Tips and information for Bulgaria

            Bulgaria is a country with long history, which has existed for more than 13 centuries in Europe. It is located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and is bordered on north by Romania, on south by Greece, on southeast by Turkey, on west by Serbia and Macedonia. The eastern coast of the country is washed by the Black Sea. Bulgaria attracts thousands of tourists every year with its beautiful and unique nature. In winter the country attracts with the perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, offering by the resorts in Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. In summer the tourists are attracted by numerous seaside resorts, offering perfect conditions for relaxing. Places like the ancient coastal towns of Sozopol and Neseber offer own style and atmosphere – a combination of sightseeing and lovely beaches. One of the greatest treasures of Bulgaria is monasteries, most of which have a centuries-old history. Over the time, these monasteries were centres of mental and cultural activities and centres of revolutionary activity too. The most famous is Rila Monastery.

              The most popular souvenirs in Bulgaria are the traditional costumes, which are different in the different parts of the country; the bells, wich are also connect with bulgarian traditions; the so-called „tsarvuli” – wollen or leater traditional shoes/slippers; bulgarian pottery; rose oil and water; icons; wooden dols in traditional customes; „Martenitsa”, which is traditional decoration from red and white thread. It is related to the Bulgarian custom „Baba Marta” – every year on 1st of March thousands of people give as a present Martenitsa. All these souvenirs can be found almost everywhere especially in the monasteries, the big cities and also the small villages. There are and places where you can even make pottery by yourself

            The most famous sweet and food which can be taken by tourist home are Bulgarian honey, jam from berries, yogurt and traditional cheese from sheep or goat's milk. It is very important to be taken from some Bulgarian village and to be made from the local people. This is the only way to taste real Bulgarian food.

              Bulgarian coins are named “stotinki”, Bulgarian notes are named “leva”. There isn’t fixed exchange rate BG leva/US dollar, but approximately 1 dollar is equal to 1,35/1,45lv. However there is a fixed rate leva/euro – 1 euro is equal to 1,95583lv.

              I live near the capital city of Bulgaria – Sofia. This 
is one very interesting city – combination of modern life and historical places and buildings. There are many places which should be definitely seen when you are walking on the streets of Sofia – the theatre “Ivan Vazov”; the church “Alexander Nevski”; the church” St Nedelia”; National Art Gallery, where can be viewed one of the best pictures and sculptures of Bulgarian creators; The Synagogue and The National Palace of Culture.