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ISSUE 97/2014
SLEYMAN
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ISSN 1312-8590
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keynote
dear vagabond
keynote
where to
find us
Autumn is a splendid time to explore the cultural and natural
attractions of Bulgaria. In this issue of Vagabond, we bring you four
travelogues. The first deals with one of the most amazing monuments
you will see in Europe. You might have guessed: The Founders of the
Bulgarian State composition near Shumen, in northeastern Bulgaria.
To find out why it was erected, at what cost, and why the Japanese are
so fascinated by it, turn to p32.
The second is a long article outlining the heritage of five centuries
of Ottoman rule in what is now Bulgaria. Ever wondered where all
these mosques, forts, stately 19th century houses, water fountains and
exquisite bridges come from? Turn to p50 to find out.
October and November are the best months to sample what the
Black Sea has to offer in terms of seafood. Take a long weekend to
Ahtopol and the southern stretch of Bulgaria's maritime border, and
you may be lucky. Local fishermen will have caught (hopefully) more
than three palamuds and you might be able to judge for yourself why
the Black Sea bonito tops the list of Bulgarian specialties. Turn to p44
for the details.
Turkish Ambassador Sleyman Gke has been in Bulgaria for
about a year, but during this time he has developed a very intimate
relationship with the country and its people. To find out why it is
important to build on the past while developing the future, turn to p18
for an in-depth interview.
In addition to all of the above, this issue contains a plethora of
reviews, fun, entertainment, quizzes and some wonderful fiction
writing by a young Bulgarian writer, Iren Levi, on p80.
Enjoy your Vagabond!
imprint
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contents
issue 97 / 2014
Tsvetelina Kovacheva
tsvetelina@vagabond.bg
Vanya Zlateva
vanya@vagabond.bg
CONTRIBUTORS
Bozhidara Georgieva
Dimana Trankova
MANAGING EDITOR
Dimitar Ivanov
Anthony Georgie
anthony@vagabond.bg
Iren Levi
8. Quote-unquote
Stamen Manolov
Elena Filipova
elena@vagabond.bg
PAPER
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Cover: 2 g/m2
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Jeni Georgieva
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MEDIA SALES
Alexandra Spiridonova
a.spiridonova@vagabond.bg
Kristina Panayotova
kristina@vagabond.bg
Minka Vazkresenska
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
80. Fiction
Iren Levi
18. Interview
Sleyman Gke
Svetlana Doncheva
svetlana@vagabond.bg
Pursuant to Article 7a, Paragraph 3 of the Bulgarian Compulsory Deposition of Printed and Other Works act
it is herewith declared that Anthony Georgieff is the sole proprietor of Vagabond Media Ltd.
ISSN 13128590
Unless explicitly stated, the views and opinions expressed or implied in
, Bulgaria's English
Monthly, are intended for entertainment only. The publisher assumes no responsibility, direct or implied,
for any advertising content. Products and services mentioned are subject to change without prior notice.
You are strongly advised to make proper research and seek professional advice before making any financial
commitment in response to advertising material
quote-unquote
"All parties
are lined up as the
women at the windows
of a certain Amsterdam
district, and offer
themselves."
VOLEN SIDEROV,
Ataka leader
"Boyko Borisov
is as rightwing as the
English traffic."
Writer IVAYLO "NOISY" TSVETKOV
er
ttthe h
e
l f nt
o o
m
SOFIA
TATYANA DONCHEVA ,
leader of Movement 21
BULGARI
VAGABON
MEDIA
Dear Vagabond,
Referring to your article "Building
New Ruins" (Vagabond No. 89), I visited
the Trayanovi Vrata fortress and was
stunned to see workmen frantically
trying to finish the 3.4 million EUfunded works that are clearly overrun.
This was after 6 pm in September.
Work on the site should have finished in
August 2014!
Massive new walls that bear little
resemblance to Byzantine ruins are
being built and there is scant evidence of
proper supervision. I could see ancient
tiles and bricks scattered as rubbish
and clearly no archaeological record or
salvage being done.
Such additions, towers and grandiose
rebuilds are hardly in the spirit of
sensitive historical conservation. Shame
on the authorities who have let this, and
presumably the other places listed in the
article, happen. They will regret this sort
of expensive and excessive enterprise in
years to come. As a former inspector of
ancient monuments, I know what I am
criticising here.
Professor CAROLINE MALONE, UK
11
10
L O R A N G A L L E R Y
P R E S E N T S:
Nikolay Maystorov's
Exhibition
THE WAY
boyko now
legally 'stupid'
by Stamen Manolov
Father, if You are willing, let this cup pass from Me,
Matthew
galleryloran@yahoo.com
www.galleryloran.com
12
fiction13
where
business
Anthony Georgieff
think
you know
bulgaria
and the
bulgarians?
Bulgaria's railway museum
by Bozhidara Georgieva
1
2
3
5
6
8
9
7. Which Bulgarian
football team is
competing in the
2014/2015 Champions
League?
A. Levski
B. Ludogorets
C. CSKA
8. Where is Bulgaria's
only Railway Museum?
A. In Ruse
B. In Stara Zagora
C. In Gorna Oryahovitsa
9. Bulgaria's run of the
Danube is long...
A. 471 kms
B. 800 kms
C. 1,300 kms
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FIRE SAFETY
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pyrrhic
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Bulgaria's snap election fails
to produce stable parliament
by Anthony Georgieff
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FLAMETECH
THE INTELLIGENT COUNTERACTION
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politics
politics 17
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sleyman gke
Turkey's ambassador building
on the past, looking to the future
interview and photography by Anthony Georgieff
19
20
interview
21
22
interview
23
24
interview
26
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31
Anthony Georgieff
30
where
in bulgaria?
by Stamen Manolov
High Beam is a series of articles, initiated by Vagabond Magazine, with the generous support
of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, that aims to provide details and background of places,
cultural entities, events, personalities and facts of life that are sometimes difficult to understand
for the outsider in the Balkans. The ultimate aim is the preservation of Bulgaria's cultural heritage
including but not limited to archaeological, cultural and ethnic diversity.
32
33
if bulgar khans
were sci-fi
characters...
Weddings and 'falling objects' mix
at Founders of Bulgaria monument
in Shumen
by Dimana Trankova; photography by Anthony Georgieff
34
high beam
35
12
3
36
high beam
37
38
high beam
Christianity, military power and the alphabet are the main themes
in this part of the monument. When you look up, the concrete walls
form a cross against the sky. A huge mosaic in black, white, red,
gold and blue is dedicated to the evolution of the Slavic alphabet, its
creators Cyril and Methodius, and their disciples. This is the largest
mosaic triptych in Europe, a task which took 12 artists to complete.
To get a good look at the monument's next imposing detail,
you have to leave its concrete bowels and take several the more,
the better steps away. Look up. A 1,000 tonnes lion made of
2,000 pieces of granite adorns the highest part of the monument.
According to local lore, the lion commanding an imposing vista over
Shumen and indeed a large chunk of northeastern Bulgaria, is
hollow, and has an elevator inside one of the supporting columns.
Todor Zhivkov treated visiting Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev to
coffee in the lion's mouth...
Todor Zhivkov attended the opening of the monument, an event
seen as the peak of the celebrations of the 1,300th anniversary of
the founding of Bulgaria. Many of the Communist top brass were
in attendance, and the series of ribbon-cutting events included the
opening of a brand new aluminium factory in Shumen, and the new
history museum in Preslav.
39
40
41
42
high beam
Even at the time, many people in Shumen were far from happy with
the Founders of Bulgaria monument. Today some citizens complain
that this showpiece of past glory was built at the expense of ordinary
people, who were suffering severe shortages of anything from
tomatoes and toilet paper to housing. Estimates of how many blocks
of flats might have been built with the reinforced concrete used for
the monument vary from five to 12.
Others, however, are proud of the thing, which is on the list of
the 100 National Tourist Sites of the Bulgarian Tourist Union, and
the mosaics and the grey figures of the early Bulgarian rulers are a
popular spot for wedding pictures. The tourist office has responded
to the demand by offering wedding ceremonies inside or around the
monument.
After the collapse of Communism in 1989, and in the following
decades of economic difficulties, there was no money for the
maintenance of the monument. The elements took over and in 2006,
one of the legs of Khan Asparuh's horse collapsed. It was replaced
with a replica made of artificial stone, but maintenance remains a
problem. If she notices you, the lady at the ticket office will charge
you a few leva for an entry ticket.
There are two ways to reach the Founders of Bulgaria monument.
You can climb all the 1,300 steps of the grandiose staircase which
starts with four griffons and a water cascade at the theatre in
Shumen. The other option is to go by car; the monument is about six
kilometres from Shumen.
43
44
pa-la-mud!
'King' of Black Sea waters
'attacks' Bulgarian coast in
early autumn
by Minka Vazkresenska; photography by Anthony Georgieff
45
46 high
beam
47
48
high beam
high beam 49
arrive around Ahtopol earlier than usual, the fishermen say, they
scares the bonito away.
For many years, bonito have been non-existent. In 2013, for
example, an Ahtopol fisherman said: "I cannot sell you any palamud
as I caught only two this year and they are not for sale. I want to eat
them with my family."
However, the hope that the palamud have not forgotten the waters
of Bulgaria still remains. Two years ago, in 2012, Ahtopol fishermen
experienced an unprecedented catch of bonito. "Sea Boils With
Palamud," ran the headlines of the local and national media and,
while the young scratched their heads and wondered at their luck,
older fishermen were trying to remember the last time they had to
deal with so many bonito. Apparently, it was sometime in the 1960s.
Will the bonito come back again in 2014, as they did in 2012? Or
will the bonito-less 2013 be repeated? The only way to find out is to
go to Ahtopol in October and November. Otherwise you will have to
suffice with the frozen toruks imported from Turkey.
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50
ottoman
bulgaria
Heritage from five centuries
of imperial domination
abounds throughout country
by Dimana Trankova; photography by Anthony Georgieff
51
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high beam
The 15th Century Kadin Bridge over the Struma and the 16th
Century Devil's Bridge on the Arda are considered the most beautiful
in Bulgaria, but the country abounds with equally charming, lesser
known bridges. Hidden in ravines and over dry river beds, they are
to be found mainly in the mountains. Some of them enjoy local
fame, others are overgrown. Do not be surprised when locals or even
tourist signs refer to these bridges as "Roman." It is still a received
notion among people in the Balkans that a structure so old that its
true history has been forgotten simply must be Roman. In Greece,
however, anything old is Byzantine.
One of the biggest surprises of the Ottoman architectural heritage
in Bulgaria are its houses. The majestic buildings in Plovdiv's Old
Quarter, Kovachevitsa and Zheravna all belong to a tradition of
Ottoman housebuilding which was popular with all religious and
ethnic groups in the empire. This impressive style of architecture
developed in the Balkans and Asia Minor in the European and
Anatolian parts of the empire in the 18-19th centuries, and was
spread throughout the empire by itinerant builders of all faiths and
nationalities. Similar houses exist in places as far away from each
other as Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kastoria in Greece and
Safranbolu in Anatolia.
In Bulgaria, there is only one completely preserved mansion of an
Ottoman dignitary, the Agushev Konaks in the village of Mogilitsa,
in the Rhodope. Built by local notable Agush Aga between 1825 and
1842, this compound of three buildings has a total of 221 windows,
86 doors and 24 chimneys, plus a tower decorated with cityscapes.
Some of the Ottoman remains in Bulgaria are sheer curiosities.
One is the so-called Roman Wall in Sofia. Remember the
Everything-Old-Is-Roman rule? There is no better example than
this freestanding wall in the middle of an open air market. Though
everyone in Sofia knows it as the Roman Wall, it has the distinctive
appearance of early Ottoman architecture, as it is built of rectangular
stones encased in narrow bricks. This "Roman" wall was probably
built at the beginning of the 15th Century as an open air place of
prayer.
This series of articles is supported by the
America for Bulgaria Foundation. The
statements and opinions expressed herein
are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the America for Bulgaria
Foundation and its partners.
63
1
23
64
people of
istanbul
Buzzing megalopolis
sits on two continents,
two-hour drive from
Bulgarian border
by Bozhidara Georgieva;
photography by Anthony Georgieff
65
balkans travel 67
66
Reasons to visit Istanbul in the autumn are many, and range from
the milder and sunnier climate of the Bosporus to the hope of
encountering fewer tourists at the city's famous historical sites, while
the nostalgic aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts around the corners of
old neighbourhoods such as Galata and Beyolu.
The crowded streets, however, are one more reason that justifies
making the trip to Turkey's largest city. Home to an estimated 15
million citizens, though the actual number is probably higher,
Istanbul has stayed true to its millennia-old role as a melting pot of
people of diverse stock, ethnicity, religion and way of life, becoming
one of the most cosmopolitain cities in the world. A whirlpool of
faces, cultures and languages, Istanbul cannot be compared to any
other big city in Europe. It is the New York of the eastern hemisphere.
68
69
Swimming in the waters of Kabata, one of the
busiest ferry stops on the Bosporus
Following spread:
70
balkans travel
71
12
34
56
72
73
balkans travel 75
74
76
balkans travel
77
78
dental care
dental care 79
prevention
is the best
dental care
Modern lifestyle harms our teeth, and actively
advertised procedures like home tooth whitening can
have undesired consequences. Dr Angela Gusiyska
DMD, PhD who lectures in the Department of
Operative Dentistry and Endodontics in the Faculty
of Dental Medicine of the Medical University Sofia,
is one of the best specialists in dental care in Bulgaria,
and knows the secrets of healthy teeth and the pros
and cons of tooth whitening.
Is Bulgaria a good destination for dental tourism?
Recently there has been a lot of talk about dental
tourism in Bulgaria, but actually it is a year-long
tradition which is becoming increasingly popular
thanks to the media. The quality of dental treatment
in Bulgaria is on a top level, and is up to the
contemporary European and world standards. The
increased precision in medical manipulations is the
main stimulus for an increasing number of foreigners
to come to Bulgaria specifically for dental care, and
not to visit the dentist only because they happen to
be in Bulgaria. Dental tourism is something which
is done deliberately and includes planning of the
complete healing process. As a lecturer in the Faculty
fiction 81
final call
by Iren Levi
translated from the Bulgarian by Marinina Gadeleva
Checkpoint Charlie
Live Jazz on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
fiction
IREN LEVI's novel Final Call has been shortlisted in the Contemporary
Bulgarian Novel Contest of the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation and
Open Letter Books at the University of Rochester in January 2014.
Gourmet Cuisine
80
82
fiction
fiction 83
84
fiction
fiction 85
THE ELIZABETH
KOSTOVA
FOUNDATION and
VAGABOND, Bulgaria's
English Monthly, cooperate in
order to enrich the English
language with translations
of contemporary Bulgarian
writers. Every year we give you
the chance to read the work of
a dozen young and sometimes
not-so-young Bulgarian
writers that the EKF considers original, refreshing and
valuable. Some of them have been translated in English
for the first time. The EKF has decided to make the
selection of authors' work and to ensure they get
first-class English translation, and we at VAGABOND
are only too happy to get them published in a quality
magazine. Enjoy our fiction pages.
86
our winner
fiction 87
and the
winner is...
ZDRAVINA PENEVA, from Varna, guessed correctly that the
site we have shown you in the picture of Where in Bulgaria
Are You? in Vagabond 95-96, is the 1,300 Years Bulgaria
Monument in Shumen. Zdravina wins the poetic guide Wallto-Wall, Poetry of Europe.
Zdravina works for the Ministry of Interior. She reads Vagabond
because she is curious of what new and interesting from the
country will be covered in each issue. She is also happy that some
of the articles are translated into the Bulgarian. In Bulgaria,
Zdravina recommends the taste of the Bulgarian hospitality, the
wonderful food, and beautiful places like Plovdiv and Veliko
Tarnovo. What Zdravina doesn't like in Bulgaria are the current
pessimistic atmosphere, the reluctancy of many Bulgarians
to love their country, and the emigration of young and clever
people.
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ruins if the Roman city of Nicopolis ad Nestum, and
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excellently equipped conference halls. The mineral
pools are two, and the list of therapies and spa pleasures
include the use of Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, Turkish
bath, ice room, relax zone and different massages. The
place is exceptionally good for holiday the whole year
round. For the children, there are playing ground, kid's
corner and sports field for tennis, volleyball, basketball
and football.
98
plovdiv
plovdiv
-
!
by Dimitar Ivanov;
photography by Anthony Georgieff
, .
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100
destination
destination 101
Plovdiv is also a marvellously diverse city, Bulgarians,
Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Jews and Roma live together
in it.
The city by the hills, as Plovdiv is commonly known,
is the home of 350,000 people and is the second
biggest in Bulgaria. The mighty Maritsa runs through
it. The scion of a Neolithic settlement which existed
about 8,000 years ago, through the ages Plovdiv has
been Thracians and Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian and
Ottoman city. It has changed its name many times, it has
been called Eumolpia and Philippopolis, Pulpudeva and
Trimontium, Paldin and Filibe.
The Turkish word tepe, or hill, is still used for the hills
of Plovdiv, as the city is situated on and around seven
hills (one of which doesn't exist anymore). The city's
oldest historical core is on Trihalmie, or the Three Hills,
where three of the Plovdiv's tepe are huddled together.
On them is the Ancient theatre from the beginning
of the 2nd Century. One of the best preserved Roman
theatres in the Balkans, it had a capacity of 5,000 viewers
and was discovered and restored in 1968-1979. Today, the
theatre continues attracting visitors as a scene of festivals,
theatre and other culture events.
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DENTACCORD
d e n t a l
c l i n i c
You
rs
oal!
mile is our g !
Aesthetics y
Smile y e
Sculpturing
Implantology y
Parodontology y
Oral & Maxillo- y facial Surgery
Plovdiv, 4A Brezovska St
Phone: 032 651 214; 0885 940 626; 0888 625 145
www. dentaccord.com
102
advertorial
advertorial 103
Anthony Georgieff
Anthony Georgieff
PLOVDIV MUNICIPALITY
TOURIST INFORMATION
z Central Square,
fax: +359 32 656 794
z Dr Stoyan Chomakov St,
phone: +359 32 620 453
tourism@plovdiv.bg
www.visitplovdiv.com
www.facebook.com/VisitPlovdiv
104
destination
( . 101)
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Wherever you are in Plovdiv for a business or as a tourist, the 4-star Park Hotel
Sankt Peterburg is the place where you will feel at home. The highest, and most
contemporary hotel in the city is conveniently close to the centre, and has
comfortable rooms and amenities that make your stay a real pleasure.
z Spacious standard rooms, studious and luxurious apartments
z Main and business restaurant, panoramic bar, children's centre
z Three conference rooms with capacity of 50 to 300 guests
z Aqua Park
International
Congress Centre
Bulgaria, Plovdiv, 3
7 Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd
phone: +359 32 902 311
congress@fair.bg; www.fair.bg
!
,
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6rZmdl7W8.
106
advertorial 107
Sofia
for you
,
,
by Dimitar Ivanov
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(Continues on p108)
( . 108)
Behind the
scenes, at
Grape Central
wine bar and
restaurant
One of the best places for
fine wine and dine in Sofia,
Grape Central restaurant is
the realm of Ivailo Ignatov.
He is the youngest member
of the team, but still he has
15 years of experience in the
fine dine business. In 2013,
Ignatov discovered cooking
as his new vocation and
for today his ideas form the
basis of Grape Central's cuisine. In July 2014, he graduated
second in his Cuisine de Base class at Le Cordon Bleu, the
prestigious culinary academy in Paris.
What is the feeling of changing the restaurant's dining area
with an even "hotter" place, the kitchen?
It is hard to explain, these places are like different
planets. In the kitchen, the challenge and pressure are
enormous, everything is tighter and more organised. If you
make a mistake, you start preparing the dish from scratch.
And now I began to understand why some chefs are quite
"emotional" during work.
What inspired you to take up cooking?
Necessity, actually. From the very beginning we knew
that we will find it hard to hire a chef who would comply
with our vision of what the food in Grape Central should
be. I gave cooking a try, put a lot of enthusiasm and energy
in it, and here I am. (Laughs)
What is the best advice you have learnt at Le Cordon
Bleu?
Hunter S. Thompson's words "He that is taught only by
himself has a fool for a master" sum the best what I learnt
in Paris. I learnt a lot in the academy, the most important
knowledge is the power of small things, and the French
cuisine system.
To what extent the menu of Grape Cenral reflects you as a
personality and a chef ?
Our menu is a reflection of our concept for food, of
what our guests like and would like. Of course, there is a
45 Tsar Samuil St | +359 889 820 444 | info@grape-central.com
/Grape Central
www.grape-central.com
108
La Skara Restaurant
To eat well and healthy
in Soa has never been
easier!
Book a table at La
Skara Restaurant
Choose vegetables
and fresh marinated
meat from a selection
made by chefs
Grill by yourself
in the BBQ
Enjoy
the result!
1
2
3
4
WELCOME TO KANAAL,
SOFIAS UNIQUE CRAFT BEER BAR
LOCATED IN AN OLD FAMILY HOUSE CLOSE TO
ZAIMOV PARK AND ALONG THE PERLOVSKA RIVER,
KANAAL IS A COZY BAR WITH WARM AND RELAXING
ATMOSPHERE, GATHERING MULTICULTURAL
AUDIENCE AND THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF
BEER ENTHUSIASTS IN SOFIA. KANAAL IS THE ONLY
PLACE TO FIND A STUNNING SELECTION OF MORE
THAN 250 BOTTLED CRAFT BEERS FROM EUROPE
AND ACROSS THE WORLD. WHETHER ITS A TASTY
WHEAT BEER, OR A TRAPPIST CLASSIC ALE, A BITTER
INDIA PALE ALE, A SOUR CHERRY LAMBIC OR A DEEP
DARK SMOKED PORTER, THE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND
FRIENDLY PEOPLE BEHIND THE BAR WILL BE HAPPY
TO RECOMMEND THE RIGHT BEERS FOR YOU. AN
EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER FOR ALL BEER LOVERS!
( . 106)
La Skara
!
1
2
La Skara
3
4
!
Sofia, Students town, next to block 60 | phone: 0889 369 369
, , . 60 | : 0889 369 369
www.la-skara.com | www.facebook.com/laskarasofia
GRAPE CENTRAL:
( )
GRAPE CENTRAL (www.grape-central.com)
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Grape Central 10 .
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Grape Central ,
.
WE ARE OPEN:
MONDAYTHURSDAY 17:30 24:00
FRIDAY, SATURDAY 17:30 02:00
SUNDAY CLOSED
110
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VENTANA,
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, , , ,
.
.
PASTORANT
16 Tsar Asen St, Sofia | phone: 981 4482; 0887 026 190
working hours: 12:0022:30
If you like pasta, or small romantic restaurants, combine the two and
come to Pastorant. The low light and intimate atmosphere will make
your visit here a study in enjoyment. Choose from our carefully selected
Italian specialities that include fresh salads and antipasti, delicious
entres, all sorts of pasta and tasty meat dishes. A good meal in
Pastorant should be accompanied by a bottle of wine from our worldwide selection (Austria,
New Zealand, Chile, Sicily
and more) to round off your
evening of culinary pleasure.
There is also a pleasant
summer garden for the
warm months.
night scene. "I am thrilled, the party here never stops," the
24-year-old student from Greece Giannis says, "People are
pretty open to foreigners and easy to communicate with.
In some cases the Bulgarians are even the pro-active side in
the communication," he adds.
KANAAL: MORE THAN BEER
Inspired of the culture and spirit of the Netherlands and
Belgium, but with authentic Sofia character, KANAAL
(Sofia, 2 Madrid Blvd, www.kanaal.bg) is the only bar in
the city specialising in craft beers. The selection is unique
for Bulgaria and is on a par with the best niche bars in
Europe, stressing on boutique, interesting, rare beers from
small breweries in Belgium, the Netherlands, England,
Denmark, Italy and the US. The owners supply more than
250 types of beer, including classics like the golden Duvel,
Trappist Westmalle, wheat Vedett, and more exotic
varieties like bitter hopped India Pale Ale, fruit beers, sour
lambics, light craft lagers and many more. You can buy
beer for home from the bar, or attend the tastings or beer
events organised by KANAAL. The bar is also the right
place to be in Saturday night for a DJ party with Jazz, soul,
funk, disco, indie and modern electronic music.
KANAAL organises movie screenings, bazaars, concerts
and poetry readings, for the newest events check the
programme on www.facebook.com/kanaal.bg.
113
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Duvel, Westmalle,
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KANAAL , ,
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www.facebook.com/kanaal.bg.
KANAAL
112
114
healthcare
115
To take care
of future
Regardless of whether you want
to stay healthy or to conceive,
in Bulgaria you have all advantages
of modern reproductive medicine
and gynaecology
by Dimitar Ivanov
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advertorial
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118
advertorial
advertorial 119
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120
balkans
travel
high
beamfiction
XXX 121
healthcare
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y City Breaks
y Heritage Tours
y Eccentric Bulgaria
y Incentive Travel
Jewish Bulgaria
Once Bulgaria was a major Jewish centre in southeastern Europe, which did not
deport about 49,000 of its Jews during the Second World War. Now the Jewish
community in the country is small, but the heritage remains sometimes wellkept and maintained, but often overlooked, ignored and abandoned. With a
highly-qualified guide, who has authored many articles and a book about Jewish
heritage in the Balkans, you can now visit some or all of the Jewish-related sites.
Expect to discover some surprising gateways to a forgotten yet potent reminder of
a world that no longer exists.
Ottoman Bulgaria
Did you know that until the late 19th century Bulgaria was a part of a powerful
empire spanning on three continents and incorporating lands as varied as what
is now Egypt, Greece, Israel, Turkey and Iraq? Modern Bulgaria is dotted with
remnants of the Ottoman Empire bridges, mosques, public baths, residential
architecture, water fountains... This is an exciting tour that will give some unique
insights into why Bulgaria is what it is at the beginning of the 21st century.
Communist Bulgaria
In 1990 Bulgaria was the only Warsaw Pact country to re-elect its former Communists in a multiparty election. In 2013 Bulgaria is the only country in Eastern Europe that has not demolished,
dismantled or at least put in context its hundreds if not thousands of Communist-era monuments,
statues and architectural complexes varying from monstrosities such as the Founders of Bulgaria
monument in Shumen and the flying saucer building at Buzludzha to the menacing Red Army
monument in Central Sofia. Many of those have been left to the elements to wither, just as the
ideology that once inspired them. In a generation, they will be gone, so now is the time to see
them, experience them and see for yourself what Eastern Europe looked like 25 years ago.
Our tours are highly customisable and can be done for anything from a few hours in central Sofia to a week-long
trip in the country. We provide convenient transportation, hotel accommodation, good food and wine and above
all expert guides who will tell you all the stories that will help you make sense of what you see in one of Europe's
least known lands.
Just send us an email on travel@vagabond.bg with a specific inquiry and we will be happy to oblige.
www.vagabond.bg
www.penguin.bg
www.penguin.dk
122
property
Bright
future
by Dimitar Ivanov
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2014 .
124
property
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126
CHILDRENS ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES, ARTS
AND SPORTS
advertorial
dr irina shopova:
our kindergarten
is for children
who want to
know more
From September 2014, the Kindergarten of the
Children's Academy of Arts, Sciences and Sport
opens a nursery group. The study is full day and
includes intensive learning of English language
with a native speaker, plus 10 hours weekly of
spoken and music English with a pedagogue
philologist and a pedagogue musicologist. In this
English-language environment, the children
"submerge" into the language and through games
and passive listening develop their linguistic and
musical skills. The group will be of 10 children.
Dr Irina Shopova, Director of Children's Academy
of Arts, Sciences and Sport, tells more.
Play, have fun and learn new things with the courses of our special programme!
Until 20 December!
Room 1
9 am 10 am: English language class
10 am 12 am: History class for 7th grade
12 am 2 pm: Creative writing in Bulgarian
2 pm 3 pm: Philosophy for children
3 pm 4 pm: German language class
4 pm 5 pm: Persian language class
5 pm 6 pm: Italian language class
6 pm 8 pm: Biology class for 7th grade
Room 2
9 am 10.30 am: Piano class
10.30 am 12.00 am: Guitar class
12.00 am 2 pm: Pop and jazz singing class
with Militsa
2 pm 3 pm: Reading for small children
3 pm 4 pm: Techniques for fast reading
4 pm 8 pm: Piano, guitar, solfeggio
Room 3
8.30 am 10 am: Florisics and ikebana course
10 am 11.30 am: Acting class in English
11.30 am 12.30 am: History of Arts class in English
12.30 am 1.30 pm: Fine Arts class
1.30 pm 3.30 pm: Applied Arts class
3.30 pm 6 pm: Fine Arts class for teenagers
6 pm 8 pm: Painting on silk and glass
Room 4
9 am 10 am: Russian language course
10 am 11 am: Chinese language course
11 am 12 am: Chess course
12 am 1 pm: Chess course in English
127
128
inside track
When it comes to location, service and history Sofia Hotel Balkan is not only in the
very heart of the city, but the building itself is part of the architectural heritage of the
capital. The hotel combines timeless grace and modern convenience and is preferred
for the lavishing guest rooms and exquisite event halls. This summer Sofia Hotel
Balkan will take exclusive care for its corporate guests. Until 15 September they can
enjoy free transfer, free upgrade (upon availability) and free access to the Executive
Lounge. And this is only the beginning of the journey that is Sofia Hotel Balkan.
plaza
hotel
" " , - 10 3 , 3 7- ,
.
. " "
,
.
: 0700 11 013
info@patronaj.net
.
ZINE
NGLISH MAGA
BULGARIAS E
5.95 leva
ISSUE 97/2014
SLEYMAN
I SSU E 9 7 / 2 0 1 4
9 771312 859112
ISSN 1312-8590
08
GKE
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