SOFIAAND BULGARIAthat people ask at some point

35 Frequently Asked Questions about

By OC Stoyanov

What to expect, see, do and need to know about Sofia, Bulgaria when visiting for the first time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4

Question One - When? 6

When is the best season to come to Bulgaria? 7When traveling in Bulgaria, which is better: bus or train? 8

When, you are liberated from Ottoman empire? 9

Question Two - Where?10

Where to try traditional food in Sofia? 11Where to go after Sofia in Bulgaria? 12

Where to rent a bike? 13

Question Three - What? 14

What must necessarily need to see in Sofia? 15What about mineral water fountains in center of Sofia! 16

What recommended to try Bulgarian wine or rakia? 17What means Kavarma, Kebabche and Tarator in menus 18

What is usual Bulgarian breakfast? 20What more people here speak - Russian or English? 21

Whats most specific souvenir from Bulgaria 21What about Bulgarian king 22

Whats written on the walls? 23What are this posters? 23

Question four - How? 24

How to read Cyrillic? 25How to spend my time in Sofia? 27

How you live in communist time? 28How to go on top of the Vitosha mountain? 29

How to go to Seven Rila lakes and Rila monastery? 30How many people live in Sofia? 32How to go/come from Airport? 32

How to use Public transport and tickets? 33

Question Five - Why? 34

Why even Bulgaria is part of EU, not use Euro as currency? 35Why these yarns are hanging on trees? 36

Why you shake your head on opposite way to say Yes and No? 37Why most young people drink alcohol in parks? 37

Why you smoke so much? 38Why in Bulgaria dont have Turkish monuments, while you have been so

long a part of Ottoman empire? 38

Question six - Have you Is there? 39

Is there any danger from which to beware 40Is there a Bulgarian movies that are known or interesting 41

Have you been Soviet republic?42Is there workable old Mineral water/Turkish/ bath in Sofia? 42

Is there a festivals in Sofia? 43

INTRODUCTION

.My name is Ogi Stoyanov and I love traveling, exploring, hiking, cycling,

climbing and caving. My reason to write that FAQ Answers is that my almost everyday work is

with tourists from all over the world. For three years in Sofia Green Tour I met thousands of people. Most of them have visited Sofia and Bulgaria for the first time, and I noticed that most of the questions are the same - Where to go after the tour, what traditional food to eat, how was it to live in the communist times and most asked - Why do you shake your head opposite of normal... Some questions are trite, some are product of cultural differences, some answers give knowledge about the rich history of Balkans.

I really hope that these answers will help to understand this country and have fun in Bulgaria and my home town - Sofia

QUESTION ONE

WHEN?

When is the best season to come to Bulgaria?

Bulgaria same as other European countries has four seasons. Weather is more like in the Central Europe, than Mediterranean. Sunny hot summer and snowy winter. As a place which is surrounded by mountains Sofia has very specific weather.

In winter it is very cold and in the summer it is rather warm. Still to get in extreme temperature here is lucky. But be prepared to see between December and Feb-ruary temperatures dropping to -15/-20 C, and in July raising up to almost 40C... Usually average temperatures are in winter around 0+-2/5C, in spring 5-15C, in summer 20-35C and in autumn again like spring 5-15C. The only problem over the last few years is that spring and autumn almost disappear and in these months it is either too warm or unnaturally cold. It rains mostly between April and July and in September. Dangerous are summer storms with lots of rains and hail making big damages and floods, and very unpleasant rains in autumn when it rains monoto-nously for long periods of time which is irrigating... In Bulgaria we have a phrase: If the name of the month has letter R, you may expect everything from weather - from extreme hot to extreme cold...

So which is the best season to visit Sofia. Ill recommend late spring (mid April to end to May), early summer (June and July) and mid autumn (mid September to end of October). Winter is nice, but outside the city. With snow Sofia is wet, mud-dy, pathless... And unsafe... Icicles fall from the roofs, a lot of cars do not change to winter tyres, sidewalks are more for ice skaters

Opposite of western europe, here if you want to travel fast you need to choose bus, not a train. Railway system is good for freight, but does not al-low high speed. For that reason from Sofia to Black sea coast it takes 8-12 hours for 400 km. But that for cost of 20-25 lv. (10-13E). Train is preferable option for some destinations, like Vratsa via Iskar Gorge, Koprivshtitsa, Plo-vdiv, Zemen and Kyustendil, night train to Burgas. There is also mountain pass railway which is very scenic, but at times it can be faster to walk next to the train. These are Dabovo - Plachkovski and narrow gauge railway Septemvri - Dobrinishte. If you have time - like a whole day or two, I really recommend, especially narrow gauge. Also in trains you are allowed to take bikes for 2 lv. (1E) ticket, no matter of distance.

Buses are fast and preferable for long distance routes or short distance routes which take with a train a lot of time. Buses are almost twice as fast and dou-ble the price. Its a waste of time to take a train to Vidin, Pleven, Gabrovo or Veliko Tarnovo, Russe, Dupnitsa, Kula, Kardzhali or Svilengrad. All interurban buses in Sofia start from Central Bus Station, which is next to Central Train Station and that makes the choice easy without preparation and research.

When traveling in Bulgaria, which is better: bus or train?

When, you are liberated from Ottoman empire?

In middle of 19 century, Liberation movement among Bulgarians became stronger and stronger. Biggest attempt to liberate with the uprising in 1876 y. finished with lots of victims. Hundreds villages disappeared from the map. The suppression of this rebellion is the darkest moment in Bulgarian history.

That and appetites for the Caucasus caused Russian Emperor Alexander II to declare war on Turkey in 1877.

Russian army was joined by a lot Bulgarian volunteers, which made up a separate unit. Bulgarian peasants helped the army with food, lead them through the mountains, and lead guerrilla warfare. War finish in March 1878, but results after are two dependent dominions - Principality of Bulgaria and East Rumelia with not even half of territories when bulgarians lives. Two countries unite in 1888 y, but full political independence from Turkey are pro-claimed in September 1908 y. Even now that official celebration and holiday is 22 September - Independence Day, for most bulgarians real holiday is 3th of March.

If I win - winning entire nation.If I lose - will lose only me..Vasil Levski - creator of the Internal Revolutionary Organisation

QUESTION TWO

WHERE?

Where to try traditional food in Sofia?

Uuh, hard question. How many traditional - old recipes or what usually we eat at home. Not so many restaurants in Sofia are titled Traditional. Usually that make restaurants where all interior like 18-19 century country house. About menus there yes, there are many typical and specific for Bulgari-an cuisine dishes, but specially prepared and adapted for tourists. Especially the shiny ones. Most of these places are named (Mehana - Tavern) and even have a folklore singing show. Some of most famous among tourists are Chevermeto (in Palace of Culture), Mamin Kolio (40, Positano Str.) Izbata (18, Slavianska Str.), HadziDraganovi kashti (75, Kozlodui Str.), Pri Bratovche-da (129, Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd., outside center), Chiflik (1, James Boucher Blvd.), Balgarka (2, Tsarigradsko shosse Blvd.) and few others. Other option more prefer by locals is pubs or on Bulgarian - (krachma). And as real pubs have attractive and urge names - I come myself, Rich-Poor, Three legs chicken Mostly for drinks, but also offer food - from salads and appetisers to main dishes in most cases same that in homes. Ask some Bulgarian - Its there near good krachma? and will receive direction and friendly understanding smile.

Its good to know, however, that sometimes in taverns have a menus espe-cially for foreigners. Not only on English (or Latin transcription), but also with different prices

Where to go after Sofia in Bulgaria?

Are you prefer Culture or Nature? If culture, almost everywhere in Bulgaria

you may see something. Here have a dif-ferent cultural layers - from Thracian to 19-th century Revival architecture. If you vis-it only major cities you may go to Plovdiv with his Roman ruins and Old Town, then to Veliko Tarnovo with medieval fortress and Shumen, Varna, Dobrich, Rouse with his historical parts. Small cities and towns that necessary you may visit are Samokov, Koprivshtitsa, Panagurishte, Hisaria, Ka-zanlak, Dryanovo, Elena, Tryavna, Lovech,

Svishtov, Vratza, Belogradchik, Chiprovtsi Rhodope mountain is good com-bination between culture and nature. Beautiful landscape, charming villages and towns and lot history mostly from Thracian. Also in Rhodope lives togeth-er Bulgarians Orthodox, Bulgarian Muslims and Turks which makes people there very friendly.

If you are outdoor person you are lucky that in Bulgaria only 40% of land is flat country. There are 40 big and small mountains (70 with ridges and pla-teaus) and 8 of them are up 2000 m. asl. Rila mountain is famous with his lakes, especially with Seven Rila lakes, Pirin with its steep peaks and cliffs and white firs, Balkan mountain with endless range, waterfalls and wind, Vitosha lets say its close to Sofia and have good infrastructure, Rhodope mountain with forest and people

No matter where you decide to go in Bulgaria, have fun and get positive emotions.

Where to rent a bike?

At the moment Sofia municipality not provide bike rental service. But some bike shops and hotels do that. Usually you may see in front of hotels or in their lobbies bikes or ads about that. For MTB and Cycling touring has several touristic companies that provide that service and bikes, check in internet for some address and tours.

But most famous and handy in Sofia it Sofia Bike - http://www.sofiabike.com. That are bikes that we use for Sofia Green Bike Tours. Office and bike rental is in center, near to National Theater Ivan Vazov, on 19 Shesti septemvri str. One bike for one day is 18 lv. (9E), but if you rent as a group 3-5 bikes will be 15 lv (7,5E) per bike. Also you may rent bike only for Sofia Green Tour which is 3 hours and that will cost 10 lv.(5E) per bike. All rents include and insurance.

QUESTION THREE

WHAT?

What must necessarily need to see in Sofia?

First impression for Sofia is that is a big, busy, business city. But Sofia has more that 2000 years history. Most of that history you may see in Archeolog-ical museum in center, next to Presidency, or in National History Museum in Boyana district in south part of Sofia. Easy to go to NHM is with trolley 9, bus 64, combination with tram 5 and bus 111 (on price of one or two bus ticket) or taxi (from center need to be 7-9lv. fee). In Boyana are also Boyana church, part of UNESCO Heritage and not more that hour and half in mountain Boya-na waterfall - both part of Sofia Green Hike Tour.

City center also have a lot to see. For example - Roman ruins or Temples from different religions - Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim and Jewish, just a few meters away from each other. We have a lot building from socialist era - large and spectacular, a lot of Museums and Galleries, spend a few hours in Boris garden park - biggest green outdoor space in Sofia. So depend of your inter-est, there is plenty to see See my blog for exemplary pedestrian route, there are all category - Welcome to Sofia.

What about mineral water fountainsin center of Sofia!

Mineral water in city center is major reason to have here a city. Thracian and Roman appreciate the importance of this water and build city around. The water goes with 4 liters per second and have good drinking qualities. So is not surprised that a lot people go there to full bottles for home use. The water is slightly mineralized but strongly alkaline with original temperature of 480

C. Its recommended to use if you have gastrointestinal, renal and urological diseases and have detoxification qualities in accumulation of heavy metals (lead, manganese, etc.). So yep, is good. You need to try...

What recommended to try Bulgarian wine or rakia?

Both. But that are two completely different drinks. If the wine is like any other in the world and is good to try bottle

or two with some cheese and meat meal, rakia is much stronger that whiskey and sometime vodka. Interesting and completely bulgarian wine are Keracuda, Mavrud and Pelin (pelin - bitter wine drink with wormwood extract and herbals). Mavrud is fa-vorite for most bulgarians wine - a little bit stronger that others wines with unique deep taste. But be careful. It is a pleasure to drink, but do it by measure. Rakia is a famous aperitif. De-pends by fruits from which is made, but most popular are from grape and from plumps. Usually people in valleys make rakia from grapes or the rest of fermentation process for wines and in mountains areas makes from wild plums or blue plums. Its a differents tastes. Plum rakia has more density and fruity taste. Everybody here will recommend you Plum Rakia from Troyan area - Balkans top of art to make alcohol. But you may find also and other fruits rakias - apple, blueberries, pear or peach. There are a little more sweet and not so strong. If you buy bottle from market should be 480 C, but if some local want to show you his homemade rakia will be between 520 and 620C, so be careful and never mix different types. In Bulgaria we drink rakia with salad before dinner - salt and vinegar suppress the influence of alcohol. And usually two-three small glass are enough.

Without one drink, I can...But only one is not enough...

What meansKavarma, Kebabche and Tarator in

menus

You want to try some Bulgarian cuisine? Here we make a very nice mix be-tween european and oriental cuisine. A lot of spices, chilly peppers and veg-etables. And because that are bulgarian or adapted oriental dishes they have a original name, that is impossible to translate.

Kavarma () is Bulgarian dish oven baked in pots. Most often it con-tains meat, onions, savory, pepper, salt.

Kapama () is most traditional for South-West Bulgaria. Its a triumph for all meat lovers - in clay pot on layers have 2 to 5 different animals meats, covered with rice and pickled cabbage, peppers and other delicious things. In most cases on top have and big piece of sausage Better to stop now.

Kyufte and Kebabche - are meatballs -first rounded and second with oval cylindrical shape. They both made from minced meat, bread, onion and spices like black pepper and savory. Plate with one kyufte and few kebabche I call Sun salad.

Gyuvetch - Gyuvetch is a summary name of various Bulgarian dishes prepared in a clay roasting pans with lid. Actually that is the name of the ontainer, and when it is small and accommodates a portion is called gyuvedzhe. Dish is kind of stew. Its prepared in a variety of recipes and can be as meat or meatless.

Tarator - Some people called cold soup. We make it from mixed yogurt and water, but inside pieces or grated cucumber, fen-nel, walnuts, salt and oil to become dense and nutrient substance. Satiate and cooler in hot summers, but also is a good combi-nation for some strong drinks like mastic and rakia.

Cabbage or vine leaves rolls - Sarmi () and stuffed peppers - Palneni chushki ( ) usually are un-known to foreigners, but are most favorite and loved ordinary dish. Depends by season - in summer we use fresh vine leaves and in winter leaves from pickled cabbage to wrap rice with minced meat in small rolls. Stuffed peppers are with similar filling. Peppers and vine leaves rolls we eat with little yogurt on it. Is not a gourmet, but is delicious.

What is usual Bulgarian breakfast?

If you ask foreigner who lives in Bulgaria a long time, What is Bulgarian breakfast?, answer will be - coffee and cigarettes. But that is funny side of answer. In all over Sofia and Bulgaria have a small bakeries, that sell sweet and salty snack. Sweets are Kifla - Roll with marmalade, Gevrek - Bun with poppy-seed, Croissant. In fact all sweets in Bulgarian cuisine come from Arabs and German. Salty breakfast with cheese are more traditional. In most cases we call Banitca - cheese pastry. In different parts of Bulgaria and Balkans there a different recipes, but the principle is the same. Dough sheets with a mix-ture of whisked eggs and crumble cheese between them. Some time cheese is dress with leek or spinach. Usually there a two types of Banitsa - layered straight - is sold in bakeries on 100 gr. pieces, and rolled sell on kilo. Help to swallow usually with ayran - diluted with water and salt yoghurt, and boza - beverage from fermented millet (not more that 1% alcohol). Boza is very popular drink on Balkans and Turkey, but because specific taste foreigners are a little skeptical and dont like it. Still, we recommend to try it, especially womans because it is believed that increases breasts. Truth or not is good combination with Banitsa on breakfast.

What more people here speak - Russian or English?

There are three groups divided by ages speaking more or less this languag-es. First group are youth people to 30-ty which speak mostly English. No mat-ter that Russian is close to Bulgarian and not hard to understand they refuse to do that. People between 30 and 50-ty speak or understand both of these languages. Reason of that is that those people are born in communist time, where to learn Russian was compulsory, but much of his adult life had to use English. Like me. Most old people think that they speak Russian, but that is more sentiment or a misunderstood loyalty to as they say Good old times when freedom has replace with cheap food and jobs or everything that ordi-nary man needs.

Still have penetration between those groups and you may try to speak on English with some old people, but in most cases will receive a few learned phrases in English, German or French from movies or commercials.

Whats most specific souvenirfrom Bulgaria

As Bulgarian Im highly disappointed that most of souvenirs sell in Sofia and Bulgaria in general are connected with Soviet time and Russia now. So, not a Bulgarian souvenirs are red stars, big fur hats or t-shirt with Putin No matter that are may be most selling products. Rose oil is trade mark of Bulgaria, but go to Kazanlak town to see origin and all fields of rose bushes.

Maybe best souvenirs from Sofia will be copper pot for tea or Turkish coffee, wood carving icons or Kukeri mask, wooden wine vessels or bottle bulgarian wine, or better some hand knitted woolen scarf or blanket. T-shirt with print RAKIA as Nokia logo is fun, but will be evaluated only from people been in Balkans and East Europe.

What about Bulgarian king

With 1300 years history and three historical kingdoms for which king you ask? The last one! His majesty Simeon II, has never been a real king of Bul-garia. His father Boris III is actual last king ruled between 1918 and 1943. During World War II he mysteriously die. Simeon II is proclame for king but as 6 year old boy, he is been under admonition of Regency Council. Communist vanish king family from Bulgaria and until 1996 he live in Spain. After falling of Communist regime he return but like regular citizen. He made a political party, which won elections in 2001 and became Prime minister. The fun with this old man is that even like Prime minister of Republic still some people call him - Your Majesty. Now he peacefully live in some of countryside residency that government return to his family.

The Boy Who Was a King Documentary, 2011

Director: Andrey Paounov

Whats written on the walls?

Between Graffiti arts you may see some strange inscriptions and abbre-viations. Most of them are CSKA, 1914, LOKO, BMPO, ATAKA As you might guess yourself that are more football and national parties fans impressions. Is good to know that even some people support same football club or sym-pathise on one or another party in general we dont approve this vandalism. And as we say - Names of fools hang on walls.

What are this posters?

On gates of some houses, poles and bus stops have a some posters with faces on it. Unfortunately, that is not for good. That are obituary for members of family living there that deceased. In most countries may be is commonly to anons in newspaper this sadly news, but here we make this posters and attaching at the entrance doors and around in village or neighborhood. In this obituary we put some picture, names and years of birth and dead, few words or poem and date and hours for funeral or memorial service in church So, be respected about that...

QUESTION FOUR

HOW?

How to read Cyrillic?

Recently I find out that tourists feel more confident and safe in Romania that in Bulgaria, and that only because they read signs and boards there easily. Even when they can not pronounce the written. I know. Ive been there sev-eral times.

I swear, Bulgarians not invent Cyrillic to confuse west people. Or to make Russia misunderstood empire. Cyrillic safe as like a nation 11 centuries. And as Bulgarian invention we are proud to use. If you know some Serbian or Rus-sian still will be some letters that are different.

Here some basic that you need to know about Bulgarian letters. First, how to translate and pronounce:

is A (same is with E and O), is B, is V, is G(grand, gorgeous), is D, , is ... lets say DZ or ZH, like French

- Je taime or treaSure, iz Z, is Ii, is short i (y) - like in Yosemite, is K (key), is L, is M, is N, ,

is P, is R, is S, is T, is U or more like Ou, is F, is H (handsome), is TS or TC like in fits, is CH (chips, Cherokee), is SH (short), is SHT (shtick), is like Uh-exclamation, in most case not pronounce, just

soft sound, is IU or YU (sound like Uta), is YA or IA (yard)

Second, combination between how we write and read with Latin letters. In fact the real problem for tourist is diversity of combinations in transcription on official sings. For example historical hill in Veliko Tranovo you may see written like Carevec or Tsarevets in Bulgarian , or again with letter town of Tsarevo vary from Tzarevo to Carevo. With letters , , , , is even worst. You see name with Latin letters, but you not pronounce correct-ly... Most of that come that boards are made in different time with different spelling rules. What to do? Best option - spell syllabic.

Like here - Dzhu-lyu-ni-tsa

Yes, I know. We are cruel people. And to make thing worst, some young people because are lazy when write

with Latin letters replace some of these polyphonic letters with same looking or sound numbers - 4 for (chetri - four) or 6 for (shest - six). That birth some masterpieces like 4e6it (cheshit - screwball).

Thing become more, and more complicated, right. But this chapter is not to learn you, but only to inform some thing that is good to know in advance. For alphabet that much.

How to spend my time in Sofia?

Everybody have some schedule, but lets suggest some ideas. When you ar-rive and accommodate in hotel or hostel make some walk in city center. You may participate in Free Sofia Walking Tour - every day in 11:00 and 18:00. Its a 2 hours tour around center landmarks, and gives initial impression of city. After that go in some of churches to see fresco of saints, orthodox traditions and to smell the incense. At evening go on Pub crawl or Couchsurfing meeting to meet locals. On day two and three go further. Go for fresh vegetables on Ladies market or some of others open-air markets. Mix with locals, get lost in Cyrillic Or go on one of Sofia Green Tours - biking in Sofia parks and city gardens or go in Vitosha mountain for hike. Bike tour takes 3-4 hours, hike tour is something like 5 hours. Depends of you. For evening already know some secrets or noisy places. If you spend more time on Sofia try to go some-where around Sofia. For outdoors go to Bankya or Samokov towns, Dragoman marsh, Pancharevo Lake or Lakatnik rocks. For cultural and historical tourism visit National Historical Museum, which is in the city outskirts or go to Ko-privshtitca town or Rila monastery with bus, train or shuttle minibus.

How you live in communist time?

OrdinaryWith relevant pros and cons...

This year we open the factory for semiconductors, next year will build for entire wires...

Todor Zivkov,First Secretary of the Bulgarian Communist Party 1954-1989

How to go on top of the Vitosha mountain?

Vitosha is one of highest mountains in Bulgaria and going to Black peak (Cherni vrah) is nice in summer, but dangerous in unstable weather. Differ-ence between city center and Black peak is 1740 m. attitude. Easiest way to rich top of mountain is ski center Aleko. To there have cable cars from Sime-onovo district, chairlift from Dragalevtsi district and bus from Hladilnika bus station, but whether they work depends by season, day in week and most by desire of manager of Aleko Ski resort and his ideas for new ski runs and ho-tels in protected area. When Environment Ministry refused to approve new building plans in the resort, spontaneous are spoil or go to repair cable cars and roads. So, sorry about that, but if you want to go in mountain first check in internet or better ask locals.

How to go to Seven Rila lakes and Rila monastery?

If you want to visit Rila mountain better get three + days. With public trans-portation you need to go with bus or train to Dupnitsa town - 1-2 hours. From there for Seven Rila lakes need to take bus to Sapareva banya - 15-20 min and from then minibus (taxi) to Panichishte resort. You also may hike from Sapa-reva banya to Panichishte, its proximately 1,3 - 2 hours. From resort and Vada chalet to Rila lakes have chairlift, but I dont recommend to use and hike is hour and half. Good deviation is to go first to Skakavica chalet and 90 m. high waterfall. Spend a night in this hut, its nice, more cheap that chalets on lakes, people who host it are young and cheerful and food is good. From Skakavi-ca to Seven Rila lake is hous. If you want to go from Seven Rila lakes to Rila monastery you need to stay overnight in the hut Ivan Vazov (2,20 hours from lakes). Chalet host there is a vegetarian and do not cook other. To know. From Ivan Vazov hut to Rila monastery are 4,30 - 6 hours, depends by your speed and training. If you a late in monastery have rooms for guest and camping sites around.

From and to Rila monastery have buses to Sofia, also to Dupnitsa, Blago-evgrad and nearby town Rila from where you can connect to another bus or train. If you want more detailed bus schedule and prices send me mail. And I might come with you if you need a guide or company, I also love to go in this area.

How many people live in Sofia?

Sofia has population of 1 249 665 people or 16.4% of the population of Bul-garia. That is official statistic. But in fact in Sofia living or only work more that 2 000 000 people. And that makes more that 25% of population in Bulgaria. As important administrative and business center attract a lot of people seek-ing jobs or adequate salary. Most of them not change his address in IDs, so is hard to guessed the exact number of people living here. The size of the mi-gration can be seen on Friday evening on every highway depart city. Or how we say - Sofia residents going home...

How to go/come from Airport?

The way from Airport to city makes first impressions if you arrive with plane. And sometimes they are not good. And major reason for that are rogue taxi drivers. Regular taxi companies drive for 0,77/0,79 lv. per kilometer. Trickster put different fee that is around 0,80 lv. on top, but real charge per km. is on bottom and is between 1 and 2 lv. These people also use fact that you dont know city and make interesting exploratory, but meaningless tour around. If you pay more that 10-15 lv. (5-7E) from airport to center you are tricked. Big companies have good drivers identification and contact details of the com-pany. Public buses 84 and 284 are very good option to go to city. They are very regular and used bus lane, so are equal in speed and comfort of taxis. I know that do not leave you in front of the hotel, but from last bus stop in cen-ter - bus makes circle around city garden with Soviet army monument, most everything is close. Until end of 2015 will be have metro station on Airport Terminal and connection be better.

How to use Public transportand tickets?

In Sofia have a diversity of public transportation which is not so good orga-nized, but is useful. We have metro, trams and trolley on electricity and buses most of which are on gas or methane. Its eco friendly, cover most of center and provide link to suburbs. Is very important to know how to use tickets, because is little bit tricky and you can be fined. Tickets you need to buy in ad-vance from newsstand or specialized kiosks. One ticket is 1 lv. (50 cents). Also you may try to buy from driver - only when the vehicle is stationary or from ticket machines in trams and trolley. When you are in, go to one of perforating devices on walls. Every public transport vehicle have unique perforating code stating that was made here. If you not made a that, you will be fined with 20 lv.(10 E). Only tickets from ticket machines in trams and tickets for metro not need to be perforating. Tickets for ground transportation are not relevant for underground metro. These are with barcode and validity of one hour.

If you plan to spend a whole day around city and use public transport more that 4-5 times, there are day tickets for 4 lv. (2 E). They may use for all type of transportation till end of the day. Other option are month or 10 tickets pre-paid cards. Most bus, tram or metro lines are operative from 5:00 in morning until 23:30 at evening.

QUESTION FIVE

WHY?

Why even Bulgaria is part of EU, not use Euro as currency?

With two words - Not ready. Bulgaria has a Currency Board and a stable currency, connected with euro. 1E is 1.96 lv. no matter what happen in or with government. If we accept euro as national currency, prices will be rise, but not and salary. Lets say this passed painless in other countries, but here average pay is 300 E and even now we move on edge between normal life standards and poverty. Luckily most of Bulgarians are by right side of edge, buy everything that need, travel, go to restaurants and bars weekly. For most foreigners here is cheap, for as is normal. But still ice is thin and we are not so stupid to go further. For now.

Why these yarns are hanging on trees?

In many places in Sofia and around country has trees that have a few or more red and white thread hanging. Sometimes looks messy, sometime cute enough for Instagram. Its seems like pagan tradition and may be is. That is something that we call Martenitsa. Is a bracelet, necklace or brooch in form of male and female made by twisted white and red thread that we give and receive on 1th of March. We make that for health in new year that come. Yep, new year come on spring with new work on field and the awakening of the earth. March is month of Baba Marta - Grandma March - oldest woman in family of months. We need to carry on ourselves Martenitsa until see stork or blossoms on tree. When that happen we need to transfer mascots on trees for some reason - to be health and give as fruits. Why not to animals? Oh, they receive as family members on 1st of March. So with these threads you may figurate which trees have bloomed earlier.

Have a lot of theories and ideas about this tradition, but origin is lost in centuries. It is interesting that the tradition is present only in the Bulgarian community and in boundaries of Bulgarian country in past - some part of Ro-mania, Moldova, East Serbia, Macedonia and North Greece. But.. fact that we make that on Ancient Greek and Roman New year, may be lead to much older tradition. May be something Thracian. And Grandma March is not only oldest woman, she is Great Mother Goddess. Who knows. Its good tradition and is nice that we keep it and continuing generation after generation.

Why you shake your head on opposite way to say Yes and No?

In fact, there is not logical or acceptation explanation. Except in Bulgaria, is widespread in parts of Greece and Albania. May be a link between the area of the distribution and places there was a forced change of religion in the 16th century in the Ottoman empire. That are only theory. Still when you speak on english or other language with Bulgarian, there is big chance to receive nod-ding properly and always ask for verbal confirmation.

Why most young people drink alcohol in parks?

In Bulgaria drinking alcohol in outdoor public places are not prohibited. And option to put youth people between four walls in warm pleasant evening in-stead to enjoy green park is not relevant. Few beers in park is not a problem - usually, and combine with outdoor games and activities, makes mingle with friends more interesting and fun. Still, not crossing border of good tone and degrees alcohol is necessarily to has no problems with police.

Why you smoke so much?

The Balkans countries are in top in list of cigarette consumption per cap-ita countries. Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece are first three in whole world. In Bulgaria every second person smoke, so you will encounter many. In South Bulgaria many people grow and sell tobacco. And have a lot inner produc-tion. Imported brands from Romania keep price low. But no matter how many smokers have in Bulgaria, most of them support non smoking in public areas like bars and restaurants - especially in Sofia.

Why in Bulgaria dont have Turkish monuments, while you have been so

long a part of Ottoman empire?

All centuries that Bulgarian land has been part of Ottoman empire, chris-tians not benefited with equal rights. Even more, they has repressed and sup-pressed, for that we term this centuries Ottoman yoke and years of slavery. If in these years has one Turkish local ruler or sultan that make a little bit for Bulgarians and christians, we will be glad to make monuments of him. Still not found. But in many places in Bulgaria have a religious spots connected to muslim saints - Baba, equally honouring by muslim and christians.

QUESTION SIX

HAVE YOU IS THERE?

Is there any danger from whichto beware

In Sofia as many others big cities have regular dangerous. Pickpockets in crowded places are more or less obvious - without any racist

thought - in most cases from roma ethnic. But all kinds of people. Hanging out in dark alleys is not pleasant in any city or town. Accidental at-

tacks are not daily or part of mentality, but if you shout on foreign language with drunken voice, yourself have called.

Luckily is Sofia and in Bulgaria in general we dont have big natural disasters. Only time to time in spring or autumn some rivers after long rain may over-flowed. So if hike or cycling around Bulgaria, in rainy day dont make camp near river bank. Earthquakes are small, not more that 3-5 per Richter, and not happen more that one in year.

The biggest treat that need to beware in Sofia in fact is a ground. Not a joke. In some passages on sidewalks some tiles are poorly released. After rain step on it may splash a mud water in your shoes, clothes or even in your face. So, youre warned.

Is there a Bulgarian movies that are known or interesting

As small country without big budget for culture, bulgarian cinema relies on intellectual investment. In communist time when to glorifying Communist Par-ty and the foundations of socialism is priority to spend a line of humanism is a difficult task. So, to understand director plot, need to ignore all Party speech-es and go deeply in many layers. From that time are very popular unmindful comedies - S deca na more (With kids on beach - 1972), Toplo (Warm - 1978), Dami Kanyat (Ladies invite - 1980) and Opasen char (Dangerous charm - 1984) and tragicomical war movies - Privarzaniyat balon (Tied balloon - 1967 - Black and white movie) and Trimata ot zapasa (Three Reservists - 1971). At end of 80s directors become more brave and masterpiece from that time is movie Vchera (Yesterday - 1988).

90s movies are very dark and depres.s Very depress...In 2002, a brilliant satire torn clouds of Bulgarian film drama - Halmat na

borovinkite (Blueberry hill) on Alexander Morfov. This movie is first from few loved and recommended bulgarians movies - Svetat e goliam (The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner - 2008), Iztochni piesi (Eastern Plays - 2009 (my favorite)) and Kecove (Sneakers - 2011). Last good movies from 2014 are - Victoria and Sadilishteto (The Judgement). Still there is not created most favorite movie that Vcera (Yesterday) for as...

- Briefcase, please. - This is my wallet.

Opasen char (Dangerous charm - 1984)

Have you been Soviet republic?

We has been communist ruling country for 45 years (from 1945 to 1990 y.), but never part of USSR. Still exist some rumors that negotiations are make, but luckily nothing happen.

Is there workable old Mineral water/Turkish/ bath in Sofia?

No matter that in Sofia have 6 big mineral water spring, is hard to find old bath here. The three major baths here, now are lock and wait to collapse. For Central Mineral bath in centre of Sofia, now is new History of Sofia Museum. Part of Health Care System bath in Ovcha kupel district will be collapse very soon and now even horror movie directors who love this place do not dare to enter. Bath in Bankya town will be decoration as part of SPA Hotel there...

But, hush, there are one place. Next to Dam of Pancarevo lake is small, old, stealthy mineral turkish bath with two separate pools for man and womans with 42C water If bath with few strangers is not your thing, next to this bath is outdoor swimming pool also with mineral water (36C) with bar and restaurant working all round year.

Is there a festivals in Sofia?

Do not think that here Ill announce some fiestas like Rio Festival and Mardi Gras. Or feast like Oktoberfest. We Bulgarians not celebrate to-gether and colored, usually do that with family and closed friends. Only events that gather together thousands of people is yelling for or against some party. Usually governing one... But still here have a interesting event for music, art and green initiative.

One of biggest traditional fes-tivals is in next to Sofia, in city of Pernik - Festival of the Masked games - Surva. Every year in end of January or beginning of February, people for all over Bulgaria and world go to Pernik to participate in this festival or watch masked per-formers know as Kukeri.

Kukeri tradition is old and may-be pre-Christian. Mens wear this scary costume not to scare oth-er people, but to scare other bad looking things like evil spirits, dis-ease and bad luck. For that reason Kukeri jump, yell and make noisi-ness with cowbells... Sofia to Per-nik is 30 km., and less that one hour with bus or train.

Other musical and art event in Sofia are: Salon of the Arts - usually week events in Palace of Culture from April till

June as kids theater, jazz concerts, art performance. International Animation Film Festival Golden Kuker in begging of May. Sofia Design Week - in end of May, with lot workshops and presentation

in some spots in city. Sofia Rocks Festival - One day in Jule, but loud day. Sofia Pride -one day parade for LGBT and few day event for rights of gay

and transsexual people. Sofia Breathes - every Sunday of August one street are closed for cars

and different green and nature friendly organizations present theirs work and products.

Sofia Dance Week - begging of October. Kinomania - Big Movie festival in November. Days of challenges - extreme sports and expeditions presentation from

Bulgarian adventures and world travelers.

I think that is in general. And this answers are full and informative enough.Soon will have a lot of new questions, if you have one - send me mail or find

me in social networks, I will answer gladly.

follow Ogis Travels and DaydreamsMy blog about travels and adventures in Bulgaria and around.

This book is free, but if you liked, would love to drink a beer from you while travel

Introduction Question One - When?When is the best season to come to Bulgaria? When traveling in Bulgaria, which is better: bus or train? When, you are liberated from Ottoman empire?

Question Two - Where?Where to try traditional food in Sofia?Where to go after Sofia in Bulgaria?Where to rent a bike?

Question Three - What?What must necessarily need to see in Sofia?What about mineral water fountains in center of Sofia! What recommended to try Bulgarian wine or rakia? What means Kavarma, Kebabche and Tarator in menusWhat is usual Bulgarian breakfast?What more people here speak - Russian or English?Whats most specific souvenir from BulgariaWhat about Bulgarian kingWhats written on the walls?What are this posters?

Question Four - How?How to read Cyrillic?How to spend my time in Sofia?How you live in communist time?How to go on top of the Vitosha mountain? How to go to Seven Rila lakes and Rila monastery?How many people live in Sofia?How to go/come from Airport?How to use Public transport and tickets?

Question Five - Why?Why even Bulgaria is part of EU, not use Euro as currency?Why these yarns are hanging on trees?Why you shake your head on opposite way to say Yes and No?Why most young people drink alcohol in parks?Why you smoke so much?Why in Bulgaria dont have Turkish monuments, while you have been so long a part of Ottoman empire?

Question Six - Have you Is there?Is there any danger from which to bewareIs there a Bulgarian movies that are known or interestingHave you been Soviet republic?Is there workable old Mineral water/Turkish/ bath in Sofia?Is there a festivals in Sofia?

Button 2: