READING ROOM: Giddy-up that trial

Koncheto. Though translated into English as "the horsey", anyone familiar with the mountains of Bulgaria recognizes Koncheto as the name of one the most famous, beautiful, and perhaps feared hiking trails in the country, located in the Pirin Mountain. I generally consider myself an experienced hiker. My resume of peak summits and hizha (hiking lodge) visits in the mountains of Bulgaria was admirable, but with the

Personal rediscovery

As the communications co-ordinator for the French Institute (l'Institut francais), Karine Calcat is on the frontline of developing French-Bulgarian relations. She began working for the French Institute three years ago, and has been involved in many aspects of their extensive programs. The centre is a bustling place of cultural activities including theatre performances, discussions, a French language resource centre

Improving By Doing

Monica's path to Bulgaria is perhaps more indirect than most, spanning three continents and landing her in a place where her home country has no diplomatic presence. She was born in Mexico City, where she grew up and studied communications and graphic design at the university. After graduating, her desire to live near snow-capped mountains lead her to Switzerland for a year as an au pair. Following her return to

READING ROOM: Bulgaria's demographic countdown

Booming Sofia obscures the truth of depopulation

As I impossible, and it wasn't due to a holiday, Levski match, protest or inclement weather. Just everyday traffic as Sofia grows and car ownership explodes. Such traffic was simply unheard of just a few years ago. It seems as if Sofia is filling up. Luckily, the train was late also, as the international line from Belgrade is so often. As a testament to the crowding of Sofia, Bulgarians are commuting to work for longer than anyone would have imagined before. Hour-long commutes are no longer uncommon, some are even longer. The traffic, tight housing rental market and perpetually crowded downtown restaurants are all signs of Sofia's draw and growth. Some claim as many as two million people may now live in Sofia, about 50 per cent more than the official data suggests. It feels as if Sofia is bursting at the seams. The grim truth, however, is that despite Sofia's growth, the country is

Dear Trifon, I love you - Your Valentine

Once again this year, I will have the chance to enjoy February 14. There will be no risk of rejection and no obligation to spend, impress or compliment, because I will not be celebrating St Valentine's Day. Of course, in the current era of speed dating, Hallmark holidays, prenups and record levels of lifelong cohabitation, much of the Middle Age chivalric values and courtly love that laid the foundations for the rituals