By ND Prashant
|
|
As Europe reels under economic downturn and high inflation, Bulgaria is opening its doors to newer avenues, in a confident bid to bring stability to the quiet nation located in Southeast Europe.
Bulgaria, with its picturesque mountains, immaculate beaches, excellent wines, abundant mineral spas and gracious hospitality remains unexplored by the world, and the government is keen to liven up the economy by encouraging tourism and opening the markets. The authorities have also simplified investment opportunities.
A testimony to the fact was the presence of top officials from the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism during the season-ending WTA Qatar Airways Tournament of Champions in Sofia. The officials engaged in personal interaction with the scribes introducing their nation as a treasure-trove of history and lively folklore tradition.
Bulgaria is located at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa and borders with Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south and south east, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia, to the west. To the east, Bulgaria is flanked by the Black Sea, one of its biggest assets for summer tourism.
Qatar has certainly boosted its ties with this country situated on the Balkan Peninsula by announcing its plans, earlier this year, to invest €100mn in three major sectors — agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. Qatar Airways operates flights every alternate day to Bulgaria and after a brief stopover in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, we landed in Sofia. The airport wore a deserted look and understandably so, given the fact that Sofia is not a busy airport and the frequency between flights is few and far between.
Sofia welcomed us with a temperature of 17o, perfect for someone travelling from the Middle East. While we were at ease with this weather, most Bulgarians were seen in leather jackets and high boots. The puzzle was soon solved when we were told that temperatures can drop quickly in the capital surrounded by beautiful hills.
The autumn here can be quite spectacular as the foliage in many wooded areas around the country changes colour. Towards September, one can expect late summer weather to cold, wet and windy. October is blessed with an Indian summer – warm sunny days but cold once the sun sets; come November and snow falls to above 1,000m; a perfect setting for skiing, attracting tourists aplenty.
Sofia wears a colonial makeup, especially the buildings housing government organisations. The by-lanes are intriguing but the parking lots on either sides of the narrow lane make manoeuvering a task.
The tube trains run through the heart of the city and are a cheap mode – 1BGNlev per trip. Unlike most developing cities, trams and trolley buses still form another main means of transport; a tradition kept going by the authorities.
Stroll along the streets and lanes that speak volumes of history at a leisurely pace. Pedestrians have an upper hand as the law mandates drivers to drive with their headlights on at all times and to stop for people waiting to cross. However, lack of sign boards in English is a disappointment.
Bulgaria is also home to archeological treasures dating back to the 3rd century. The streets of Roman Serdica, the relics of the medieval fortress of Sredetz, and the fourth-century St George Rotunda are among Sofia’s many historic jewels. Lately, Sofia has been under the spotlight after archeologists unearthed a unique 4th century AD Roman mosaic with a stylised crown of laurels during the construction work for the Sofia subway.
And who better than Todor Chobanov, the deputy mayor of Sofia, could have walked us through the aeons of history. Chobanov is an archaeology buff and has spent years in extensive study on the subject. Most of Sofia’s past has been brought to light under the guidance of Chobanov and restoration of his country’s heritage is his passion.
Having explored the city through the day, the watering holes scattered across the city are a getaway for many tourists to spend the evening. The night comes alive as the discotheques, pubs and casinos entertain till the wee hours. For the foodies, the road-side cafes in and around Sofia are a must visit – an ideal place to unwind and to spend hours soaking in the lovely weather.
For visitors, especially for us travelling from the Middle East, Bulgarian food suited our palate. As we were treated by the tourism officials at a traditional restaurant within the city limits, a large salad platter similar to an Arabic mezze welcomed us, followed by the main course of a non-vegetarian salver.
While in Sofia, allow your strict diets to take a backseat as you indulge in an exotic array of cheese. Most food items are lavishly garnished with cheese as it forms a major part of their diet. A three-course meal would cost only around 20 leva.
Among the colonial architectural buildings, Sheraton Sofia, where we were housed, has stood the test of time. The hotel was built in the period 1954-1956. In 1986, after an extensive restoration project, Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan was opened. The area known as the Largo between Sheraton and TZUM Retail Centre has seen the most dramatic transformation. Work on the underground revealed more ruins from the Roman era.
The country is also renowned for the Valley of Roses that produces 70% of rose oil in the world. The oil-bearing rose, Rosa damascene, was brought to Bulgaria from the Middle East and soon established itself as the hub of rose and rose products. An assortment of rose beauty products is all you need to woo the lady in your life.
In my short stay, I must say Bulgaria is certainly worth discovering but there is still plenty of planning and development that has to be undertaken to transform this paradise into one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
