Hello! Are you hesitating to come to Bulgaria? Why? I am going to tell you that you should not hesitate and let me explain to you why you are going to make a mistake if you don’t come.
I’m in Bulgaria since last week and I am a volunteer at Active Bulgarian Society organization, in Blagoevgrad. Blagowhat? Yeah, I know. If you are not a Bulgarian, most probably you haven‘t heard about the city name, but don’t stuck at the name. Blagoevgrad has many activities which will make you appreciate your volunteering so let’s forget your previous ideas about this country.
« What are you doing in Bulgaria during the summer ? It’s a cold country »
Seriously ? Since I am here in Bulgaria, the temperature is always around 37°C. As you can see, here is not my lucky day. When I wrote this article, we were Tuesday (Mardi in French, MAR 08) and this afternoon, there was only 34°C. Prepare your sweat to support this polar temperature.
« Be careful, it could be a bit dangerous »
OK, I know that in occidental countries we don’t know very well how is the situation in the Eastern countries from the defunct USSR but it’s still in European Union. No risks falling into a trap here, the country is very safe and you will have the opportunity to discover it and to meet new people. The police is here to protect you. We are not in latin countries like Honduras or Salvador where the situation is much more problematic.
« There is nothing to do in this country ? »
I will be a bit long because there are so many things to do here. I am a volunteer for a short term European Voluntary Service/EVS/ project so I am here for two months. Well, it’s obvisouly too short! Let’s show you my plans for the next weekends, and I hope I will realize everything!
-> Bansko. Located at the foot of the Pirin mountains in southwestern Bulgaria (1 hour from Blagoevgrad), Bansko is a little town known to be a ski resort. If you’re coming during the winter, you will be surprised! And during the summer like me. There are many activities such as hiking, mountain bike and rafting, for example.
-> Veliko Tarnovo is more known for its history. Indeed, the city was the capital of the second Bulgaria’s kingdom. Visit the city is a good purpose to know better Bulgaria between historical monuments and the occidental touch as the sound and light show who will blow your mind.
In blue : Blagoevgrad, in red : All the interesting points !
-> Plovdiv as Veliko Tarnavo is one of the oldest city in Europe. Here, don’t seek for one inspiration, Plovdiv is a meeting between different cultures. Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Slavic and Occidental cultures are living in a curious meeting pot.
-> Bourgas and Varna both cities are well known to be places where young and not so young people go during the summer to feel the black sea’s waves, the sun and the vibes of night clubs. But Bourgas can give you some architecturals pleasures while people are cooking by the sun on the beach.
-> Sofia, no need to explain why you have to go there. It’s simply the Bulgarian main city and the capital!
-> Others countries : Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey. Yeah it will be too much in two months, I will see what I can do but the fact is that Bulgaria is a crossroad in Europe. So you can go anywhere you want. Next from Blagoevgrad, there is Thessaloniki in Greece and Skopje in Macedonia. They both will be enough I think!
« The price are so low in Bulgaria »
Surprise! It’s not a pre idea. Everything is not exepensive here. You can eat for 3 euro, take a cab which will drive you to another part of the city for only 1 euro, go to the aquapark for only 2.5 euro, take a beer pint for 1 euro. So don’t worry about Bulgaria- everything is abordable here!
What I can say is that Bulgaria is a beautiful country where you will discover many things and have a good time. Blagoevgrad, especially, is very well located. It’s situated on a strategic location which allows you to go everywhere. So, don’t hesitate! Join Active Bulgarian Society and visit Bulgaria!
