itself has had to be dug out and widened, including the corner up beside the house. The dogs were eyeing this newly exposed area of fresh earth with anticipation. They do seem to like getting muddy feet before they come indoors, and no matter how often I tell them to wipe their feet, it always falls on deaf ears. As a short term measure plastic sheeting was laid down, fortunately it wasn't a windy day otherwise my neighbour and I would have had a bird's eye view of the village. A longer term solution was to get more gravel delivered, so we ended up with 12 tonnes of the stuff at the bottom of the drive. This then had to be moved by wheelbarrow to the designated areas, where it could all be raked out level, burying the plastic sheeting beneath it. Although the dogs seemed rather put out by all of this, the cats were giving the operations their close supervision. Their supervisory skills must have worked, as the car goes up and down the drive, turns at the end of the house and parks up under the barn. It will even go through the open gates without us having to breathe in. Shifting 12 tonnes of gravel is hard work, so very many thanks to friends and neighbours for their help, and I am glad that it wasn't done in the heat of Summer.<br />
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We also decided to give the kitchen a bit of a new makeover, by the way this is not our kitchen either before or after the transformation. As we were getting a new cooker our neighbours asked if they could have the old one, being dual fuel it is ideal for the periodic winter power cuts. So that was carefully lifted out of position and taken across the road, complete with gas bottle and the relevant connections. The fridge is rather noisy, but that was my beer fridge from up under he barn, so that migrated back there. We were getting a new fridge freezer, so we asked our neighbours if they also wanted the old freezer, so that also made its way across the road. Thank heavens that these village roads are not busy. We had arranged for the new white goods to be delivered, and they were after a fashion. The van turned up, and everything was unloaded into the middle of the road.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tzIXQ6tSjEA4KS9QpBjVRQEPub5nZi5kTDE4RjEGRFYUepLlqvcADtclzI468xgEuvG4rY41VfNuuA4WvazfS5dLHPWah-DRQSiG2NnZfTLV4vJ-IHVdT-J5XCLMCpF3nhAs45Hfr2RN/s1600/Blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tzIXQ6tSjEA4KS9QpBjVRQEPub5nZi5kTDE4RjEGRFYUepLlqvcADtclzI468xgEuvG4rY41VfNuuA4WvazfS5dLHPWah-DRQSiG2NnZfTLV4vJ-IHVdT-J5XCLMCpF3nhAs45Hfr2RN/s320/Blog+2.jpg" width="280" /></a>Just at the time of delivery the Kmet was walking past, so she decided to get involved. Rather than unpacking everything inside, she decided that everything should be unpacked then and there, and then it could go indoors. The new cooker went through the garden gate, in through the back door and into the kitchen without any problem, the same with the cooker hood. The fridge freezer was another matter, as it is the size of a small Tardis. Various ways of measuring were attempted, including guesstimating and the Kmet using some of the nylon strapping as a more accurate means. The Kmet announced that because of the post box the fridge freezer wouldn't go through the garden gate, but would have to take the scenic route through the driveway gates. My attempt to point out that it would only take me a couple of minutes to remove the post box were ignored, and a procession of people lifted the fridge freezer up and carried off as directed. The next problem was attempting to get it through the back door and into the kitchen. In the end the back door was dismantled, and access gained. It was then like Billy Smart's Circus trying to get it into the kitchen, with suggestions and counter suggestions winging back and forth. It only needed to be stood upright and swung through the door, which we did while heated discussions were ongoing. It was in the kitchen and slid into position, surge protector connected and plugged into the mains. There were so many sticky labels plastered all over it, which I started stripping off, my neighbour stopped me removing half a dozen bar codes, as they were to do with the warranty. <br />
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So the new fridge freezer was in, the cooker was in and carefully hidden away in its box was the cooker hood. The back door was almost back on, thank heavens we're getting a new one fitted in a couple of weeks, as with the new gaps the hallway could also serve as a wind tunnel for testing aircraft. I went back out the front to remove all of the debris caused by the enthusiastic unpacking, but like the Kmet it had disappeared. So the fridge freezer was working, and time to turn my attention to the new cooker, the gas jets were easy enough to change from mains gas to bottled gas, but there was no adaptor supplied to convert the feed, and it was too late to visit my favourite plumbers merchants, so that was put on old. The current rating meant that cooker should be wired on a separate breaker on our fuse panel. Luckily we know a friend who was able to do this for us. To cut a long story short it is now fully, and safely, fitted, and has been fully tested (I now have the stomach to prove this).<br />
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The cooker hood should have been easy, as the new one was bought from the same store as the old one so it should have been a simple matter of one out and one in. How wrong could I be? The standard size seems to have changed, and the new one was now 6mm too wide to fit between two kitchen units. Apparently 6mm can make all of the difference. Armed with a tape measure I did some market research, and the new ones were all that size. Bugger!!!! I was told that I could not chop chunks out of the kitchen units, so I did the next best thing. After carefully measuring I took 3mm off of each side of the new cooker hood using an angle grinder, a steady hand and fingers crossed. It now fits perfectly, and due to the careful measurements you would hardly notice unless you look inside.<br />
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I am now hoping that the new windows and doors fit, and we don't have the same fuss and palaver getting the new 3 piece in. As the old saying goes though, "Where there's a will, there's a way", hopefully it won't involve the Kmet and a piece of plastic strapping this time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-75839927688337617592016-10-25T23:42:00.000+03:002016-10-25T23:42:01.223+03:00Back Again :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well after a longer than expected break from writing the blog, it is now back. Thank you for all of your words of encouragement, especially to those who said that they were missing the blog. I did take a break as I was worried that I would end up repeating things that I had previously written about. It also gave me a chance to tackle some of the jobs which needed my attention over the Summer months. Anyway, enough of the excuses, and on with the blog, some of you might be pleased to know.<br />
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Regular readers might remember that we have been having a fault with our car. Various bits have been replaced, and it is still there, the fuel tank has been removed and steam cleaned to ensure that it was not dirty fuel causing the problem. We have had her on diagnostic testing at least half a dozen times, and not once has a fault shown up. It was getting so bad that even a shopping trip had to be planned around where we could safely pull off the road and let the car cool before it would start again. We have got used to travelling everywhere with our Kindles though. So if you have ever passed a car with people busily reading, that might well have been us. Through unfortunate circumstances we gained a sum of money, enough to enable us to get another car, and finish doing what we want to on the house. Now despite being male, what I know about vehicles can be written on the back of a postage stamp, in large letters. My better half is also in the same boat, so we asked a friend for advice. He and his good lady wife spent an entire day ferrying us round to various used car lots, so once again a very big thank you to the pair of you.<br />
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We drove past one and looked through the fence, but nothing really ticked any of the boxes. Living out in the middle of the back of beyond we feel the a 4x4 is a practical choice, and they didn't have any. So it was on to the next place, which seemed to have a larger selection. We stopped and had a nose round, there were plenty of vehicles, including some of the previously mentioned Chelsea tractors. Unfortunately they came complete with rust, dodgy bodywork and some even had cracked windscreens. It was like looking in the bathroom mirror. When we mentioned about the cracked windscreens, we were told 'Nyama problem, 100 Leva VT, fix,fix'. Needless to say we beat a hasty retreat from there, and went up to the next pair of car lots.<br />
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The next had nothing that really grabbed our attention, however the one next door definitely had a few potentials. I was quite taken with a Toyota in there but we were shepherded away from that and shown a VW instead. It seemed tidy enough, but they did seem overly keen to sell it. Under the bonnet looked tidy, with no signs of any perished rubber hoses, the bodywork looked ok, they did have to get a power pack out to start it so it had been sat there for a while. The interior was showing plenty of signs of wear, So I let the boss lady do the haggling to get the price down, which she did. Not wanting to appear too eager we said we would go away and think about it, as we had other cars to see. We also arranged for a test drive later that afternoon. Nothing else stood out at the other car lots we visited so it was time for lunch and a serious discussion.<br />
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I was rather concerned by the eagerness to sell, and the way they ignored the Toyota. We decided to go for the test drive with an open mind. Our friend in the passenger's seat to listen to the engine, and us in the back to ensure it was comfortable and to listen out for any irregular rattles and noises. For some reason the car lot staff do the test drive for you so you have no real idea how the car handles. All he was interested in doing was showing us the speed of the thing, questions about previous history and servicing were ignored, but it did go into Sport mode. Back to the car lot and I tried to get the price down a bit more, but I was quoted the full price, so we walked away. We missed out on a car, but they missed out on a sale.<br />
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The next day I remembered seeing another couple of car lots, so we decided to go and have a look at them. Initially the first place we looked didn't look promising, but there tucked away in the corner was something that definitely ticked the boxes, and it was even cheaper than the VW of the previous day. I made what I thought was a cheeky offer, and that was ok'd. It was very tidy inside and out, with less wear and tear than I expected for the mileage and age, and it started first time without the aid of a starter pack. We asked if we could have a test drive on the Wednesday, which would give us enough time to sort out the finances at the bank, as we had to transfer money from the UK. Sod's Law meant that we got a pretty poor exchange rate, but still enough to get the car if all went well on the test drive. Once again the test driver tried to impress us with speed, but our questions about previous ownership and servicing were all answered. One thing I have learnt about Bulgarians is that their personality changes behind the wheel of a car. They dislike being behind another vehicle, and will overtake in the craziest of places. Psychic driving must be part of the driving test here, as I have no idea if overtaking on a bend is a safe thing to do. We pulled back into the car lot safely and as we were discussing whether to actually sign on the dotted line, someone else pulled up to show an interest in the car. Whether this was a ploy or not, we will never know, we were the first clients so it was our decision. Even though it is a slightly bigger engine than we are used to, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss, so we said that we would take it.<br />
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The negotiations were conducted in Bulgarian, English and German. Had it not been a Wednesday we could even have had it registered that afternoon, as it was all part of the service. Knowing how frustrated I get at the KAT Office in VT, that was definitely a plus point. We left a deposit and arranged to be back there at 9 the next morning. Sure enough they were good to their word and at 9 the paperwork was started, and by 10 we had arrived at the dreaded KAT. I was told to sit there and if I was needed I would be fetched, remember have Kindle will travel. The morning's fog had burnt off and I was sat in a nice sunny spot. Why can't all visits there be so uneventful? Everything was done and the various forms submitted just before all of the windows closed for lunch, and I had hardly had to move apart from joining one queue. After lunch we were able to pick up the new registration documents.<br />
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If only every visit there was as pain free. Back to the car lot to drop off the man who did all of the running round for me, and that was it the car was all mine, well ours. As it is an automatic, my better half can also drive it, and as it was previously registered in Austria it is also left hand drive. The first time I tried to start it on my own was a bit overwhelming as everything seems back to front, and in German. Eventually I got myself sorted out, and deciding that it was my lucky day decided to try and get the municipal tax sorted out that afternoon. I went to the right door or the right office only to be told come back next week. So I headed off home, and it was so nice not to have to plan my route by potential stopping places, even if I did have my Kindle with me. Our neighbours knew that we were getting the car that day and gave us one of those lucky charm things which hangs from the rear view mirror. I did get told off a bit as I had managed to get mud up inside of the wheel arches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVMyKz9HidHht_g1IA6zHo2I_YKM24W5MaUaVVB5xYelQcs3ENsHONS43mZ83iGoqfnEMvu_ySdV-fmOQxB-jP5tnihT6nD3eekBg8yDDK-PcJp_gYUSKP4P4t8ejVTFer9wCn6ADAYRS/s1600/Blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVMyKz9HidHht_g1IA6zHo2I_YKM24W5MaUaVVB5xYelQcs3ENsHONS43mZ83iGoqfnEMvu_ySdV-fmOQxB-jP5tnihT6nD3eekBg8yDDK-PcJp_gYUSKP4P4t8ejVTFer9wCn6ADAYRS/s200/Blog9.jpg" width="200" /></a>So there you have it we are now the proud owners of a new car, well new to us anyway. Now all I want to do is find a keyring which says 'My other car is a Lada.' The previous couple of years have been a bit limiting on where we can go and what we can do, but now we have a reliable car the old one can go into the garage and get sorted out once and for all. What's the betting that the problem has been caused by something so simple and obvious, that everyone has overlooked it. At least when it does get fixed we will have a car for 'Sunday best' and one to do the fetching and carrying.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-50149677723601738802016-05-12T17:54:00.001+03:002016-05-12T18:00:16.101+03:00Two Steps Forward .........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been an odd few weeks. I know that plenty has been done, but it doesn't seem as though we have managed to achieve much. As the old saying goes "two steps forward, and then one step back". Even my computer seems to be suffering from a similar malaise. Either that or it just has a mind of it's own. I know that the recent weather, which has had a few big thunderstorms, can affect the Internet. Sometimes it will post things two or three times, and at other times it will refuse to post anything at all. Sometimes trying to e-mail people in the UK I get the feeling it would be quicker to walk there and hand deliver the message. It does get a bit frustrating though when you are trying to keep abreast of important things, such as the latest football scores. Very important at this stage of the season.<br />
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I have finally got round to joining the 21st Century, and my old mobile phone has been relegated to the substitutes bench. I now have one of these 'new' smart phone thingies. I am almost through War and Peace (AKA the Instruction manual) and nearly know how to drive the thing. I'm sure that it also makes tea and coffee (as it seems to do everything else), but I haven't found that chapter yet. I have managed to make and receive phone calls and texts, take photos and load them onto the computer when it was behaving. I have even managed to set the different ring tones for various events. I did have to take it back into the shop to find out how to find out my own phone number though. Nothing is easy when you have fingers like bananas, and two 'buttons' get pressed at once, but you do get some surprising results.<br />
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With the weather once again we have had a field deciding to migrate into another field. Unfortunately it had to cross a road to do so, whilst on the road it decided that it liked it there and so stayed there until the village tractors decided to help it on it's way. So for a while one of the routes out of the village was impassable. It seems to be a yearly problem now, ever since they started to strip back the shrubbery between the fields and the road. At the moment it is clear again, but who knows what might happen come the next big downpour. Hopefully we can manage to avoid them, and with any luck the sun might be making a more regular appearance, at the moment it is definitely feeling more like the English weather we had hoped to escape from.<br />
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Our water meter, which worked and didn't leak, has recently been replaced. Admittedly the old one had more arrows and dial than a 1950's power station, and the new one is just figures so that even I can read it. I even gave Nikolai, our village water man, a hand to fit the new one. Washers were selected and rejected until he was happy with the fit. Unfortunately when he came back to read the new meter a couple of weeks later it had developed a drip. Fortunately for me it was on the union before the meter. So a couple of hours later he turns back up with his bag of two spanners and a couple of wrenches, and a handful of what might well have been horsehair. He was happy enough doing whatever it was that he was doing, so I left him to it as my assistance was not required at that point. I have to admit that from the first time I met him he has always reminded me of Mario, he even wears a little cap at times. He is a quiet unassuming man, and always willing to offer help and advice. He does speak quickly though, and mumbles a bit, which can make understanding him a wee bit difficult at times.<br />
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The garden is enjoying this erratic weather, and even though the hosepipe is out I've not had to water anything yet. We are being plagued by the EU dandelion crop though. The rain finishes and I give it a couple of hours for the lawns to dry and the mower is out, ready to do battle with the next wave of them. I get the main lawns looking neat and tidy, and then overnight there has been another sneak attack by them. I eventually had the chance to break away from the main lawns, and attempt to tackle the wilderness out the front of the house. Which is what I was doing when Nikolai arrived to fix the drip. The grass was still too wet to cut with the mower so I decided to strim it. All was going well until the strimmer started smoking, which is never a good sign. Our neighbour decided that he would have a go with his electric mower, which started well until it tripped our power.<br />
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That was just after Nikolai had finished fixing the drip. So he is then out the front supervising the two of us. After mumbling something he goes off carrying his bag of tools. To prove it wasn't the leads they were plugged into the neighbour's house and everything works. I was just checking our trip box when Nikolai returns with an electric screwdriver and a multimeter. He then proceeds to check the leads (which we knew were working) and gives them his official seal of approval. He then wants to see where the leads had been plugged into indoors. So he is then prodding test leads and his screwdriver into various sockets, before pronouncing that my very short extension lead is kaput. Once he has done this he was back outside supervising the grass cutting, and I took the chance to replace the blown fuse in the adaptor. With power restored I was ready to start strimming again, while our neighbour got on with cutting his own grass. The strimmer had to be inspected too, and I was told it needs two strands of strimming cord and not just the one I was using. I know that he was being helpful but he did remind me of a certain TV character.<br />
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Meanwhile the car has been to the garage again. I tried to book it in the other Friday, but was told that couldn't happen as it was the Easter holiday. So I said the following Monday, which was OK. So on the Monday I drove to the garage only to find it shut. Tuesday I repeated the journey and explained what I wanted doing, which would hopefully cure the on going problem. Ignition coils are expensive here 550 Leva each (about £230), but none are available anywhere in Eastern Europe. They are about £65 in the UK so we now have to wait for them to come through the post. The bits that were changed have made a bit of difference, as the fuel economy is much better. So hopefully next time round matters might even be solved. While they are doing that they can also sort out the clonking noise from a worn bush on the front driver's side wheel, which has since developed.<br />
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As the vegetable has finally been rotorvated we thought we would go to the market at Kamen, and stock up on tomato and cucumber plants. We've already get the Butternut Squash in ready. Once we'd got there I needed the loo so we headed for a cafe. As we were there it seemed rude not to have a coffee. We met some friends there and by the time we had finished catching up and general nattering the market had closed. The next option was to try the fruit and vegetable market at Popovo. It was a sunny day so we thought why not. The plants they had on offer there looked limper than the lettuce in a British Rail sandwich. So we had a mooch round the town and a bite to eat before heading home, still without any tomato or cucumber plants. There are always the markets at Polski or Gorna to try.<br />
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Going home we noticed the sky getting darker and darker, so perhaps it was wise not to get any plants. The rain which followed shortly after we got indoors would have battered them to pieces. It is just a shame that the same thing doesn't happen with the Dandelions. It looks like myself and the lawn mower will have to continue our battle with them. We will prevail. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-80083324841448356612016-03-26T14:49:00.003+02:002016-05-03T23:14:43.585+03:00An Early Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday morning was an early start in our house. By early I mean OMG it's early, a bit like daft o'clock in the morning early. It was 3AM, and another trip to Sofia airport loomed. It seemed like everything was being done on automatic pilot. Fortunately, we had planned ahead. Bags and cases had been packed, bus and plane tickets were to hand, passport too. Even the car was parked in the lane outside so that our neighbours wouldn't be woken up by creaking gates, or security lights coming on like a breakout from Colditz castle. Even the kettle had been filled, and mugs for tea and coffee were ready and waiting. We had even prepared something to eat for the journey, so that only had to go from the fridge and into a cool bag. The biggest problem was trying to persuade the dogs and cats that they had had enough beauty sleep. They just raised their heads as if to say, "If we wanted to get up at this ridiculous time of day we would have woken you." Eventually we managed to persuade them that it really was a good idea, although they were probably not totally convinced, as it was still dark outside and a there was a persistent drizzle. Fenny, our Boxer, was not impressed, and as is his way started puffing and blowing, just to make his disgust known.<br />
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What probably finally persuaded him was the promise of an early breakfast. He does enjoy his food. Now with it being dark, it meant going from the house to up under the barn, and possibly stepping in something that I would rather not. The easiest way around this is to use a head torch. So there I was like a demented Dalek, shepherding dogs and cats through different gates so that they could get to their breakfasts. By the light of the head torch I could see that not only was there the drizzle, but also a mist. So maybe getting up quite so early was not such a bad idea after all, and it certainly helped to bring me round to full consciousness. That all important first coffee of the day also helped. Bags and cases were quietly taken out and put in the back of the car. A final loo break, and a check that everything was locked back up and we were ready to start the first leg of our journey.<br />
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Given that I had noticed the mist we decided to start out slightly earlier than planned. It wasn't until we got to the next village that the mist soon became a fog, and living in a rural area the roads twist and turn so we slowed to a crawl. They have also been stripping out the undergrowth and vegetation at the sides of the roads, which is great when you can see where you are going. There are normally silver leafed plants, which the headlights pick out, so you can tell where the road ends and the verge begins. Because they had been stripping things out they were no longer there, how inconvenient. Not only that but the machinery that they had been using had spread mud all over the road making things twice as difficult. Fortunately we didn't have any other traffic, or suicide Badgers, to worry about this early in the morning as we crawled along. Eventually the fog once again gave way to mist, and we could once again see where we were going without looking like a pair of Japanese snipers peering through the windscreen. Our route takes us across four level crossings, and we had to stop at two of them to let trains pass. It was a good job we left that bit earlier, and we eventually arrived in Gorna to a steady, but light rain.<br />
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Another part of my preparations came into play when our taxi arrived to take us over the hill into VT. The bus now goes from the South bus station, and not from outside Hotel Etar. The bus station has recently been refurbished, and it was light, dry and warm. Apparently the loos are good too, and I can personally vouch for the Cappuccino, even if it comes from a machine. Our bus turned up out to the front of the bus station, and once the cases were placed in the baggage compartment, and we had located our seats, the next leg of our journey could begin. It was still dark.<br />
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As the morning slowly got lighter, the rain seemed to get heavier. There was a film playing, but it was at least the 4th time that I had seen it, so I was spending most of my time nosing out of the window at the damp and soggy countryside. As we approached the series of tunnels and bridges on the motorway, it started snowing. Big fat flakes being driven by the wind. So far we had dealt with drizzle, mist, fog, light rain, heavy rain, and now snow was thrown in for good measure. We finally arrived at the bus station in Sofia, where I joined in the scrum to reclaim the cases and bags. Next it was a taxi out to the airport, to join a queue which didn't seem to move for the check in desks. Finally we got to the head of the queue, and Net was checked in, all that remained for her to do was go through the security bit, which is where we parted, and I could do the morning's trip in reverse.<br />
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As usual I decided to get the Metro back to the bus station, so that meant waiting for the shuttle bus to go from Terminal 1 round to Terminal 2. When we got out of the taxi I hadn't really noticed how windy it had got, as we had gone straight into the Terminal. I soon realised as I waited for the shuttle bus, the wind was driving the rain under the canopy too, and it felt more like winter. The trip round the airport, and on the Metro was uneventful, and after the usual change I arrived back at Central station. I was even able to get a bus ticket on the next bus which was due to leave in 20 minutes. There were queues everywhere apart from the loo, so I had to forego my usual coffee and go back outside to wait for the bus to take me back to VT. Once again the same film was playing, even though it was a different bus. Back into VT and it was still raining, and from the size of the puddles it had been doing so all day. I got a taxi back over the hill into Gorna, and for once the hill hadn't made any difference to the weather, as it was still raining there too.<br />
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Our neighbours had asked if I could pick them up a pizza on my way back. Pizza sounded good to me too, so I had a quick wander round Kaufland and grabbed a couple, one for them and one for me. Finally back to the car, and the drive home. I must have been tired, as I couldn't remember where all of the potholes were in the various roads, as they were hiding under puddles. I found a few though, which reminded me where they were. Back into the village and I did my Domino's bit, by delivering the pizza to our neighbours. Then I could finally get indoors and sort out the four legged welcoming committee, and eventually myself. There is definitely something to be said for finally being able to relax, indoors with what was only my third cup of coffee that day.<br />
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Yesterday morning, and Polly decides to get her own back by wanting to be let out at 6 o'clock. It was still cold, and though not raining everything felt damp and soggy. So yesterday the fire was lit early, I think that I earned some bonus brownie points from the various cats and dogs. I've yet to tell them that the clocks change tonight, so they will get an hour's less sleep.<br />
A few weeks time and I have to do it all again.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-90559028352150333322016-02-22T19:11:00.001+02:002016-02-22T19:11:25.927+02:00Liquid Goldish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are some readers of the blog who actually know me, and some of those hardier souls will even admit to it. One thing that they all have in common, is that they will confirm that I have what is commonly known as a 'sweet tooth'. I do eat savoury stuff, and spicy things, but I have a weakness for sweet things. I know that these 'treats' are bad for me, but after so long it is probably too late to change the habit of a lifetime. Over here, in Bulgaria, you can get all sorts drenched in honey, much of it locally produced. The only problem I have with that is, despite my sweet tooth, I dislike honey. To me there seems to be no reason why I should eat something a Bee has sicked up, or that has come from it's backside.<br />
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The other day I was idly surfing the Internet, as you do on a wet and windy day, when I found an article a friend had posted up (thank you Hazel). It was how to make your own Golden Syrup. Now this is something that I have not had since moving here all of those years ago, and the recipe seemed easy enough to follow. So I thought that I would have a go. Today was the day. Thankfully my Mum brought us up well, and none of us boys are helpless in the kitchen. I have two brothers and a sister, and I am in the middle at №2. No laughing at the back. I can still remember the green tins in my Mum's cupboard. They seem easy enough to get in the UK, probably about £2 for a big tin. Here in Bulgaria they seem to be a bit of a rarity, or hellishly priced. I also thought that if my culinary skills failed me I could always use the resulting mixture as bait in my fly and wasp traps.<br />
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So once the housework was done, I began to get myself organised in the kitchen. Although I can cook, maybe I'm not the tidiest, but I am organised. With a shake of her head Net left me to it. Fortunately it has been a nice sunny day, so she was sat outside with her Kindle. She was close enough that if there were any major problems she could come to the rescue. I found the scales, and the sugar, we didn't have any Lemons, but I used pure Lemon juice instead. Part of the recipe called for boiling water, so I boiled the kettle and the hot water went into a thermos flask. The recipe is basically done in two stages. So I had one stage on the left of the oven, and the other on the right, and even by that stage I had managed to get sugar over the kitchen floor. Whoever thought of making bags of sugar so difficult to get into without the bag tearing? So I swept up before I even really got started, fortunately I am a graduate of the Naval school of cleaning.<br />
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So the first stage called for 100g of sugar, and 3 Tablespoons of water. These had to be added into a saucepan on a medium heat. This mixture had to be stirred for the sugar to fully dissolve. Initially not a lot seemed to be happening, but then it began to slowly thicken and finally darken. reading the recipe it called for a dark caramel colour. It didn't tell me that it would carry on darkening, and smell like a candyfloss stall at a fairground. That great smell of burnt sugar, even though I had taken it off of the heat. That was the first stage complete, so it was quickly on to the second stage.<br />
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This called for 300ml of boiling water to be slowly added to the stage one concoction, and stirred in. Adding it too quickly causes stuff like napalm to jump out of the saucepan and stick to the tile backsplash behind the oven. Then 500g of sugar had to be added, and again stirred in until it had completely dissolved. Then the missing quarter of a Lemon should have been added, but I used 50ml of pure lemon juice. Apparently this will help prevent sugar crystals reforming, so it is chemistry that I have been doing and not cooking stuff. All of this is left to simmer for 45 minutes on a low heat. I don't know if I was meant to carry on stirring it or not but I did anyway. All was going well until about the 30 minute mark, when the previous coffee made its presence felt. I was in need of the loo, but should I stay tending my witch's cauldron of gloop, or head for the loo. Eyes watering, and legs crossing I soldiered on, until finally I could take the pan off the heat, at which pointed the lemon could have been removed. Maybe that's why it calls for the mixture to be left to cool for 5 minutes, it's a convenient loo break too.<br />
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Once the cooling time had finished I had to strain the mixture into a sterile jar. Luckily I found an old tea strainer in the odds and sods drawer, which served the purpose nicely. I did manage to stop some burnt crunchy bits of sugar going into the jar. My effort is more tawny than golden in colour, but trying some of the cooled napalm stuff from the side of the saucepan its not a bad first effort. As it is still hot it has a runny consistency, but it thickens as it cools. The lid has to be left off of the jar for an hour to let the heat escape. <br />
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I have just checked my jar and it has thickened up nicely. They do say that if it is still too runny the next day simmer it again for 5-10 minutes. Or if it is too thick make up another half recipe and add the jar contents to it. Mine might be a bit on the thick side, but I will find out more tomorrow. Hopefully my first attempt will stick to the spoon, and not run off like honey, or will not let me have the spoon back. So if I can make this then I reckon that anyone can. Just think syrup sponge, syrup cake and even proper syrup flapjacks. I am now off to chisel some of the napalm off of the tiled backsplash in the kitchen.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-83023899825867437222016-02-15T17:24:00.001+02:002016-02-15T17:24:15.637+02:00The Weather Changes, Then Changes Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We now find ourselves midway through February, and the last clumps of snow have finally left the garden. Snowdrops are flowering, and birds are singing in the trees. Sometimes it is easy to think that Spring is just around the corner, and then the weather switches and reminds you that it is still winter. The snowdrops instead of nodding their heads in the breeze are being battered by strong winds, or being deluged under rains of Biblical proportions. This morning I had to quickly nip into town to pick up a few odds and ends, and the bushes and shrubs have yet to wake from their winter slumber. The good news is that Spring must be on its way, as last week they were setting up the Martenitsa stalls in the square at Gorna Oriahovitsa, which always seems to be a good indication. With this year being a leap year we get an extra day this month, which means that Baba Marta will be delayed by a day. Hopefully she will look kindly on us for letting her have a lie-in, and not be grumpy because we kept her waiting.<br />
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Although the night time temperatures are still a bit on the nippy side, we haven't woken up to frost covered gardens for nearly a week now. Unless the rain overnight had washed the frost away before I emerged from my cocoon beneath the duvet. The dogs are a bit miffed now that the snow has gone, no more barking at snowflakes invading the garden, no more playing in the white cold stuff that can be eaten, and no more trying to discover what treasures might be hidden beneath it. The cats prefer no snow, as now they can wander where they like without having to follow paths that a mere human has dug. Personally I am glad to see the back of it, with the last lot being the wet snow which causes so much damage to trees and shrubs. At times it was almost like being in a snowball fight, there I was clearing the steps out the front when clods of snow were shed from the branches of the walnut tree overhead. No matter how well you wrap up, the snow will always find a way to go down the back of your neck. As to whether we have seen the last of the snow, who can say one way or another. In previous years we have had snow at the end of March, so I mustn't raise my hopes just yet.<br />
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Today is an odd day. Through one window I can see blue sky and white clouds, yet through another it looks grey and overcast. We have had some strong winds recently, and today it is a stiff breeze blowing. Yet the temperature is an unseasonable 20C, looking at the forecast it is set to get back to normal about midweek, whatever normal might be. About the only thing that can be said about the weather in February and March, is that it is predictably unpredictable. I did get some odd looks in town today, well odder than usual, as I wandered round town with no jacket or jumper. Even the spits and spots of rain didn't cause me to go scurrying back to the car to grab a jacket.<br />
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Yesterday was Valentine's Day, also my wife's birthday, and here in Bulgaria it was also Trifon Zarezan Day. This is when the grape vines are blessed, hoping for a bountiful harvest in the coming months. The weather was gorgeous, and how did I spend it? Repairing part of the garden wall which had fallen down due to, in part, all of vagueries that the weather had thrown at it. I wouldn't mind so much but it was a patch that we had previously had repaired by some of the local maestro's in the village. It doesn't help that the field on one side of the wall is two feet higher than on our side. It also wasn't the section that fell down the other year.<br />
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Many will know that when you are told that something is 'nyama problem' (no problem), you know that it will turn round and bite you, and so it proved with this 'repaired' patch of wall. I guess that I was lucky to have noticed it when I let the dogs out for their evening constitutional. At least I was able to prevent them from making a bid for freedom across the field and terrorising the village. We found out why we had a problem, the locals had filled it with earth, which acted as a wick from the field, then the freezing and thawing meant that it just popped like a cork. So yesterday my neighbour and I were out there trying to rebuild it. Just imagine trying to complete a jigsaw, without the picture on the box lid. Some of these 'stones' were a fair old weight, and where my knees and back were creaking and groaning, my neighbour was moving them round as if they were no more than a bag of sugar. Between us, we managed to get everything rebuilt solidly, and we had various rocks, stones and boulders left over, which can now be used elsewhere.<br />
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So next month I will be scanning the skies, looking for that first Stork. Although we do still have to get through the rest of this month first. Hopefully the weather will be more settled, and not all seasons in one day. Wherever you may be I hope that the sun shines down on you. Just think that it will soon be time to blow the dust and cobwebs off of the lawn mower, and give the grass its first haircut of the year. Even if it does look like soggy straw at the moment. The confused bees will enjoy the better weather, and hopefully find some flowers instead of pestering me. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-65594042086733605382016-01-21T17:50:00.000+02:002016-01-21T19:14:33.500+02:00Winter Shows Its Teeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just when we might have been getting a bit complacent, and hoping for a short lived, mild winter, it arrived in full force. Those early bits of snow, which we had at the start of the year, were nothing by comparison. Being a 'Brit Abroad' I seem to have developed a slight fascination with the weather. One of my first tasks each day, once we have finished the housework and sorted the animals out, is to log on and check out the weather forecast. So with my normal coffee, I had noticed that we had three days of snow to look forward to, as time moved on it became two days, and then back up to three again. So we could safely say that snow was expected, just not how much would fall. Then it arrived one evening, the first flakes dancing in the street light in the lane outside. The wind began to blow them into neat little piles, but nothing to get too concerned about. Those bits of snow from the start of the year had all but disappeared, and the frosts had frozen the ground, so this fresh stuff did start to pitch.<br />
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Throughout the night, and all through the next day the snow came down continuously. When we woke up, everything had a thick blanket of white laid across it. The dogs were quite eager to go out and play in it, the cats were a different matter. The snow was deeper than they are tall, but they seemed quite happy sitting on window sills, watching me dig yet another trench for them to get up under the barn. Sirius, our bad tempered sawn-off dog, was quite happy doing an impersonation of a snow plough. Nose down and trudge forward, clearing a path for Fenny and Polly. Their water trough was frozen, but fresh warm water soon took care of that. So with the animals sorted out, trenches dug, logs brought down, and the fires lit we could actually sort ourselves out. Well, we could have done but at that moment the power went out, and for the rest of the day it was on and then off again. Thermos flasks were filled with boiling water during some of the on times, and using the gas rings on the oven we managed to feed and water ourselves. Somewhere in the village a power line came down, and due to our location and the amount of snow no one could come out and fix it. Fortunately we were not one of the houses affected by this, unfortunately our village Kmet's house was.<br />
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So we have spent days with cats and dogs snoring and steaming in front of the fires. Which is fine, until I have to feed more logs onto the fire, and then they seem very reluctant to move. Once the fire is banked in again, the dogs want to go out and play in the snow again. Why can't they make this decision before I have to step all around them. So over a period of about 36 hours we had almost 2 feet of snow fall. If wasn't the dry powdery stuff, but the wet clumpy version. The type of snow which brings down branches, and possibly the power line too. Every couple of hours I was back outside clearing my trenches again. For those first 36 hours nothing moved in the village unless it was on foot.<br />
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Everything looked like a winter wonderland, with the surface of the snow largely unbroken. Since the snow finished falling we have had a couple of days of sunshine. So the snow has glistened and sparkled. It's own weight starting to compact it all down. We have even had a slight thaw, which has caused some of the snow on the roof to melt and drip from the eaves. This in turn leads to icicles forming, not so much the icicles of doom from previous years, more like the fangs of fate. They do look quite spectacular when the sun shines on them. I was going to get a photo of them today, but the sky has turned a pale grey, with no hint of sunshine.<br />
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The sunshine on the snow might make everything sparkle, and it might cause a slight thawing possible, but we also have the night time temperatures to take into account. Where things have melted on the paths and other trenches, and then refrozen overnight we now have our own skating rinks, -19C seems to have that effect. So these paths and trenches have now been dusted with ash from the fires. That might give some extra grip, but it does mean that there is an increase in grubby footprints being trailed indoors. Taps are left dripping overnight, to help prevent frozen pipes. Anything with a rechargeable battery has been boosted, mainly because we never know when the next power cut might happen. Torches and candles have been dotted round the house.<br />
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It looks like we have to wait until the middle, or end, of next week for those night time temperatures to start to creep back up again. Although things have been a wee bit parky, we haven't managed to break any records yet. Mind you, we do still have February to look forward too. Even though a tractor has been round the village with a plough blade on I have no idea what the main roads are like. Maybe I will have to make one of my winter forays into town on the village bus next week, but much can change in the space of a week.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-82341589805032147782016-01-04T16:52:00.000+02:002016-01-04T16:52:35.965+02:00Looks Like Winter Might Be Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my first blog of 2016, and I would like to wish you and you family a very happy and healthy New Year. Hopefully there were no sore heads through over zealous celebrating, and that things have settled down now that we are a few days into 2016. Here in the village there were the usual fireworks, but due to the chilly night air they didn't seem to go on for as long as usual. The animals seemed quite happy about that, especially as the fireworks seem to get louder each year. We entered the New Year the same way as Christmas, with no snow, but keeping an eye on the forecast we were due some.<br />
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We woke up on New Year's Day to a white garden, fortunately it was just a heavy frost. By midday the sun had dealt with most patches. It was even quite pleasant in the sunshine once you had managed to find shelter from the wind. On the 2nd, a countrywide weather warning was issued, the snow was about to hit us. Once again we had a frosty start to the day, but still blue skies and sunshine. Unfortunately the pleasant weather didn't last, and from about lunchtime onwards the clouds began to build and the sky darkened. Shortly after dusk the first flakes of snow could be seen swirling in the glow from the street light outside. They were so small that I didn't really expect it to mount to very much. Yet, with the way that they were being blown, I could see a possible problem with drifts if the snow actually started to pitch.<br />
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So when we woke up yesterday morning, we found that it had snowed throughout the night. It hadn't really amounted to much, the roofs of houses had a slight covering, and even in the garden blades of grass could still be seen. Was this what the severe weather warning was all about? Admittedly, it was somewhat chilly, with the thermometers hovering about the -11C/-12C point, and the day didn't seem to warm up at all. The little, bitty, flakes of snow seemed to increase in size as the day progressed. The cats and dogs wanted to go out and play in the snow, but they also wanted to stay indoors near to the fires. Maybe at some point someone could invent warm snow just to keep them happy. With the fires banked in, and Net doing the fire monitor and stoking duties I wrapped myself up like the Michelin Man and armed with the snow shovel started clearing paths.<br />
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Now you might think that the cleared paths would be for me to get backwards and forwards to the woodpile. The animals have different ideas. They want paths cleared from various doors to up under the barn, over to the studio, another so that they can get to the wall and investigate the barn next door, to their eating areas, to their summer 'bedrooms', and down to 'poo' corner. Only once those had been dug was I permitted to clear the paths and steps for two legged people. Sometimes I do wonder if we spoil these animals maybe a bit too much. Even once the trenches were dug, the snow kept constantly falling, and the wind was blowing it back in to fill the trenches. At least once the initial trenches were made, I then had a guideline to follow, and with it being fresh snow it hadn't compacted at all so was easier to shift. Compared to other years we have still not had a great deal of snow, but with it being a constant yesterday I can officially claim that I am already bored with it, and I am looking forward to Spring.<br />
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Despite having the fires lit, we still ended up with a minor problem. After tea last night the washing machine was put on, and we didn't really think any more about it. The kitchen was warm, as was the little lounge, water came out of the tap when required so no frozen pipes. Yet the washing machine decided that it wanted to try flooding the kitchen. This morning I found the reason why. The waste pipes run outside along the back wall, and they are insulated. Well, all apart from one bit that the dogs try to use as a back scratcher. The insulation from there seems to have been worn away, and inside the drainpipe was a nice block of ice. It can only have built up from us having dripping taps, which help prevent water pipes freezing and bursting. So the washing machine was trying to pump out water, and the water wasn't going anywhere outside so decided to have a tour of the kitchen. I wouldn't mind too much but we have had lower temperatures in previous winters, and have never had this problem before.<br />
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Looking at the 10 day forecast the weather is set to warm up, so maybe the winter will be a very short one this year. At the moment we have reached the dizzy heights of -7C. The only problem being that, whatever thaws during the day will tend to refreeze at night. Which will make roads and paths into skating rinks. I shall being doing the same as our neighbours are scattering the wood ash from the fires on the road and paths. It does seem to help give an extra bit of traction, and also treated areas seem to thaw faster. I just hope that everyone remembers to check for nails and bits of metal before they scatter their ashes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5H59KKVRkp2sg45W1s8xT9rxtMQpMqYE3i4K-gY1xPUhJo6SQ9l1qbC0TvgKBRPsqAQCpkvbLNVNn4UJgfqYqcO6P-eoEdEUDoFftuleD4GbuwT-x-AXHeL1ChEbE4vDibOAQfbYxvOc/s1600/DSCF4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5H59KKVRkp2sg45W1s8xT9rxtMQpMqYE3i4K-gY1xPUhJo6SQ9l1qbC0TvgKBRPsqAQCpkvbLNVNn4UJgfqYqcO6P-eoEdEUDoFftuleD4GbuwT-x-AXHeL1ChEbE4vDibOAQfbYxvOc/s200/DSCF4406.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDY4vP-cT7AqOG_58dtUYE3iyj28nxDYGH00htfw7lccUjR6Ty1mgVMzi1UJvcoS4171ns_jzRVBOSJHWZfX730WdTWtjKi5Es2RbWFlNJ__ghF1_m4PqHbNZBEz8fDXdib7pxRAjkeiC/s1600/DSCF4405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDY4vP-cT7AqOG_58dtUYE3iyj28nxDYGH00htfw7lccUjR6Ty1mgVMzi1UJvcoS4171ns_jzRVBOSJHWZfX730WdTWtjKi5Es2RbWFlNJ__ghF1_m4PqHbNZBEz8fDXdib7pxRAjkeiC/s200/DSCF4405.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t7qxVn7SgrCQz1rl9e8OBDOcm9IdoA0IKgo82zozWV7nQgxqFlA51EDbyLMYS0T4NWuP6iXReCzfBNOTYWWx7dJ49oaSFn31RU03uDlzc6_Cjlaj0zuFBz8ozo0SKqXAVMmLHaumGFnb/s1600/DSCF4398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t7qxVn7SgrCQz1rl9e8OBDOcm9IdoA0IKgo82zozWV7nQgxqFlA51EDbyLMYS0T4NWuP6iXReCzfBNOTYWWx7dJ49oaSFn31RU03uDlzc6_Cjlaj0zuFBz8ozo0SKqXAVMmLHaumGFnb/s200/DSCF4398.JPG" width="200" /></a>This afternoon I had a wander round the village getting a few photos as I went. As you can see the snowfall is nothing compared against other years. The tractors have been out and ploughed the roads, leaving that lovely layer of ice there for the unwary, but with care, we are not isolated this year. I'll still be treating myself to trips on the village bus though, it wouldn't be winter otherwise. It also means that I am forced to speak Bulgarian, with getting tickets and nattering with neighbours who are also using the bus. It might not sound a lot, but every little helps. At this time of year it can be an easy option to remain in your little domain and not actually see anyone from one day to the next. It seems to be a village sign that, if there is smoke coming from the chimney then everything is OK.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMVqrYgDzvPq1jmcMplJqxFWBfDEqUQviUwvRsvbN8iW9S4unJ-lUUXyUahygFCU43syHjlvUTzwf6hEqjLbPZUp_XNYFCIPcL9_W2EfFhbh4FG1SP6xqsducDvM-8uIyOD0gF7W4ClRL/s1600/DSCF4402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMVqrYgDzvPq1jmcMplJqxFWBfDEqUQviUwvRsvbN8iW9S4unJ-lUUXyUahygFCU43syHjlvUTzwf6hEqjLbPZUp_XNYFCIPcL9_W2EfFhbh4FG1SP6xqsducDvM-8uIyOD0gF7W4ClRL/s200/DSCF4402.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtsEHphFVW_AZ5e11jytSrWXs8MTV_6PodC2ihOl12RGR1pSSqQqkJ_m9A-nJ3diKUaFujef92nOHbHaG6T5YjJ1HoQMmr7CZ149NVbB1WRNEhUEVRcSVOZyQoEsaeZgnil3oi2ydpIVX/s1600/DSCF4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtsEHphFVW_AZ5e11jytSrWXs8MTV_6PodC2ihOl12RGR1pSSqQqkJ_m9A-nJ3diKUaFujef92nOHbHaG6T5YjJ1HoQMmr7CZ149NVbB1WRNEhUEVRcSVOZyQoEsaeZgnil3oi2ydpIVX/s200/DSCF4397.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI1Jh40tBiit8jchrqtMjVgBFB1BGz4fba9qeKyJty3Cx8m6QPrzGa5VzfAOOPDdWvvENJRmNRqz9fAtvFlTGPcuC0sIit1RdViE8vkj3jJxcCEJ-8LTh0Y4guK6APgM7U-msEePontuP/s1600/DSCF4400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI1Jh40tBiit8jchrqtMjVgBFB1BGz4fba9qeKyJty3Cx8m6QPrzGa5VzfAOOPDdWvvENJRmNRqz9fAtvFlTGPcuC0sIit1RdViE8vkj3jJxcCEJ-8LTh0Y4guK6APgM7U-msEePontuP/s200/DSCF4400.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dJ8r8KadrelO5gOEY1Uy3lbYhG57b3YKc3ckxOC16aIVvju8teQc4ySIRnIQMGZhvZWGFWLm1hHRyHTRMK8zZOPyBgewb-unRYZSK9RBwY9_E_R0E9Vs5aWW-3mPYiRnFHwv5vVDmwzF/s1600/DSCF4399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dJ8r8KadrelO5gOEY1Uy3lbYhG57b3YKc3ckxOC16aIVvju8teQc4ySIRnIQMGZhvZWGFWLm1hHRyHTRMK8zZOPyBgewb-unRYZSK9RBwY9_E_R0E9Vs5aWW-3mPYiRnFHwv5vVDmwzF/s200/DSCF4399.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well that seems to be the first blog of 2016 done and dusted. Very many thanks for your support over the last year, I have just realised that the blog articles have been accessed over 150,000 times now. None of which would have been possible if people decided not to read them, so my heartfelt thanks to each person who actually reads, or shares, these blogs. I hope that you have a wonderful New Year, and that it is everything that you wish it to be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4o4mKzegx_9ELkvjNKyTxZ1dZB5vTaWa-1n2FA26EKDDruRw1m2n8wyqeYimFEPB-iNxJjdXkntIS1YHqpgRMpy0qdlFgcEyvxlw-skHUViLsz2qOJygVxwSAH5sKxR8yqQQRVTPKib7/s1600/DSCF4404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4o4mKzegx_9ELkvjNKyTxZ1dZB5vTaWa-1n2FA26EKDDruRw1m2n8wyqeYimFEPB-iNxJjdXkntIS1YHqpgRMpy0qdlFgcEyvxlw-skHUViLsz2qOJygVxwSAH5sKxR8yqQQRVTPKib7/s200/DSCF4404.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-7515988297235134402015-12-27T16:35:00.001+02:002015-12-27T16:35:19.178+02:00Where's The Weather Hiding?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOSq0gXN4LgtPKHmxmUFyXBlyYnHEJi34OnrAjAlMB4yINL9RHFXW2vUYf_qYBtyB-tY7h3zV2HsmpDNp7Ksy4P3_qi0UguqX3V57ZOujp0vQyGc_WmVRvNe7SfALDj45OcoO4XkACswR/s1600/weather1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOSq0gXN4LgtPKHmxmUFyXBlyYnHEJi34OnrAjAlMB4yINL9RHFXW2vUYf_qYBtyB-tY7h3zV2HsmpDNp7Ksy4P3_qi0UguqX3V57ZOujp0vQyGc_WmVRvNe7SfALDj45OcoO4XkACswR/s320/weather1.png" width="320" /></a>This is our eighth winter here in Bulgaria, and it is true to say that each one has been different. So far this one has to be the mildest. I do hear reports that people are still sitting outside and enjoying their coffees in the sunshine. At the moment there is only a slight breeze, and if you are in a sunny spot it is still 16C. Our cats and dogs are enjoying it too. When we let them out, they go up under the barn and get their outside blankets and move them into their favourite sunny spots, and then build 'nests'. Well the dogs do, and then the cats try and gain the benefit by enforced sharing. Fortunately the dogs are very tolerant, and of an evening will even share the rug in front of the fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_Qiy6_njJctkXlLHRVzTsV9C5tmkAF8_ZoTGrGa6DNEO-yhefOKQPvSbIpsYNKP7L1AIB9NqU3tSMyJbfa5coAj2CyKwRr2l0dfDG6DkooPG8MOetcwNT2UGHbEllMVQg-vBJEtXdgf-/s1600/Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_Qiy6_njJctkXlLHRVzTsV9C5tmkAF8_ZoTGrGa6DNEO-yhefOKQPvSbIpsYNKP7L1AIB9NqU3tSMyJbfa5coAj2CyKwRr2l0dfDG6DkooPG8MOetcwNT2UGHbEllMVQg-vBJEtXdgf-/s320/Web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As far as I can remember this is our first non white Christmas since we have been here. The closest that it got to being one was the frost in the morning, the fog when it rolled down the hill, or possibly even the full moon. Everyone is able to move about freely, but I still keep a weather eye out just in case, as you never can tell. One good thing about it being so mild and snow free, our friends didn't have any problems getting to us for Christmas lunch. We might not go overboard with the Christmas celebrations for ourselves, but Christmas lunch is different. Out of habit much of the preparation work is done on Christmas Eve, so it is not then a mass panic on Christmas Day. Even goodies had arrived from the UK in midweek, so there would definitely be a taste of home with our lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGEwWSNCBL4e0v9PqSKdSg9LvsTFfa6_Qg24RYCXPCqpmuolvH1VWLoA4m-6M2e4aQTefP9npqJI83qOwOppoMqLiCeLFlmhNM2J4GBwgIdlGbkKD9LjYXmT5AeiJrfHDdsUEDdL-WLXU/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGEwWSNCBL4e0v9PqSKdSg9LvsTFfa6_Qg24RYCXPCqpmuolvH1VWLoA4m-6M2e4aQTefP9npqJI83qOwOppoMqLiCeLFlmhNM2J4GBwgIdlGbkKD9LjYXmT5AeiJrfHDdsUEDdL-WLXU/s320/images.png" width="320" /></a>The day began well with everything in the oven that needed to be in there. Pots and pans were on the oven top waiting for their turn, which also included the compulsory Sprouts. Bits and pieces were in the fridge cooling and chilling, including the mandarin cheesecake with white chocolate. All cats and dogs were out in the sunshine, otherwise they would be trying to guard everything whilst supervising and getting under foot. All of a sudden the bell at the front gate goes, if it was our friends turning up early they could be plied with drink. It turned out to be our lovely neighbour from across the lane, with a freshly made Banitsa for us. I couldn't swear to it, but I am sure that our oven became related to Doctor Who's Tardis for the day. It seemed to be a never ending supply of things emerging from it. Fortunately there was still room for us all to sit around the table once various dishes of Christmas fare had been placed there. A minor logistical miracle that everything was able to be shoe horned into place, the table must have been groaning. I know that my stomach was by the time I had managed to sample a bit of everything, and maybe have seconds too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiunuTC6iJBjLN-hlaAzQifw-SRtHOfAOd-XX_v5cqo4Pm066qLQ9YcX2lLdbcKdVdJ9aUqQcjfuJPKJRVkNFM1ia0OWsKdShbSKTmO5riuVeCh_nfmBGOQat6hENdE2OJhLfzMHU4i27/s1600/DSCF4384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiunuTC6iJBjLN-hlaAzQifw-SRtHOfAOd-XX_v5cqo4Pm066qLQ9YcX2lLdbcKdVdJ9aUqQcjfuJPKJRVkNFM1ia0OWsKdShbSKTmO5riuVeCh_nfmBGOQat6hENdE2OJhLfzMHU4i27/s200/DSCF4384.JPG" width="150" /></a>One downside to the lack of snow, is that it removes one avenue of how to burn off some of those excess calories, which might possibly have slipped through, cunningly disguised as a Sprout or two, or perhaps it was the pigs in blankets. At the moment my snow shovel is close to hand, just in case, but is playing host to a few spiders and some dry leaves. So I had to resign myself to sitting uncomfortably and wishing I had a pair of 'Expando' trousers, knowing full well that on the Boxing Day it would be just as bad with the addition of Bubble and Squeak. The fires only seem to be lit in the late afternoon for a couple of hours, just to take the chill off the rooms, so the firewood piles are still looking very healthy.<br />
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As this will be the final blog of 2015, it just remains for me to thank you for your continued readership, kind words and encouragement. I hope that the coming year will be a happy and successful one for you, wherever you are, and may it be all that you wish it to be.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-5154886109124668592015-11-15T13:38:00.000+02:002015-11-15T13:38:38.363+02:00Ever Decreasing Circles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdEh2r-W464nFR00A26ibkD6ffca0eWXV3dNEv3QUjqGpzS0OSgFUtJBESkfJZNmpDkjl4n9rO_o7vXeE1aV7pUpo8am-jxqqUNX10-nk_LADUfLgIWzB5Kn9b0SHSoLdyvAe4HtnIy7o/s1600/Registration5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdEh2r-W464nFR00A26ibkD6ffca0eWXV3dNEv3QUjqGpzS0OSgFUtJBESkfJZNmpDkjl4n9rO_o7vXeE1aV7pUpo8am-jxqqUNX10-nk_LADUfLgIWzB5Kn9b0SHSoLdyvAe4HtnIy7o/s320/Registration5.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now that we had got ourselves re-registered, and all legal by jumping through the required hoops, it was the turn of the car. Unlike the UK, where once the DVLA is notified about a change of ownership it then stays registered to the new person until they are told otherwise, it isn't quite so simple here. For one thing you can't just stick it in the post with the necessary payment, and then wait for the return of the new registration document. Here you wait in queue after queue, clutching numerous documents, as if the vehicle is registered to you by name then the registration document also has an expiry date. This is linked to the residency card, so you get a season ticket to the KAT and Immigration offices all at the same time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIPak9rpKLbqejkQnlVyoCy42-rV9g6FmBn8UNKa7sJCL38ETsJ-Q5bwEyQH7rgHm4bi9V0Q6cDehlIffcp70FbJvQRQvP1SQRY-wAODE1RDQAIxhmPJ5m5PH1K6HKvgi6ZLXvsDYkeJt/s1600/Registration1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIPak9rpKLbqejkQnlVyoCy42-rV9g6FmBn8UNKa7sJCL38ETsJ-Q5bwEyQH7rgHm4bi9V0Q6cDehlIffcp70FbJvQRQvP1SQRY-wAODE1RDQAIxhmPJ5m5PH1K6HKvgi6ZLXvsDYkeJt/s320/Registration1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We had to wait for the new Lichna Carta, to get a new date for when the vehicle registration would expire next. I don't think that those with vehicles registered to a company name have expiry dates though. Anyway, armed with our new residency cards we had another day trip to the KAT office, although it was in a different part of the building so we had different walls to contemplate in different queues. I say queues, but they are more akin to huddles, with people coming and going, so you never really know how close you get to the head of the queue until you somehow arrive there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rqDwJEYum5nl6raVqFvAkKkGtxG0Ua0A5IGat0niCVYtTSVRBht8te0GD0-Dg_iyd64tKr-uNfBgTDcSXsYKLi50gvhoxFO6xYxojm9p1JbpAIJO1XbTJkx1ufbrow5RFLlLpjjQzK3Y/s1600/Registration3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rqDwJEYum5nl6raVqFvAkKkGtxG0Ua0A5IGat0niCVYtTSVRBht8te0GD0-Dg_iyd64tKr-uNfBgTDcSXsYKLi50gvhoxFO6xYxojm9p1JbpAIJO1XbTJkx1ufbrow5RFLlLpjjQzK3Y/s320/Registration3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Our first task was to submit the old registration documents and explain what we were trying to do. So we entered into an office with three different serving windows, and waited patiently at one of them. We subsequently arrived at the relevant window and just as we handed over the documents the woman behind the window started nattering away on her mobile, and we were largely ignored. The documents were shuffled about on her desk for a bit, and whoever was on the other end of the phone must have taken a breath as we were told that new vehicle registrations were at one of the other windows. We politely pointed out that it wasn't for new ownership but for re-registration, but by this time she was back nattering on her phone. The documents were re-checked and she pressed a few buttons on her keyboard, and a piece of paper was spat out of her printer. She managed to tear herself away from her all important phone call, to inform us that we had to pay the taxation at the bank. having been through the similar rigmarole with the residency cards we knew the score and taking the new bit of paper over to the bank window we waited in another queue. The lady there was cheerful and efficient, and once I had handed over my 12 Leva, for registration taxes, we were given a receipt and signatures placed on the new piece of paper.<br />
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Armed with the new bit of paper, now with signatures on, and our receipt, it was back to the first window we were at. She was still on her bloody mobile. I couldn't see any sellotape keeping it in position, so I came to the conclusion she must have had an accident with either superglue or the stapler. Fortunately her phone call ended there, and she was fully up to date on the latest happenings in a soap opera, or something else of equal importance, and she was able to give us her undivided attention. Documents and pieces of paper were handed over again, then it was proof of insurance, and then Net's new Lichna Carta. With a bit of mumbling and a few more buttons pressed another sheet of paper emerged from the printer. We were then directed to window number 4. There is nothing like service with a smile.<br />
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So we headed for window number 4 which was at the other end of the building, and joined the huddle there. It seemed as though we were finally getting somewhere as a woman who had also been served in the first office, and who we had waited behind in the bank queue, was also there chatting to someone, and she also had similar documents to ours with her. Being in these queues and huddles the brain does tend to switch off, and none of us noticed that she had disappeared. Once I had noticed, I just put it down to too many coffees and the resulting call of nature. On the bright side it meant that we had shuffled forward an extra place. We arrived at the hallowed window number 4 and handed everything over, only to be told that we needed to go via the Traffic Police Office first. The mobile phone woman in the first office must have neglected to tell us that bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19jPUnO_zfQs5xore8_IOsGBxu5RYnDNo5kBa-ioUHY_pwb26fLM7le8X6LW5GmWM15al9x8zJNt7syXx8h1uB0Yhh9Vef7e5_aCdjjscKbeSxASYl6c1SmmI0UYO1pMTIyh1AcYYw7nY/s1600/Registration4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19jPUnO_zfQs5xore8_IOsGBxu5RYnDNo5kBa-ioUHY_pwb26fLM7le8X6LW5GmWM15al9x8zJNt7syXx8h1uB0Yhh9Vef7e5_aCdjjscKbeSxASYl6c1SmmI0UYO1pMTIyh1AcYYw7nY/s320/Registration4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So off we wandered, down this dim and murky corridor, to join another queue. We discovered that the woman who had disappeared was also in this queue, but several places ahead of us. We made it to a door with a hole in it and passed the documents through, along with Passport and Lichna Carta (which after a quick glance were handed back). The remaining documents were stapled together and a stamp and signature placed on one of the documents. Then it was back to rejoin the huddle at window number 4. This time everything was accepted, we weren't directed to go anywhere else, but as it was getting near to lunchtime we were informed to collect the new documents at window number 6 in a couple of hours. After our own lunch (and feeding a couple of cats) it was back to window number 6, and another wait. Someone made the mistake of knocking on the closed window, and got told off for their trouble. Those who were waiting patiently, including us, were handed our new documents without any problems. Now we have new documents for the car, and for ourselves so it is just the annual vehicle safety check to be done at the end of the month. Thankfully that is a lot easier, and we avoid going round in ever decreasing circles.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-11818962546354384282015-11-06T17:24:00.000+02:002015-11-06T17:24:23.397+02:00Jumping Through Hoops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As much as I love living here in Bulgaria, there are certain things which still frustrate the hell out of me. One such thing is the bureaucracy. Don't get me wrong, everyone has to deal with it, and it makes no difference if you are Bulgarian, a Foreigner or even a Martian, although sometimes the depths and levels do seem to vary. It is something that we have had to get used to over the years. As a foreigner, irrespective of the fact that we came under the EU umbrella, we had to form a company to buy a property. We could have brought an apartment which would have got round that, but the company was needed to buy the plot of land that the house actually sits on. Now we have the company, each year we have to submit tax returns, even on a non trading company. At least now there is no such requirement, and existing companies can now be dissolved. The problem being that everyone seems to have a different interpretation about this, and guidelines are very sketchy to say the least. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, but if it is a legal requirement then we will do our best to comply.<br />
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Just recently we have been facing our own confrontation with officialdom, and no matter how well prepared you think you are, something will have changed. For those familiar with these blogs, you know where I have been. Once again it is time to get our long term residency sorted out. So we have been making trips backwards and forwards to the Immigration Section of the dreaded KAT Office in VT. I thought that I was doing so well by trying to pre-empt things. The company formation document had been photo copied twice, the same with the property deeds. Our passports had been photo copied, as had our private health insurance cards and policies. I even had my pension document copied and translated into Bulgarian. As far as we could remember the only things left to do were a couple of documents from a notary, two saying that neither of us would claim any form of social security payment from the Bulgarian state, and one saying that I would financially support my wife. Armed with all of these bits of paperwork, separated into two piles, we thought that we were fully prepared to face the rigours of Mrs Grumpy Bum, and her sunny disposition.<br />
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I have often thought that Mrs Grumpy Bum is much of the trouble in the Immigration Office, as she has always been awkward and unhelpful. Even when she was doing her job, you always got the feeling that she thought she was doing you a favour. That is by the by, because when we went to the little window, Mrs GB wasn't there, instead it was a very pleasant young lady who actually smiled when handing over the renewal forms. These were duly filled out, and together with our document packs, which we had prepared earlier, and expired residency cards, were all handed back through her little window. In return we got another couple of bits of paper so that we could go and pay the fees for the new cards. So far so good, the receipts for the fees were then taken back to the little window so that they could also go with each relevant pack. The helpful lady was off for her lunch, so we were told to come back in two hours. It all seemed relatively painless, and even the notary documentation had worked out cheaper than previous times, could this be a relatively frustration free trip?<br />
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Of course not, that would make things far too easy. To confuse matters even more, my documentation was fine, but the problem was with Net's. Has she got a pension? No. Has she got a Bulgarian bank account? No. Well how does she live here? I said that I financially support her, and one of the documents from the Notary declared that. Ah!!!!! That was the old system, it changed recently. So why didn't the Notary inform us that the requirements had changed? Then we asked if it was possible to see a Supervisor. She came down and tried to explain that while everything would have been fine before the change, now it wasn't. So what to we need to do to resolve this? Can she open a bank account and stick 1000 Leva in today? The 1000 Leva can go in and once the document from the bank is complete it can come back out again. It all seemed a bit farcical, all the more so when we know full well that there are those who have never even bothered registering in the first place. While all of this was going on I was handed a piece of paper with a date on, but no explanation. The other option was for half an hour every 90 days Net would cross over into Romania, and then come back. We said that we would sort something out, but it wouldn't be that day. Some things are certainly sent to try us.<br />
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The piece of paper with the date on was when my new residency card would be ready for collection. The next day, while we were at home, we had a phone call from the Supervisor. Between them they had looked through all of the rules and regulations, and because we were applying for a renewal, not an initial issue,Net's documents were OK. However with my declaration that I would financially support her, they now needed a translated copy of our wedding certificate. We have previously tried to get this done, but because a lot is hand written, we always got the 'no-can-do'. So I deciphered it all, and printed the copy out so that the official translators could do their bit. Finally that bridge was crossed, so when I went in to collect my new shiny residency card we could hand in Net's paperwork.<br />
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So this week it was another trip into VT, so Net's paperwork could be submitted and my card picked up. They tried to get us to pay for Net's card again, until it was pointed out we did it last week and the receipt was in her file. How odd, there it was. My card was handed over, it wasn't the photo card style one which I had surrendered, it was this useless white thing. It looks as though a child has made this at school using a John Bull printing kit. It is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. There is no photo on it, no personal Identity number, and you are meant to carry your passport at all times. You can't open a bank account with it, register a vehicle with it, it is a complete and utter waste of time. Not only that but it costs 11 Lev a time.<br />
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The photo ID Long Term Residency Card is completely different. Not only can a bank see that you are who you say you are, but it has that all important personal number which officialdom likes along with other useful information. Which means that you don't need to carry your Passport round, and worry about losing it. To get mine done, so that it will be ready to pick up at the same time as Net's card next week, that has cost another 40 Leva. I did have to pose for a new photo, and I was caught pulling faces at the camera. Oh well, at least it gave the woman taking the photo a laugh. Once upon a time people didn't need the useless white card, but went straight for the photo style one. Sometimes progress is not always in a forward direction. So next week we will be making a 3rd trip there. Hopefully we will even be able to register the car as it is in Net's name. If a vehicle is in an individual's name the registration expires when their Residency Card does, but if the vehicle is in the company name there is no expiry date. After having been here for more than 7 years now, under EU legislation (or my understanding of it) I should have been issued a 10 year Residency Card. As is often the case, each region will interpret the rules and regulations differently. So it has gone on when my Passport is due to expire as that is earlier. So it has been a lot of faffing about for a Residency Card valid for only 30 months, and even more faffing about for a useless piece of white card knocked up in an after school club.<br />
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You have to keep smiling though, or else you would be sat in the corner staring off into space. The good news is that the pros far outweigh the cons with regards living out here. One thing we have noticed is that they are not really interested in a person's private health insurance policy, all they want to see is a valid European Health Insurance Card. Which isn't valid if you live here on a permanent basis. So how many hoops would you like to attempt to jump through today? Sometimes I feel just like a performing Seal. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-8474462280573565362015-10-10T15:45:00.000+03:002015-10-10T15:45:39.668+03:00Autumn Sneaks In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The summer seems to have disappeared, and autumn has arrived to take its place. I am one of these people who can't decide which is my favourite season, but it is either spring or autumn. Once again preparations for winter are already underway, and living in a small village these little jobs seem to take on an added importance. Having been here for seven years now, we are coming up to face our eighth winter, and each one has been different. Hopefully we learn from each, and our preparations take on a different order of priorities. Now that Net is back from the UK, things are a lot easier with both of us doing things, and Net quite rightly is the foreman in charge.<br />
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While we still had the sunshine, it was a matter of getting the garden ready. The last of the winter vegetables have been picked and stored. Hazelnuts and Walnuts have been collected by the bag-fulls, and even my first ever home grown Sweet Chestnut has been harvested. So maybe the wind had knocked it off, and all I had to do was pick it up from the ground, but harvesting sounds so much better. The outside tap has been drained down, and isolated, but with the tap left in the open position just in case. Rubber grips have been fitted to outside door handles, and their inner counterparts. I have been sent up in the attic, and up on the roof, to find and repair any damaged roof tiles, and check for any other damage which could lead to leaks. That is one problem with the temperature extremes we have here, tiles do crack every so often, so it is always prudent to check them over when its dry. Not only that but, you do get some lovely views whilst stood up there. The transition between summer and autumn seemed to happen just overnight, one day it was shorts and t-shirt weather, and the next it was jeans and a sweatshirt.<br />
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The wardrobes have been swapped over again. The lighter summer clothes and footwear have been put away, and heavier clothes and boots have taken their place. Rugs are now back down on the floor, especially near the doors where the cats and dogs traipse mud and leaves in. Their winter beds are now out and aired, they definitely approve of this although they probably think that job should have been first on our list. Each time we go shopping extra pet food is bought and then stored, we can get most things at the village shop but pet food isn't one of them. The same is true for any tablets and medication which we might need, although some of the locals have worked this out and in an emergency (or what they call an emergency) they come round asking for cold and flu sachets.<br />
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The car has been checked for anti-freeze, winter screen-wash, snow shovel, blankets and other such bits and bobs. The winter tyres are fitted and with plenty of tread. We have checked that our telephone and internet packages are as good as we are going to get for over the winter months. I did pre-empt matters slightly by getting the extra sports channel on the TV from the start of the football season, my excuse being that I wanted to test it first. The good news is that it works. Travelling about you do notice the leaves changing colour, and taking on their autumn hues.<br />
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In some areas the leaves have already dropped, but in our village they are still steadfastly clinging onto their twigs and branches. Even in the next village, 5kms away, piles of leaves have been raked together and are then left to smoulder away. The smell of burning leaves in the autumn always reminds me of my Grandfather, and how, as children, we used to help him with bonfires in his garden. As the afternoon gets later the smell of smouldering leaves is replaced by wood smoke, as people light their fires for cooking and heating their houses. It's not too bad providing that there is no mist or fog, as that tends to hold the smoke at a low level. We have lit our gas fires a couple of times so far this autumn, but not the wood burners yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU3S1aQ1OQnSexDgYVIZDzom2zaJI09oKR0U9Y91NdX-NdgU8yn5mFKc2r5DeciP2MT0UV_VykHQC140wC1_eqyiZClzrx7ZFni1bghJ64SscgOHK8vMLDlfBG_K7_9quKRGwfrIkH3dG/s1600/Blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU3S1aQ1OQnSexDgYVIZDzom2zaJI09oKR0U9Y91NdX-NdgU8yn5mFKc2r5DeciP2MT0UV_VykHQC140wC1_eqyiZClzrx7ZFni1bghJ64SscgOHK8vMLDlfBG_K7_9quKRGwfrIkH3dG/s320/Blog9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We do have a nice stack of cut and split wood left over from last year. That has spent it's time up under the barn, making sure that it is nice and dry for when we need to use it. I did have a bit of a fuss and palaver trying to get a fresh supply of wood for drying. Like normal I went to the Kmet's office and placed my requirement, and was told the price per cubic metre, and that it would be delivered the next day. It wasn't. Then I was told that delivery would be this week, either Monday or Tuesday. Not so much as a twig turned up. I thought that rather than waiting in the hope of a delivery, I might just as well go into town and pay the bills. You've guessed it, while I was out the wood turned up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GsjBdNmn3z7y2-jVFNmpLzH5sEGIQAbyRl8SfWX-Z7djI24Zrujt7BDaQTEAElfClcJo4MJnlyFMDdWL2tVNHshDtRtPLo_-Y7Wp63OBvinGf-nsWzwD9vNROYeo3tv4hHZnqzDPcc5_/s1600/Blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GsjBdNmn3z7y2-jVFNmpLzH5sEGIQAbyRl8SfWX-Z7djI24Zrujt7BDaQTEAElfClcJo4MJnlyFMDdWL2tVNHshDtRtPLo_-Y7Wp63OBvinGf-nsWzwD9vNROYeo3tv4hHZnqzDPcc5_/s320/Blog8.jpg" width="320" /></a>So as soon as I got home it was a quick change into work clothes, and start shifting it from the lane outside the house, in through the gates and start building a neat stack beside the driveway. Luckily before I had even moved a cubic metre, our neighbour got home from work. He didn't even stop for a coffee but started helping me shift these logs. Then his wife was out helping, then his son and then his daughter. Between the six of us we managed to get everything moved before it got too dark to see what we were doing. Thank heavens for neighbourliness out here in Bulgaria, back in the UK I know one neighbour would have pitched in and helped, but the others would probably have been too busy. So now we have a big stack of logs under plastic sheeting, even though Sirius seems to think it is there for his benefit. He climbs up on top of it so that he can look over walls and bark at anything that he sees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f1nWjfaxKkSrJgh5I8-MmBYseRC7tVZY-2ms_ALkF6JqFbQIUBxWe2NjBAhKeEGgNLqXpZ83lEgmxPPj4UtsxPmgrAmHGrRJMkXkR3VraEqnCIA5E3NCZfwgwz8tsyuCqm1asj8K1ezV/s1600/Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f1nWjfaxKkSrJgh5I8-MmBYseRC7tVZY-2ms_ALkF6JqFbQIUBxWe2NjBAhKeEGgNLqXpZ83lEgmxPPj4UtsxPmgrAmHGrRJMkXkR3VraEqnCIA5E3NCZfwgwz8tsyuCqm1asj8K1ezV/s200/Blog1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmcfdGttSyPjHxp_T81Xv9KvXhyphenhypheny54HNtCO3BqO-1YptTKqElBgu9gzH03LqDhIJ8hx3lcFXh0wswgmYuzgKfgzF0akdXpIosc5avfjnjmCAOHnQ5iRAjryGA4Di_5ycPIAWS2cm8QOuo/s1600/Blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmcfdGttSyPjHxp_T81Xv9KvXhyphenhypheny54HNtCO3BqO-1YptTKqElBgu9gzH03LqDhIJ8hx3lcFXh0wswgmYuzgKfgzF0akdXpIosc5avfjnjmCAOHnQ5iRAjryGA4Di_5ycPIAWS2cm8QOuo/s200/Blog3.jpg" width="200" /></a>So autumn is here, and our winter preparations are coming along nicely. We might well have what the locals call a 'Gypsy Summer' yet, if we do that will be an added bonus. If not, then we haven't lost any time, and we don't have to rush to get things finished. Our year long task of collecting books to read throughout the winter months is still ongoing, but having kindles does make things so much easier.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-85587726729888408792015-08-31T21:00:00.000+03:002015-08-31T21:00:07.732+03:00A Saturday To Savour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7nQPsvK3BWWGaEyutLiWYuuAuTAQFOHrcO4-hSZW-nZxKB3sjYV8WlE8RGsVBhxmatzp_yoDjQLiSvFsT5Z73xVP-M8YrJPM_wux2hWQc_6fitCiSgyx0XkzGrif0VY2yN5Mb5tJ3Uhc/s1600/10455361_696615687058596_6027890312921356116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7nQPsvK3BWWGaEyutLiWYuuAuTAQFOHrcO4-hSZW-nZxKB3sjYV8WlE8RGsVBhxmatzp_yoDjQLiSvFsT5Z73xVP-M8YrJPM_wux2hWQc_6fitCiSgyx0XkzGrif0VY2yN5Mb5tJ3Uhc/s320/10455361_696615687058596_6027890312921356116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>The weekend just gone is one which I always look forward to. The leaves on the trees are just starting to change colour, from their summer greens to their autumn tones. The evenings might be cooling, but the days are still hot, and often there are no clouds in the sky. Although these are good enough reasons in their own right, neither of them are the reason why I hold this weekend in such anticipation. The main reason being, that this weekend was the Rock Fest over in Mindya, and this year we had arranged to go with a couple of others from the village. Despite being eagerly anticipated, Sod's Law dictates that something along the way will try to throw a spanner in the works. This time it was Net waking up with a raging toothache.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICnXaWc-E7ixYu1L5iTYYL8RVbiTQ-BHUY9DszCsZ5xOMHQKxXHB7XIs7jEC8hyphenhyphen5e7fE2I9B8DrhrHJwdeDi8Ew6aFaEXAZCfXYmgGsYPBdqTmqIyoWcv5wLIpJEfEOvwWS1Aqy62Ot8/s1600/toothache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICnXaWc-E7ixYu1L5iTYYL8RVbiTQ-BHUY9DszCsZ5xOMHQKxXHB7XIs7jEC8hyphenhyphen5e7fE2I9B8DrhrHJwdeDi8Ew6aFaEXAZCfXYmgGsYPBdqTmqIyoWcv5wLIpJEfEOvwWS1Aqy62Ot8/s200/toothache.jpg" width="176" /></a>So time was spent rummaging through the medicine cupboard looking for painkillers, and hoping that I still had antibiotics left over from having root canal treatment done. Painkillers were easy to find, but my antibiotics seemed to have disappeared off of the face of the earth. So it was a day on the couch down in the cellar for Net, even with painkillers if a drink was too hot it all flared up again, the same happened if the drink was cold. Tepid tea is not highly recommended, but it seemed to work. By the afternoon if Net jumped up and down I am sure that she would rattle. The good news is that by mid-afternoon things had started to ease, but perhaps the Rock Fest would be a bit much if things flared up again. I was told that I could still go, which meant that I didn't have to phone people up and cancel at short notice, so that was a bonus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyJsuzrxt_hA3BKmweut35h1pPTh95wMiUJ7QAtPhpxAsc3D_YK64CPQgEXQlY4Pd6ZPzOgI8NB3KhvP0b2Rku6gS6dhU0rihE9w13v-f4MKNPKCt2QDZpDC-lxricXVJCw6_QKbQdL5z/s1600/ChelPal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyJsuzrxt_hA3BKmweut35h1pPTh95wMiUJ7QAtPhpxAsc3D_YK64CPQgEXQlY4Pd6ZPzOgI8NB3KhvP0b2Rku6gS6dhU0rihE9w13v-f4MKNPKCt2QDZpDC-lxricXVJCw6_QKbQdL5z/s320/ChelPal.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Another added bonus to this weekend was the football on the television, for once Crystal Palace were being shown live. Possibly because we were facing the defending champions. Even though Chelsea have not had the best of starts this season, all of the pundits were predicting that Palace would face the backlash as Chelsea tried to get their season back on track. I watched the first half, and it was highly entertaining, and ended up as 0-0. At that point I started to believe that we could come away from their ground with a point, as they were not getting things all of their own way. I couldn't watch all of the 2nd half due to being picked up for Mindya. So after a final check up on Net, and a final check on the scoreline, we headed off for Mindya.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj1d0r1lAx42nf5nyFU1ZK0pExrgt91BbhWQJ9zDjq-y2yovI4K76_OAOBSUTwDfDVnfq4Br3vLtC-ZJGQ1-G4cjZ1rfa1jDlNUlqf-dd8IdqLe0JsMp0erscr5S8apcQrTRRVKNmdbec/s1600/Mindya+sat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj1d0r1lAx42nf5nyFU1ZK0pExrgt91BbhWQJ9zDjq-y2yovI4K76_OAOBSUTwDfDVnfq4Br3vLtC-ZJGQ1-G4cjZ1rfa1jDlNUlqf-dd8IdqLe0JsMp0erscr5S8apcQrTRRVKNmdbec/s200/Mindya+sat.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWMDq3v3ltgounIDBONXRm3p8dJ3S5r_hYLdEq9mhSqwX6ro-SIgL1HX_bGTNs_IckDwfeX9uzHYea2kOhbmzHZMkoyGlQ10H0RaYRvZORaP_UnMK9kugMX2cc8ANtSkYQgnfs9Gq9MBA/s1600/Mindya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWMDq3v3ltgounIDBONXRm3p8dJ3S5r_hYLdEq9mhSqwX6ro-SIgL1HX_bGTNs_IckDwfeX9uzHYea2kOhbmzHZMkoyGlQ10H0RaYRvZORaP_UnMK9kugMX2cc8ANtSkYQgnfs9Gq9MBA/s200/Mindya.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp19o5zKJHzyHSBbjz5YCan4x4Jzx_EmmHWBRb-zb9zfxEY0fn3jpHHabbsk2KTwAnVe9NtpHkBYZoReiT6rVtIvcJ6VzU4Z3TqdMC-bM5ZRJX7Oft6LINGhd9Z4QUT-GpgscM6qOJ35R/s1600/Mindya+fri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp19o5zKJHzyHSBbjz5YCan4x4Jzx_EmmHWBRb-zb9zfxEY0fn3jpHHabbsk2KTwAnVe9NtpHkBYZoReiT6rVtIvcJ6VzU4Z3TqdMC-bM5ZRJX7Oft6LINGhd9Z4QUT-GpgscM6qOJ35R/s200/Mindya+fri.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW88KftjZFflIMWw8UYT5tB4Vh9DO6AmQc0LbGyfSBgNApPe25QwChZqLkS0pKaeR31psYuqtCRAaTEsdTZ-3XSXFRHpzCk1VXtWIlSGbPg__1MbOSXC9maZFxj_a0Sqf8J4DWDHhyKV8/s1600/DSCF4324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW88KftjZFflIMWw8UYT5tB4Vh9DO6AmQc0LbGyfSBgNApPe25QwChZqLkS0pKaeR31psYuqtCRAaTEsdTZ-3XSXFRHpzCk1VXtWIlSGbPg__1MbOSXC9maZFxj_a0Sqf8J4DWDHhyKV8/s320/DSCF4324.JPG" width="320" /></a>This year was the 7th Rock Fest to be held at Mindya, and after this weekend I have been to 5 of them. The 1st one we were not even in the country, and one of the others times we had to take some people back to the airport in Sofia, so our attendance isn't too bad. Each year there are more and more people attending. It says something that a Bulgarian village can constantly hold a music festival year after year, and in all of my visits there I have never seen any trouble. I can safely say that Mindya makes the bands and the attendees feel most welcome. There has to be an awful lot of organisation which goes on behind the scenes, possibly as one festival finishes preparations are starting to be made for the following year. Most surprisingly it is all still free to attend, how long that will last is difficult to say. If you are in the area next year, and have never been before, I can highly recommend it. I knew that it was going to be busy on Saturday as soon as we arrived in Mindya, as we had to park a lot further away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResOuDrGwxEdtL9RtzMN9IscvPWY7En0yRj1mD_cRIhHkLLtaHW0Esrx8ngPdHUlkAaPZt2wNP0LjX2UJI-5qZo8sPzaT7to2gbO5piPDkJ5UyhpRKv17R2BfEqZU4ThGnkVUE52LWn1E/s1600/DSCF4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResOuDrGwxEdtL9RtzMN9IscvPWY7En0yRj1mD_cRIhHkLLtaHW0Esrx8ngPdHUlkAaPZt2wNP0LjX2UJI-5qZo8sPzaT7to2gbO5piPDkJ5UyhpRKv17R2BfEqZU4ThGnkVUE52LWn1E/s200/DSCF4329.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgAwlxu-yxygUUCGeOku8OSzXvPOSlg1mWnbxBGrLfi-wZoi5ypFes4nJHCn5d2n9QgRAjCZm8qCpwflC9irHa7jsivzPuRkaKwvySJxSwLKY1RcYf-1L4NMR6s97cd51tY-3XuVLgUVQ/s1600/DSCF4333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgAwlxu-yxygUUCGeOku8OSzXvPOSlg1mWnbxBGrLfi-wZoi5ypFes4nJHCn5d2n9QgRAjCZm8qCpwflC9irHa7jsivzPuRkaKwvySJxSwLKY1RcYf-1L4NMR6s97cd51tY-3XuVLgUVQ/s200/DSCF4333.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWrwmZcqIEePBgrRdExtSYclMGbNEidgtmBaS5EuJQAmbpJi7cXAa2uTryYhM5s_SYV1DvW2e8vROkFFP5bDjeyr4JTgDAZWEwkw8AwCTI0ue-T70HYtBQ2sPssv3mu7SoaGQbSV0h4wZ/s1600/DSCF4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWrwmZcqIEePBgrRdExtSYclMGbNEidgtmBaS5EuJQAmbpJi7cXAa2uTryYhM5s_SYV1DvW2e8vROkFFP5bDjeyr4JTgDAZWEwkw8AwCTI0ue-T70HYtBQ2sPssv3mu7SoaGQbSV0h4wZ/s200/DSCF4351.JPG" width="150" /></a>It was still light when we arrived, and the first group were already on stage. We found somewhere where we could all find each other should we go off for a wander, especially for doing those important beer or food runs. The bands might not be household names to you or I, but they love what they do and do it with enthusiasm. It might not be Rock'n'Roll but there was even a chap playing the Gaida, that would be the Bulgarian version of the Bagpipes. Very haunting music as the moon rose higher up into the sky, even if it did seem oddly out of place.<br />
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Many might wonder what I considered to be the highlight of the evening. There was a good cover version of Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love', but for me the highlight had to be a group called 'Tortilla Flat'. They were enthusiastic, they played well, and they interacted well with the crowd. So much so that one young lady, who might have had too much fizzy pop (or sun), joined them on the stage until security managed to usher her off.<br />
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Two minutes later she was back in front of the stage with beer in hand. So no-one wanted to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the evening. We didn't have as much trouble with mosquitoes as we have in previous years, maybe the smoke from a nearby food stall helped. Perhaps that was why the bands periodically disappeared behind a cloud erupting from the smoke generator on stage. Soon it came time for us to wend our way home, unfortunately we did suffer a collision with a bat as we got to the other side of Gorna. It can't have had its radar switched on, or it was too busy chasing insects attracted by the headlights. I am already looking forward to this time next year, and hopefully toothache will not spoil things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiyp-JkqfdndPMySZNGugMFEZum98FtHQEu62SewyUX2ETw4q9qyCR4-mTvUMll2CN9Yj8TEKImvt60OQzpX14bd_2P4Coe75__TZAPLwzSBxHDLEQ7MIzy41qRj7PYcJoDBAO8NdMrmk/s1600/Table.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiyp-JkqfdndPMySZNGugMFEZum98FtHQEu62SewyUX2ETw4q9qyCR4-mTvUMll2CN9Yj8TEKImvt60OQzpX14bd_2P4Coe75__TZAPLwzSBxHDLEQ7MIzy41qRj7PYcJoDBAO8NdMrmk/s320/Table.png" width="202" /></a>It was after 1 by the time I got back indoors, and curiosity did get the better of me. Had we managed to earn a point by keeping the match at 0-0? To my pleasure we had managed to win 1-2, little old unfashionable Crystal Palace had managed to spoil another celebration. Even though only 4 matches have been played so far that has put us into 2nd place, who would have thought that before the season began? Even though I was trying to be quiet, happy dogs have no such consideration, and a now awake Net told me that her toothache just disappeared 3 hours previously. That just capped off an wonderful Saturday. Good music, good company, an excellent football result and a pain free Net.<br />
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Of course music festivals attract all sorts of odd characters, some more photogenic than others. I'll let you guess which one is me.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqAdC2VEsWJEiYbb09d3Qs_oxFkY1FOqtxSacPMbvYWRc1evEb5X0TqcurwRcjlY481JQyBqJF4lYRqF6GmEU6I5rTlT3EKn1VErVcOi3YxiRV75Nusfk2F6bQ1VLQisduOCZDqVPuTi/s1600/DSCF4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqAdC2VEsWJEiYbb09d3Qs_oxFkY1FOqtxSacPMbvYWRc1evEb5X0TqcurwRcjlY481JQyBqJF4lYRqF6GmEU6I5rTlT3EKn1VErVcOi3YxiRV75Nusfk2F6bQ1VLQisduOCZDqVPuTi/s200/DSCF4354.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-15457405041649819812015-08-12T21:46:00.002+03:002015-08-12T21:46:58.426+03:00100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgzK7f6y6pqbY3MA7uxLjdbvyermc2nqn1dGgaBDfWod7T4Tcz9yBJoSJOCeUq2MVRY0Ypy5LVouv4wZfyA030YRVwZoiVH3AU3Jdu4RVLrSg5jVw4N46gJ-oS_eGEzwKskTby0ZuEbuV/s1600/655-402-bylgariia-turizym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgzK7f6y6pqbY3MA7uxLjdbvyermc2nqn1dGgaBDfWod7T4Tcz9yBJoSJOCeUq2MVRY0Ypy5LVouv4wZfyA030YRVwZoiVH3AU3Jdu4RVLrSg5jVw4N46gJ-oS_eGEzwKskTby0ZuEbuV/s320/655-402-bylgariia-turizym.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now that my eyes have uncrossed I shall carry on with the next part of this tourist guide. I am hoping that some of the information will be useful, and maybe it will encourage at least someone to explore maybe a little bit more than their immediate area. All I have to do is remember where I got up to on the list, and then I can restart the second part. So if you are all sitting comfortably, then I shall begin. <br />
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<b><u>District of Plovdiv</u></b><br />
<b>41. Plovdiv (Пловдив)</b> - Roman Amphitheatre, Old Plovdiv architecture reserve, Ethnography Museum, Museum of History, St's Constantin & Helena Church<br />
<b>42. Perushtitsa (Перущица)</b> - Museum of History<br />
<b>43. Sopot (Сопот)</b> - The Nunnery, House of Ivan Vazov<br />
<b>44. Karlovo (Карлово)</b> - Vasil Levski National Museum<br />
<b>45. Kalofer (Калофер)</b> - Hristo Botev National Museum<br />
<b>46. Botev Peak (Връх Ботев)</b><br />
<b>47. Asenovgrad (Асеновград)</b> - Bachkovo Monastery, Asen's Fortress<br />
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<b><u>District of Razgrad</u></b><br />
<b>48. Razgrad (Разград)</b> - Abrittus Archaeological Reserve<br />
<b>49. Isperih (Исперих)</b> - Museum of History, Sboryanovo Museum of History and Archaeology, Thracian tomb of Sveshtari, Thracian town of Chelis, Demir Baba Tekke<br />
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<b><u>District of Ruse</u></b><br />
<b>50. Ruse (Русе)</b> - House of Zahari Stoyanov, Pantheon of National Revival Heroes<br />
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<b><u>District of Silistra</u></b><br />
<b>51.</b> <b>Silistra (Силистра)</b> - Museum of History, Medcidi Tabi Fortress<br />
<b>52. Srebarna Nature Reserve (Биосферен резерват Сребърна)</b><br />
<b>53. Tutrakan (Тутракан)</b> - Military Tomb Memorial Complex, Museum of Danube Fishing and Boat-Making<br />
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<b><u>District of Sliven</u></b><br />
<b>54. Sliven (Сливен)</b> - House of Hadzhi Dimitar, National Textile Museum<br />
<b>55. Blue Stones Nature Park, Karandila Hut (Природен парк Сините камъни и хижа Карандила)</b><br />
<b>56. Kotel (Котел)</b> - Georgi Sava Rakovski's Panteon and the Museum of Famous People of the Bulgarian Revival Age, Natural Sciences Museum<br />
<b>57. Zheravna village (Жеравна)</b> - Architecture and Ethnography Reserve, House of Yordan Yovkov<br />
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<b><u>City of Sofia District</u></b><br />
<b>58. Sofia (София)</b> - The National Museum of History, Boyana Church National Museum<br />
<b>59. Sofia (София)</b> - Alexander Nevski Cathedral<br />
<b>60. Sofia (София)</b> - National Church Museum of History and Archaeology of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian orthodox Church<br />
<b>61. Sofia (София)</b> - National Palace of Culture<br />
<b>62. Sofia (София)</b> - National Art Gallery, Institute of Ethnography and Museum maintained by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOHKnkB9-I3Fov6ojvo-srjsb969Dpag9J87N_WPk2BmZKzYtG8UVlFbP5N0hmOZvOQ9UphfhVi2XV1BluX9iFJxNYJ3dqh6BiW5x0RKPrZIpBsKrFuuETd6uSbmfP-OZypr_43G0Rvm/s1600/Blog+Etropole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOHKnkB9-I3Fov6ojvo-srjsb969Dpag9J87N_WPk2BmZKzYtG8UVlFbP5N0hmOZvOQ9UphfhVi2XV1BluX9iFJxNYJ3dqh6BiW5x0RKPrZIpBsKrFuuETd6uSbmfP-OZypr_43G0Rvm/s200/Blog+Etropole.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>63. Etropole (Етрополе)</b> -Museum of History, Clocktower, Monastery of the Holy Trinity<br />
<b>64. Sofia (София)</b> - Earth and Man National Museum<br />
<b>65. Sofia (София)</b> - National Museum of Natural Science maintained by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences<br />
<b>66. Sofia (София)</b> - Museum of the History of Sport<br />
<b>67. Hisarya (Хисаря)</b> - Thracian Temple in Starosel village<br />
<b>68. Sofia (София)</b> - Institute of Archaeology and Museum maintained by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia Synagogue<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnUoin0u8Q_PfqXLm0sWNN16NRf5LLst1nO3Ps6_h0iE63s7EK0kHnuvXNa-9oolzZONvHT0ot4AUjiABxyREawAKg0tWZFMvc6uV1Liwg_9igZI89couOxsU4LmvT1GOtZRUufV9_smp/s1600/Blog+Nevsky1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnUoin0u8Q_PfqXLm0sWNN16NRf5LLst1nO3Ps6_h0iE63s7EK0kHnuvXNa-9oolzZONvHT0ot4AUjiABxyREawAKg0tWZFMvc6uV1Liwg_9igZI89couOxsU4LmvT1GOtZRUufV9_smp/s200/Blog+Nevsky1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>69. Sofia (София)</b> - Sofia Zoo<br />
<b>70. Bratsigovo (Брацигово)</b> - Town Museum of History<br />
<b>71. Sofia (София)</b> - St. Sophia Temple<br />
<b>72. Chirpan (Чирпан)</b> - House Museum of Peyo Yavorov, Nikola Manev Art Gallery, St Athanasius Monastery in Zlata Livada village<br />
<b>73. Dimitrovgrad (Димитровград)</b> - History Museum, House of Penyo Penev<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOHKnkB9-I3Fov6ojvo-srjsb969Dpag9J87N_WPk2BmZKzYtG8UVlFbP5N0hmOZvOQ9UphfhVi2XV1BluX9iFJxNYJ3dqh6BiW5x0RKPrZIpBsKrFuuETd6uSbmfP-OZypr_43G0Rvm/s1600/Blog+Etropole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOHKnkB9-I3Fov6ojvo-srjsb969Dpag9J87N_WPk2BmZKzYtG8UVlFbP5N0hmOZvOQ9UphfhVi2XV1BluX9iFJxNYJ3dqh6BiW5x0RKPrZIpBsKrFuuETd6uSbmfP-OZypr_43G0Rvm/s1600/Blog+Etropole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><b>74. Vitosha (Витоша)</b> - Cherni Vrah<br />
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<b><u>District of Sofia</u></b><br />
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<b>75. Koprivshtitsa (Копривщица)</b> - Archaeology and History Reserve<br />
<b>76. Sredna Gora (Средна Гора)</b> - Bogdan Peak<br />
<b>77. Klisura (Клисура)</b> - Museum of History<br />
<b>78. Osenvlag village (Осенвлаг)</b> - Seven Altars Monastery<br />
<b>79. Samokov (Самоков)</b> - Museum of History, the Nunnery<br />
<b>80. Rila (Рила)</b> - Musala Peak<br />
<b>81. Botevgrad (Ботевград)</b> - Clocktower<br />
<b>82. Skravena village (Скравена)</b> - St Nikolas monastery, Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ossuary of the members of Hristo Botev's detachment<br />
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<b><u>District of Smolyan</u></b><br />
<b>83. Smolyan (Смолян)</b> - Smolyan Planetarium, Museum of History<br />
<b>84. Pamporovo (Пампорово)</b> - Snezhanka Peak, Uhlovitsa Cave<br />
<b>85. Golyam Perelik Peak (Връх Голям Перелик)</b> - The Wonderful Bridges<br />
<b>86.Zlatograd (Златоград)</b> - Ethnography Complex<br />
<b>87. Shiroka Laka village (Широка лъка)</b><br />
<b>88. Trigrad Gorge (Триградско ждрело)</b> - Devil's Throat Cave<br />
<b>89. Buynovo Gorge (Буйндвско ждрело)</b> - The Yagodina Cave<br />
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<b><u>District of Stara Zagora</u></b><br />
<b>90. Stara Zagora (Стара Загора)</b> - the Neolithic Houses, the Roman Forum of Augusta Traiana, the Stara Zagora Defenders Memorial Complex, Museum of History<br />
<b>91. Kazanlak (Казанлък)</b> - Chudomir Art and Literature Museum, Thracian tomb of Kazanlak<br />
<b>92.Shipka Town (Шипка)</b> - Shipka Memorial Church<br />
<b>93. Shipka Pass ( Национален парн-музей Шипка)</b> - Shipka Memorial<br />
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<u><b>District of Shumen</b></u><br />
<b>94. Shumen (Шумен)</b> - Shumen Fortress Reserve of Architecture and History, Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, Museum of History<br />
<b>95. Shumen (Шумен)</b> - Tombul Mosque<br />
<b>96. Pliska (Плиска)</b> - Archaeological Reserve<br />
<b>97. Madara (Мадара)</b> - Archaeological Reserve<br />
<b>98 Velki Preslav (Велки Преслав)</b> - National Reserve of History and Architecture<br />
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<b><u>District of Yambol</u></b><br />
<b>99. Yambol (Ямбол)</b> - the Ancient town of Kabile, Museum of History<br />
<b>100. Elhovo (Елхово)</b> - Museum of Ethnography<br />
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There you have it ladies and gentlemen, that is the full list of 100 tourist sites as per the Bulgarian Tourist Union's booklet. I'm now off to give my eyes a rest, but I hope that something on here might pique your interest for the next time that you have visitors. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-63593571385063898102015-08-12T17:09:00.001+03:002015-09-18T18:06:21.465+03:00100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bulgaria is a wonderful country, with so much to see and do. However, it does seem rather reluctant to promote itself. With many of us having friends and family visiting throughout the year, sometimes it is not an easy task to give them a lasting impression about why we enjoy living here. Yet did you know that since 1966, there has been a national movement to promote tourism amongst the many historic, cultural and natural landmarks. I certainly wasn't aware of it until I did a little digging. Initially this list of 100 sites did include various monuments to the communist regime, but the list has been brought up to date in 2007, 2008 and 2009.<br />
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Although only available in Bulgarian, for 1.50 Leva, you can even get a passport sized stamp booklet, issued by the Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU). Each of the sites listed has its own unique stamp, which the tourist can get stamped into their book. The booklets themselves are available at any of the participating sites. Even though there are 100 sites on the list, some towns might include more than one tourist spot. It might seem slightly old fashioned, but to my mind it is quite endearing, and much nicer than pinning a flag on some social media programme. Not only that, but there are awards which can be attained, depending on how many stamps are collected. Bronze, Silver and Gold pins are awarded to those who collect 25, 50 or 100 stamps, think of it as the Olympic Games for tourists in Bulgaria. In addition to which pin winners from the previous year are entered into a prize draw each August, with the possibility of winning domestic or foreign trips, bikes, tents and other tourist related prizes. Luckily the booklet contains a separate map, which lists all 100 sites, and also gives their addresses and operating hours. So below you can find the list, separated into districts which will hopefully make things easier.<br />
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<b><u>District of Blagoevgrad</u></b><br />
<b>1. Bansko (Банско)</b> - Velyanov House, Neofit Rilski Museum, Nikola Vaptsarov Museum, Art School of Bansko Icon Museum, Saint Trinity Church<br />
<b>2. Pirin (Пирин)</b> - Vihren Peak<br />
<b>3. Dobarsko village (Добърско)</b> - Theodore Tyro and Theodore Stratilates Church<br />
<b>4. Melnik (Мелник)</b> - Historical Museum of Melnik, Kordopulov House, Rozhen Monastery<br />
<b>5. Petrich (Петрич)</b> - Rupite, St. Petka Church, Samuil's Fortress<br />
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<b><u>District of Burgas</u></b><br />
<b>6. Malko Tarnovo (Малко Търново)</b> - Museum of History, Local Museum Petrova Niva<br />
<b>7. Nesebar (Несебър)</b> - Architectural Reserve, Archaeological Museum<br />
<b>8. Sozopol (Созопол)</b> - Archaeological Museum<br />
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<u><b>District of Varna</b></u></div>
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<b>9. Varna ( Варна)</b> - Museum of History, Maritime Museum</div>
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<b>10. Devnya (Девня)</b> - Museum of Mosaics</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfby7PoJ4N1sFvPiJjnWsV4BYOz41QkEv2Bhq3-z_7jRjty-8vmZ6eCd2bwh0DfuHnpbfBTtbzGEtTDRDYDv5BSdb0rJXaJW0-9J55M_I2sBoRKgXDhtwHou79VRq0P3Y6cM0dnEAoTmlo/s1600/Blog+-+Devnya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfby7PoJ4N1sFvPiJjnWsV4BYOz41QkEv2Bhq3-z_7jRjty-8vmZ6eCd2bwh0DfuHnpbfBTtbzGEtTDRDYDv5BSdb0rJXaJW0-9J55M_I2sBoRKgXDhtwHou79VRq0P3Y6cM0dnEAoTmlo/s200/Blog+-+Devnya.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LYt4zr55j61jTSVq_pDaFFpoF0xOhEVWl6khqCAwnK988EfjzinFDU2DQ4AaDNZG1VRZc7H_4osVq3tADozG1t2PUAj5kcpR-RX4UQmr91rBImebww5Wv-SaFqgsPWF4_JHzfNUx2_Pt/s1600/Blog+_+Varna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LYt4zr55j61jTSVq_pDaFFpoF0xOhEVWl6khqCAwnK988EfjzinFDU2DQ4AaDNZG1VRZc7H_4osVq3tADozG1t2PUAj5kcpR-RX4UQmr91rBImebww5Wv-SaFqgsPWF4_JHzfNUx2_Pt/s200/Blog+_+Varna.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><u>District of Veliko Tarnovo</u></b></div>
<b>11. Veliko Tarnovo (Велико Търново)</b> - Tsarevets architectural reserve, Museum of History, Arbanasi architectural reserve<br />
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<b>12. Svishtov (Свищов)</b> - Aleko Konstantinov's House</div>
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<b><u>District of Vidin</u></b></div>
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<b>13. Vidin (Видин)</b> - Baba Vida Fortress</div>
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<b>14. Rabisha (Рабиша)</b> - Magura Cave</div>
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<b>15. Belogradchik (Белоградчик) </b>- Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress, Museum of History</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoQEQt4H2YRBqXYMBDKkzuUrgh9HYvlIyRimRmixPEw6FrhW16wiIbKO3IphQvcp-XZ-Y7X0fhe_HAJhyphenhyphen7Vi7zCRPBumJFpmsgQtf-YxL11i59WOAdIafiUg90IoSClxHqhFZsU0mE_80/s1600/Blog+-+Baba+Vida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoQEQt4H2YRBqXYMBDKkzuUrgh9HYvlIyRimRmixPEw6FrhW16wiIbKO3IphQvcp-XZ-Y7X0fhe_HAJhyphenhyphen7Vi7zCRPBumJFpmsgQtf-YxL11i59WOAdIafiUg90IoSClxHqhFZsU0mE_80/s200/Blog+-+Baba+Vida.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><u>District of Vratsa</u></b></div>
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<b>16. Vratsa (Враца)</b> - Ledenika Cave, Regional Museum of History</div>
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<b>17. Okolchitsa (Околчица)</b> - the place of Hristo Botev's death</div>
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<b>18. Kozlodoui (Козлодуй)</b> - Radetzky steam-ship museum, Monument of Hristo Botev</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPR-X2oSOaEBSZWvcYnKWXdmSjk2fcvoG9g1oEIJ8Mg-Mncwy7UnKlX1Fqz-Hfs_LkRAZGwpfrYalpsTvBfbPRCPbRDNBInn99wkK8tTFYiWaqkmz-E-KWpKH8gXUEPLqfFAau7dmdTM/s1600/Blog+-+Radetsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPR-X2oSOaEBSZWvcYnKWXdmSjk2fcvoG9g1oEIJ8Mg-Mncwy7UnKlX1Fqz-Hfs_LkRAZGwpfrYalpsTvBfbPRCPbRDNBInn99wkK8tTFYiWaqkmz-E-KWpKH8gXUEPLqfFAau7dmdTM/s200/Blog+-+Radetsky.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0ZLirkvD1zl5vV-FTYlJUdflNLbD4174QmZden0R2qVIP7ylbgcftGGGFDOebTwHRfqZi1Vp4f6rNDVdp3qp1KzvIGG4c1tQkXwtlDrJOA94ct3M1hO1X_dCzFPm2qNT0pq7_cuZBKbD/s1600/Blog+-+Ledenika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0ZLirkvD1zl5vV-FTYlJUdflNLbD4174QmZden0R2qVIP7ylbgcftGGGFDOebTwHRfqZi1Vp4f6rNDVdp3qp1KzvIGG4c1tQkXwtlDrJOA94ct3M1hO1X_dCzFPm2qNT0pq7_cuZBKbD/s200/Blog+-+Ledenika.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><b>District of Gabrovo</b></u></div>
<b>19. Gabrovo (Габрово)</b> - Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex, Museum of Education<br />
<b>20.Bozhentsi (Боженци)</b> - Architectural Reserve<br />
<b>21. Tryavna (Трявна)</b> - Museum of Wood-Carving and Ethnographical Arts<br />
<b>22. Dryanovo (Дряново)</b> - Dryanovo Monastery, Kolyo Ficheto Museum, Bacho Kiro Cave<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavlBHBSAgWInMpZ9GGNCaY7nRlYMN_hVbe__dyFUlzCcxx-kYQhTog1IN92ySp3YfiqGAJDFkZsYHrI2lPVTAqfuyRaCfRQgnvQFlHqPmzstMneBW9bTT9-y9LbA8bWb9jA7BesRXrdlJ/s1600/Blog+-+Dryanovo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavlBHBSAgWInMpZ9GGNCaY7nRlYMN_hVbe__dyFUlzCcxx-kYQhTog1IN92ySp3YfiqGAJDFkZsYHrI2lPVTAqfuyRaCfRQgnvQFlHqPmzstMneBW9bTT9-y9LbA8bWb9jA7BesRXrdlJ/s200/Blog+-+Dryanovo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><b>District of Dobrich</b></u><br />
<b>23. Dobrich (Добрич)</b> - House of Yordan Yovkov, Art Gallery<br />
<b>24. Balchik (Балчик)</b> - The Palace Architectural Park, Cape Kaliakra<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgdAJVqF4OYIyxlcBbe3wC1XTEBOtCPWzO1k6nM9EYFbcyv9W9Bfqc7H-ilzULDyN8pTI1WWz-t7o80_C-buFdKS0YMsxK562WT8NGt524fsR1mRzGeEYkFnC25xx2pjrC2M1IvuUMqC4/s1600/Blog+-+Balchik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgdAJVqF4OYIyxlcBbe3wC1XTEBOtCPWzO1k6nM9EYFbcyv9W9Bfqc7H-ilzULDyN8pTI1WWz-t7o80_C-buFdKS0YMsxK562WT8NGt524fsR1mRzGeEYkFnC25xx2pjrC2M1IvuUMqC4/s200/Blog+-+Balchik.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><b>District of Kurdzhali</b></u><br />
<b>25. Kardzhali (Кърджали)</b> - Perperikon, Regional Museum of History, Monastery of John the Precursor<br />
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<u><b>District of Kyustendil</b></u><br />
<b>26. Kyustendil (Кюстендил)</b> - Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora Art Gallery, House of Dimitar Peshev<br />
<b>27. Ruen Peak (Връх Руен)</b> - Osogovo Mountain<br />
<b>28. Rila Monastery (Рилски манастир)</b><br />
<b>29. Skakavitsa hut (Йижа Скакавица)</b> - the Seven Rila Lakes<br />
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<u><b>District of Lovech</b></u><br />
<b>30. Lovech (Ловеч)</b> - Museum of Ethnography, Kakrina Inn, Vasil Levski Museum<br />
<b>31. Troyan, Cherni Osam (Троян, Черни Осъм)</b> - Natural Science Museum, Troyan Monastery<br />
<b>32. Teteven (Тетевен)</b> - Museum of History<br />
<b>33. Brestnitsa village (Брестница)</b> - Saeva Dupka Cave<br />
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<b><u>District of Montana</u></b><br />
<b>34. Berkovitsa (Берковица)</b> - Kom Peak, Museum of Ethnography, Museum of History Varshets<br />
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<b><u>District of Pazardzhik</u></b><br />
<b>35. Pazardzhik (Пазарджик)</b> - Church of Virgin Mary, House of Stanislav Dospevski, Regional Museum of History<br />
<b>36. Panagyurishte (Панагюрище)</b> - Oborishte local museum, House of Rayna Knyaginya<br />
<b>37. Peshtera (Пещера)</b> - Snezhanka cave<br />
<b>38. Batak (Батак)</b> - Museum of History<br />
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<b><u>District of Pernik</u></b><br />
<b>39. Tran (Трън)</b> - Gorge on the Erma River<br />
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<u><b>District of Pleven</b></u><br />
<b>40. Pleven (Плевен)</b> - Mausoleum and Chapel of St George the Conqueror, Pleven Panorama, Regional Museum of History<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOUNs_I6EgI7aDjaBFE2KAoBK1s0bwDEsn5I2VePpFVhIQx_4KZ6RXNJuJ7cRMgBz2B6q0Ns6CLCKp4Rx0W1yKSvZw24_cijIi1xXuEWBRrSKxuL-qx4BYqd_heiNf7zD5FELjXh1F82Y/s1600/Blog+-+Nesebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-30783894537996949112015-07-22T23:57:00.000+03:002016-02-04T18:24:30.865+02:00What's On The Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7vRl_2gjGxLV2i0D-HKCL3JgW2k-6rZ2fguJtEpRr6Yx59m7JT5wKKnwdttkp2ozuC9PVF6iHbMDNSvfFa6qpu6ZxIEYXXSqOUXJP8uYBScvk7FrFRRhVlkj8gaIa8yBtBfYUrqvZYUP/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7vRl_2gjGxLV2i0D-HKCL3JgW2k-6rZ2fguJtEpRr6Yx59m7JT5wKKnwdttkp2ozuC9PVF6iHbMDNSvfFa6qpu6ZxIEYXXSqOUXJP8uYBScvk7FrFRRhVlkj8gaIa8yBtBfYUrqvZYUP/s320/Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This week we had a very nice parcel turn up in the post, sent to us by a wonderful Bulgarian lady. In it there was the mix for 'proper' doughnuts, and a jar of Marmite. The doughnut mix I knew about, but the Marmite was a very pleasant surprise, and it was sent because it isn't the easiest thing to find here in Bulgaria. To say that I had a big daft grin would have been an understatement. So once again thank you very much, you know who you are. It did start me thinking though, every so often we still get asked about things we miss, even after nearly 7 years. Most times it also involves food, but the good news is that your palate adapts, or you change things to suit your own tastes. When I have tried to explain this, invariably it leads to the question , "What do you eat then?" Apparently the answer, "The same as Bulgarians eat", is insufficient, as the next question is, "What do Bulgarians eat?".<br />
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For those who have never visited Bulgaria before, the cuisine on offer is wide and varied. I guess this is only to be expected, as there have been many different influences over the years, and dishes do have regional variations. For the unwary things can either be a treat or a torture. I am still wary about a roast sheep's head, complete with eyes and teeth, staring at me. It might be considered a delicacy, but for some reason my stomach rebels. I am a firm believer in trying things to see if I actually like them, and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised, but there are times when even I have to admit defeat. Yes, me, the person who has been referred to as a two legged dustbin at times. So where to start? At lot depends on, if you are eating on the go, at a restaurant, or maybe you have been lucky enough to be invited to a share a meal with Bulgarians in their home. My aim is to let you know about some of the things you might experience.<br />
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Everyone seems to know about beer and wines, and there are plenty to choose from. So let's look at some of the other things you might be tempted by. Bulgarian children seem to have been raised drinking something called Boza, even though it has a slight alcohol content. Quite often this will be drunk as an accompaniment to a Banitsa. These are a Bulgarian pastry, often filled with the famous Bulgarian white cheese (Sirene). To my mind the Banitsa is great on its own, and are available from bakeries all over the country, even better if they are homemade. The Boza is another matter, it smells and tastes slightly sour, and made me think of something that had been strained through a Tramp's old sock. It is made from wheat and heaven only knows what else. A safer bet is Ayran, which is a mixture of proper Bulgarian yoghurt and water. Don't dismiss Boza out of hand though, you might find that you enjoy it.<br />
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As a light snack you might try the meze. This is normally a selection of cold dried meats (Sudyuk, Lyukanka and Pasturma), and sometimes cheeses too. Chances are if you are with a Bulgarian, you might be offered the chance to try the National drink, Rakia. If you are in the villages it is probably homemade, and everyone is proud of their own particular brew. The homemade Rakia, can either be better than the shop bought versions, or a cross between Domestos and rocket fuel. Do not try matching your Bulgarian friend drink for drink, or you will lose a couple of days and eventually regret what seemed like a good idea at the time. Take your time with it, and enjoy the meze.<br />
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No trip to Bulgaria would be complete without trying at least one Shopska salad. I freely admit that I am not the world's greatest salad lover, but this is different. The salad vegetables are normally locally grown and packed full of taste. Not like the mass produced watery stuff, that I was familiar with in the UK. Take a look at your Shopska salad, and then look at the Bulgarian flag, Food doesn't come much more patriotic. Don't just limit yourself to just the one type of salad, try a Shepherd's salad, or a Potato Salad or even the Snezhanka salad. There are so many to choose from, and I haven't been disappointed by any of them, and if there is such a thing I used to be a saladophobe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzy9BFAg1GwqKFs5T56fAPHOHF037g-8uPyenTbgrzHhS9YUGwiw8rvTsnn7wzHjg-VJd9HIpeyCN-4CCaB0HrT0l1EgcTy6S632j5rKlX-wWq-IPFQSIWG1ww7usC0VABT3oX1Qt-Nyk/s1600/Blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzy9BFAg1GwqKFs5T56fAPHOHF037g-8uPyenTbgrzHhS9YUGwiw8rvTsnn7wzHjg-VJd9HIpeyCN-4CCaB0HrT0l1EgcTy6S632j5rKlX-wWq-IPFQSIWG1ww7usC0VABT3oX1Qt-Nyk/s200/Blog10.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you are out and about and just fancy a quick bite to eat, then just follow your nose. It will lead you to either a skara stand or a kebab stall, quite often both. From the skara stall you can get kebapche and kyufte (sausages and meatballs are the easiest way to describe them). Quite often they seem to have been a bit heavy handed with the Cumin as it can be a bit overpowering). I am quite partial to a donner kebab, and it is nothing like the Friday night specials in the UK. These are basically a meal on their own, meat, chips, salad, garlic dressing, and chilli sauce in a flatbread wrap. Or there is always the ever popular pizza, but they are always much better in a pizzeria.<br />
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In a restaurant you might fancy starting your meal with a soup. At the moment it is quite hot during the day, and many claim that a Tarator soup is quite refreshing. It is a yoghurt based soup, made with cucumbers, garlic and dill, and is served cold. To my way of thinking soups should be served hot, and a bean soup (Bop Chorba) is good in the autumn. A couple of soups I do avoid. One is a much vaunted hangover cure, this is called Skembe Chorba. It is tripe soup, and you flavour it yourself with lots of vinegar, salt, pepper and oil. Possibly not for the faint hearted, and as a hangover cure it possibly falls into the realms of kill or cure. Another I tend to avoid is Lamb soup (Agnesko Chorba), which might sound odd, but it normally has unidentified bits lurking within.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkX2dQz5RThhUjW45mLTyeQbUpDZg1lUKb2VutQReXDpZHxc4qBEuSavCT6UmI61rGWh6NajC1eHCcRqpEyWXOvLvOFLYSzk_nhUVXw_8DZmdvIXuWdMPLualvdtBcMD-UzYNt9ykEfqs/s1600/Blog14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkX2dQz5RThhUjW45mLTyeQbUpDZg1lUKb2VutQReXDpZHxc4qBEuSavCT6UmI61rGWh6NajC1eHCcRqpEyWXOvLvOFLYSzk_nhUVXw_8DZmdvIXuWdMPLualvdtBcMD-UzYNt9ykEfqs/s200/Blog14.jpg" width="200" /></a>Once the weather starts to cool down the heavier meals begin to appear. One of my favourites is something called a Kavarma, each region seems to have its own special recipe, but often it is a hearty meat and vegetable stew, which has been marinaded and slowly cooked before being served in an earthenware pot, sometimes with an egg on top. Something similar is a Gyuvech, often a vegetable stew, but can sometimes also contain meat, so it might be a good idea for any vegetarians to check first before ordering.<br />
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Something that I used to dislike is Moussaka, but I hadn't had the Bulgarian version before. This seems so much better than the Greek version, where I seem to be forever fishing out bits of Aubergine. Our neighbour often seems to cook this, and brings some over for us, which is really very nice of her. We have also been treated to fresh home made banitsas, and something called Mekitsi. These are doughnut type balls dusted with sugar, then served with jam, honey or chocolate spread. When they are ready stuffed peppers are also popular, as are something called Sarmi, stuffed cabbage leaves. When you get cabbages as big as basketballs, the leaves hold a surprising amount.<br />
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Desserts don't seem to be a big thing here, and in a restaurant your choices might often be ice cream, or palachinki. Go for the palachinki at least once. They are mid way between a pancake and a crepe, and wonderful with jam. Having said that I often don't have any room for a dessert after having eaten my fill beforehand. I think that I can safely say that I enjoy the food here, with maybe just a couple of exceptions. Hopefully you will too, if you venture to this part of the world. Try things, there are many more things to tempt you than I have mentioned, and you might be as pleasantly surprised as I have been.<br />
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Some cooking styles which you might see on a menu, decoded for you,<br />
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Baked - Изпечен<br />
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Boiled - Сварен<br />
Braised - Задушен or Запечен<br />
Fried - Пържен or Зьпържен на Тиган<br />
Grilled - на Скара or на Грил<br />
Roasted - Пекан or Запечен<br />
Simmered - сварен or на слаб огън<br />
Smoked - пушен<br />
Sour - кисел<br />
Spicy - лют<br />
Steamed - Задушен or на пара<br />
Stuffed - Пълнен<br />
Sweet - Сладък<br />
Toasted - ПрепеченAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-64497721997886057232015-07-04T15:30:00.000+03:002015-07-04T15:30:10.633+03:00Why Do I Love Bulgaria?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwx841_1ADpg9CFHpgSG-AIK8NXlvT8DKYA1I_KN7hBi6275TBaN7iFg8DOJQ4AaApuNIiOTcgHr1sIs9pD6dmaKPJfFlbdUxhSIH3mJMhmRiABlwrsU3H1n0TY6CdXiCk4ZX37GVJJW3/s1600/Blog15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwx841_1ADpg9CFHpgSG-AIK8NXlvT8DKYA1I_KN7hBi6275TBaN7iFg8DOJQ4AaApuNIiOTcgHr1sIs9pD6dmaKPJfFlbdUxhSIH3mJMhmRiABlwrsU3H1n0TY6CdXiCk4ZX37GVJJW3/s320/Blog15.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hopefully, for anyone reading these blogs, it should be apparent that I am very pro-Bulgaria. We have lived here quite happily for almost seven years now, and I am quite happy to admit that I feel more at home here than I ever did in the UK. Of course there are things that I miss, such as friends and family, but for the most part somewhere or other things from back home can be found. Some people might wonder what makes Bulgaria so special, which is slightly more difficult to explain, but I shall try. Each morning it is a pleasure waking up, and wondering what new delights and memories the day will bring.<br />
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Up until we came over here, neither my wife nor I had ever been to Bulgaria before. I could find it in an atlas, and I could recognise the word България written on stamps but that was about it. So just what has made Bulgaria so special for me? It is a combination of so many things, and there seems to be a bit of everything for people from all walks of life to enjoy. I guess that it is safe to say that this is a diverse country, and rich in so many ways (although maybe not financially). It is an old country, steeped in history, blessed by beauty, and where traditions and crafts are still observed.<br />
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Yet there are fewer than 7 million people living here. The majority live in the cities, which means that there are vast areas left to the natural countryside. There are rivers, both small and large, lakes, natural springs and pools, forested areas, and fields of crops. There are towns and villages nestled in between them all, where the air is clean, and the tranquillity is undisturbed by the sounds of modern living. It seems that slowly the flow is reversing, and people are repopulating the villages, rather than leaving them for the towns and cities. Despite the potholes in the roads, more people are finding that village life suits them, and they can actually commute into the towns for work.<br />
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Somebody, somewhere, said that a country's biggest asset is its own people. If that is true then Bulgaria is very fortunate. The Bulgarians we have been fortunate enough to meet have been so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Perhaps because the pace of life is slower here, people have the time to stop and talk. There is still a sense of community, and everyone seems to help each other, no matter what their age. Family life is still valued, but strangers (even us foreigners) are still made welcome. Just last night one of our neighbours brought over two slices of cake for us. The cake itself was lovely, but even better was the big smile on her face as she handed it over.<br />
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I will admit that at times I do struggle with the language, but it no longer sounds like Martian when I listen to it. Because we make the effort, it seems to be appreciated. Sometimes though, they might feel that our comprehension is much better than it actually is, so we have to get them to slow things down for us. The occasions where we have to resort to pantomimes, charades and gestures seem to be getting fewer and fewer. Although sometimes I'm sure they make me do them just to brighten up the day. I did try learning from books and CDs, but much of that was met by looks of bafflement, as like everywhere, each region seems to have its own accent and idioms. The best way to learn is by listening to your neighbours, and if they see that you are willing to learn they are only too willing to help. Soon your neighbours become friends, and you are then involved with their daily lives, and by extension their families too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R33lT_d4EcBqKIgNOIL-hNdlZMzeqvxbyfIekFPjAUK86wXWmotq04bxJmHCmsVxPjBfx8sHfS2U9ccU2ngcn1nzfgtMPKwEU0L4f1TEAswfEKHFOOeHuaz_MrXNb3xlLSkr6MxsoeWS/s1600/Blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R33lT_d4EcBqKIgNOIL-hNdlZMzeqvxbyfIekFPjAUK86wXWmotq04bxJmHCmsVxPjBfx8sHfS2U9ccU2ngcn1nzfgtMPKwEU0L4f1TEAswfEKHFOOeHuaz_MrXNb3xlLSkr6MxsoeWS/s200/Blog8.jpg" width="200" /></a>The food here is so much healthier for us too. Much of it is home grown, and actually tastes like food, unlike the mass produced stuff in the UK supermarkets. Those who actually know me, will remember that I do enjoy my food. It has previously been said that I can actually eat my own body weight in pizza, and yes I do have a sweet tooth. In the UK I wasn't what could be described as a salad eater, I could never really see the point of limp lettuce and watery tomatoes, but here I have been known to eat a salad on my own without pushing it round a plate hoping that it would magically disappear. There is something satisfying about eating something which you, or one of your neighbours, has grown, not to mention the added bonus of it actually tasting how it is meant to be. I still don't eat fish, but I will have a go at tucking in to most things, and in the 7 years I think that I have only had to admit defeat with 2 things.<br />
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The national drink of Bulgaria is something called Rakia, and many villagers make their own, but it is not for the faint hearted. It is often said that it can be used as a general cure all, disinfectant or even as a cleaning fluid. Bulgarian wines are also attracting more International recognition. A thirsty traveller shouldn't ignore the choice of Bulgarian beers. It is not uncommon to see people drinking beer mid morning during the Summer, but their day had probably started so much earlier than mine as they will have been working in the fields. One drink which I have never found the taste for is something called Boza, but children seem to like it. I think that I will stick to coffees at one of the numerous cafes. These are ideal places to relax, catch up on the news or just watch the world go by.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-43B5fsFWrDsFGZgWD3CkjHS-6LnlBdfmLA4EeOoIeD1LIxJKOPOWaY-3YHYYTNhuDQl12bKa8YcZm8X4znm4CZiFH7N0s5jlWwwhCmR6RoKM2yFJ1SPkfJOlUt4ggR7OlVaIEZkXCkU/s1600/Blog12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-43B5fsFWrDsFGZgWD3CkjHS-6LnlBdfmLA4EeOoIeD1LIxJKOPOWaY-3YHYYTNhuDQl12bKa8YcZm8X4znm4CZiFH7N0s5jlWwwhCmR6RoKM2yFJ1SPkfJOlUt4ggR7OlVaIEZkXCkU/s200/Blog12.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsSlIr4JB7f0HkIwMYVkgjTlS5EpWaoOXz-VGKestpLcXrHTowOkURuUde-HQlJDcCvD8zHpQj0PgWyXxyBRgU4sVnsP7LY7LS1jg2lWP8ZgICsM0yUMROZhK8qzfoVYNtwmsQrRkgf_R/s1600/Blog13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsSlIr4JB7f0HkIwMYVkgjTlS5EpWaoOXz-VGKestpLcXrHTowOkURuUde-HQlJDcCvD8zHpQj0PgWyXxyBRgU4sVnsP7LY7LS1jg2lWP8ZgICsM0yUMROZhK8qzfoVYNtwmsQrRkgf_R/s200/Blog13.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt_WYrQEmbkqY5VnManRKrElUnmpKYlQW8RyZMABlQGsADtZdXVP7BkqShTm5aVBncD3qclf2xdbim3zz6a9EioOzUJb4c6-j1UXIZz7qFTG15UEuI-pwemoAJvJh_iWel0a0uDkQR-qZ/s1600/Blog11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt_WYrQEmbkqY5VnManRKrElUnmpKYlQW8RyZMABlQGsADtZdXVP7BkqShTm5aVBncD3qclf2xdbim3zz6a9EioOzUJb4c6-j1UXIZz7qFTG15UEuI-pwemoAJvJh_iWel0a0uDkQR-qZ/s200/Blog11.jpg" width="200" /></a>As I previously mentioned, there seems to be something for everyone here. To the West, and running through the width of the country there are mountains, and foothills. To the East there is the coast and the Black Sea. The Northern border is made by the River Danube, and to the South more mountains separating Bulgaria from Greece and Turkey. Everywhere you look you can see an ever changing scenery, native wildlife, insects, birds and plants abound. The seasons are all distinct from each other, the lush greens of Spring after the chill of the Winter months. The heat of the Summer giving way to the welcome russet tones of Autumn. Small wonder that my wife likes painting this wonderful country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq2trxSYrQa-5hEkBdQDq1afwf6V6IP6zxmuY0P_0MN3fpPkTUAXJogU7NH-PwQD3t0oW8ep73w3xPUTuuk9JEf8lic8cs-sKrP8JL3v6rs1vU2e54O3Tayn_1LyjUAklIbpIiA-mxlZw/s1600/Blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq2trxSYrQa-5hEkBdQDq1afwf6V6IP6zxmuY0P_0MN3fpPkTUAXJogU7NH-PwQD3t0oW8ep73w3xPUTuuk9JEf8lic8cs-sKrP8JL3v6rs1vU2e54O3Tayn_1LyjUAklIbpIiA-mxlZw/s200/Blog9.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fbZOSZii_S2CzcrPndr61TLpDgxuqzrAfH2Tb-6fK58MHFjnL0PndkG6q2rEgWBgHvVXmkOkpD9UzN3p6UG5ryBgmmUqU3z5WHc67odbN0i-7es-VfJW8-QwKJCxq3r1llMZseLHjyLC/s1600/Blog18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fbZOSZii_S2CzcrPndr61TLpDgxuqzrAfH2Tb-6fK58MHFjnL0PndkG6q2rEgWBgHvVXmkOkpD9UzN3p6UG5ryBgmmUqU3z5WHc67odbN0i-7es-VfJW8-QwKJCxq3r1llMZseLHjyLC/s200/Blog18.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37DeA1HC_wwjCqXzwoM4SSRTlmYGM63F0312qXrqH_v__e6Ut-ujOuxmTRAYu-3Q9UH575q1s7ygHcAV7i2Qw0b12itHGrjnSCzvWb6D2ri2vN3UN3MBnOiYHRaPFvKAsxcRkz2AjbI3J/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37DeA1HC_wwjCqXzwoM4SSRTlmYGM63F0312qXrqH_v__e6Ut-ujOuxmTRAYu-3Q9UH575q1s7ygHcAV7i2Qw0b12itHGrjnSCzvWb6D2ri2vN3UN3MBnOiYHRaPFvKAsxcRkz2AjbI3J/s200/Blog.jpg" width="200" /></a>For such an old country, there is always plenty of history to immerse yourself in. With the new road systems which are being constructed, hardly a week goes by where they haven't unearthed a previously unknown necropolis, or some other wonder. Just consider that every step you take an ancient Thracian, Roman or Ottoman could have once walked before. Unfortunately this does mean that grave robbers might have been about, and that various treasures may have been smuggled out of the country. New discoveries are being made all of the time, and the earliest known cache of Thracian gold artifacts was found here in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians have every right to feel proud of their country's history. It might not always have been an easy life for those living in what is now Bulgaria, but the history has helped to make them into the people who they are today.<br />
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As a foreigner living in Bulgaria, I have to admit that my pension does go a lot further. At the moment the problems in Greece are also to my advantage. The cost of living is so much cheaper than in the UK, and perhaps this enables me to do things which an average Bulgarian can't. I try to employ locals for any work which we might need doing, and I do use the village shop and Pensioner's Club. It might not sound a lot, but every little helps the village economy. Some have tried to take advantage, but you soon get to realise who these people are. Having said that you do find such people wherever you go in the world, and your friendly neighbours will be only to happy to advise you on who to avoid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguURV8ndg8VxvtiZ5dY5O2ysvzE1EHrZs719AnAjws2-lyzFv-DyJAhd9TqAWmj4wyBG85iiZge3x1C0DhQPFy7Me_ugOuJ83hnnVyzWDW1e3SrOm-xKyF0b4X2zV8OvERE-XILgjuVwxg/s1600/Blog20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguURV8ndg8VxvtiZ5dY5O2ysvzE1EHrZs719AnAjws2-lyzFv-DyJAhd9TqAWmj4wyBG85iiZge3x1C0DhQPFy7Me_ugOuJ83hnnVyzWDW1e3SrOm-xKyF0b4X2zV8OvERE-XILgjuVwxg/s200/Blog20.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9CiXgu2wNygdH9bBP6znUktgELP-lTin8EFWheOcvLgeBOZG1ZqI_uqk41jfPLbeJD2fOUByiN0cUPIOJmsTKuXE3sWZLzltSNb8OahY8U7kswd0D4aWUwEfwrGsGnPEXyj8jvROHE9C/s1600/Blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9CiXgu2wNygdH9bBP6znUktgELP-lTin8EFWheOcvLgeBOZG1ZqI_uqk41jfPLbeJD2fOUByiN0cUPIOJmsTKuXE3sWZLzltSNb8OahY8U7kswd0D4aWUwEfwrGsGnPEXyj8jvROHE9C/s200/Blog10.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOJMeVF9D0CT8OgnVzK-KVEIZNilnq7kqIG13LdqDqRt1b6ycIUKcbEVn_gVcI4TEeMQ3P1jV-cYvnrsWwKzZZe3GoGkJuCrm9sjROu30GkX2SCtwL7bIK3iiuvKFZ2YS0qABxw_Si4GW/s1600/Blog19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOJMeVF9D0CT8OgnVzK-KVEIZNilnq7kqIG13LdqDqRt1b6ycIUKcbEVn_gVcI4TEeMQ3P1jV-cYvnrsWwKzZZe3GoGkJuCrm9sjROu30GkX2SCtwL7bIK3iiuvKFZ2YS0qABxw_Si4GW/s200/Blog19.jpg" width="200" /></a>There are also various oddities to be found in Bulgaria, such as various 'Vampire' graves which have recently been unearthed. Or there is the monument to the Bulgarian Communist Party at Buzludzha. Near to Ardino, you can find the Devil's Bridge (Дяволски мост) as it spans the River Arda. Folklore and tales can be found in all regions throughout Bulgaria, some being easier to find than others, but all well worth searching for. Sometimes it does make me wonder just how so many wonders are crammed into just one country. From the natural to the man made, there is always something to see or do here in this wonderful country. Whether it be skiing in the Winter, hiking in the Summer sunshine or just enjoying time spent with friends you can only have a quiet day in Bulgaria if you actually want one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDBq5DCYpYgwmyT2Shj6qySpseRaf300DlT7N3RYd948aVGRpPcdb4-1eA7ZKUcPhEVUMm75BX_oIF6dUDyAltDolvtVKnMa8ZA30z-cfhCDVOxq1Wl-_2SPaW6i1Iko2ax3non9-Ig4Q/s1600/Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDBq5DCYpYgwmyT2Shj6qySpseRaf300DlT7N3RYd948aVGRpPcdb4-1eA7ZKUcPhEVUMm75BX_oIF6dUDyAltDolvtVKnMa8ZA30z-cfhCDVOxq1Wl-_2SPaW6i1Iko2ax3non9-Ig4Q/s400/Blog1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this has given you a small insight why I consider myself privileged to live here. There are some things which irritate, but the pros far outweigh the cons. So if you have never been to Bulgaria before, why not give it a try? Avoid the out and out tourist destinations, meet the real Bulgarians, discover the history, enjoy the beauty, sample the local food and drink, and you will not be disappointed.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-56559161539798589032015-06-21T17:39:00.000+03:002015-06-21T17:39:32.973+03:00A Hidden Sanctuary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-0I0T7mZqg4G5-YQiY6kC5koahZgE-e371Lu4jR-uqhxr_bqqHDBRuAg-rXWACPZ8TochI9aZ-H4ywZJiYGuOZLGRqNLWadHf2M6NDSMFOLscB6BbJk4OY3GWjtgWNypJqXUMu9KRoKU/s1600/Blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-0I0T7mZqg4G5-YQiY6kC5koahZgE-e371Lu4jR-uqhxr_bqqHDBRuAg-rXWACPZ8TochI9aZ-H4ywZJiYGuOZLGRqNLWadHf2M6NDSMFOLscB6BbJk4OY3GWjtgWNypJqXUMu9KRoKU/s200/Blog2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlwBlOguaMXpr1WaXeKXYwiXzdilsG34IXnND-uVlgXo0bdfBlXKNS_grx1Jf7Pxojm3Q9A5D-KtOEfIAzEFEwV9vDw4OzWaQpNvKaeW97qnVHeWjh3WdSIlzVprS7bTAGHsXNf7W-43W/s1600/Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlwBlOguaMXpr1WaXeKXYwiXzdilsG34IXnND-uVlgXo0bdfBlXKNS_grx1Jf7Pxojm3Q9A5D-KtOEfIAzEFEwV9vDw4OzWaQpNvKaeW97qnVHeWjh3WdSIlzVprS7bTAGHsXNf7W-43W/s200/Blog1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Well here we are on the day of the Summer Solstice,the longest day of the year. It is also widely regarded as the first day of Summer. For many of us fortunate enough to live here in Bulgaria, it can also see the steady flow of friends and family coming over for visits.If these friends and family have previously visited, you might want to share something slightly more unusual with them. Maybe something slightly magical, maybe even something slightly mystical? After all, holidays are a wonderful time to gather and store lasting memories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJqLUJxA5sdyoZE8YS7MgNjHSyNfu_ytjTT-5VUv4GVCJoZvhYA3Bkeh6dHoIc7Bdp6x935_Jze3Q1JqHT02hM54cDBJvAbo5gft9BCJQm8zOzUsFfvcvSnFM1rK3fC-Zd6PbCSJV6Rtd/s1600/Stonehenge_on_27.01.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJqLUJxA5sdyoZE8YS7MgNjHSyNfu_ytjTT-5VUv4GVCJoZvhYA3Bkeh6dHoIc7Bdp6x935_Jze3Q1JqHT02hM54cDBJvAbo5gft9BCJQm8zOzUsFfvcvSnFM1rK3fC-Zd6PbCSJV6Rtd/s320/Stonehenge_on_27.01.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Perhaps something like the mystical wonder of Stonehenge? I consider myself lucky enough to be of an age when Stonehenge wasn't ringed by fences. You used to be able to wander between the stones themselves, and I distantly remember that there used to be a photograph of me, with my Grandparents,and I was sat on the altar stone. Nowadays it is a much more popular destination, so to preserve it for future generations the fencing was installed. Unfortunately that means that apart from special occasions you can't get up close to the stones,and so people miss out on sensing the mystical aura surrounding these stones. Wouldn't it be ideal if there was something similar which could be enjoyed in the Bulgarian sunshine, rather than the dampness of Salisbury Plains?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXEmHIzp3Pevo0C1TVFkWd1jXaV-hp5esOPhV7udqXXPAHZ8hOWVLMaFhaym2w2JZaxXDL5jK9WS0JOwmOTtsK8R7Rk_pbebAop03fl25uTcuquz2UiM93FbGPxB-OLWViGstgc9eMSPv/s1600/Blog+BeglikTash+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXEmHIzp3Pevo0C1TVFkWd1jXaV-hp5esOPhV7udqXXPAHZ8hOWVLMaFhaym2w2JZaxXDL5jK9WS0JOwmOTtsK8R7Rk_pbebAop03fl25uTcuquz2UiM93FbGPxB-OLWViGstgc9eMSPv/s200/Blog+BeglikTash+4.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn-eSOtfVBXSC5eH5u-XtmQGh4YAEOzlvxXiS7FLKkre7E-Zk9xZQimH4rIXrJUqLvlGCcOUB3PcAwjZnkgGN-K0VUYwts_xyR9cAc_-yiYGCC5-qfMHqeJmy-uG8YOWwKYii4SLuVPBF/s1600/Blog+Beglik+Tash+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn-eSOtfVBXSC5eH5u-XtmQGh4YAEOzlvxXiS7FLKkre7E-Zk9xZQimH4rIXrJUqLvlGCcOUB3PcAwjZnkgGN-K0VUYwts_xyR9cAc_-yiYGCC5-qfMHqeJmy-uG8YOWwKYii4SLuVPBF/s200/Blog+Beglik+Tash+3.png" width="197" /></a>If you find yourself on the Black Sea coast near to Burgas, I might have a solution for you.It is a place known as Beglik Tash,and lies between Burgas and Primorsko (15 minutes drive), on the Maslen Cape. It was only rediscovered in 2003, when trees were being cleared in the area, as more trees were cleared the size and importance of the site gradually became clearer. Now as an open air museum, it is maintained by the Burgas Regional Museum and the Burgas Historical Society.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnTM8MDQQdScf_RJIQRCmdx281g7voYSpSatPtYBlBFkhie-289uVwJIzelm-6R2fwWp-8qDoz0tVCYzPPgCmqKP_k3M0MCkXuOeVgnaj84CyLVO3EdUVO_STTnioSgZ_MXVvZBUF4bKq/s1600/Blog+BeglikTash+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnTM8MDQQdScf_RJIQRCmdx281g7voYSpSatPtYBlBFkhie-289uVwJIzelm-6R2fwWp-8qDoz0tVCYzPPgCmqKP_k3M0MCkXuOeVgnaj84CyLVO3EdUVO_STTnioSgZ_MXVvZBUF4bKq/s320/Blog+BeglikTash+5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
There are sign posts directing you to a small dirt car park, but from there you have a walk through the trees to reach the site. So sensible footwear is recommended. It is situated on a wide meadow, within the woods. As there is a boggy area fairly close by, the various biting insects are normally out in force, so insect repellent is advisable unless you fancy being on the menu for an extended family of mosquitoes, gnats, midges and deer flies. Watch where you put your feet and hands, as it is not unusual to see various reptiles basking.<br />
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The rocks and boulders are volcanic in origin, and are formed from hardened magma. The volcano erupted about the same time that Dinosaurs roamed the Earth, in what is called the Mesozoic Era, so it has been extinct for a good few years. Even though the elements have rounded and softened the rocks, the larger megaliths still have traces of the original carvings. Beglik Tash is widely regarded as the oldest Thracian megalithic sanctuary found in South Eastern Bulgaria. With more than a third of Bulgaria still covered by forests there is no telling what other mysteries remain to be discovered.<br />
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It is thought that it was used for about 1000 years, from the 14th Century BC, until the 4th Century AD. The area was settled by a Thracian tribe called the Skirmiani. Various finds have indicated that this site was used by the Thracians in the worship of the Mother Goddess, or fertility. The site was used both ritualistically and sacrificially. The total area is spread over about 6 hectares, with the main sanctuary comprising the large central area, with two smaller areas off of this. The large stones were worked on site, and positioned by hand. On some of the flatter rocks you will see water channels, circular holes and even large footprints.<br />
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The remains of a labyrinth can also be seen, such as the slit pictured opposite. Some locals claim that the site has mystical powers, which are to do with the temple dedicated to Orpheus.It was said that the music and singing of Orpheus could charm the birds, fish and wild beasts, and also coax the trees and rocks to dance. Perhaps this might explain some of the positions you will see the rocks in.<br />
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Some of the highlights you will see include 'The Throne', from where the Thracian high priest would conduct the various ceremonies. Then there is 'The Marital Bed', a large central stone surrounded rocks, with various carved pits which were possibly used during rituals, so maybe it was even the sacrificial altar. There is a 'Sacred Cave' formed by rocks, and symbolises the womb of Mother Earth. Another highlight popular with tourists, is the sun clock. There is normally a guide available, or you can choose to do your own thing. Either way you can soak up the mystical energies from this amazing place. Unlike Stonehenge you can still wander through, over and under the stones. Hopefully this has piqued your curiosity, and you will take the time to search out this place, as it is slightly off of the beaten track.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-31782385499386583182015-06-13T00:48:00.000+03:002015-06-13T00:48:16.916+03:00There and Back Again Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLfX2ZC88-iNe6ahORVDPyZcIm1SWOYQxCWuc1Zsprwldx2ylx48ohhYYbL6zC6wPDHfUyPymFdf8EdM5l3CyI2R2QeMpvZ2mgi2laGG9Bg3Ydb0dIZpG8DT4zFVhDUP4fNfm04e0HdrF/s1600/Blog9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLfX2ZC88-iNe6ahORVDPyZcIm1SWOYQxCWuc1Zsprwldx2ylx48ohhYYbL6zC6wPDHfUyPymFdf8EdM5l3CyI2R2QeMpvZ2mgi2laGG9Bg3Ydb0dIZpG8DT4zFVhDUP4fNfm04e0HdrF/s320/Blog9.png" width="320" /></a>Once upon a time I used to drive backwards and forwards to Sofia airport. That was until someone suggested getting one of the regular buses, which can save a lot of potential hassle. Even something as simple as that can cause logistical problems when you have a temperamental car. The first thing was to sort out the bus tickets, so that meant a trip over the hill into VT. Now as luck would have it my better half was booked into the hairdressers, so rather than me hanging around I thought that would be an ideal time to kill two birds with one stone. So I went off in search of a taxi driver. As luck would have it he spoke a little English too. So not only was I able to get the required bus tickets, but I was also able to arrange an early morning pick up. I know that I could have booked the tickets online, but I prefer to actually have them in my grubby little hands. Parking in VT isn't ideal at the best of times, so we thought a better solution would be to park in Gorna, and then get the taxi over the hill again. A couple of days before the trip I phoned the taxi driver just to confirm the arrangements, so if you ever get to read this many thanks Paco.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4o_XHYtt8116i5xM968uAZF5CQottyIF17XkVudaBJjRZ_5YsZhznzkWIMYoqsay8zlpiRO7iv42MLk3Qjj44JnveZ-g06eJoWV6L2BiE4DuaIXqv904M8l5QOv3k4gw5tc1xWiR6VCi/s1600/Blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4o_XHYtt8116i5xM968uAZF5CQottyIF17XkVudaBJjRZ_5YsZhznzkWIMYoqsay8zlpiRO7iv42MLk3Qjj44JnveZ-g06eJoWV6L2BiE4DuaIXqv904M8l5QOv3k4gw5tc1xWiR6VCi/s200/Blog5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Come the day of the races, or the airport trip, it was an early start. It was so early that even the alarm clocks for the crickets and frogs hadn't woken them up yet. The dogs and cats weren't very impressed at their early wake up calls either, but an early breakfast and they forgot all about it. So with the menagerie sorted out, we had time for a last minute check of things, and that all important coffee. Those that live out here will be aware of the bit of weather that we have been having recently, thunderstorms and a bit of wind. Out here in the back of beyond that often means we get fog early in the morning, so we thought that it might be prudent to leave slightly earlier than planned.<br />
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It turned out to be quite a wise move, as not only did we have fog, but the wind had also brought branches down in the road. The car did behave itself though, until I had almost reached my planned parking area. Only then did she throw a wobbly and decide to have a tantrum. I have no idea what is wrong with it, the mechanic has had the diagnostic thingie on it and he is none the wiser. Filters have been changed, the tank has been emptied and cleaned, the fuel pump has been changed, various sensors also changed. If we let her cool down she is fine so it is something temperature related. The most important thing was that we got to where we wanted to be. Paco picked us up just as the dawn was breaking, and took us to the bus stop. The little cafe was just opening, which was fortunate as they also have loos there. Always an important consideration, even if they could have benefited from an air freshener or three. Another coffee was in order to try and dispel memories of the aromatic facilities. The old lady behind the counter was a lovely person, and seemed a little surprised that two half asleep Brits could mumble almost coherently in Bulgarian with her. She even wanted all of my change.<br />
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Even while we were stood outside drinking our coffees, waiting for the bus, we were chatting with a young Bulgarian woman in a mixture of languages. It turned out that she had been working as a Nanny not that far from where I grew up. Not only is it a small world, but it seems to be shrinking. Unlike last time, this didn't seem to be the quiet bus, which was lucky for the driver as he spent the whole trip nattering with his mate. The sun was rising in the sky, and the day was warming up, and the fog was turning to mist before disappearing totally. Meanwhile the temperature in the bus was getting warmer and warmer. How nice of him to have the heating on so that we all arrived in Sofia part cooked, but he did get us there slightly early. The usual taxi hawkers were there inside the bus station, and we had a choice, we could either attempt the Metro system or get a taxi to the airport.<br />
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The taxi was the better idea as we didn't know how long the journey would take on the Metro, and looking at the traffic it seemed to be rush hour. The taxi driver we had must have been a retired racing driver, as every space between cars ahead was a challenge. Or perhaps he used to work on the dodgem cars at an old fair ground. Eventually we arrived at the correct terminal, if I hadn't pointed out he was lining up to take us to the wrong one, we could have been treated to the grand tour. With my good lady wife safely checked in and through passport control and customs, I now had the journey back to look forward to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G0-c4AgiN308jDehHJDRMqBw56S0iv6BXvi1IyC_7hWS1Z1bFqcLYtmIX1D-UJnXc-WuiruXy1hRHgGbMLiTzq66Q0tZNB3fpy27T96nVhpd_7D83Sgx0voim3WaSfTgK5d0ubUy2g8Z/s1600/Blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G0-c4AgiN308jDehHJDRMqBw56S0iv6BXvi1IyC_7hWS1Z1bFqcLYtmIX1D-UJnXc-WuiruXy1hRHgGbMLiTzq66Q0tZNB3fpy27T96nVhpd_7D83Sgx0voim3WaSfTgK5d0ubUy2g8Z/s320/Blog7.jpg" width="145" /></a>Earlier this year I wrote a blog about using the Metro as an alternative option for getting to and from the airport, and now was my chance to try out my own information. The first thing that I had to do was find the shuttle bus, did it leave from the arrivals or departure area? I eventually noticed it, as it was leaving from the departure terminal bit. It had been cunningly concealed behind some form of press interview/scrum which was taking place. There now seems to be extra bollards all over the place, preventing a lot of vehicular access, so where the marked bay should be it might not be able to get to it now. Not to be outdone I thought that I would once again take my life in my hands and get a taxi round to terminal 2. If you get one of the OK Supertrans taxis from outside the terminal they will charge you a flat rate of 10 Leva to go between terminals. I didn't mind as I was on a mission, and it also gave me a chance to try something new. The good thing was that I wasn't tied by time, so I could have waited for the next shuttle bus. However terminal 2 held the promise of coffee and loos, probably in that order of priority, so a taxi it was. At least this taxi driver didn't think that he was Ayrton Senna reincarnated, as the trip between terminals was rather sedate compared to the earlier journey. <br />
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The first thing that struck me was how clean the Metro station looked. The second thing was the drunk man slumped against the wall being spoken to by the Police, perhaps the world's underground stations are a natural habitat for them. The lady in the kiosk was pleasant and helpful when I got my ticket. So ticket in hand I went round the corner to get onto the platform. There are automatic barriers which you have to use your ticket to pass through, so once I fed the right end in the gates opened and i was on the platform. Everything was clearly laid out, with an information board indicating I only had to wait 4 minutes for the next train. It was on time, clean and only suffering from a couple of bits of internal graffiti, which made a pleasant change from London's underground. At the moment there are only the 2 underground lines M1 and M2, with plans for a 3rd in the near future.<br />
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Even on the train you get plenty of information about which station you are arriving at, and which station will be next. They even tell you if you need to change trains. All done in both Bulgarian and English, which is very helpful when you have been awake since daft o'clock. At Serdika station I had to change to get onto the M2 line. That wasn't that clear until I noticed people scuttling away to the side of the stairs, and then I noticed a sign saying M2. Down a few stairs to the main concourse above the platforms. There are lifts there for anyone with heavy suitcases or slight mobility problems. On the concourse you are faced with a choice of platforms, one says to Lozenets and the other to Obelya. I could see a map down at the platform level so I headed for the busiest platform which was the Lozenets one. I was still trying to decipher the map when the train arrived. So following the masses I got on it, and you've guessed it, it was the wrong direction. So I got off at the next station, the Palace of Culture (NDK), and got on the next train going in the right direction. Three stops later and I was at the Central Railway Station. Then it was just a case of following the exit signs, they even point you towards the Central Bus Station too.<br />
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Into the bus station to buy a ticket back to VT and then outside to wait for the next bus, to take me on the next leg of my round trip. The bus journey itself was fairly uneventful, apart from the fact that I was getting pretty knackered by then. I think I must have been suffering from nodding dog syndrome, or my neck had suddenly been made from elastic. I couldn't even focus on my book. I did try to sleep, but I'm sure that every time I was just about to nod off the driver went through a ploughed field, or the wheels resembled the old threepenny bits (which some of us are old enough to remember).<br />
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Back into VT and I was in dire need of another coffee. I even used the facilities again which would be enough to wake a narcoleptic from their slumbers. Fortunately I remembered to hold my breath. Another taxi back over the hill to the car, which was conveniently parked in the shade, so everything had cooled down and stayed cool. A little bit of shopping and it was time for the final leg of the journey, and home. The only problem being that the roads had heated up during the day, and the air was very humid as though another thunderstorm was approaching. I stopped halfway home to let the engine cool, but when the clouds began to gather and darken I decided to push on. As sure as eggs are eggs, with the first rumble of thunder the car threw another wobbly. So there was nothing to do apart from wait until things had cooled down enough to actually get me home. As luck would have it I was home, and had packed the shopping away, and sorted the animals out before the heavens opened once more. One day we will actually discover what is causing this problem with the car, but it only happens during the summer. Thank heavens for buses, taxis, and the Metro.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-32817253172890379422015-05-25T17:48:00.000+03:002015-07-21T23:30:21.222+03:00Mysterious Bulgaria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bulgaria is an old country, and as you might expect it is rich in history, traditions and folklore. They are all around you, from the major cities to the smallest of villages, and sometimes where you least expect. Through writing these blogs, I often do plenty of research, which might surprise some. All too often I have to admit that I do get sidetracked, when one little gem or another piques my curiosity. Sometimes these get filed away for use another day, then others are only ever a paragraph maybe two if I am lucky. Some of you reading this might never have been to Bulgaria, but I consider myself lucky enough to actually live here, and I get to see and do so much which might otherwise have eluded me.<br />
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Take for example the Trakia Highway (named after the historical region of Thrace), also known as route A1. It links Sofia and Burgas, via Plovdiv. Possibly not much of interest there you might think, but you would be surprised. If you travel from Sofia, after about 55km you will pass through a tunnel known as the Gate of Trajan tunnel (Тунел Траянови врата). You might wonder why it has such a name, but in days gone by the old roads and tracks passed through a mountain pass as it followed part of the course of the River Yavoritza. This pass was of strategic importance as it was one of the few means of getting between the lowlands of Sofia and the Upper Trakia valley.<br />
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As such it has been well guarded by whoever was in control of that area, from the times of the Thracians. It wasn't until the times of the Romans that a permanent fortress was built, to house a garrison to guard this important pass. Many believe that it was on the orders of the Emperor Trajan himself, and originally it was called Stipon. Today the remains of this fortress can still be seen. These remains are on a hill overlooking the pass, some 600 metres from the tunnel. The ruins are quite small, some 60 metres by 40 metres, but plenty of the stone and brick walls can be seen. You can imagine the guard towers looming over the pass, and the many rooms held within the fortress, It wasn't until the mid 1970s for any real archeological excavations to take place. Various surprises were found, for example a tunnel was discovered just inside the gate area, leading down to the river. So the Romans had an 'easy' means of water supply, and this tunnel would have been constructed at the same time as the fortress itself. There is always something to be said for planning ahead.<br />
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Perhaps the best known battle for the pass happened during medieval times. This happened between the Byzantine army of Emperor Basil II, and Bulgarian forces led by Tsar Samuil. It effectively prevented any further incursions through the pass into the West of Bulgaria. Effectively the Byzantine forces were routed during the battle of 17th August 986. For 7 years Bulgarian forces held the pass against repeated attacks. Move ahead 500 years or so, and the winter of 1443/4 saw Wladyslaw III of Poland lead his crusaders against the Ottoman Empire. He reached the 'Gates of Trajan' in his initial campaign, but realising the difficulty in capturing this pass the following year he moved his forces through the Northern part of Bulgaria. Then during the war of Independance (1877/8) Ottoman forces dug trenches in the area, as they prepared to face a decisive battle against the Russian army. Maybe it was because of panic, or at least disorganisation, the Ottoman forces withdrew to Pazardzhik before the battle began.<br />
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Being a main route through the mountains, this area was often plagued by bandits. During the Byzantine and Ottoman occupations even the garrisons stationed there failed to control them. A few local villages (Klissura and Vetren) were given partial tax exemption during the Ottoman occupation, in the hope that they would prove more successful in preventing these attacks by the bandits. Nothing really worked, and people began to make a detour through Momin Prohod, Kostenetz and Belovo. Effectively abandoning the pass to the bandits. However, that is not the end of the interesting things that I have learnt about this area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3O9eCGuGGK0iJqxBbmpoIPQMp5_HmLNgzJxdT1rsqdPLHpzavp0ZDs5KGPv6gKaM6YgtZ5xluCF1PA6yWBWJ2BztA65ax2v0PSeksXybLxDscAi9lM5B-blsTTQU1TF0e1pzMLltqcZE/s1600/Blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3O9eCGuGGK0iJqxBbmpoIPQMp5_HmLNgzJxdT1rsqdPLHpzavp0ZDs5KGPv6gKaM6YgtZ5xluCF1PA6yWBWJ2BztA65ax2v0PSeksXybLxDscAi9lM5B-blsTTQU1TF0e1pzMLltqcZE/s200/Blog2.jpg" width="174" /></a>In the years before the archeological excavations began, the villagers of Gorno Varshilo and Dolno Varshilo would pass by the ruins as they took their produce to the city markets. As dusk began to fall, any villagers near the fortress remains began to hear strange hissing noises. Villagers the whole world over are quite a superstitious bunch, and soon they began to believe that they were hearing Samovilas, or Samodivas. These are beings from Bulgarian and Romanian folklore. The Romanians refer to them as Lele's.<br />
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These beings are said to inhabit the mountains and forested areas, and are of an unearthly beauty. They have the power to bring drought, burn crops and give livestock a high fever. When angered they can fly and fling fire at enemies. Somewhat similar to the Harpies of Greek myths. They have a hostile and dangerous attitude towards people, but any man who gazed on a Samovila would become obsessed by her beauty, and chase her relentlessly. Women faced with such beauty would kill themselves. Fortunately these creatures are nocturnal, but any villager passing near the 'Gates of Trajan' was always very careful to not offend these beings. After the excavations the odd noises and hissing stopped. Many think that a partially blocked tunnel was to blame, with the change in air pressure as the day cooled.<br />
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For any further reading about this area you could always try this book by Miho Chervenkov about the City Kostenetz and the surrounding area. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-17558754618708855872015-05-07T18:15:00.000+03:002015-05-07T18:15:33.295+03:00Village Sounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I always used to think that village life would be quiet and peaceful. However, the longer that we have lived here, the less I find that that is the case. You just have to stop and listen, and you will soon hear that it is not quite as quiet as you might imagine. I am not complaining, as the majority of sounds are made by nature, rather than by mankind. If you will bear with me I will take you through an average day, starting with the sun just rising. As we are in a rural setting we have plenty of woodland and lakes surrounding us, so the village is a constant hive of activity for bird life amongst other things. Now that the weather is warming up, each day is greeted with the dawn chorus, rather than the birds being huddled up in their nests, coughing and sneezing.<br />
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It doesn't take long for the various Cockerels to start crowing, and as soon as one starts another one tries to outdo it. They carry on throughout the day, as they try and keep an eye on their gaggle of hens. Then there are the various Geese, Ducks and Turkeys which have also been roused into wakefulness. Occasionally you can also hear the odd Pheasant or two, coughing away at the edges of the village. The villagers are soon up and about, sorting out their livestock, and getting children ready to meet the school bus. The children must still be half asleep as I never hear them first thing in the morning. Dogs soon begin to appear on the village streets, I can only assume that they belong to people as come the evening they have all disappeared again.<br />
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The morning continues to warm up, and goats and sheep are taken to the shepherds who then take these larger flocks out to various bits of pasture. I am always amazed when they return, as they all know where they live once they get back into the village. People just stand at their gates to hold them open as their animals return. There are no barking dogs, no shouting, just the gentle clanking and clonking of various bells. Every so often one adventurous goat might take a fancy to a choice bit of vegetation, but a stern "Haide" and they are off to catch the others up on their return journey home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwXkuovjP8JSbGlGWj5Xz_2joxf6OcD80S11q_ni8uyerf3b4UFkuj6nPwe1tK6vOfYa7CrXb0BJgGxKbsaWiWUvSh_M3nkqw2iO-AvYeCIJG757KpGr-8LFeQl_AVqFPZyGpDXXp3gn6/s1600/Blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwXkuovjP8JSbGlGWj5Xz_2joxf6OcD80S11q_ni8uyerf3b4UFkuj6nPwe1tK6vOfYa7CrXb0BJgGxKbsaWiWUvSh_M3nkqw2iO-AvYeCIJG757KpGr-8LFeQl_AVqFPZyGpDXXp3gn6/s200/Blog3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Once the livestock, and children, have been sorted out people can then start on their own daily bits and pieces. More often than not this will involve tending their gardens. So above the hum and drone of bees visiting flower beds and blossom, you might hear the odd word or two or a radio being played. What we do often hear though are two shy visitors. Every so often you might see a flash of yellow flying between trees, this will be the Golden Oriole, but it has a very melodic call. The other is the Cuckoo, definitely not so melodic, but always a pleasure to hear, even if it is bad at telling the time. Whoever heard of 27 o'clock? Some villagers don't seem to have a working volume control, and any conversation is carried out at one level, loud. I am sure that these could hold a conversation between them selves from one end of the village to the other.<br />
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If there is work to be done in the fields, old asthmatic tractors are fired up and off they chug. There are a couple of newer ones, but the old faithfuls do keep going, even if they do look like they are held together with bits of wire and recycled bits. Nothing seems to be wasted, even if it can no longer be used for its intended purpose, it will be given a new lease of life when it becomes incorporated into something else. Eventually even old tractors have to die, but some of their parts still live on. There always seems to be someone tinkering away, elbow deep in the guts of an old tractor. So rather than everything having a use, it seems as though everything has a multitude of uses, it all depends on how far along the timescale it has got. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLLD4D28zoXDs49aG2Y38r5K8ML6NvrxUfgdLYK5-7o_TvJbuWBTgb3DYt3PZ_0qtqm8aIDeqi1gseoX_vvXD5ZU6mhavVmOoQ6I89HDWsqVYetzqNCY11GL5nOoFNtaydfjQUai0_p3P/s1600/Blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLLD4D28zoXDs49aG2Y38r5K8ML6NvrxUfgdLYK5-7o_TvJbuWBTgb3DYt3PZ_0qtqm8aIDeqi1gseoX_vvXD5ZU6mhavVmOoQ6I89HDWsqVYetzqNCY11GL5nOoFNtaydfjQUai0_p3P/s200/Blog6.jpg" width="200" /></a>We often get wood lorries growling their way through the village. Many appear to be ex-military, and have definitely seen better days. Like the old tractors they keep on going, often only on a wing and a prayer. Then there are the recycled rotavators, which will putter along, towing a trailer. It might be quicker to walk, but in the Summer heat no one wants to rush anywhere. The quietest time in the village seems to be between 1 and 4 in the afternoon, which coincides with the hottest part of the day. We are often sat up under the barn then, reading and just letting the sounds of nature wash over us. <br />
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Life seems to pick up a notch with the imminent return of the school bus. Parents and Grandparents go to meet the youngsters, and take the opportunity to sit and have a natter and catch up with each other. Pretty much the same the world over, although what happened in EastEnders, Coronation Street, or Britain's Got Talent might not feature highly on the list of village interests. Its nice to hear the children playing, laughing and shouting when they get off of the bus. At least here children are allowed to be children, and once they have done their chores they are allowed out to play again. They seem to do whatever homework they have in the early evening, before turning in for the night.<br />
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As the sun sinks lower on the horizon the chorus of Blackbirds, Starlings and Sparrows picks up from where it left off in the morning. The Swifts, Swallows and Martins do their bit for mankind by eating as many mosquitoes, gnats and midges that they can before calling it a night. The fading light doesn't mean that there is a cessation of noise however. It just gets passed on to something else. Often I seem to be followed by a cloud of whining, biting bugs as I finish off watering the garden, so there are the slaps accompanied by vaguely muttered swear words. We also get a Jay which sits up in one of the Walnut trees laughing at me, if I get my hands on it it won't be laughing any more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLV_JFSKWWQ7fJWldr3QS_oGriz1dnmIUQq77nF1dN286T3oJwkI2bqXDVde57uEFsmX8b0wLmkt1t4CIMHMS4NCZGwZtx4zrK1WCWL8kV0r1jszfWsJPDDl28dVaSTPBI8FGyrCKXv1D/s1600/Blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLV_JFSKWWQ7fJWldr3QS_oGriz1dnmIUQq77nF1dN286T3oJwkI2bqXDVde57uEFsmX8b0wLmkt1t4CIMHMS4NCZGwZtx4zrK1WCWL8kV0r1jszfWsJPDDl28dVaSTPBI8FGyrCKXv1D/s200/Blog7.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBdKow4OOUi92BKhWUDvbtfojPFih8nuZZzaI-M5_4lfl2yKHAKBTsEPjIu6HqhZ0GRIs9Xxbbr1kh06ZlB1X-rQ_HeZkdzqnsax3yibpfwz0zhHoKsTGLXQoTyoPjfznu_AqsDbS3He3/s1600/Blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBdKow4OOUi92BKhWUDvbtfojPFih8nuZZzaI-M5_4lfl2yKHAKBTsEPjIu6HqhZ0GRIs9Xxbbr1kh06ZlB1X-rQ_HeZkdzqnsax3yibpfwz0zhHoKsTGLXQoTyoPjfznu_AqsDbS3He3/s200/Blog8.jpg" width="200" /></a>The warmer weather has woken up a numerous amount of field crickets, much to the cats enjoyment as they seem to feel that they need to be hunted. From the remaining crickets there is that constant chirruping in the background. In a few weeks time they will be joined by the tree frogs. Sometimes it sounds almost tropical living here, thankfully we don't have quite so many nasty beasties living here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4vZIJMi-6tvIorM9KBHCOPIUC7DXEuoI9ogUE7a6oA_ptcVSarSmpw8e0G2nWPsZ6NT5mSRR59lbwAdTpSE2hZdxbOEkWwUpESBe2rsz9M-r-AgyNyPi46pUENq2rcw2oGz9yAceTBR3/s1600/Blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4vZIJMi-6tvIorM9KBHCOPIUC7DXEuoI9ogUE7a6oA_ptcVSarSmpw8e0G2nWPsZ6NT5mSRR59lbwAdTpSE2hZdxbOEkWwUpESBe2rsz9M-r-AgyNyPi46pUENq2rcw2oGz9yAceTBR3/s200/Blog10.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6BTjajt4-N9mRRa-HOAa-34yK2zXed1XbrCZ7iVdYNldRFSJ5tYiB0Q8hjZMaOSFoLY3BN7WNcq3ORUVZj8LHR4RdW6dlkC64mPea-cNzOY7ZSSThCxq9wW4xhY2gYI3xHBVhTszZvXI/s1600/Blog16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6BTjajt4-N9mRRa-HOAa-34yK2zXed1XbrCZ7iVdYNldRFSJ5tYiB0Q8hjZMaOSFoLY3BN7WNcq3ORUVZj8LHR4RdW6dlkC64mPea-cNzOY7ZSSThCxq9wW4xhY2gYI3xHBVhTszZvXI/s200/Blog16.jpg" width="200" /></a>After having eaten their fill of crickets our cats seem full of energy, and will play fight between themselves. Heaven help any strange cat which dares to venture into their garden, as they will gang up on it and have a full on scrap. The cats fighting will even drown out the sound of the local frog and toad population. From around the lakes, and beside the stream they can be heard, croaking, booming and chuckling. This will carry on throughout the night, and at times it sounds like a constant hum, similar to what you used to hear if you stood beneath a power pylon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQDG8Kw4XyV1iNDq8HyWBAfmROUZFzAlkXx69UdM-qfbEcbOXPRXYKUgweAhDcW09od8wZUdtIP6cq3etDPwOydlXKTRTQt-0BrOinAIb6Tl6l6VwWylKodkjimdk-wZS-kGZR2G9fhaF/s1600/Blog15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQDG8Kw4XyV1iNDq8HyWBAfmROUZFzAlkXx69UdM-qfbEcbOXPRXYKUgweAhDcW09od8wZUdtIP6cq3etDPwOydlXKTRTQt-0BrOinAIb6Tl6l6VwWylKodkjimdk-wZS-kGZR2G9fhaF/s200/Blog15.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oAUTjqAE1EPCOdBq84QY_gewTta34D_sjnMaQDQW29xBWpxJ8UURr7zf93vOQPqMEPFQKCW5Q9fasFHMuHqbEA7k0SZFGpuhzpCCu-RoCheRqSVDq0sSDXhNfI7IOjoC5cPwhHkSg7p/s1600/Blog11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oAUTjqAE1EPCOdBq84QY_gewTta34D_sjnMaQDQW29xBWpxJ8UURr7zf93vOQPqMEPFQKCW5Q9fasFHMuHqbEA7k0SZFGpuhzpCCu-RoCheRqSVDq0sSDXhNfI7IOjoC5cPwhHkSg7p/s200/Blog11.jpg" width="200" /></a>Finally, you can lull yourself off to sleep by listening to various Bats, Owls and Nightingales. During the Spring and Autumn we sometimes hear Foxes having a nose round the village. It is easy to trace their path, as the sound of village dogs barking follows them. Then in the Winter there are the Jackals up in the woods, the colder the Winter the closer they will come to the village.<br />
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Maybe with Paisii being in a small valley up on top of the hills, sounds might be a little more enclosed and tend to echo a little, but if you listen it is always full of life. This village life certainly might not be as quiet as I once imagined it, but I wouldn't want to swap it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-71002190625481184082015-04-12T23:04:00.001+03:002015-04-12T23:04:05.422+03:00April Uprising 1876<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMNT6815N20QAT18Jxdie3gh0L6kUyMYCn9xSChd-xEvlGXPCZs1fUMsuhGuPHlmd8LUq7HLMnYlDlCGJqEHl-QC2VGZ53l_l0Zdki7hnVpxugTECXl649TKcWxJ4aV8yvKMCrfb_O2ur/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMNT6815N20QAT18Jxdie3gh0L6kUyMYCn9xSChd-xEvlGXPCZs1fUMsuhGuPHlmd8LUq7HLMnYlDlCGJqEHl-QC2VGZ53l_l0Zdki7hnVpxugTECXl649TKcWxJ4aV8yvKMCrfb_O2ur/s1600/Blog.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>As we are now in April, there seems no better time than now to write about the April uprising (Априлското въстание) of 1876. At a meeting of the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, held in November of 1875, it was decided that the time was right to start preparing for a general uprising. To that effect Bulgaria was divided up into five revolutionary districts. These were centred in Vratsa, Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, Plovdiv and Sofia. However the revolutionary committees of Sofia proved ineffective. To combat this the centre for region IV was moved from Plovdiv to Panagyurishte, so that both regions could be overseen from there.<br />
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Somehow the Ottoman rulers got wind of a meeting of the sub-committees within the 4th district, and the Ottoman police arrested the leader of the Koprivshtitsa local revolutionary committee, Todor Kableshkov. Armed rebels attacked and surrounded the police headquarters, where Kableshkov was being held effecting his release. This led to the rebellion being proclaimed two weeks ahead of schedule, and soon the rebellion spread throughout the Sredna Gora region, and various other towns and villages within the north-western Rhodopes. Kableshkov is claimed to have sent a letter to the headquarters of the 4th Revolutionary council, proclaiming the revolt. He signed the letter in the blood of the slain Ottoman governor, hence it is often referred to as the 'Bloody Letter'.<br />
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Since the plans were made for the uprising, villagers throughout the regions were building up stockpiles of arms and ammunition. These included wooden cannon, which were made from cherry and elm wood bound by iron. As it would be impractical for the 4th district to foment rebellion throughout the whole area, it was passed on down to sub-committees to charge trusted citizens to undertake this task. So rather than using a broad brush to paint the picture I shall focus on one area. That area is Bratsigovo, as that played quite a significant part in these uprisings. In this town a local man, Vasil Angelov Petleshkov, was given the task of coordinating the rebellion in that area, by Georgi Benkovski the head of region IV. But who was this man, in whom such trust had been placed? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJdnKqCb1BDP8S8DHvzkpAKgmCF4eOXZ9qT-8q_wgWNgRclDxLXd4WfQjeRGMVgkcRL27bJQS4p8Qy3JbG3H4OjHCHHGp5KcIie0lWMBkMcDHux967_Cwzud8pNf-Noe5b2ttBbx4vA68/s1600/Blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJdnKqCb1BDP8S8DHvzkpAKgmCF4eOXZ9qT-8q_wgWNgRclDxLXd4WfQjeRGMVgkcRL27bJQS4p8Qy3JbG3H4OjHCHHGp5KcIie0lWMBkMcDHux967_Cwzud8pNf-Noe5b2ttBbx4vA68/s1600/Blog8.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
He was born in Bratsigovo on January 14th 1845, and was the son of Catherine and Nayden Velchev. Unfortunately his father died while he was still very young, and so his mother Catherine remarried. She married another local man, called Angel Petleshkov, who adopted the young boy. Young Vasil travelled to Constantinople, or what is now known as Istanbul, to study as a Pharmacist. On qualifying he returned to Bratsigovo, where he worked tirelessly for the cultural advancement of the local population. In 1874 he founded the local library and community centre, 'Trandafil', and he became its chairman. It was during this time that he devoted himself to help free the struggling population from oppression.<br />
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Once news of the revolt reached Panagyurishte, he made straight for Bratsigovo, and announced that the long awaited rebellion had begun. The villagers armed themselves and set about guarding the approach roads to the town. They successfully repelled several skirmishes by Ottoman troops and irregulars. Bravely they fought against insurmountable odds, aware that they couldn't hope for any help from outside. They could only rely on themselves and their families. Elsewhere the rebellion was being put down with unwarranted savagery, most notably in Batak, but still they fought. For almost a week they lasted, inflicting casualties on their oppressors, but such victories were short lived.<br />
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Enemy numbers were increasing, and on the 16th day they overwhelmed the town's defences. Vasil spent several days in hiding as enemy forces tried to capture the rebellion leaders. Many claim that it was Vasil's step-father who gave up his step-son's hiding place to the Ottomans. Whether that is true or not has faded into history, perhaps it was simply to prevent any more bloodshed. Being a pharmacist Vasil managed to take poison before he was captured. Unfortunately it wasn't fast acting, and he had to endure a cruel torture at the hands of the Ottomans.<br />
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He was taken to the edge of the town where his body was tied to a stake, which was placed between two fires. These fires were then lit. Still the poison hadn't fully acted on him. As the fires were fanned, and burning hotter and hotter, he spoke his final words, "I am alone, there are no others. I led, I commanded. Look for no others." He died on may 8th 1876. His body was later found in meadows outside of the town, he had also been bayoneted several times.<br />
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How successful was the April Uprising? For one thing it did highlight, to the Western world, the atrocities that the Ottomans had used to suppress the rebellion. In short maybe this helped to focus public opinion from outside, which in turn maybe they saw the forced removal of the Ottoman yoke as a justifiable act. Would this understanding have happened were it not for the sacrifices that such men made throughout Bulgarian history? One good thing that I have found is that Bulgarians do not lightly forget their national heroes. Their lives live on through history lessons taught in schools, roads, stadia and schools are proudly named after them, and their statues can be found all over the country. Their houses are preserved as museums, and some even make it on to stamps.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120425757145578048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-440648666454011295.post-24978918040700586742015-04-02T19:58:00.000+03:002015-04-02T19:58:38.086+03:00Going Underground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A quick look at the calendar shows that we are now in April, it is so easy to lose track of the days here in Bulgaria. Which means that Baba Marta has packed her bags for another year. The Storks are back, there is blossom on the fruit trees and daffodils are nodding their heads in the gardens. I think that we can say that Spring is definitely here, and as we all know following Spring we have the long awaited Summer. Summer is also the time when families come out to stay in Bulgaria. Not only that, those of us living here also start to get itchy feet, and start to plan our own Summer getaways. Some will choose to explore different parts of Bulgaria, whereas others will have their sights set further afield. Whether it be family coming into Sofia, or yourselves leaving from there, the common link is the airport.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi_1t_nBjjZ-C6bYc2YuQfKjpRR3Dr_6PRzltXUC99ToKmHRj1cyx2Z_r7YrQXV8AP1v4sgKRX6Z1Lp67Bx5T98memMTz9pWK04JKqQNw3YsxZQrgVNpEZXPuoQmcyMMnpSTw0FoXSgZ5/s1600/Sofia+central+bus+station1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi_1t_nBjjZ-C6bYc2YuQfKjpRR3Dr_6PRzltXUC99ToKmHRj1cyx2Z_r7YrQXV8AP1v4sgKRX6Z1Lp67Bx5T98memMTz9pWK04JKqQNw3YsxZQrgVNpEZXPuoQmcyMMnpSTw0FoXSgZ5/s1600/Sofia+central+bus+station1.png" height="97" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGtqDQn2zqfGIPhYTsIfdSdLizGhru-t4H83qudMPzlkM5NCXPyLv8MzJIzZ1ilueOCAaxpyb5Vfv0ltxVwnvLZ2yMQRn0jTMfCvu6Sgh0Cre5oe1wZTYDSLnywqp1aF86OzAHRFlXMgZ/s1600/Sofia+Central+Railway+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGtqDQn2zqfGIPhYTsIfdSdLizGhru-t4H83qudMPzlkM5NCXPyLv8MzJIzZ1ilueOCAaxpyb5Vfv0ltxVwnvLZ2yMQRn0jTMfCvu6Sgh0Cre5oe1wZTYDSLnywqp1aF86OzAHRFlXMgZ/s1600/Sofia+Central+Railway+Station.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>So let us take those flying out, as for anyone flying in this hopefully handy guide will operate back to front. Many choose not to drive and leave their cars in the long stay car parks at the airport. This tends to give them one of two options to get to Sofia, either by train, or by bus. Fortunately the Central Bus and Railway stations stand almost side by side on Knyaginya Marie Louise Blvd, not that far from the Lions Bridge. Previously, to get from either place out to the airport, involved dealing with taxi drivers and their somewhat erratic tariff schemes, which in some cases cost the unwitting 100 Leva. As of today, April 2nd, there is another option, as the Metro line out to the airport has opened, and the price of a ticket in 1 Lev, for anywhere on the Metro.<br />
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As is always the case with something new, there are going to be people worried about how to use the thing, but hopefully this blog will help as I haven't found anything in English yet. So first of all, if you have arrived in Sofia's Central Bus Station you need to wander over to the Central Railway Station, but please remember to watch out for buses and taxis. Especially the taxis, as they know where you are going, and you are one fare less for them. Once you have safely reached the Railway Station you will need to find the Metro, so look for the big blue M above a blue chevron. Tickets can be bought at the ticketing desks or from machines. The Metro is underground, so you will need to go down steps, at the moment I don't know about disabled access, but if in doubt ask.<br />
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You won't be surprised to learn that this station is called Central Railway Station (Централна Гара) and is on Line 2 (that's the blue line for you and me). The airport is on Line 1 (the red one), so you will need to change platforms. The station where you do this is the main interconnecting point for the Metro lines, and is called Serdika (Сердика), and is only about 4 minutes journey. With it being the main Metro interchange there will be a bit of a traipse through tunnels to get you to the Line 1 (the red one remember), so try not to get yourself lost. Once on the Line 1 platform look around and see if you see others there with suitcases, if they are on the other platform to you then chances are you are on the wrong one. Keep an eye on the notice board for train arrivals, you want to go to the airport (Летище Софиа) and not out to the Business Park (Бизнес Парк Софиа).<br />
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It used to take about 20 minutes to get as far as the old line ended at IEC - Tsarigradsko Shose (ИЕЦ - Цариградско Шосе), but now you have another 4 stops to go. It might be cheaper than a taxi, but if time is important for checking in then maybe its not such a good option. So almost an hour after starting at the main Railway Station you arrive outside Terminal 2 of the airport. I daresay that in time the service might quicken up, but at the moment that is definitely something to take into account when planning journey times. The Metro station isn't even connected to the terminal, so you still have a bit more walking to do, although it is only a couple of hundred metres. Maybe not so bad in the summer, but possibly not so pleasant in the winter, or when it is persisting down.<br />
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That is OK for those who want to be at Terminal 2, but what about those who want Terminal 1, the old terminal. Look outside the front of the Terminal building and you will see a marked area for a FREE transfer between terminals. If you see a vehicle there all well and good, if not then you might have to wait half an hour for the next one. So all told it could take you about an hour and a half to get from the main Railway Station to your check-in at Terminal 1. The return journey, or for family coming out the time constraints might not be quite so important, unlike your flight out or their return journey. The Metro runs from 5 in the morning until midnight, and the FREE inter terminal link runs from 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening. The return journey is the reverse of the outward trip, but if you do decide to use the Metro keep in mind that it does get busy during the rush hours. Hopefully this blog might help, or at least it may give a bit more of an insight until more information becomes available.<br />
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