| Page Views: 529 Last Visit to Sofia: April, 2008 | Yes, it is worth it! by unaS - last update: Jul 19, 2008 |
Flat vs hostel/B&B/hotel | Mt Vitosha from flat window (zoom) |
In Sofia I stayed in a flat and found myself thrown on my own. There was no support/network system at all, except the agency. After searching around the area, I called them. They returned my call 20 minutes later with instructions on how to find a small 'supermarket' - a good 10 minutes walk away. Other than that they were unable to help me.
I couldn't even use the telephone to call the VT members I had arranged to meet because the telephone in the flat wouldn't work with mobile phone numbers for some reason. That was a real disappointment!
I was impressed with the traditional Bulgarian tolerance of others. The Bulgarian population itself is largely Orthodox, but other churches, mosques and synagogues all exist side by side.
The people I met and talked with accepted the fact that I am an Israeli without any of the verbal attacks that I have experienced elsewhere in Europe. It was amazing and relaxing not to have to go into political explanations and discussions with every stranger I spoke to!
While surrounded by mountains, Sofia itself is flat. Most of the sites that the visitor will want to see are located fairly close together. So, simply put, walk . Sure you might get a bit lost, I did, but that is part of the fun of visiting a new place - and the best way to get to know it. |
| First view of A. Nevski Cathedral from the park. |
How to find anything... I used the Rough Guide extensively in addition to all of the good advice I had here on VT. The main annoyance was the need to transliterate each and every street sign in order to be able to follow my map which was in English. Some people did speak English, but didn't seem to know where the sites I wanted to find were or, perhaps, it was too complicated for them to explain in English. It was more work and less enjoyable for that reason.
OTOH I did find many places I would probably not have known about due to just wandering the streets - that was fun.
Found a book market of open stalls. Bought my English language map there and a truly marvelous book - "The Inn at Antimovo and Legends of Stara Planina" by Yordan Yovkov translated by John Burnip. I very strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the daily life of villagers during the Ottoman period in Bulgaria. It is a series of two cycles of short stories that are simply beautiful and beautifully written.
I found the Vasil Levski monument and the monument to Tzar Alexander II with the map and the Rough Guide. From there I also discovered, by chance, that the back entry to the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, through the park, is far more beautiful than the front entry which is a huge parking lot! There was also a nice art show in the park. It was worth spending some time browsing there.
The trams and buses are easy to use. People are friendly and show you how to stamp your ticket. When the tram is full everyone helps - passing a ticket back and forth to get it stamped. Most of the drivers were helpful telling me where to get off. Lots of smiles and hand gestures all around. Lovely people! |
Bulgaria in general The architecture is amazing. So many different styles in such a small area. One doesn't know where to look first.
The food - well not much to say - I gained 4 kilo in 2 weeks!!! DELICIOUS. Ate mostly in small restaurants that I saw the locals using. They rarely had English menus, but it was easy enough to see what people were eating and point at something. Got some strange looks at first, but as soon as they realized what I was actually doing it just brought on laughter and helpful suggestions.
As far as public transport, food and basic necessities go, Bulgaria remains very inexpensive re western Europe. Just stay away from the obvious tourist traps, is all.
One interesting side comment. Most Bulgarians that I met do not consider the Russians as enemies. They still see them as saviours that helped to rid them of the Ottoman yoke. Not many had anything good to say about Communism, but they make a definite distinction between the Russians and the Communist Party. There is a strong mutual link in their language and their culture - they can understand and appreciate the Russian people in a way that most of us in the west can not.
All Sofia photos here: Webshots
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| Pros: | "Friendly people, amazing architecture, fascinating history." | | Cons: | "Language difficulties is the only one really." | | In A Nutshell: | "Difficult to negotiate but lots of fun." |
 Comments for unaS about Sofia | | | | |
joiwatani Sat Apr 18, 2009 15:14 UTC
Great tips! | jumpingnorman Thu Apr 16, 2009 15:26 UTC
I've always wanted to go to Bulgaria because I have friends from Bulgaria here in USA - but I missed it when I visited Romania --should have crossed border! Very nice pages you have... | ranger49 Thu Apr 16, 2009 13:13 UTC
What a very interesting and useful page -thanks for sharing. So glad you liked The Gardener's Prayer I have beenmeaning to post it on my HP for ages! | Arkeolog Sat Mar 28, 2009 22:43 UTC
nice page. i liked the tips. thx for sharing. |
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