Bulgaria

I was recently invited to visit Bulgaria and meet my brother in law’s family for the first time.  This was also my first ever visit to a Central European country.

Bulgaria has recently joined the European Union after almost half a century of Russian control.  This is a largely modern, youthful country with its old east-meets-west atmosphere still very evident.  Onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments & statues now share the skyline with modern shopping malls and five-star hotels.

I visited the cities of Sofia, the country’s capital, Melnik and Plovdiv.  I also travelled deep in the country.  I found a new culture, learnt some of its ancient and often turbulent past, met an effervescent youth and an older generation sometimes still influenced by the country’s previous political regime.

I also discovered a new language which presented some new challenges for me and most of all a new cuisine which I simply adored.  The people’s hospitality was second to none and I was made to feel welcome wherever I went.  What made this trip so enjoyable was my complete insertion into the Bulgarian society, thanks to my new family in Bulgaria.  I am returning there this year to discover more of this fascinating place.

Discover with me the beauty of Sofia Bulgaria's Capital and the cities/towns around Sofia.

• Sofia
• Melnik
• Rozhen
• Plovdiv
• Shipka
• Nessebar
• Sozopol and Burgas

Yours in Travel

Daniel