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A sincere welcome to Sofia
It is not easy to write about one's own own country from the point of view of a presenter of the country, of someone who wants to advertise it and show its best sides, but at the same time from the point of view of someone who wants to be honest and make a sincere presentation about its beauties and its worries. Well, I should not complain but start writing, after all, it is better to at least give it a try
The first thing that captures your attention even before you land on Sofia Airport is the building of the airport itself, a strange combination between a modern building and an old-fashioned airport building, looks a little bit grey for an international airport. If I had the chance to build an airport building I would make it about dozen times more colourful. After all, travelling is all about hospitality, warmth and making new acquaintances, so the airport building of every modern city should welcome the passengers with a big warm hug and make them feel at home. It is important to be modern, contemporary and cool, but a little bit of sunny Mediterranean colours would do no harm, I think. So, do not judge us by the airport building in Sofia you will be pleasantly surprised how much better and more hospitable we are in fact.
Make sure to visit Sofia in late spring, or early autumn, this is when the town looks surprisingly fresh and romantic, the air seems cleaner and life here looks great. I, myself, have nothing against empty summer Sofia streets, when everyone has fled to the Black Sea Coast and to the countryside and it is such a pleasure to drive along the deserted Sofia boulevards. In summer it could get quite warm here, which is great if you can stand it.
Do not come in winter time, please. Not in Sofia it is cold, could be windy, if there is snow, traffic gets awful but the worst comes when the snow starts to melt streets become wet and muddy, cars splash all that mud away, I just cant stand this time of the year usually mid January until mid March. Everything looks grey (in tone with the Sofia Airport building), Bulgarians wear a lot of black, dark blue and grey in winter but with all that mud, you have to wear military-like colours in order to leave the dirt unnoticed. Well, it is not that bad, but after all, I promised to be honest so do not be disappointed.
However, if you decide to come in May for example I can promise you at least: lots of beautiful lillacs blowing everywhere loading the air with their irresistable scent, green parks and gardens crowded with kids, teeangers and pensioners, and crazy teenagers celebrating their proms in flamboyant dresses and costumes from sunset till sunrise three sights not to be missed.
If you come in September, you will most probably see a lot of beautiful sun-tanned girls on the streets (just returning from the Black Sea Coast), witness the first School Day (September 15th) with the crowds of kids carrying bouquets for their teachers, you will enjoy the bluest sky and will have the opportunity to taste the best tomatoes on earth, as well as to treat yourself with a variety of most delicious fruits and vegetables. The marketplaces at this time of the year are just irresisitable watermelons, peaches, melons, peppers, big pink tomatoes, plums, grapes everything tastes great. Spend at least half a day in one of Sofias market places (I would recommend the Sitnyakovo market or Rimska Stena market) and enjoy the colours of the fruit and the mood of the sellers.
One thing I would not miss while being in Sofia is to visit the Vitosha mountain, there is a cabin lift that goes almost to the top. This relaxing trip would take you not more that half a day. After a few crazy shopping and bar-hopping days, it is really relaxing to visit the mountain and see things from a different view.
Traditional places of interest monuments, churches, important buildings etc. you will find in traditional brochures so I will not bother to mention them here, at least, not in this article.
Things change quite quickly in Bulgaria and in Sofia as we are still in the so-called transition period somewhere in between communism and the European Union, so does change the Sofia landscape new buildings emerge almost with the speed of light, the town becomes more and more crowded, traffic gets terrible sometimes. I wanted to compile a list with shops, pubs and restaurants, which I consider worth visiting, however, as things change quite quickly I am not sure whether this list would be relevant if you read it in a half a year time from now. That is why, if you have questions or if you need advice regarding the subject of good shops, good food and good wine, just drop me a line it will be a pleasure for me to answer your questions.
Linda
Your Sofia Guide
Options for Sofia Tours |
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A sincere welcome to Sofia
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