Sofia sits at the foot of Massif Vitosha moutain and is the capital city of Bulgaria.
Sofia has a population of just over 1.2 million and is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe as it dates back to the 8th century BC. Like the rest of Bulgaria, Sofia is steeped in history, which can be seen at various places throughout the city.
The rivers Iskar, Perlovska and Vladayska cut through the city at various points and Sofia is also known for the many mineral and thermal springs.
To other Bulgarians people who live in Sofia and it's surrounding area are known as Shoppe.
While the population is in a decline in Bulgaria, the population of Sofia is growing due to people from the poorer regions coming to the capital looking for work.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
The Madara Horseman
Rising from the plains below the Madara plateau is a sight to behold. The Madara plateau has been a sacred place since early man and still stands as a place of interest due to the huge mural of a horseman that is carved high into te cliff face.
Due to the test of time the Madara horseman has become badly eroded but when you stand at the foot of the cliff it is an awesome sight to behold. We know the Madara horseman is at least 1300 years old but the exact date still remains a mystery.
The Madara horseman does carry one clue to it's age by the faded Greek writing found next to it which commemorates the military victory by Khan Tervel (Son of the great Bulgarian Khan Asparuh) in 705AD.
Does this monument celebrate the triumph of the Proto-Bulgarians...the ancestors of todays Bulgarians?
Due to the test of time the Madara horseman has become badly eroded but when you stand at the foot of the cliff it is an awesome sight to behold. We know the Madara horseman is at least 1300 years old but the exact date still remains a mystery.
The Madara horseman does carry one clue to it's age by the faded Greek writing found next to it which commemorates the military victory by Khan Tervel (Son of the great Bulgarian Khan Asparuh) in 705AD.
Does this monument celebrate the triumph of the Proto-Bulgarians...the ancestors of todays Bulgarians?
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Pazardzhik - Bulgarian Town
The population of Pazardzhik is roughly 82,000
Pazardzhik was founded in 1485 as a market settlement and is situated not far from Plovdiv on the banks of the Maritza river. While being a town younger in age Pazardzhik has been the administrative centre for the region since the early 19th century.
Pazardzhik has 2 very important landmarks which set this town apart from most in the region, one is the clock tower that is seen as a symbol of Pazardzhik and another is the church of Theotokos that was built in 1837. The church of Theotokos is a national monument and has been made famous by it's woodcarving and architecture. Today the church preserves icons by the master artists of Bulgaria of new and old testaments including those by Stanislav Dospevski
Pazardzhik was founded in 1485 as a market settlement and is situated not far from Plovdiv on the banks of the Maritza river. While being a town younger in age Pazardzhik has been the administrative centre for the region since the early 19th century.
Pazardzhik has 2 very important landmarks which set this town apart from most in the region, one is the clock tower that is seen as a symbol of Pazardzhik and another is the church of Theotokos that was built in 1837. The church of Theotokos is a national monument and has been made famous by it's woodcarving and architecture. Today the church preserves icons by the master artists of Bulgaria of new and old testaments including those by Stanislav Dospevski
Monday, September 04, 2006
Bean salad
Bean Salad is one of my favourite salads and is so easy to make that you can have a salad in a matter of seconds, alot of students make this salad in Bulgaria because it is also very cheap to make.
To make bean salad you need the following ingredients
Beans of choice (I prefer butter or haricot beans) , an Onion, Parsley and oil
Put the beans in a bowl, chop the onion finely into small pieces, cut the parsley leaves into small pieces (you can use the stalk too but this has a stronger flavour), add the parsley and onion to the bowl, add vegetable or olive oil to the salad and mix.
Now you have a great bean salad to have as a starter or to have with a main course.
To make bean salad you need the following ingredients
Beans of choice (I prefer butter or haricot beans) , an Onion, Parsley and oil
Put the beans in a bowl, chop the onion finely into small pieces, cut the parsley leaves into small pieces (you can use the stalk too but this has a stronger flavour), add the parsley and onion to the bowl, add vegetable or olive oil to the salad and mix.
Now you have a great bean salad to have as a starter or to have with a main course.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sizzling heat in Bulgaria
Today has become the hottest day for 2006 with temperatures reaching a sizzling 42 degrees, the hottest areas of Bulgaria today are Sandanski, Petrich, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora. The city of Plovdiv broke it's own records today as temperature topped 39 degrees which is an all time high for the second largest city in Bulgaria.
The hottest temperature since records began in Bulgaria was 45.2 degrees and this was in 1916.
I was in Plovdiv only 2 months ago when the temperature then reached 36 degrees, most people do not realise how warm Bulgaria can get during the summer months with August being the hottest month.
The hottest temperature since records began in Bulgaria was 45.2 degrees and this was in 1916.
I was in Plovdiv only 2 months ago when the temperature then reached 36 degrees, most people do not realise how warm Bulgaria can get during the summer months with August being the hottest month.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Bulgarian National Anthem
The Bulgarian national anthem was written in 1885 by Tsvetan Radoslavov, a Bulgarian student who was just about to leave for the Serbo - Bulgarian war. The Bulgarian national anthem is called Mila Rodino which translates as Dear Motherland.
Below is the Bulgarian national anthem translated into English
Stately old mountain,
next to it the Danube blue,
shining upon Trakiya,
the sun burns over Pirin. (area of the Rhodope mountains)
Chorus-
Dear motherland,
you are paradise on earth,
your beauty and your charm,
ah, they have no bounds.
Countless fighters gave their lives for our beloved people.
Mother, give us manly strength to carry on their course.
To listen to the Bulgarian National Anthem Click Here (Download is from BBC.co.uk and opens in Real Player)
Below is the Bulgarian national anthem translated into English
Stately old mountain,
next to it the Danube blue,
shining upon Trakiya,
the sun burns over Pirin. (area of the Rhodope mountains)
Chorus-
Dear motherland,
you are paradise on earth,
your beauty and your charm,
ah, they have no bounds.
Countless fighters gave their lives for our beloved people.
Mother, give us manly strength to carry on their course.
To listen to the Bulgarian National Anthem Click Here (Download is from BBC.co.uk and opens in Real Player)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Montana in Bulgaria
Montana is a small town in north west Bulgaria and is situated on the river Ogosta.
Montana is an old town dating back to what is believed to be Thracian times although first real records show it was a Roman town which the Romans gave great importance for the region. The Romans at the time buit a fortress above the town on top of a hill for protection.
Since 1878, the year of Bulgaria's liberation the town of Montana has increased dramatically in population, in 1878 the population were only 750 inhabitants (of which 600 were Turkish), today Montana has a population of roughly 50,000.
Montana is a recent name for the town, the town became known as Montana in 1993 after a presidential decree.
Montana has changed names many times through out history as can be seen below
Municipio Montanensium - Romans (BC)
Kutlovitsa - Slavs
Ferdinand - 1890 Bulgarians upon liberation
Hristo Mihaylov - 1945 Communists, after a Red party activist
Mihaylovgrad - 1946
Montana - 1993 till today
Montana is an old town dating back to what is believed to be Thracian times although first real records show it was a Roman town which the Romans gave great importance for the region. The Romans at the time buit a fortress above the town on top of a hill for protection.
Since 1878, the year of Bulgaria's liberation the town of Montana has increased dramatically in population, in 1878 the population were only 750 inhabitants (of which 600 were Turkish), today Montana has a population of roughly 50,000.
Montana is a recent name for the town, the town became known as Montana in 1993 after a presidential decree.
Montana has changed names many times through out history as can be seen below
Municipio Montanensium - Romans (BC)
Kutlovitsa - Slavs
Ferdinand - 1890 Bulgarians upon liberation
Hristo Mihaylov - 1945 Communists, after a Red party activist
Mihaylovgrad - 1946
Montana - 1993 till today
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Bulgarian mobile telephone networks
There were only 2 mobile phone operators in Bulgaria but a recent third addition has been added.
The 3 mobile phone operators in Bulgaria are
Mtel
Globul
Vivatel
Mtel is owned by Telekom Austria and has 3.6 million users which makes it the largest telephone operator in Bulgaria
The second largest is Globul who have 2.5 million users and is owned by OTE (the national telephone operator of Greece)
The third largest and the newest addition to the mobile telephone operators in Bulgaria is Vivatel and they have 300,000 users and are owned by Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC)
The 3 mobile phone operators in Bulgaria are
Mtel
Globul
Vivatel
Mtel is owned by Telekom Austria and has 3.6 million users which makes it the largest telephone operator in Bulgaria
The second largest is Globul who have 2.5 million users and is owned by OTE (the national telephone operator of Greece)
The third largest and the newest addition to the mobile telephone operators in Bulgaria is Vivatel and they have 300,000 users and are owned by Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Bulgarian Weather
Bulgaria has the best of both worlds when it comes to tourism due to it's weather, in the summer it can reach upto 45 degrees while in the winter it can be as cold as -20 degrees. Because of these extremes Bulgaria has a wonderful hot summer and also a cold, snowy winter which makes for great skiing. Bulgaria is such a diverse land full of wonder and the weather adds to this too, I have been in Bulgaria when snow is REALLY deep and other times when the sun is scorching, this is what has made Bulgaria such an up and coming place for tourism.
Bulgaria is such a wonderful country and I love it so much
Bulgaria is such a wonderful country and I love it so much
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Shopska Salata
Shopska is a traditional Bulgarian salad , it's name originates from the word Shopi that is the name for peasants who live in the Sofia region of Bulgaria.
Shopska salad is another tasty Bulgarian dish that is quite easy to make and is also very good for you.
To make Shopska you need the following ingredients
3-4 Tomatoes, Cucumber, 4-5 peppers, an onion and 150 grams of Sirene, a brined cheese (you can only get Sirene in Bulgaria so you can change this for Feta cheese), parsley, sunflower oil, vinegar and salt.
Bake then peel the peppers, cutting them into small pieces, dice the cucumber, onion and tomatoes, mix in a bowl with salt, oil and vinegar then serve with finely chopped parsley and grated cheese on top.
Shopska salad is another tasty Bulgarian dish that is quite easy to make and is also very good for you.
To make Shopska you need the following ingredients
3-4 Tomatoes, Cucumber, 4-5 peppers, an onion and 150 grams of Sirene, a brined cheese (you can only get Sirene in Bulgaria so you can change this for Feta cheese), parsley, sunflower oil, vinegar and salt.
Bake then peel the peppers, cutting them into small pieces, dice the cucumber, onion and tomatoes, mix in a bowl with salt, oil and vinegar then serve with finely chopped parsley and grated cheese on top.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Bulgarian Cuisine
I LOVE Bulgarian food, it tastes great and some of it is so simple to make and it is good for you too.
For the next few days I will post different Bulgarian recipes that are easy to make and taste great, this way you can have a little piece of Bulgaria in your home and maybe surprise your family and friends with your culinary skills.
The first recipe is for Tarator, Tarator is on the EU list of national dishes for Bulgaria.
Tarator
Tarator is a cold dish that Bulgarians drink in the summer time as it's a great dish to have while sitting out in the sun. Tarator is eaten like a soup but you would class it more as a salad.
Ingredients for Tarator - Feeds 4 or more
One cucumber, pot of natural yoghurt (500 ml), garlic cloves or fennel leaves, walnuts, salt, vegetabel oil and vinegar.
Making Tarator
Grate the cucumber
Dilute the Yoghurt with water (2 parts water to 3 parts yoghurt) - You can adjust to your own taste
If you have chosen garlic then grate the garlic cloves / if you chose fennel leaves cut them into small lengths of about one centimetre
Crush your walnuts into small pieces (not too small)
Mix all your ingredients together in the bowl and add the salt, vinegar and oil to your taste.
Now you have made Tarator, serve as a starter to a main meal or as a salad.
My favourite way of making Tarator is using fennel leaves instead of garlic and I tend not to use oil and only add a pinch of salt and drop of vinegar.
For the next few days I will post different Bulgarian recipes that are easy to make and taste great, this way you can have a little piece of Bulgaria in your home and maybe surprise your family and friends with your culinary skills.
The first recipe is for Tarator, Tarator is on the EU list of national dishes for Bulgaria.
Tarator
Tarator is a cold dish that Bulgarians drink in the summer time as it's a great dish to have while sitting out in the sun. Tarator is eaten like a soup but you would class it more as a salad.
Ingredients for Tarator - Feeds 4 or more
One cucumber, pot of natural yoghurt (500 ml), garlic cloves or fennel leaves, walnuts, salt, vegetabel oil and vinegar.
Making Tarator
Grate the cucumber
Dilute the Yoghurt with water (2 parts water to 3 parts yoghurt) - You can adjust to your own taste
If you have chosen garlic then grate the garlic cloves / if you chose fennel leaves cut them into small lengths of about one centimetre
Crush your walnuts into small pieces (not too small)
Mix all your ingredients together in the bowl and add the salt, vinegar and oil to your taste.
Now you have made Tarator, serve as a starter to a main meal or as a salad.
My favourite way of making Tarator is using fennel leaves instead of garlic and I tend not to use oil and only add a pinch of salt and drop of vinegar.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
News on the grapevine
Guess what.....from September the 1st 2006 it is reported that UK citizens will not require a visa to enter Bulgaria. Currently UK citizens can only enter Bulgaria for 30 days every 6 months, from the 1st September British nationals will be able to stay in Bulgaria visa free for 90 days in every 6 months.
These regulations are to bring Bulgaria a step closer to meeting EU standards. I had to shout this from the roof tops as this affects me greatly due to my constant travels to Bulgaria with my wife, although now we are married I may be able to get a more permanent visa.
These regulations are to bring Bulgaria a step closer to meeting EU standards. I had to shout this from the roof tops as this affects me greatly due to my constant travels to Bulgaria with my wife, although now we are married I may be able to get a more permanent visa.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
The capital of Bulgaria.... Sofia
Sofia is situated in the west of Bulgaria and has a population of 1.25 million and is the main economic region in Bulgaria. As the financial hub of Bulgaria, Sofia is the home of the Bulgarian National Bank, Bulgarian stock exchange and the Bulgarian parliament.
Sofia has a history dating back to the 7th century BC, the first settlers were the Thracian Serdi tribe who named the city Serdica. Today, like most of Bulgaria, Sofia is full of archeological sites that make a historians wet dream.
Sofia has many sites of architectural interest, from Thracian and Roman buildings to more modern day Russian...where ever you go in Sofia you are sure to see buildings that catch your eye for the beauty and structure. There are many wonderful churches, universities, The old royal printing office, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and many other amazing buildings.
If you visit Bulgaria, you will probably land at the airport in Sofia, if this is the case try and spend a day or two in the Capital and I can guarantee you will not regret it.
Sofia has a history dating back to the 7th century BC, the first settlers were the Thracian Serdi tribe who named the city Serdica. Today, like most of Bulgaria, Sofia is full of archeological sites that make a historians wet dream.
Sofia has many sites of architectural interest, from Thracian and Roman buildings to more modern day Russian...where ever you go in Sofia you are sure to see buildings that catch your eye for the beauty and structure. There are many wonderful churches, universities, The old royal printing office, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and many other amazing buildings.
If you visit Bulgaria, you will probably land at the airport in Sofia, if this is the case try and spend a day or two in the Capital and I can guarantee you will not regret it.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Map of Bulgaria
Bulgaria geographical fact file
Geographic coordinates
43 00 N, 25 00 E
Area
Total: 110,910 square kilometres
Land: 110,550 square kilometres
Sea: 360 square kilometres
Bulgaria is roughly the size of the American state of Tennessee
Land Boundaries
Total: 1808 kilometres
Border countries: Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Assenovgrad a Bulgarian Town
Assenovgrad:
Population 52,000 inhabitnats
Assenovgrad is a town some 19 kilometres from the city of Plovdiv that is steeped in history, has the sacred Bachkovo Monastery close by and dates back to the Thracian period. Assenovgrad is situated in the foothills of the Rhodope mountains and is cut into two halves by the Assenitsa river.
The Assenova fortress which is a historical monument that is mentioned during the History of Bulgaria as the home of the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Asen II is situated only two kilometres from Assenovgrad and dates back to the Thracian period.
Today assenovgrad is known as the "Town of brides" due to the large amount of Wedding gown makers and retailers in the Town, in Bulgaria Assenovgrad has become very famous for this one reason and also for it's wine production.
When I married my wife we visited Assenovgrad and had her wedding dress made there and I can say the quality was second to none and the prices were amazing.
Population 52,000 inhabitnats
Assenovgrad is a town some 19 kilometres from the city of Plovdiv that is steeped in history, has the sacred Bachkovo Monastery close by and dates back to the Thracian period. Assenovgrad is situated in the foothills of the Rhodope mountains and is cut into two halves by the Assenitsa river.
The Assenova fortress which is a historical monument that is mentioned during the History of Bulgaria as the home of the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Asen II is situated only two kilometres from Assenovgrad and dates back to the Thracian period.
Today assenovgrad is known as the "Town of brides" due to the large amount of Wedding gown makers and retailers in the Town, in Bulgaria Assenovgrad has become very famous for this one reason and also for it's wine production.
When I married my wife we visited Assenovgrad and had her wedding dress made there and I can say the quality was second to none and the prices were amazing.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Famous Bulgarians
Below is a list of famous Bulgarians and the reasons why
Khan Asparukh - Born in the first half 7th century AD
Son of Khan Khubrat and Founder of what is Bulgaria today
Vasil Levski - 1837-1873
Leader of the national revolutionary movement against the Ottoman empire for Bulgaria's liberation
Georgi Ivanov - 1940 -
First Bulgarian Cosmonaut
Veselin Topalov - 1975-Present
FIDE World Chess Champion
Hristo Stoitchkov
World famous footballer in the 1990's and captain of the Bulgarian national team
Khan Asparukh - Born in the first half 7th century AD
Son of Khan Khubrat and Founder of what is Bulgaria today
Vasil Levski - 1837-1873
Leader of the national revolutionary movement against the Ottoman empire for Bulgaria's liberation
Georgi Ivanov - 1940 -
First Bulgarian Cosmonaut
Veselin Topalov - 1975-Present
FIDE World Chess Champion
Hristo Stoitchkov
World famous footballer in the 1990's and captain of the Bulgarian national team
Thursday, July 27, 2006
My Personal Bulgarian Experiences
I wanted to talk today about my own personal Bulgarian experiences, I love Bulgaria dearly, my heart lays deep within this beautiful country I have come to call my home (even though I'm in England). My wife is Bulgarian and we met on my first visit to this wonderful country in 2004, my love not only lays with the country but with the amazing people who live in Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian people are so hospitable and friendly, even though they don't have the money of you and I, they will always do what ever they can to make you feel welcome into their home. I have made many wonderful friends in Bulgaria and miss them all very much, they have become my best friends, even the ones who don't speak English when my Bulgarian was not so good we still managed to enjoy each others company.
The country is full of beautiful, untouched landscapes that would not look out of place in a pre human film. With mountains, natural springs, many rivers, grasslands and forests.
The traditions are the most wonderful I have eever seen, full of history and also a great way of seeing how the amazin people of Bulgaria share some great moments together with loved ones.
I wish to live in this great country one day, if the possibility arises (money always plays a part in these things).
The Bulgarian people are so hospitable and friendly, even though they don't have the money of you and I, they will always do what ever they can to make you feel welcome into their home. I have made many wonderful friends in Bulgaria and miss them all very much, they have become my best friends, even the ones who don't speak English when my Bulgarian was not so good we still managed to enjoy each others company.
The country is full of beautiful, untouched landscapes that would not look out of place in a pre human film. With mountains, natural springs, many rivers, grasslands and forests.
The traditions are the most wonderful I have eever seen, full of history and also a great way of seeing how the amazin people of Bulgaria share some great moments together with loved ones.
I wish to live in this great country one day, if the possibility arises (money always plays a part in these things).
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Bulgaria is backwards
Bulgaria has many ways that are the total opposite to many other countries, why this is I do not know but it is quite interesting to see.
For example
In Bulgaria it is tradition to where your wedding bands on your right hand, although it is the same finger.
Bulgarians nod for NO and shake their heads for YES.
For example
In Bulgaria it is tradition to where your wedding bands on your right hand, although it is the same finger.
Bulgarians nod for NO and shake their heads for YES.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Traditional Bulgarian dance - The Horo
The horo is a traditional Bulgarian dance were everyone holds the hands or belts of someone next to them, form a line or circle and dances to traditional Bulgarian folk music.
The dances are normally made of a group of steps, an example would be stepping to the right three times (1+2+3) then kicking with your left leg then kicking with your right leg and stepping 3 times again while holding your neighbours hands.
The horo can be performed as a slow dance or a fast dance and sometimes you will find it can be a mix of slow and fast dancing in one song which is very enjoyable.
I danced many different horo on my wedding day which is a tradition. First I danced outside the block of my wifes family before going to the church, then when we got to our reception we started the first horo (of many).
If you have never watched or joined in a horo, I can tell you it is an enjoyable sight and dance to behold.
The dances are normally made of a group of steps, an example would be stepping to the right three times (1+2+3) then kicking with your left leg then kicking with your right leg and stepping 3 times again while holding your neighbours hands.
The horo can be performed as a slow dance or a fast dance and sometimes you will find it can be a mix of slow and fast dancing in one song which is very enjoyable.
I danced many different horo on my wedding day which is a tradition. First I danced outside the block of my wifes family before going to the church, then when we got to our reception we started the first horo (of many).
If you have never watched or joined in a horo, I can tell you it is an enjoyable sight and dance to behold.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Martenitzi - The beginning of Spring
This is a Bulgarian tradition dating back as far as 681 AD, the tradition starts on the 1st March as it is the start of spring time.
The tradition is that on the 1st March every year the Bulgarian people give white and red tassles (martenitzi) to each other that they wear round their wrists. The martenitza (singular for martenitzi) are worn round the wrist until the person wearing it sees a stork or until they see the first blossom on a fruit tree.
Once the wearer has removed the martenitza after seeing a stork or the first blossom of a fruit tree they will tie it round a branch of a fruit tree which will then bring health and luck to the tree, hopefully meaning it will have a bumper crop that year.
Because this tradition is followed by most of the population, at the end of march you can see many trees with hundreds of martenitzi tied round the branches and it is a beautiful sight to behold, not only for the vision but for the years of tradition associated with it.
The tradition is that on the 1st March every year the Bulgarian people give white and red tassles (martenitzi) to each other that they wear round their wrists. The martenitza (singular for martenitzi) are worn round the wrist until the person wearing it sees a stork or until they see the first blossom on a fruit tree.
Once the wearer has removed the martenitza after seeing a stork or the first blossom of a fruit tree they will tie it round a branch of a fruit tree which will then bring health and luck to the tree, hopefully meaning it will have a bumper crop that year.
Because this tradition is followed by most of the population, at the end of march you can see many trees with hundreds of martenitzi tied round the branches and it is a beautiful sight to behold, not only for the vision but for the years of tradition associated with it.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Leaders of Bulgaria
Bulgaria have a President and a Prime Minister.
Bulgarian President - Currently Georgi Purvanov
The Bulgarian President are elected every 5 years ad can serve with one re-election (meaning the President can serve for a total of 10 years).
As a President of Bulgaria the President serves as the head of state and the commander in chief of the Bulgarian armed forces.
Bulgarian Prime Minister - Sergey Stanishev
The Bulgarian Prime Minister is nominated by the ruling parliamentary group and is given a mandate by the President to form a cabinet
Bulgarian President - Currently Georgi Purvanov
The Bulgarian President are elected every 5 years ad can serve with one re-election (meaning the President can serve for a total of 10 years).
As a President of Bulgaria the President serves as the head of state and the commander in chief of the Bulgarian armed forces.
Bulgarian Prime Minister - Sergey Stanishev
The Bulgarian Prime Minister is nominated by the ruling parliamentary group and is given a mandate by the President to form a cabinet
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Bulgarian MEZE
I spoke briefly about meze in a previous post but thought I would explain more in detail about this great traditional snack. Meze is a selection of small dishes which are eaten with alcohol like Rakia or Bira (Bulgarian for beer), almost like a little buffet or appetizers.
You can find Meze in different countries from Serbia to Lebanon, although they are called by different names in some of these countries.
The Bulgarian Meze can be cheese, meat (normally sausages of different varieties), Egg with herbs on them, gherkins, salads and many other different varieties of foods. The main Meze that is eaten is Sirene which is a Bulgarian white cheese similar to Feta but with a different, smooth taste and sausages like Lukanka and Elena which are different meats mixed with various spices like red pepper, salt, cumin and garlic then left to dry for a few weeks.
It can also depend on what drink you are having to what meze you may eat, according to my father in law certain meze compliment certain drinks.
You can find Meze in different countries from Serbia to Lebanon, although they are called by different names in some of these countries.
The Bulgarian Meze can be cheese, meat (normally sausages of different varieties), Egg with herbs on them, gherkins, salads and many other different varieties of foods. The main Meze that is eaten is Sirene which is a Bulgarian white cheese similar to Feta but with a different, smooth taste and sausages like Lukanka and Elena which are different meats mixed with various spices like red pepper, salt, cumin and garlic then left to dry for a few weeks.
It can also depend on what drink you are having to what meze you may eat, according to my father in law certain meze compliment certain drinks.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Religion in Bulgaria
The main religion in Bulgaria is Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity, it is believed that over 83% of the Bulgarian population are members of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria are held in high regard, many of the Bulgarian monasteries hold many significant religous artifacts like the Bachkovo monastery near Assenovgrad that holds the ashes of many Saints and a piece of the Cross that Christ was crucified on.
I have been Christianed as a Bulgarian Orthodox Christian and was married in an Orthodox Church, I must say the churches are beautiful places to be, they are full of icons and burning candles (the candles are lit in prayer for a loved one).
The Bulgarian priests have a full beard and have to be married before becoming a priest, only the monks residing in Bulgarian monasteries sacrifice the right to marriage in Bulgaria.
When the Bulgarian priests recite from the Bible they more or less chant with a compelling, beautiful sound.
Below you can see a picture of my Christianing, I am holding the candle.
I have been Christianed as a Bulgarian Orthodox Christian and was married in an Orthodox Church, I must say the churches are beautiful places to be, they are full of icons and burning candles (the candles are lit in prayer for a loved one).
The Bulgarian priests have a full beard and have to be married before becoming a priest, only the monks residing in Bulgarian monasteries sacrifice the right to marriage in Bulgaria.
When the Bulgarian priests recite from the Bible they more or less chant with a compelling, beautiful sound.
Below you can see a picture of my Christianing, I am holding the candle.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bulgarian Natural Springs
Bulgaria is abundant in hot isothermal water springs, there are well over 1600 springs ranging in temperates of 10 to 100 degrees centigrade. The water coming from the springs is clear and so well preserved from oxidants that you can actually drink it straight from the ground (some of you may not believe this, but I have drank water straight from the springs at the Bachkovo Monastery near Assenovgrad).
The isothermal water springs in Bulgaria are believed to be a great source of medicine against many illnesses such as cardiovascular, metabolic and those of the central nervous system although there is no scientific proof to approve or disprove these claims.
There are many mineral water companies who use the water from springs to bottle and sell to the public, the two mineral water companies I know of are Gorna Bania and Bankya. The water is probably the best water I have ever drank.
The isothermal water springs in Bulgaria are believed to be a great source of medicine against many illnesses such as cardiovascular, metabolic and those of the central nervous system although there is no scientific proof to approve or disprove these claims.
There are many mineral water companies who use the water from springs to bottle and sell to the public, the two mineral water companies I know of are Gorna Bania and Bankya. The water is probably the best water I have ever drank.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
CHALGA - Bulgarian Music :o)
Chalga is a popular musci in Bulgaria, it originates from old Bulgarian folk music and is often classed as the Bulgarian pop music.
I love Chalga music and listen to it alot, one thing I can say is the Chalga "scene" in Bulgaria is extremely commercially expoited and the singers are all medically enhanced by one way or another (shouldn't that be two ways hehe), there is even one such singer called Azis a male who cross dresses to an outrageous level and has enhanced lips...and if you heard his music you would love it.
Most Chalga songs are about love, losing love, finding love, making love, everythnig about love.
Where ever you go in Bulgaria (besides the really small villages) you are sure to here Chalga music blaring out from a cafe or someones car, it seems to be the most followed music in Bulgaria and I for one agree it should be.
Chalga is number one :o)
It seems strange that in the communist era Chalga music was frowned upon because it was deemed to have no real place in a modern socialist state.
I love Chalga music and listen to it alot, one thing I can say is the Chalga "scene" in Bulgaria is extremely commercially expoited and the singers are all medically enhanced by one way or another (shouldn't that be two ways hehe), there is even one such singer called Azis a male who cross dresses to an outrageous level and has enhanced lips...and if you heard his music you would love it.
Most Chalga songs are about love, losing love, finding love, making love, everythnig about love.
Where ever you go in Bulgaria (besides the really small villages) you are sure to here Chalga music blaring out from a cafe or someones car, it seems to be the most followed music in Bulgaria and I for one agree it should be.
Chalga is number one :o)
It seems strange that in the communist era Chalga music was frowned upon because it was deemed to have no real place in a modern socialist state.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Bulgarian Currency - The Lev
Count 100 stotinki and you get a Lev, the Lev is the currency of Bulgaria and is issued by the Bulgarian National Bank.
The current Lev has been in existence since early 1999 when the government passed a package of laws to regulate the currency. The old Lev was changed at a ratio of 1,000:1 (one thousand old lev = one current lev), the Bulgarian National Bank distributed new notes and coins throughout 1999 and after 31st December 1999 the old currency ceased to exist.
1 Bulgarian Lev roughly =
64 American Cents
51 European Cents
40 British Pence
The average wage for a Bulgarian is roughly 300 Levs a month which is about
194 American Dollars
155 Euro
106 British Pound
I have to admit I am very fond of the lev and I always keep a one Lev coin in my wallet for luck.
The current Lev has been in existence since early 1999 when the government passed a package of laws to regulate the currency. The old Lev was changed at a ratio of 1,000:1 (one thousand old lev = one current lev), the Bulgarian National Bank distributed new notes and coins throughout 1999 and after 31st December 1999 the old currency ceased to exist.
1 Bulgarian Lev roughly =
64 American Cents
51 European Cents
40 British Pence
The average wage for a Bulgarian is roughly 300 Levs a month which is about
194 American Dollars
155 Euro
106 British Pound
I have to admit I am very fond of the lev and I always keep a one Lev coin in my wallet for luck.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
A Village Secret - Kozarsko
Kozarsko is a little village not far from the city of Plovdiv. Kozarsko is the most beautiful village I have seen, it is surrounded by large hills which give a beautiful view from everywhere in the village and Kozarsko almost takes you back in time as you enter. There is a shephard who takes out the animals out to graze during the day and most people grow grapes. lemons and various other fruits and vegetables.
Once upon a time the population of Kozarsko was over 1,000 but nowadays with many people leaving to live in the cities the population has dropped to below 800.
Below are some more pictures of this beautiful village
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Bulgarian History Part 1
The first traces of human life in Bulgaria dates back to the paleothic period which is between 20,000 and 17,000 BC, there are a few artifacts left of this time like flint tools and cave drawings.
The Thracians
Bulgaria moved away from tribal goups and formed it's first real community under the Thracians in 2,000 - 1,000 BC. At this time the Thracian race, which was believed to be the second largest race in this period after the Indians, commanded a huge region stretching from present day Romania to northern Greece and Turkey called Thracia.
The Thracians are one of the founders of the ancient European civilization as they flourished for 2,000 years by producing food, raw materials and other goods in abundance which they used for local needs and any surplus was sold through the southern trading routes they had estabilished in Turkey and further afield.
The Romans
The Thracians remained in the region until about 100AD when the Romans conquest for Thracia was accomplished. Under the Roman empire Thracia was split into two large regions called Moesia and Thrace. Like elsewhere in Europe the Romans started constructing towns and well designed roads which are still part of the European cities and roads of today.
Life was good for the Romans for many years until Barbarian invasions started wearing the Roman legions down, the barbarians destructive efforts caused the power of Rome to dwindle.
The Bulgars
The Bulgars, led by Khan Asparuh migrated to the region that was Thracia in the 7th century AD. There is many debates over the exact origins of the Bulgars, even to this day, although some believe they originated from what is now present day Afghanistan. The Bulgars, under Khan Asparuh formed the first Bulgarian state about 681AD. The new Bulgarian state flourished to become a significant European power in the 9th and 10th Centuries.
The Thracians
Bulgaria moved away from tribal goups and formed it's first real community under the Thracians in 2,000 - 1,000 BC. At this time the Thracian race, which was believed to be the second largest race in this period after the Indians, commanded a huge region stretching from present day Romania to northern Greece and Turkey called Thracia.
The Thracians are one of the founders of the ancient European civilization as they flourished for 2,000 years by producing food, raw materials and other goods in abundance which they used for local needs and any surplus was sold through the southern trading routes they had estabilished in Turkey and further afield.
The Romans
The Thracians remained in the region until about 100AD when the Romans conquest for Thracia was accomplished. Under the Roman empire Thracia was split into two large regions called Moesia and Thrace. Like elsewhere in Europe the Romans started constructing towns and well designed roads which are still part of the European cities and roads of today.
Life was good for the Romans for many years until Barbarian invasions started wearing the Roman legions down, the barbarians destructive efforts caused the power of Rome to dwindle.
The Bulgars
The Bulgars, led by Khan Asparuh migrated to the region that was Thracia in the 7th century AD. There is many debates over the exact origins of the Bulgars, even to this day, although some believe they originated from what is now present day Afghanistan. The Bulgars, under Khan Asparuh formed the first Bulgarian state about 681AD. The new Bulgarian state flourished to become a significant European power in the 9th and 10th Centuries.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Bulgarian Name Days
Name days are celebrated in Bulgaria, the name day is the celebration of the life of a saint. Anyone with the name of this saint celebrates the day like you would celebrate a birthday. Below is a calendar of all the names and the days they are celebrated.
A few name days dates change slightly every year depending on the date of the Orthodox Easter. Also you will notice some LUCKY people get to have more than one name day in a year, unfortunately my name is Guy and this is not on the name day list :o(
January
1 Vasil, Vasilena, Vesela, Vesselin, Veselina
6 Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogomil, Bogomila, Iordan, Iordanka, Teodosii
7 Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivet, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vanya, Vanyo, Zhan, Zhana
12 Tanya, Tatyana
17 Andon, Anton, Antonia, Dona, Doncho, Donka
18 Atanas, Atanaska
20 Efimir, Evtim, Evtimiya, Momchil
21 Maksim
25 Grigor
February
1 Trifon
3 Simeon
6 Svetla, Svetlana, Svetlomir
10 Haralampi, Valentin, Valentina
13 Evlogi
March
1 Evdokiya, Marta, Martin, Martina
4 Gerasim
10 Galina
11 Bozhidar , Bozhidara , Dora , Teodor , Teodora , Todor
13 Nikifor
17 Alexi
22 Rosen, Rositsa
23 Lidiya
25 Blaga, Blago, Blagovest, Blagovesta, Blaguna, Evangelina, Mariyana
28 Albena, Boyan, Boyana, Boyka, Boyko
April
15 Lazar , Lazo
16 Bozhan , Bozhana , Violeta , Vurban , Vurbana , Yasen , Yasna , Yavor , Zdravka , Zdravko
18 Viktor, Viktoriya
23 Velichka , Velichko , Velin , Velina
25 Marko
30 Toma , Tomislav , Tomislava
May
1 Ermen, Ermena, Maya
2 Boriana, Boris, Borislav, Borislava
5 Irina, Mira
6 Georgi, Georgiya, Gergana, Gyuro
11 Kiril, Kirila, Metodi
21 Elena, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadinka, Lenko, Stoyan
30 Emiliya
June
1 Spas , Spaska
5 Doroteia
7 Valeri, Valeria
22 Goryan, Goryana
24 Enio, Yanita, Yanka, Yanko
25 Asen , Chavdar
26 David
29 Kamen, Pavel, Petar, Petra, Petrana
30 Apostol
July
1 Damyan, Damyana, Kozma, Kuzman
7 Nedelcho, Nedelya, Nedyalka, Nedyalko
11 Oleg, Olga
15 Vlada, Vladena, Vladimir
16 Yulian, Yuliana, Yuliya
17 Marin, Marina
18 Emil, Emilian
20 Ilina, Iliya, Iliyana, Ilko
22 Lena, Magda, Magdalena, Miglena
25 Ana, Yana
26 Paraskeva
27 Dobra, Dobri, Dobrina, Dobrinka, Pancho, Panka
29 Kalin
August
8 Emil, Emilian, Emiliya
15 Mariya
20 Samuil
26 Adrian, Adriana, Adriyan, Adriyana, Natali, Nataliya
29 Anastas, Anastasi, Anastasiya
30 Aleksandar, Aleksandra
September
1 Simeon, Simona
5 Elisaveta, Hari, Zahari
14 Krustan, Krustina, Krustyo, Stavri
16 Lyudmil, Lyudmila
17 Lyuba, Lyuben, Lyubomir, Lyubov, Nadezhda, Nadya, Sevda, Sofiya, Vera, Vyara
25 Sergei
October
14 Pencho, Penka, Petka, Petko
18 Zlata, Zlatan, Zlatka, Zlatko, Zlatomir
26 Dimitar, Dimitrina, Mitko
27 Nestor
November
8 Angel, Gavrail, Gavril, Mihaela, Mihail, Ognyan, Ognyana, Plamen, Plamena, Rada, Radka, Radko, Rafail, Raia, Raika, Raina, Rangel
11 Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya
14 Filio, Filip, Filipa
16 Matei
23 Aleko, Aleksandar, Aleksandra
24 Ekaterina, Katerina, Katina, Katya
25 Kliment, Klimentina
26 Stilyan, Stilyana
30 Andrei
December
4 Varvara
5 Sava, Silva, Silvana, Silviya, Stanislav
6 Nikola, Nikolai, Nina
9 Ana, Anna, Anushka, Nusha
14 Snezhala
17 Dana, Danail, Danaila, Daniela
20 Ignat
24 Evgeni, Evgeniya
25 Hristina, Hristo
26 Iosif
27 Stanimir, Stanka, Stanko, Stefan, Stefka, Stoycho
A few name days dates change slightly every year depending on the date of the Orthodox Easter. Also you will notice some LUCKY people get to have more than one name day in a year, unfortunately my name is Guy and this is not on the name day list :o(
January
1 Vasil, Vasilena, Vesela, Vesselin, Veselina
6 Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogomil, Bogomila, Iordan, Iordanka, Teodosii
7 Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivet, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vanya, Vanyo, Zhan, Zhana
12 Tanya, Tatyana
17 Andon, Anton, Antonia, Dona, Doncho, Donka
18 Atanas, Atanaska
20 Efimir, Evtim, Evtimiya, Momchil
21 Maksim
25 Grigor
February
1 Trifon
3 Simeon
6 Svetla, Svetlana, Svetlomir
10 Haralampi, Valentin, Valentina
13 Evlogi
March
1 Evdokiya, Marta, Martin, Martina
4 Gerasim
10 Galina
11 Bozhidar , Bozhidara , Dora , Teodor , Teodora , Todor
13 Nikifor
17 Alexi
22 Rosen, Rositsa
23 Lidiya
25 Blaga, Blago, Blagovest, Blagovesta, Blaguna, Evangelina, Mariyana
28 Albena, Boyan, Boyana, Boyka, Boyko
April
15 Lazar , Lazo
16 Bozhan , Bozhana , Violeta , Vurban , Vurbana , Yasen , Yasna , Yavor , Zdravka , Zdravko
18 Viktor, Viktoriya
23 Velichka , Velichko , Velin , Velina
25 Marko
30 Toma , Tomislav , Tomislava
May
1 Ermen, Ermena, Maya
2 Boriana, Boris, Borislav, Borislava
5 Irina, Mira
6 Georgi, Georgiya, Gergana, Gyuro
11 Kiril, Kirila, Metodi
21 Elena, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadinka, Lenko, Stoyan
30 Emiliya
June
1 Spas , Spaska
5 Doroteia
7 Valeri, Valeria
22 Goryan, Goryana
24 Enio, Yanita, Yanka, Yanko
25 Asen , Chavdar
26 David
29 Kamen, Pavel, Petar, Petra, Petrana
30 Apostol
July
1 Damyan, Damyana, Kozma, Kuzman
7 Nedelcho, Nedelya, Nedyalka, Nedyalko
11 Oleg, Olga
15 Vlada, Vladena, Vladimir
16 Yulian, Yuliana, Yuliya
17 Marin, Marina
18 Emil, Emilian
20 Ilina, Iliya, Iliyana, Ilko
22 Lena, Magda, Magdalena, Miglena
25 Ana, Yana
26 Paraskeva
27 Dobra, Dobri, Dobrina, Dobrinka, Pancho, Panka
29 Kalin
August
8 Emil, Emilian, Emiliya
15 Mariya
20 Samuil
26 Adrian, Adriana, Adriyan, Adriyana, Natali, Nataliya
29 Anastas, Anastasi, Anastasiya
30 Aleksandar, Aleksandra
September
1 Simeon, Simona
5 Elisaveta, Hari, Zahari
14 Krustan, Krustina, Krustyo, Stavri
16 Lyudmil, Lyudmila
17 Lyuba, Lyuben, Lyubomir, Lyubov, Nadezhda, Nadya, Sevda, Sofiya, Vera, Vyara
25 Sergei
October
14 Pencho, Penka, Petka, Petko
18 Zlata, Zlatan, Zlatka, Zlatko, Zlatomir
26 Dimitar, Dimitrina, Mitko
27 Nestor
November
8 Angel, Gavrail, Gavril, Mihaela, Mihail, Ognyan, Ognyana, Plamen, Plamena, Rada, Radka, Radko, Rafail, Raia, Raika, Raina, Rangel
11 Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya
14 Filio, Filip, Filipa
16 Matei
23 Aleko, Aleksandar, Aleksandra
24 Ekaterina, Katerina, Katina, Katya
25 Kliment, Klimentina
26 Stilyan, Stilyana
30 Andrei
December
4 Varvara
5 Sava, Silva, Silvana, Silviya, Stanislav
6 Nikola, Nikolai, Nina
9 Ana, Anna, Anushka, Nusha
14 Snezhala
17 Dana, Danail, Danaila, Daniela
20 Ignat
24 Evgeni, Evgeniya
25 Hristina, Hristo
26 Iosif
27 Stanimir, Stanka, Stanko, Stefan, Stefka, Stoycho
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Beautiful Varna
Varna is a beautiful city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, Varna is one of the major ports in Bulgaria and is the third largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia and Plovdiv. Varna is the Bulgarians choice of summer resort, it has two beautiful beaches, many bars, cafes and restaurants a beautiful city garden and is full of history.
I have personally been to Varna twice to visit my wifes baba (grandma), I adore the city so much. In the summer you have temperatures of 40 degress upwards and the people are friendly and hospitable just like the rest of Bulgaria, and unlike the golden sands resort which is built specifically for foreign visitors Varna is full of character which sets it apart from many other sea side cities and towns.
There is an archaeological museum in Varna which holds some of the oldest gold in the world which is called the "Gold of varna" and there is also a beautiful old cathedral called the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Below is a photo I took of the Dormition of the Theotokos cathedral
I have personally been to Varna twice to visit my wifes baba (grandma), I adore the city so much. In the summer you have temperatures of 40 degress upwards and the people are friendly and hospitable just like the rest of Bulgaria, and unlike the golden sands resort which is built specifically for foreign visitors Varna is full of character which sets it apart from many other sea side cities and towns.
There is an archaeological museum in Varna which holds some of the oldest gold in the world which is called the "Gold of varna" and there is also a beautiful old cathedral called the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Below is a photo I took of the Dormition of the Theotokos cathedral
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Rakia - Bulgarian Spirit
Rakia is an alcoholic drink that is found in the Balkans and is also classed as a national drink in Bulgaria. Rakia is made by distilling fermented fruits, Rakia can be made from many fruits like plums, grapes, apricots, pears and figs, I have only tried grape and fig rakia myself as they are the two my father in law makes. Rakia can be bought from the shops and is generally about 40% alcohol in volume but alot of the home made Rakia is alot stronger with about 60% alcohol.
Bulgarians tend to drink Rakia with traditional Bulgarian salads, normally you would drink your Rakia with your salad and then with your main course you would choose another tipple. While you are having your different meals you will often find small dishes of different appetizers on the table to pick at, these are called Meze and are there to compliment you Rakia.
Bulgarians tend to drink Rakia with traditional Bulgarian salads, normally you would drink your Rakia with your salad and then with your main course you would choose another tipple. While you are having your different meals you will often find small dishes of different appetizers on the table to pick at, these are called Meze and are there to compliment you Rakia.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Bulgarian Real Estate
Bulgaria is a beautiful country located in the Balkans (southeast Europe). With the Black Sea taking up the whole east coastline and temperatures higher than the Mediterranean it is fast becoming the place to holiday.
There is also another side to Bulgaria people don’t know about, a secret held close that has only just become exposed. Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for real estate. There has been a large increase in the British media about this goldmine but it still seems a lot of people have not jumped on this proverbial bandwagon.
Bulgaria has a lot to offer any potential buyers. Over the last few years the Bulgarian economy has gained strength and with Bulgaria soon becoming part of the EU this is the perfect time to cash in.
With prices as low as $12,500 for a detached house with upwards of 1,000 square meters of land and the possibility of purchasing properties even cheaper on Ebay.co.uk Bulgaria has become a developer’s playground.
Because of the Bulgarian economy growing in strength, investment is increasing dramatically with large companies moving business into the area. Due to this the prices will rise and the boom will disappear. Although the prices are slightly higher by the sea there is ample opportunities elsewhere in Bulgaria due to the mountainous regions to the west. These regions boast great skiing resorts in the winter and also natural hot springs, which are fast becoming known as the cheaper version of the Alps
Monday, July 10, 2006
The City of Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is situated at the foot of the Rhodope mountains.
The most interesting fact about Plovdiv is it's history, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe if not the world, Plovdiv is even older than Rome or Athens. Although the Thracians were the first settlers in Plovdiv, it was Phillip the second of Macedon (Alexander the Greats father) who conquered Plovdiv and named it Philippopilis who made Plovdiv an important city in history. The Romans later conquered Plovdiv and named it Trimontium which means city of the three hills.
Nowadays Plovdiv is a bustling city full of cafe's, museums, archeological sites, churches, mosques and many different cultural events. Plovdiv is a beautiful city that has many wonderful qualities making it not only a historical monument to Europes past but also a city full of new, upto the minute cafes and bars that make it a vibrant and interesting city to visit.
The most interesting fact about Plovdiv is it's history, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe if not the world, Plovdiv is even older than Rome or Athens. Although the Thracians were the first settlers in Plovdiv, it was Phillip the second of Macedon (Alexander the Greats father) who conquered Plovdiv and named it Philippopilis who made Plovdiv an important city in history. The Romans later conquered Plovdiv and named it Trimontium which means city of the three hills.
Nowadays Plovdiv is a bustling city full of cafe's, museums, archeological sites, churches, mosques and many different cultural events. Plovdiv is a beautiful city that has many wonderful qualities making it not only a historical monument to Europes past but also a city full of new, upto the minute cafes and bars that make it a vibrant and interesting city to visit.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
This is one of the most beautiful ancient sites I have seen. The Roman Amphitheatre in Plovidv was built with a seating capacity of almost 7,000 in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD) as part of the Acropolis of Trimontium.
The Roman Amphitheatre in Plovidv was only found in the early half of the 1970's due to a landslide, because of this it has been greatly preserved and is one of the greatest attractions in the city and is still used for plays and concerts during the summer months to this day.
Below you will see a photo of the amphitheatre I took on my first visit to Plovdiv in October 2004.
The Roman Amphitheatre in Plovidv was only found in the early half of the 1970's due to a landslide, because of this it has been greatly preserved and is one of the greatest attractions in the city and is still used for plays and concerts during the summer months to this day.
Below you will see a photo of the amphitheatre I took on my first visit to Plovdiv in October 2004.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Bulgarian Alphabet
The Bulgarian alphabet is the Slavic alphabet and has been used in Bulgaria since 855AD
The Bulgarian alphabet differs greatly from the latin alphabet because it has alot more letters and contains sounds that cannot be found in the latin alphabet of today. You will notice alot of the letters are sounds which are made up of groups of latin letters and the Bulgarian alphabet does not have letters that sounds like X or Q.
When pronouncing the Bulgarian alphabet you use shorter, harder pronounciation compared to the latin alphabet as you will see below.
The Bulgarian Alphabet
LETTER PRONUNCIATION
A a (Like a in bath)
Б б (Like b in boat)
В в (Like v in victory)
Г г (Like g in great)
Д д (Like d in dent)
Е е (Like e in let)
Ж ж (Like s measure)
З з (Like z in zipper)
И и (Like i in hit)
Й й (Like y in yes)
К к (Like c in cold)
Л л (Like l in love)
М м (Like m in mother)
Н н (Like n in never)
О о (Like a in ball)
П п (Like p in power)
Р р (Rolled like a Scottish r)
C c (Like s in supper)
Т т (Like t in tell)
У у (Like oo in boot)
Ф ф (Like f in fever)
Х х (Like h in hot)
Ч ч (Like ch in chat)
Ц ц (Like ts in cats)
Ш ш (Like sh in cash)
Щ щ (Like sht)
Ь ь (Like ea in earings)
Ю ю (Like you as in the word you)
Я я (Like you in young)
The Bulgarian alphabet differs greatly from the latin alphabet because it has alot more letters and contains sounds that cannot be found in the latin alphabet of today. You will notice alot of the letters are sounds which are made up of groups of latin letters and the Bulgarian alphabet does not have letters that sounds like X or Q.
When pronouncing the Bulgarian alphabet you use shorter, harder pronounciation compared to the latin alphabet as you will see below.
The Bulgarian Alphabet
LETTER PRONUNCIATION
A a (Like a in bath)
Б б (Like b in boat)
В в (Like v in victory)
Г г (Like g in great)
Д д (Like d in dent)
Е е (Like e in let)
Ж ж (Like s measure)
З з (Like z in zipper)
И и (Like i in hit)
Й й (Like y in yes)
К к (Like c in cold)
Л л (Like l in love)
М м (Like m in mother)
Н н (Like n in never)
О о (Like a in ball)
П п (Like p in power)
Р р (Rolled like a Scottish r)
C c (Like s in supper)
Т т (Like t in tell)
У у (Like oo in boot)
Ф ф (Like f in fever)
Х х (Like h in hot)
Ч ч (Like ch in chat)
Ц ц (Like ts in cats)
Ш ш (Like sh in cash)
Щ щ (Like sht)
Ь ь (Like ea in earings)
Ю ю (Like you as in the word you)
Я я (Like you in young)
Friday, July 07, 2006
The Maritza River
The Maritza river flows from deep in the Rila mountain which is situated in western Bulgaria. The Maritza river is 480 kilometres in length and once it has ventrued through the mountain it moves east through many Bulgarian cities and towns like Pazardzhik, Plovdiv and Svilengrad.
While meandering through Bulgaria the Maritza river forms a large focal point as it cuts through the centre of the second largest city, Plovdiv. While flowing through Plovdiv the Maritza river has many bridges running across it and also well known buildings like the Plovdiv International Fair and the four star Maritza hotel. You can usually see many fishermen on the banks of the river during most days.
The Maritza river is very important for irrigating grasslands and power production but has no use in a commercial capacity as the river cannot be navigated by boat.
Once the river has passed through Bulgaria it carries on it's journey into Turkey before finishing at the sea.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a beautiful country found deep in the heart of south east Europe, with neighbouring countries of Greece and Turkey and also the Black Sea on it's east coast. Bulgaria is full of beautiful untouched landscapes from mountains to grasslands. Not only is Bulgaria beautiful on a geographical level, it is also full of history and wonderful architecture dating back to the time of the Thracians and Romans.
Although Bulgaria is only half the size of the UK and has a population of roughly 7.5 million which is lower than the population of London it has started to become noticed for its strengthening economy and growth as a tourist destination.
The Bulgarian people may not have the money that we have but I can tell you they are the most hospitable, caring people I have ever met.
This blog has been set up by myself because I have a strong love for Bulgaria and wish to share my thoughts and knowledge about this great country so please bookmark this page to find out more indepth about everything there is to know about Bulgaria from traditions and religion to geography and cuisine.
Although Bulgaria is only half the size of the UK and has a population of roughly 7.5 million which is lower than the population of London it has started to become noticed for its strengthening economy and growth as a tourist destination.
The Bulgarian people may not have the money that we have but I can tell you they are the most hospitable, caring people I have ever met.
This blog has been set up by myself because I have a strong love for Bulgaria and wish to share my thoughts and knowledge about this great country so please bookmark this page to find out more indepth about everything there is to know about Bulgaria from traditions and religion to geography and cuisine.
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