Ovcha Kupal, Sofia. New or old for earthquake protection?

I woke up, then I screamed. Dazed, I wondered what was happening. The bed, the wardrobe doors, and the half opened door, are shaking and rattling loudly. The ceiling was moving in a blur above me. The lamp swinging vigorously. And this deep roar…

…   “It’s an earthquake (wikipedia link)” said my girlfriend. 03:00 in the night. 5.6 on the richter scale although some reports are saying 5.9. The epicentre just up the road near Pernik.

It seemed like a long sixteen seconds. Will the building will hold up, or crumble? Images of TV reporters standing besides heaps of rubble are flashing through my head.

I’m here in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Shock recovery

Close to the top of a building, to the south west of the capital city of Bulgaria. Picking up a few small items that fell off the shelves.

The electric juicer fell off — broken. But all is fine with the buildings around me. They’ve all been built to withstand earthquakes — including the often less than inspiring communist era panel blocks. Some older buildings in central Sofia have some fascia that has come loose.

I’m thinking maybe better these fall now, than another time in the day. No casualties reported on the online new channels. But then I don’t watch TV.   But it was the shock that was disturbing.   It must have been especially terrifying to those alone, and the elderly, as they woke up suddenly.

Reports, so far as I can see, are that the earthquake here has not seen any casualties. The adrenalin pumping and, as expected, the aftershock came. A 4.7 tremor, plenty of other smaller ones. It shook us up some more. More small shakes have followed. I saw many follow the correct procedure and left their buildings. We stayed put at the the top of a newish building to the west of the city.   It’s light now, drama over and heading out.

the drama is not over…

UPDATE: A huge storm came at lunch time today. Sofia taking a bashing from mother nature.

Torrential rain, high winds, hail, thunder and lightening. What a coincidence with the earthquake. Some are wondering they have done to deserve such a succession of events. However reports say Bulgaria has been lucky! Although this is the worst earthquake for 154 years — 1858 being the last biggie – the fault moved only 20 cm to 30 cm. This does not mean that other faults nearby cant start moving. So more tremors are still possible.

Bulgaria is well known for four seasons.

With winter skiing, mountains and a coastline there is a lot to be said for the nature here. But this year we are seeing the weather being played out in dramatic fashion.  One of the coldest, and best winter sports snow conditions for some time was enjoyed by many in Bansko.  Since this superb winter ski season it has been noticeable how the demand for luxury ski chalet accommodation as already strongly for the coming 2012/13 season. Like everyone I’m busy preparing for the summer season as well as improving the range of services for the next winter season.

It has been one of the wettest Springs. Will it be one of the hottest summers? We’ll see.

The earthquake in Bulgaria: tremor details

From the USGS web site: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb0009uyx#summary

With today’s tremor so close to Bansko, it serves as a reminder for property owners, and managers of buildings to take out insurance cover that includes earthquake damage and flood damage. Be sure to read the small print as to the precautions that need to be made for long unoccupied periods

Spring news

MTB Rhodopi ride end, Mostovo

The rain cleared a little on Saturday and I headed out with MTB guide Ivan, former professional guide Davide (Italian), Sure (from Spain) and pro rider Kalin and his friend Ivan.

I love all mountains and the Rhodopi’s mountains come with deep gorges and dramatic ridges and people largely untouched by tourism. With snow still on the Pirin range, the nearby Rhodopi offer up yet another inspiring mountain biking playground.

More than ever, I can see how Bulgaria offers up a unique experience.

Remote monasteries, real wilderness, green open vistas, clean air, wild fruits including the wonderful cherries in season right now.  And MTB terrains to satisfy all levels of rider. For the full program for summer Bansko activities from hiking, ATV, horse riding, mountain biking, off road motor biking and tours to areas of interest please subscribe for prices and info. They will be released any day.

Finally stay tuned for article and some GoPro footage that, in a nice way, outshakes today’s earthquake tremors.

Have you been in today’s earthquake or storm in Bulgaria or elsewhere?  please let us know below on your experiences.

Related posts:

1. Izbata Restaurant Sofia ...
2. Staying in Sofia; in style Alexander Nevski Cathedral is the number one historical building in...
3. How To Reach The Black Sea From Sofia Whilst the Pirin mountain range above Bansko has a lifetime...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia (Picture taken February 2012)

Alexander Nevski Cathedral is the number one historical building in Sofia.

It is even more impressive inside. But any visitor to Sofia should ensure they spend some time exploring this historical centre of Sofia.

I like it here. It is not flooded with tourists — like some cities. Sofia is compact and, in the centre it is easy to get around on foot. Still cheap too.

If arriving in Sofia for business, as well as pleasure, then I have a good tip to share… … because the number one question I receive for those combining a Bansko and Sofia trip is: “Where do  you recommend I stay in Sofia?”

Flora one bedroom apartment, Sofia

I have a good answer for those needing economy, space and location.

The Flora apartment hotel. A simple five minutes tram ride to Alexander Nevski Cathedral.   In the surrounding area of both the apartment and Nevski there are numerous restaurants and bars. Be sure to try my favourite Bulgarian traditional restaurant Izbata.Local prices of course!

I go take a look at  No. 2A, Pop Bogomil St. On the second floor here is the location of the one bedroom Flora apartment hotel. Thoughtful touches immediately are noticed. A television set, with a DVD player. A home cinema system. Plasma TV, 70 cable channels in many languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and others. High speed WiFi is included too.

Working time

For work, I always prefer a place to stay with a decent work table and chair. In the Flora apartment rentapartment.bg go one step further and provide a free to use PC. It’s always less strain doing my emails, and blog posts, using a nice large screen.

All set for longer stays

Flora apartment bathroom, Sofia

With Italian sofas, and a generous amount of bedroom cupboard space, this is a place I would be happy to recommend. Both short, and long stay Sofia visitors, will find not only the place nice but also the service helpful and attentive from booking to departure.

rentapartment.bg info@rentapartment.bg

Related posts:

1. Sofia accommodation surprises Spring is here, the ski season is over and it’s...
2. Izbata Restaurant Sofia ...
3. Kohinoor: More than an Indian restaurant in Sofia Staying a few nights in Sofia means many things to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

CSS shopping centre, short walk from Alba apartment

Spring is here, the ski season is over and it’s Sofia. Take a look at this Sofia wikipedia link for the history. Planning a visit Sofia? Then read on for my hotel apartment review and part 2 in a few days. More on this later. But from shopping, dining out and music, Sofia usually surprises those who visit for the first time.

South Park, Sofia

The NDK (“The National Palace of Culture”) is just off Vitosha street. And a little further down from there the streets lined with cafes, shops, bars and clubs. Keep walking and you come to the Palace of Justice and from there you have all the historical centre to explore.

I recommend the free  guided tour taking place every morning at 11:00 and 18:00 evening. The tours start at the Palace of Justice.

Bedroom in Alba apartment

A charity contribution is expected at the end of the tour.  Freesofiatour.comfor more.

Make sure you stroll down Oborishte – most of the landmarks and administrative buildings are here. Neo-Renaissance and Viennese architecture, extensive green belts and yellow cobblestones make for a pleasant view.

NDK hosts world renowned classical artists. like my favourite, violinst Vasko Vassilev here in May. The Elevation festival (elevation.bg) is near Sofia in June. Lady Gaga fans will already know she performs live in Sofia on the 14th August. From Classical and Opera, at the Opera House, to a weekend rock festival headlining Guns n Roses, Sofia has long since emerged as a destination to play to packed audiences.

City centre hotel apartments

The two bedroom apartment, Alba

Apartment accommodation offers much better value than a hotel. Wherever I travel,  I always search for apartments to rent rather than a hotel. I was therefore delighted to have found the Alba city centre apartment.

Alba is a two bedroom apartment is located on the 6th floor with a direct south facing mountain view. It’s just by South Park, in the prime Ivan Vazov district. Five minutes walk to CSS shopping mall and the Hilton hotel. Car parking for free right by the building entrance adds to the attraction.

Alba bedroom

The Jacuzzi bath is a nice touch, all modern appliances, washing dryer machine, large plasma TV with DVD and 200 channel cable TV.  Being a keen cook, the kitchen was a nice surprise with a dishwasher and espresso and filter coffee makers.

July and Ausgust can get hot so the provision of airconditioning is welcome too. A desk with computer  is handy, as is the fast WiFi internet. Longer business stays in this large apartment would be a pleasure.

But WOW!…

…the uninterrupted view of the Vitosha mountain is something interesting, soothing and forever changing. This vista alone makes this apartment a smart choice. A thorough clean of the apartment is undertaken every four days. And is included in the price. So why pay hotel prices when you have hotel style service for a lot less.

Conclusion

I have no hesitation in recommending the Alba apartment. rentapartment.bg for more.

Related posts:

1. Izbata Restaurant Sofia ...
2. Kohinoor: More than an Indian restaurant in Sofia Staying a few nights in Sofia means many things to...
3. Sofia hotel apartment, Allegra Allegra, is a two bedroom business apartment, just off Vitosha...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Bansko iphone, ipdad and ipod touch app

The Bansko app is here. In fact it’s now in its second version and the feedback has been great. Please give your feedback on itunes. For Android users we have the mobile version of this site which gives a lot of the functionality of the app, with the exception of the integrated map.

What’s new?

I’ve been posting pictures, mostly taken with my Nikon 5100 DSLR camera, on the Bansko Blog Facebook page during the ski season. I reviewed those pictures that received the most likes.

They are mostly ski scenes at the moment.

But I wanted to record this fabulous ski season on the app with all pictures taken in 2012. I hope they remind you of good times — like they do for me.

Bansko restaurant, hotel and places finder

The interactive map will soon have more and more places. In the meantime, and excuse the commercial plug for a moment, if you’re a property or business owner then we can set you up to be identified on the app’s mapping system for a small fee.

The zavedenia listing system on the app is funky technology from Bulgaria’s biggest restaurants listing website. It enables enables owners/restaurants/businesses to post details, photos, menus and pictures in just a few clicks.

The technology also saves time by updating all social media automatically. All from one simple back office control panel.

Your comments are appreciated on the itunes rating page, or indeed below.

Tips of the day

• book flights for holiday dates.
• Elevation Festival 23rd to 24th June. All details at elevation.bg. The fabulous GROOVE ARMADA are headlining. Near Sofia.
• Tangra Festival 29th August – 2nd September http://www.tangrafest.com/tickets/e-ticket just €30. Located near Sandanski (one hour from Bansko). Eco, art and super chill out acts. Not to be missed.

Related posts:

1. Siri Says Snow In Bansko Bansko weather and snow forecast is brought to us today...
2. Snow or rain for Bansko? The last week has seen high temperatures. Glorious Bansko days....
3. Off piste dreams, and death, in Bansko James Hughes, friend, Bansko Blog food reviewer, and long time...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Backcountry, off piste, free riding. Would you follow these tracks? (picture taken March 2012)

James Hughes, friend, Bansko Blog food reviewer, and long time Bansko resident is venturing into Bansko’s back country. James explains why he loves it — and speaks candidly about the risks he faces.

Read on for the ride…

I’m no pro skier, I’m not sponsored by any manufacturer or filmed on a daily basis as part of one of those tantalizingly extreme films where everyone is skiing in chest deep powder on some remote face in Alaska. I’m just a guy who loves to ride the back country.

If it’s un-pisted then that’s just fine with me.  I have never really grown out of the pleasure of being in the mountains with a friend on some fresh snow away from the crowds. The peace of the forest, the wild open desolation of big mountains combined with that heart pumping, adrenaline quickening thrill of charging off down the hill. It’s an intoxicating combination that has had me hooked for the past 18 years.

The dream

I think everyone who has watched an extreme skiing video can empathise with the excitement. The thump of helicopter blades as a group of tanned people step out on to the top of some remote mountain.  The shock of fear as the mountain starts to slip the rush of relief as the guy shoots out of the avalanche.

Awe as he pulls off a back flip as he goes over the impossibly huge cliff, lands it and skis off. This is the stuff million dollar movies are made of!

The reality

The reality of back country skiing is a little less glamorous. Most of us stink! Never having enough time to wash your ski wear after a sweaty day on the hill lends a locker room aroma to most free riders.  The chopper dropping you off is the stuff of fantasy. Shitting yourself all the way up a ridge in knee deep snow, sweating like crazy, puffing like a steam train is the way most of us get to the start of a run. Hoarding all our money so that we can ski the whole season means our gear is old and  spending most days each winter out in all weathers soon ruins the flush of youth.

The money shots in most extreme skiing videos normally involve some sort of slip or avalanche. Nothing can beat the shot of a lone skier bopping down an impossibly steep slope as clouds of fresh snow tumble around him.  Again, the reality is much less glamorous.  Ripping down a slope in the trees because you are sure it will be safer than open faces, you pop round a corner into a clearing triggering a couple of hundred tons of snow to start slipping down the hill. No one is there to watch and suddenly a perfect day turns into a lottery of life and death.

Sat on a summit looking down at a pristine face you try and judge the risk, friends have said it should be safe, you have a good poke around in the snow pack and it appears all okay. Yesterday the other side of the mountain was safe; but today two turns in, and the whole bloody lot starts moving. A super inviting untracked slope covered in deep deep fresh snow just begs you to carve some lines in it.  So throwing caution to the wind just to be the first person down it you charge off. …

Assessing the risk

Every day in the back country entails an element of risk, a bad fall, turn or landing in the middle of nowhere can soon escalate into a nightmare. Clipping a tree or rock can easily break something whether it is equipment or bones and getting back to civilization even when you are only 1 or 2 kms from the resort can become a Herculean task in deep snow.

Weather can change rapidly in the mountains and once the cloud has come down and the snow is falling areas that you were sure you knew like the back of your hand can become alien.

Avalanche risk is a hugely complicated science. The basic formulas are simple, weight of snow verses angle of slope and friction between layers equals movement or stability. However types of snowflake, the effects of wind, sun, humidity and temperature shifts all add to the mix to make predicting when and where avalanches will fall a dark art. Faces that were totally safe at 10am can be lethal at 1pm an east face can ski like a dream and then the west face of the same mountain can be a disaster waiting to happen. Add to this the fact that what freeriders want most is to ski is deep fresh snow, and you start to get regular deaths on the mountain (thankfully none in 2011/12 season, Lance).

Avalanches do not need to be huge to kill. A tiny avalanche of 20 tons of snow can smash a rider into a tree with the force of a bus traveling at 50kmh.  A light dusty slip on a big face can be enough to de-stabalise a rider so he falls over a cliff.

Suffocation under 20cm of snow is common.

Statistics claim that a skier or snowboarder buried under an avalanche has a high chance of survival if he or she is dug out within 15mins, if they were buried alive.  There are many tools available to the freerider to enhance his chances of survival.  Air bag systems like in a car can be worn on the back to help the victim float, avalung systems to help you breathe whilst buried, radio transceivers to help rescue services find you, probes and shovels to dig your friends out and of course helmets and body armour to protect you from impacts. All this kit has its place but is worthless if you were crushed or ripped apart in the avalanche before it buried you.

Buried alive; searching

There you are, your best friend is buried under the snow alive and well somewhere under 200m2 of avalanche debris. You have skied down to the settlement area of the avalanche. Your radio transceiver is working and all your friends have the right equipment. Depending on the equipment you have to either methodically plot a grid pattern to find your buried friend or home in on his signal. 200m2, every second counts, you’re running around over boulders of snow heart racing, mind totally freaked out trying to concentrate on this gadget that is the only link to your mate and his survival.

Eventually you find the spot where the signal is strongest and start prodding around with your probe, is that him, or just a lump of ice? You start digging. This isn’t the fluffy powder that fell on the hill, this is now compacted slurry heavy as cement, you have got to dig out as much as one ton to free up your friend.

Every second counts. Fifteen minutes is not long and invariably is not long enough.

Freeriding is inherently risky. When things go wrong, they can go fatally wrong. We ignore the warnings, ride areas that have taken lives in Bansko, and still go back for more.

The risks are as obvious. The consequences dire.

Owning the moment

The reasons behind freeriding are obvious to those who do it. Pleasure, thrill, excitement are all part of it but so much more than this is that it is there for the taking. To ski a sweet line that will be gone in a day. To feel that moment where it all works, perfect snow, a perfect line.

Extreme skiing is one of a few moments in our lives when we are totally in control. Totally alive.  The moment you slip off a ridge, turn into a gully drop into a big face there is no one else to blame, you made that choice. The rush is all yours, the sweetness of the snow the epic turns, all yours.

You own that moment and in that moment you are truly free. Free to have the time of your life, free from all the safety nets of the modern world, free from all the crap. Just you and the hill. Freedom has no safety nets, noone to blame. You make a choice and hope to goodness you made a good one. Because if you got it wrong, really wrong, you’re dead .

Freeriding is no chummy club where we’re all in it together. If we are kind, those that do die are branded as unfortunate or unlucky, if not the dead are branded as fools who didn’t have a clue. All whitewashed over with pat comments of “he died doing what he loved.”

That bit of mountain is mine! If you bail out, side slip, show fear, dither or fail to turn expect abuse.  The testosterone, dominating mother nature, or convincing yourself you have dominated her. The buzz of surviving. This is what it is all about.

The thrill of rolling the dice, and winning. When the odds were so high. Pushing the limits of your body, mind and the sport. The serenity of the experience the almost meditative quality of the focused moment.

Mix all that up and you might get close. To quote Shane McConkey “that does not suck”

=========================================

Thank you James. Check out his trip advisor topping, Bansko hotel: Hotel Avalon

Related posts:

1. Snow Report: Video And Pictures From Piste To Bar The Bansko snow report contains just video action from my...
2. Snow report from the piste Bansko snow conditions delivered another fine day. The occaisional worn...
3. Siri Says Snow In Bansko Bansko weather and snow forecast is brought to us today...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

NEW: The Essential Guide to Bansko includes a suggested ski itinerary

It’s now out. Ready for free download. It’s the new Essential Guide to Bansko ebook.

Like many Bansko businesses, here at Bansko Blog I receive emails from both regular and new Bansko visitors wanting to know Bansko tourist information. Quite rightly this is needed BEFORE booking, and certainly before traveling to Bulgaria.

============================================

“Just wanted to say I love the PDF Guide and very much look forward to trying a few more of the recommendations.” – Luverne Ford

============================================

It has become clear to me, and to others working in Bansko, that the questions we receive from potential visitors are often the same. For all of us. From apartment owners, hotel and chalet owners and managers we spend a lot of time answering the same Bansko, and Bulgaria, questions.

It was this experience that prompted me to expand the ski hire, lessons, lift passes and transfers FAQ’s. early in the ski season. I noticed the impact immediately. More informed clients, and fewer email questions for me to answer.

It was from one large property owner that the idea, and the motivation, to rewrite the guide came from. Then the main sponsorship from Bansko Royal Towers has helped extend the guide. Full rights are granted to all to forward the pdf guide to friends/owners interested in Bansko.

In my opinion

The 34 page ebook includes:

• getting there
• transfers
• currency
• shopping
• going out
• emergency numbers
• events in Bansko
• events in Sofia
• activities and more

The guide is not meant to be totally exhaustive. It can’t be — as I only talk about things I have either tried and enjoyed.

If I have not experienced a place, then I have mentioned the info if I have received unanimous positive opinions from others. But it’s mainly about what I see and hear. The restaurant listings is therefore personal to me. There are over 200 mehanas (traditional Bulgarian restaurants) in Bansko, and many of these change ownership each year so expect to read only a selection what receive consistently high praise.

If any of your favourite places are missing, then email me your top tips. I’ll go and taste and, if I like, they will be included in the next update.

Expect more places to be added to the Zavedenia interactive map on the iphone / ipad / ipod touch app over the coming months.

Over 34 pages with a clickable index of topics. Jump to the topics you want to read with ease.

Expect to see info on driving to Bansko, emergency numbers, entertainment places covering a wide range of tastes and markets — from summer off road motorbiking and the Opera festival to gentleman’s clubs and gambling and gaming. Although on the last point I would suggest better value comes from online party gaming sites rather than the slot machines that profess to be “casinos”.

I wonder if this will change in time.

In the guide you will also see links to relevant Bansko articles which have been featured here on Bansko Blog.

A work in progress

Things are changing all the time. From year to year, and from season to season — both winter and summer. So to ensure the guide is future proofed my Bansko guide is available only as a free downloadable ebook. With updates being sent out as time goes on.

All that’s needed to received your free copy of the guide, is to put your name and email in the sign up box oin the right hand column.

All future updates are sent to you free of charge.

Tips of the day

• NEW: lower transfer prices. Book online. Click on image on right hand side column.
• Book next year’s flights now. Save money on peak season flights.
• For Bansko accommodation deals for both the rest of this season and next take a look at http://www.villasinbulgaria.co.uk/bansko/. Some nice summer deals too. Bansko Blog homes to rent section is well worth checking out too for end of season and out of ski season deals too.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Victoria jumps for joy. Pictures taken by the Peshterite cafe, March 2012

Bansko ski lift pass prices reduced. Half price. Yes fantastic news. Ulen, the Bansko lift operator, have not just announced the new prices but are saying that the Bansko ski season will keep on going until the 16th April.

Assuming there is enough snow, we hope and snow dance that this will all be true . Read on for more about weather.

We all love a ski bargain

On the 7th April Bansko’s one day lift pass is a miniscule 23 lev  (12 EUR approx) a day. This deal is just a Bansko bonus that fills me with great joy.

Well done. This goodwill from Ulen makes me want to repeat — yes again…

…Coming to Bansko now is a good plan.

In fact, the “millionare’s skiing” from the empty pistes make it a must do.

An Easter holiday on the snow, In Bansko, is a reality. An decent option now it is better value for money. And there’s a great deal on ski hire and lessons bookable online here at banskoblog.com: still stocks of free 2012 calendars for ALL orders.

So join me in the final celebration of a season. Indulge in the final season skiing fling which is serving up a Spring skiing feast.

Fresh snow

The Plateau from the snow road. March 2012

I made the last video forecast on Tuesday — it’s still looking about right.

The white stuff will fall higher up. This snow fall will provide some nice powder conditions this for Sunday and Monday. After that, there should be more snow. How much, I am unable to predict right now — but stay tuned for the latest snow forecast here. Or why not view this site on your phone on the new mobile version now live. If you have an iphone, ipad or ipod touch then please download the Bansko app today. Thank you!

Lift Pass prices from 7th April to 16th April 2012

Related posts:

1. Lift Pass Prices 2012 Bansko lift pass prices 2012. I’m sorry, but there is...
2. Bansko Gondola Lift Opening Times & Prices: Summer 2011 Summer is here, and the Bansko gondola lift is open....
3. Ski Hire, Lessons and Lift Passes sample link for fileden...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Bansko plateau in February's cold days

The last week has seen high temperatures. Glorious Bansko days.

All this meaning melting snow. So I’m taking a look at the weather charts and we will have lower temperatures arriving today. So a little good news; the rate of melting snow will slow down. BUT the heavy rain will really cause severe damage to the snow cover.

Tuesday is looking promising with lower temperatures, and bright sunshine.

Expect more rain in town, and (hopefully) snow on the very upper pistes today. The snow road is still open, but for how much longer it is difficult to say. It is likely there could be snow Thursday — but again hard to predict if this will be falling as snow. It could be snow destroying rain higher up.

The season ending

Whilst Ulen, the lift operator, seem keen to keep lifts open until 16th April, mother nature will have the ultimate say.

The large snow falls in February are helping to keep the upper slopes in good shape for the time being. But when the precipitation falls as rain, then we’ll see some piste closures soon. I only look five days ahead, as longer than that becomes guess work — but, at the moment, there is now sign of low temperatures moving in to give us a vintage end to the season we are wishing for.

The show goes on

Sunshine, and softer snow, do make for a good time to learn to ski. Long days and morning light make it easier to rise in the morning.

Thinking of gear

I don’t know why, but every year I get tempted to look at some gear for the following season. Is it the decent deals on online stores (my polarized Oakley goggles from freezeproshop.co uk were just too enticing a deal to resist) or was it just wanting to keep my enthusiasm going?

Or still working on that carving technique?

I have no idea.

But I do know I am not alone in this desire for a gear refresh. Is your jacket, like mine, looking a little dated?

Now can be a good time to look around for a deal. Most of the links in the ski fashion articles are still relevant. Bansko town has plenty of choice from nice apres ski gear from Conte de Florence and high end brands in Max Sport in the Kempinski to more affordable options elsewhere.

Do be careful when buying gear in Bansko; not all brands sold are the genuine article.

Bansko app and Bansko mobile

I have been encouraged by the comments on twitter on the usefulness of the App. In particular, the usage is looking very good. Motivating news for me to keep the focus on improving it as fast as a programmer and graphic designer can work!

The first of regular updates will be live soon. Be sure to download the Bansko app for iphone, ipad and ipod touch. Comment on itunes if you can.

Whilst the Android app is under development, I’m rolling out a series of upgrades to make the app useful in the summer. A new picture gallery will feature in this first upgrade. More on this soon.

In the meantime, Bansko Blog has a mobile version which is automatically accessed from any mobile phone when going to banskoblog.com. Live web streaming web cams, blog, video and more.

Related posts:

1. Snow pictures and snow forecast The Bansko snow forecast is good. Snow arrive Wednesday, Thursday...
2. Siri Says Snow In Bansko Bansko weather and snow forecast is brought to us today...
3. Snow forecast — the season keeps going The snow conditions have been consistently rating at 9/10 for...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Kohinoor

Staying a few nights in Sofia means many things to different people. Alexander Nevski Church, Vitosha mountain, NDK (for concerts), Opera house Sofia restaurants and many late night clubs.

But there’s one place that has become my regular Sofia restaurant… it’s the 100% no smoking Kohinoor indian restaurant in the centre of Sofia.

Dining ambiance

A dining room opens up on walking downstairs. It’s a nice harmony of warm lighting and intimacy.. A balance between Indian ethnicity and modernity.

This dining room works and given the number of other diners here on my last visit I could see I was not alone in my view..

A special welcome

Alexander is a very special Bulgarian. A happy smile and enthusiasm for making sure you have the best meal possible and nothing is too much trouble.

Exemplary service

Explaining that the garam masala is Indian chef made from ground from spices from London he moved onto his recommendations.

Starters with a difference

Sometimes making a food decision is a step too far. It was one of those evenings where I was more than happy to be lead by Alexander. A good move.

Vegetable Pakora 5.5o lev

The vegetable Pakora aubergine (egg plant), onion potatoes, peppers, squash . Light, and with the popadoms ( 3.50lev)  includes raita and chutney. Nan breads; 1.50 lev to 3.0 lev.

A spicy mixed main

when in Sofia go hot and spicy

A chicken madras (12.90 lev), tandoori chicken (11.90), dahl makhmi (8.90 lev) reshmi kebab (11.90) presented on warming lamps.

On second visit the fahl was super hot and produced the required curry sweat for my skiing chums.

Pilau rice (6.50 lev)  Alexander ensuring we have a great mix.

Indian food is becoming a little more common (and we have two places in Bansko, Mr Singh’s Curruoke and curry nights at the Avalon) but the concept, and flavours, are only more recently becoming more established in Bulgaria.

About the owner

Now 32, Bogomil, (“Boggy”) went to UK for four years. After studying “A” levels atSt Edmonds College. Herts, he went on to Brunel University to study Economics and Finance.

Taking a two year break from in Bulgaria, Boggy then studied for a further two yrs (University of Portsmouth). In all his times in the UK he took time out to frequent the local curry restaurants.

His passion for cooking in general plus hot and spicy food set the scene for his first venture into the Sofia restaurant scene.

It was 2007. Only two restaurants remained in Sofia.

Boggy realised from his time in the UK, that Indian food in Sofia needed a fresh approach. The moment was after experiencing a less than wonderful Indian meal in Sofia.

Renting premises, and opening 31st March 2008, Boggy needed an Indian chef. So he contacted the Indian Embassy, and with huge good fortune there was an Indian chef keen to start work right away.

After the first taster meal, tastes were not up to standard. After much trial and error, which continues to this day, with regular menu updates —  the Kohinoor quality worked.

The Kohinoor: a name of destiny?

The then incumbent Indian Ambassador suggested the name, Kohinoor.

Destiny was discovered much later on after Boggy went back to his favourite Indian restaurant in Uxbridge recently. On entering his local curry restaurant of those past years. The name, not something you remember whein it known as the curry house, was called Kohinoor. A coincidence — or destinay?

New Bulgarian nationals converting to Kohinoor Indian food mingle with Indian national students from the US, studying medicine in Sofia. Then of course tourists to Sofia.

All finding their curry fix.

The good

Great naan breads, proper hot madras, clean flavours. Pleasant ambiance. Impeccable service.

The bad

Some tables where the reception from Globul mobile operator is not good. But who want to be on the phone when the food is this good?

Food:       18/20

Service:   19/20

Overall:   18/20

Web

kohinoor.bg

Address

Sofia 1463, Bulgaria
3 Han Asparouh Str.

Telephone

+359 88 253 254 1

OPENING HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 12:00-23:00
Saturday: 17:00-23:00
Sunday:   closed

Central apartment accommodation in Sofia:  rentapartment.bg

 Tips of the day

• I’m buying ski gear now. New Oakley goggles for me at freezeproshop.co.uk. Decent discounts.
• Coming to Bansko. Save over 10% on ski hire/snowboard hire and lessons.
• Help keep the the info coming and book here on Bansko Blog — and save over in resort prices too.
• Sign up for the NEW Essential Guide to Bansko. Summer and Winter info over 30 pages of free info.
  

  scan QR code for itunes store for app (it's free)

• Download iphone, ipad and ipod touch Bansko app. In itunes store, click here .

Related posts:

1. Izbata Restaurant Sofia ...
2. Top Sofia Restaurants Convenient For Bansko Summer holidays are here and if you’ve had an early...
3. How To Reach The Black Sea From Sofia Whilst the Pirin mountain range above Bansko has a lifetime...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It was with as much cuation as walking on ice that I agreed to the suggestion of visiting the mehana, Dedo Kotse. Whilst I had heard good reports, I am notoriously fussy when in comes to the oft touted (‘scuse pun) delights of a Banako mehana.

But today, I am so enthusiastic about Dedo Kotse mehana (restaurant) that I am sitting down and writing about that this gem of a mehana. I never recommend anything I don’t personally enjoy.

After two visits I have to reveal why I came back to Dedo Kotse

Downtown stroll

Dedo Kotse, Pork, peppers and potatoes

It is with some concern that with new restauramts being built up by the ice rink that fewer people seem to be making the stroll into town this season. The small streets off Pirin street and the sweet smells of real fires and home cooking and remind us all that we are in Bansko.

And happy to be here.

Walking past the Church square and onto the main square over to the far side you’ll see Dedo Kotse, next to a cafe. On fine days, you’ll see people outside on the tables taking shade under the wooden porch. People watching the many passers by.

Warmth of welcome

sharing... Dedo Kotse

A warm welcome and on my first visit we sat in a nice cosy enclave; next to a lively group of Bulgarian families on the adjoining table. To our right it turned out there were a couple of English guys. Already on their main course, they were settling into the evening with that post piste glow.

Or was it the beers?

No matter — they were happy.  They had just stumbled into Dedo Kotse and were happy for sure.

Not so for a Norwegian group in the other corner. Enquiring, how come they come to Dedo Kotse the reply being “we always come here, love it”

And it’s not just the food that brings them here, more on this later.

Food is good

Sometimes I don’t have the energy to study a menu, and tonight was one of those nights. On both occasions we did not study the menu for long — we just asked for starters and a taste of the main course specialities. This turned out to be a sound idea.

The mix of salad of goats cheese, yoghurt cucumber mix and peppers made for a perfect dipping pleasure. Superb garlic bread.

Initial pangs of hunger now satiated.

The main specialities were a pork and peppers mix and yesterday’s lamb was sensational. Succulent falling off the bone.

Price is good

So whilst the quality was good, we were expecting to pay proper money for the quality. But on both visits we were left with a bill of approx. 24 lev a head. This price included drinks (Zagorka beer), a cabbage salad and soup as well as starter and mains. Our evening visit saw flaming rakia for all. Nice touch.

Post boarding/skiing hunger ordering here. Normal appetites the bill would have been less.

A veritable bargain.

Overall rating

Dedo Kotse, flaming rakia

My overall rating of 19/20 takes into account the value for money, service and food. The evening guitarist is a real pro and plays popular rock classics.

Superb fun when taking a group of friends.

This is not haute cuisine but simple Bansko food and fresh ingredients in place that you feel immediately at home in.

Open all year.

Address: Nikola Vaptsarov Square, 3

Tel: +359 899 981 890

Email: mehana_pri_dedo_kotce@abv.bg

Which is your favourite Bansko mehana? Please comment below.

 Tips of the day

• I’m buying ski gear now. New Oakley goggles for me at freezeproshop.co.uk. Decent discounts.
• Coming to Bansko. Save over 10% on ski hire/snowboard hire and lessons.
• Help keep the the info coming and book here on Bansko Blog — and save over in resort prices too.
• Sign up for the NEW Essential Guide to Bansko. Summer and Winter info over 30 pages of free info.
  

  scan QR code for itunes store for app (it's free)

• Download iphone, ipad and ipod touch Bansko app. In itunes store, click here .

Related posts:

1. Snow forecast: another treat in store Oh yes, the fresh snow in Bansko has injected yet...
2. Izbata Restaurant Sofia ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.