|
|
|
|
 |
The country on the Balkan is formed especially by the different mountains. In the north the hilly range of the Danube climbs smoothly to the mountain range of the Balkan which descents on the other side to the river canyons of the Thrace Depression. In the south and west spread the Withoscha-, Rila- and Pirin- as well as the Rhodope Mountains. Bulgaria is a well developed country for travelers. Comfort might not always be the best, but the people are warmhearted and friendly.
Traveling to the Rhodope Mountains one will find a labyrinth of mountains, valleys and canyons. The mountain slopes are not extremely high and the valleys are fertile and green. The Rila Mountains are a contrast to that. Its peaks are covered with snow, its mountain crests squared and its canyons deep. The Rila fascinates its visitors with its more than 150 icy lakes in heights of 2100 to 2500 meters as well as its warm mineral wells.
They can also be found in the Pirin, which is also known for its ragged peaks. Towns here were used for health resorts already in Antiques times. Witnesses can be found in Sandarski, Dobrinischte or Marikostenovo.
The history of Sofia, the capitol, goes back for thousands of years. Through the times many nations have lived here; one can find traces of Romans, Thrace, Byzantines and Turks.
When you are already in Bulgaria you should make a quick trip to the Black Sea. Varna is claimed to be the capitol of the coastal region. Life is vivid here. It is also nice to have a look in a Roman thermal spa. North of town, along the so called Golden Beaches, one finds a large number of beach resorts.
Just as famous are the Sunny Beaches north of Burgas. From Burgas one can go on trips which lead back to Antique Times. South of Burgas, when traveling in the direction of Turkey, one should stop at Sozopol. The ancient town was built into the ocean and has become a favored home to Bulgarian artists through the last decades. They add to the flair of the town.
Bulgarian dishes are usually well spiced. Special delicacies are cold soup from yoghurt and cucumbers, filled paprika and Kebapcheta (small, well spiced meat balls). Typical Bulgarian dishes are also Banska kavyrma (meat and vegetables stewed in a casserole), Rodopsko Cheverme (lamb roasted above open fire) and certainly also Shopska Salat (different fresh vegetables topped with sheep cheese). Bulgarian cheese is also very delicious.
Domestic wines are offered along with the food (Bulgaria is one of the largest wine producers in the world). Here they drink coffee very sweet.
Some geography:
Bulgaria stretches across an area of 110,000 square kilometers and has just about 8 million inhabitants. 15 percent of the inhabitants belong to minorities: Turks, Roma, Russians and Armenians. Language of the country is Bulgarian. The larger majority of the inhabitants belong to the Bulgarian-Orthodox church. The Bulgarians celebrate their national holiday on March 3rd. On that day in 1878 the country won the fight against the Turkish control. |
|
|
|
|
|
