My recent visit to Sofia will always rank as one of the more memorable events of my life.

From the moment my host picked me up at the airport on a hot Bulgarian afternoon, until I left 30 days later, my days and nights were spent in discovering all that this unique city and country have to offer. Even the summer heat was not a discouragement, since I'm from Texas and the soaring temperatures only served to remind me of home. And while most of my stay was confined to the city and the nearby mountains, I saw enough to convince me that those who reside here have a rare and unique place in which to live and raise their families.

I lived in St. Petersburg, Russia for many years and had grown accustomed to the eastern way of life but Bulgaria surpassed all my expectations. The vegetable markets that brim with living food never ceased to impress me. Being a vegetarian, I constantly reminded myself that Bulgaria must be the place where all vegetarians go when they die since this would be heaven. Unfortunately, for many, should they ever decide to live here they would have to enter into a whole new realm of eating. Most of them have long since forgotten what it was like to eat living food from the ground rather than dead food from boxes or cans.

Sofia is very impressive and ranks as one of the better cities that I have visited over the years in Europe and America. It offers an ambience and an atmosphere that has become rare. While walking the thoroughfares and back streets, I found countless places to enjoy the evening air, something cold to drink or a quick bite to eat. It's not often that you find food as good as it is in Sofia, outside of expensive restaurants in other cities. And unlike many other cities, the prices here are still conducive with a night out that doesn't wipe out your pocketbook.

Sofia too seems to shine the most when the sun goes down and the lights come on. The mountain breeze that flows down on the city at night makes it ideal for walking and window-shopping - a lost pastime in many places these days. And if there is any threat to safety here in this lovely city, I didn't see it. I have walked the streets of some of the biggest cities in the world but never have I felt any safer than in this town. That isn't to say there is no danger, but it is not as prevalent as in many cities of the world. Perhaps it is because Bulgarians are a friendly people for the most part and never seem in too much of a hurry. People from other places could learn a great deal here.

In Sofia, there is always the opportunity to get in the car and head for the mountains. There I found the same beauty and uniqueness that Sofia offers. The mountain air is reviving and makes you feel good about being a part of such a place as this. Bulgarians are truly among the blessed. This was my first visit here but it will not be my last. God bless Bulgaria and its people.