JJ Murphy's, Bansko

St Patrick’s night is the night we all seem to turn Irish. And this year, JJ Murphy’s has asked me to promote their event as they have arranged for the fabulous L.A.D accoustic trio to come to Bansko for this special St Patrick’s night celebration.

LAD: Playing At JJ Murphy's Sofia

Since 2001 L.A.D have played many times on the stage of J.J. Murphy`s in Sofia and many other club stages and special events.

The members of the band are Lyuba – violin and vocals; Alen – double bass and Domby acoustic guitar and vocals. LAD play traditional Irish music, androck and blues covers in an original acoustic interpretation. I saw them perform in Sofia’s Murphy’s in January, and it was a most memorable evening.

Why JJ Murphy’s?

A warm welcome, in a family friendly atmosphere, made all contributed for it to get into my top 12 Bansko bars and restaurants. In addition with a large beer at 2.50 lv, a happy hour between 5pm and 6pm and 15% off family dining between 4pm and 7pm. The feedback from those that I spoke to from their first birthday party with Ani Lozanova was positive, so I am sure, like last year, St Patrick’s night in Murphy’s wil be one to remember.

Where is JJ Murphy’s?

JJ Murphy's: Vicky, Krassie, Dani & Boriana (left to right)

It’s located very close to the Lion hotel. The Lion hotel is next to Perun Lodge and opposite the Hotel Perun. From the traffic lights before the gondola lift station, tuen left (as you go up the hill) after about 400 metres you will see the signs and the Perun Lodge hotel.

Walk past the Lion hotel and turn inmmediate left. You will then see the sign for JJ Murphy’s, located in Murphy’s Lodge.

Tip Of The Day

Always use a properly qualified ski instructor. Take a lesson to help improve your carving technique.

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Fancy Italian Restaurant next to the Kempinski

I recently reviewed some Bansko bars and restaurants which had music events that I had particularly enjoyed so far this season. Bars such as The Happy End, JJ Murphy’s first birthday party and the resident musician, “The Lizard” at Harry’s bar, have all shown what live music can bring to Bansko’s apres ski.  So what about all those mehanas, bars and takeaways that make the diverse choice that Bansko’s apres ski scene? Read on for my top 12 to see if they are yours too.

I used my facebook and twitter this morning to guage some other’s opinion. But this list is mine and is influenced, or compromised, by something that makes me prefer a bowl of gruel than suffering the “smokefest whilst you eat” experience. And whilst I’m in rant mode… I really can’t stomach some local folk band blasting out some awful loud noise. Eventually I relent;  pay them off whilst saying “no thank you, please move away”. Ok, I’m on a roll now…I never return to a place that serves up that special brew of unsmiling, unhelpful attitude garnished with a fair dose of grumpiness.

I avoid anywhere with a tout. Touts in Bansko; it makes me feel as if I’ve arrived in a tacky seaside resort — or Borovets. No thanks.

1. Peshterite (“The Caves”): Best kebabche and chips I’ve ever had in Bulgaria. Usually a tasty bob (bean soup), omelettes, salads, grills etc. All at a price I’m not allowed to mention. Smoky inside. wonderful outside in the sunshine. Located by second bridge on ski road. Toilets are to be avoided.

2. Victoria Restaurant: Since my review when it first opened, Victoria still delivers. The Pepperoni pizza still hits the spot. Ask for the chili oil and for real mozzarella cheese. All dishes good. House wine is Telish and makes for a smart choice. Usually a no smoking section — that actually works. But not always. .Generally very good service. Opposite the Kempinski.

3.  The Happy End: Okay it’s huge, but for live bands from the likes of Coco Mania, Awake, Ani Lozanova, “the Girl Band” interspersed with a respectable DJ in the distinctive form of “spike” and some dancing girls to distract it’s deservedly popular with all on Friday and Saturday nights. Can get smoky. Food not so good. Drinks (Tubourg draft) pricey. Service much improved this year. Convenient opposite the gondola lift.

JJ Murphy's, Bansko (near Lion Hotel)

4.  Harry’s Bar: Friendly upscale, usually not too smoky. Pizzas are good. Service with a smile here. Excellent cocktails. Not a budget destination. Music from “The Lizard” is always a joy. Turn right by Friendly bar.

5. JJ Murphy’s: New managers finding their feet and offering a warm welcome. A good pint of Guinness. Beer, currently Shumensko on draught, at 2.50 lv for 500 ml. The ribs and potato wedges were very tasty on my last visit. A nice place for children and parents to go for early dining. Large no smoking area makes this a top no smokers destination. Located close to the Lion Hotel.

6. The Irish Bar: Visit for friendly service from English and Bulgarian bar staff. Fair beer prices. 2012: Now Under New Management — More REPORTS please

7.  The Lion Bar: This only sneaks into my list as it is so convenient. Great for Sky football Generally too cigarette smoky for me

8.  Fancy: Italian and Pizza restaurant just up from Kempinski. Friendly service. Avoid the Thai spring rolls. Generally not too busy, so not too much of a smokefest

9.  Todeva House: a mehana and a firm favourite. See Karen’s Todeva House review. I have not been this year, but others say it still delivers value and quality.

10. Dedo Pene: a family owned and run mehana by the Church square. Serves Stolishno and a solid traditional Bansko fare. Nice for lunch for less smoking.

The Goat, Not In My Top 12: But quite acceptable

11.  The Avalon Hotel: every Thursday in ski season is curry night. Booking essential for James and Vania’s popular, and completely smoke free, curry nights. They set the no smoking standard.

10. Motikita: a popular mehana with superb starters, cabbage salad, peppers, salads all good. Respectable house wine, but a fabulous selection of top Bulgarian wines. Too much smoke at times. 200 m up from Kempinski in left in woods.

11. Karaoke Bar: Go with an open mind. Can be a lot of fun. A charitable crowd actually clapped at my appalling karaoke performance. Just watch George — the hardest working male Bulgarian I’ve seen in a bar. He can sing, operate the till and pour beer — all at the same time.

12. The Banitsa Takeaway: Not a restaurant but had to add this as the best banitsa award goes to the little takeaway just behind the theatre. A fun place to hang out for five or so minutes. People watching local life, whilst munching on homemade 1 lv (1 EUR) banitsa. The best that you will find within 50km kilometres of Bansko?

Other Receommendations:

• B4Bar:  nice music in upscale surrounds
• Brilliantines: Retro and young. Always enjoyed this one…. I think. Don’t mess with the bouncers
• Diamonds Pub:  must try again soon
• Bash Bar:  a younger instructor crowd. Loud music, fair prices
• London Pub: Pretty bar staff
• Nai Klub: Flourimont. An upscale Chalga franchise (well nothing that wrong with that). Nice sound system. Best be a mutro.
• Oxygen: There wasn’t any. Chico the DJ spins those tunes like pro. Huge loyal following and loved by many.
• Basecamp: Those that know it, love it
• Club Leglo: “Club Bed” in translation. Probably best if you are young and from Bansko
• Graphite: Nice enough music bar in town square
• Party Place: Have tried and can’t remember
• Payner Club: For the full chalga experience. Go when a topb act like Preslava, Anelia, Kamelia etc are playing. Drink a lot.
• Spirit Club: Lucky Bansko’s piano bar and disco. Nice music. Book for Monday “staff night”.
• My Way: Perun Lodge, A piano bar – all good.
• Sing Sing: Kempinski. Excellent piano bar (usually closed Monday and Tuesday)

Tip Of The Day

Date for the diary. 17th March is St Patrick’s night. So JJ Murphy’s, being an Irish bar is a good option. The Irish folk music band booked for this special evening will be well worth seeing — it’s the same band that I saw play in Sofia’s JJ Murphy’s in January and there was a memorable good atmosphere.

Your Best Bars and Restaurants

Would any of my top places features in your own list of Bansko apres ski restaurants and bars? Which ones should I try that I’ve missed out. I hear the Mexican is good near the Strazhite. please let me know what you think.

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Bansko ski conditions today, Friday 19th February, were very good for me on the plato, hard, a little icy and broken snow on the runs below Platoto. Wonderful sunshine is now giving way to cloud. Slushy snow on snow road back down.

Picture Taken 19th February 2010: Platoto

Some snow and rain tonight and still very warm on Saturday. Sunday becoming cooler. Some more snow on Sunday and clear skies… and probably some nice powder snow on Monday. Possibly some more snow on Tuesday. As always, my forecast is made mainly looking at the charts. But weather is fickle and especially this year! The Bansko sages are predicting a long cold winter. But I never believe any long range guesses!

Queues

The end of English school holiday week saw the unusual situation where you were best getting to the gondola later, rather than earlier. I found a long queue at 8.00 am. but moved quickly. I really felt the queuing etiquette improve this week. Can the nation of queuers teach some others on this topic? I think so. What do you think, please comment below.

Ski Hire & Lessons

If you’re coming out to Bansko this season, then you will probably save some cash and prebook hire, lessons, pass. It’s a totally flexible, but simplequote form. Just register, then fill it in and email back to us. Your quote will usually be with you in 24 hours.

See you at JJ Murphy’s tonight.

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Expect slush and heavy snow both Friday and Saturday. Things improving for Monday.

It’s JJ Murphy’s party Friday 19th February. Ani Lozanova,  http://banskoblog.com/2010/02/jj-murphys-party-ani-lozanova will rock the place. Grab a free beer, just subscribe today.

I look forward to seeing you there and please come and say hi. It’s this blog’s first birthday party — so please arrive early as early indication are that it will be a big night.

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JJ Murphy's: Vicky, Krassie, Dani & Boriana (left to right)

Ani Lozanova and her band will be rocking the night away at JJ Murphy’s first anniversary party on Friday 19th February. It’s been one year since JJ Murphy’s opened its Bansko branch of their famous Murphy’s in Sofia. And what a party we have! Just check out Ani and her band in the video I took of her playing live in Bansko’s Happy End bar and take a look inside JJ Murphy’s in the party video invitation:

Ani Lozanova And Free Beer

I mentioned Ani Lozanova recently, and it is just phenomenal how popular she has been over the years and the hundreds of concerts she has given. But when sorting the party out, I was keen that we could offer all readers not just “Ani L” — the best live act I have ever seen play in Bansko — but also a party that you’ll remember for the fun, and not for the hole in your wallet. And I was delighted when they went along with my idea.

So here it is: enjoy the party with free entry, and then quench you thirst with a free half pint of beer with your first pint purchased before 10:00pm. Free for everyone who brings along the voucher you receive when subscribed to banskoblog, or who are already subscribed.  As a draft Shumensko is only 2.50 lv (1.25 EUR approx) I suggest trying out JJ Murphy’s for the Six Nations Rugby matches all shown on the many SKY TV screens throughout the bar.

A Family Dining Deal: Without Smoke

Irish bar

JJ Murphy’s, the sponsor of banskoblog birthday party, wanted to let everyone know  that about the new management and staff.  Not everyone reading this will be in Bansko on Friday the 19th February!  So to help ensure you check out the craic in JJ’s soon, I’m automatically sending all banskoblog new, and existing subscribers a 15% discount voucher for family dining between 4 and 7pm.

Thank guys, I was impressed. Family Dining there  is just what I have needed in the past. Early eating after a day’s exercise suits me better. And here is a venue that caters for all tastes in family.

If you find smoking whilst one is eating as annoying as I do, then the huge no smoking section will ensure you and your family’s clothes are useable the following day.

A Cappuccino And A Smile

JJ Murphy's, Bansko

After criticising restaurants that offer lousy service I was pleased that last week I received  feedback from others that JJ’s has friendly, smiling and attentive service. Whilst I had found it always good there, I was keen to be sure I was not promoting a party anywhere that serves up that unique Bulgarian style of a no smiling, grumpy and indignant attitude bar service that is still offered up as acceptable in some Bansko restaurants.

For some tastes a change is required from the thick dark coffee. So those who enjoy a frothy cappuccino like I do, will appreciate this is one place you can get one.

Six Nations Rugby And Valentines Day

It’s all here. I’ll be in there on Saturday France vs Ireland and Wales vs Scotland and then England vs Italy on Sunday. It’s a good time to check it out. Especially as on Sunday 14th and you will receive a free bottle of wine with your meal. It’s a one off Valentines day deal.

JJ Murphy's, Bansko

Thank You

One year of banskoblog.com has been a load of fun and this has all been down to my accommodation advertisers, sponsors, and all the ski/board hire, tuition, lift pass packages you have kindly purchased through me. So please subscribe, save some cash this and at the Head Test Centre.

and I look forward to seeing you in JJ Murphy’s both this weekend and Friday 19th for Ani Lozanova and her band. Nazdrave!

Tip Of The Day

If you fall when skiing, don’t try to fight the fall. Relax and your risk of injury will be less

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"Annie Lozanova" Rocks In Bansko

I’ve been taking in several Bansko bars and restaurants over the last six weeks. So it was high time that I offered an updated mention of those I have particularly enjoyed. So from gentle piano playing, to hard rock and to the upscale Sing Sing piano bar… it’s time to sample what Bansko does well: bars, music and eating out.

The Song Remains The Same

Music dominates some of my top Bansko evenings. So what’s been good? Coco Mania  at the Happy End with their Amy Winehouse and Tracy Chapman style, plus an all girl band and finally, the simply stunning rockin’, Ani Lozanova, “Annie L” (see her live in video section or you tube and at www.anilozanova.com). Ani strikes you immediately with her highly toned, and super fit, 35 year old  body. With her talented band you can be guaranteed to have a night to remember.

So I’m delighted to learn that JJ Murphy’s have secured Annie L for their first birthday party on Friday 19th February. Don’t miss this one. Talking of which, many nights of the week there is live music at JJ’s; and the football matches are on the many TV screens. Now just 2.50 leva a 500ml beer.

Then there is “The Lizard” whose velvety accoustic versions of just about any song you like from favourites Oasis to Lynyrd Skynyrd classics, the Lizard must be seen. Check him out at Harry’s Bar. At the Friendly Pub you’ll usually see an acoustic duet, good to listen to, and like JJ Murphy’s, it’s a child friendly late afternoon and early evening venue.

The Lion Pub, opposite the Strazhite Hotel, is also always a popular meeting spot. The food is generally good. A pub for catching up on all the latest football results, as well as the matches themselves.

Piano Bars Come To Bansko

The best new thing to arrive in Bansko this year is the piano bar. Three of the best, Kempinsky’s “Sing Sing”, Perun Lodge’s “My Way” and Lucky Bansko’s “Spirit” all have top talent and a more upscale experience. Piano bars a firmly part of Bulgarian high end evening entertainment and those stopping by in Sofia should try Sinatra’s.

"The Lizard" at Harry's Bar

It’s difficult to predict the crowd in piano bars — as I’ve known them to be a real mix, depending on the week. But typically expect to see more couples and greater age range; more 28 to 78 than the under 21′s.

Restaurants And Smoking

The popular Victoria restaurant, opposite the Kempinski Grand Arena Hotel is always good. A pleasant interior and a large no smoking section makes this popular. For a craving for chicken wings, burgers, steaks then JJ Murphy’s, just near the Lion Hotel, has an early evening family friendly atmosphere and also a large no smoking section.

Not to be overlooked is the Kempinski Hotel. All day sandwiches in the Bella Vista Lounge bar or Vitamin Terrace are consistently good, and are not overpriced. Staying with the Kempinski, I hope to try the Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki restaurant soon, but can vouch for the Come Prima restaurant’s quality.

Mehanas

With hundreds of mehanas, of varying quality, it’s hard to recommend. Touting on the pavement or street is illegal and this year enforcement has reduced this practice. Check prices carefully. Local folk musicians frequent these restaurants playing traditional songs. These may not be to everyone’s taste, but are hugely popular.

Lunch at Dedo Pene's: chips and Stolishno dark beer

If friends want a mehana experience, I usually suggest Dedo Pene for lunch. It’s still family owned and as Kathy and John from Cyprus recently confirmed, it’s still good.

Watching your meat grilled over the fire with a smooth Stolichno is very comforting. Others to watch out for, are Baryakova, Motikita, Molerite and Banski Han. Please comment on your favourite mehanas below.

Tip Of The Day

Never venture off piste without a fully qualified guide and only with all the correct gear. Recent off piste fatalities, in high risk avalanche conditions were a sad timely warning.

Weather And Snow Forecast

Saturday 6th February will see substantial snow. Probably around 20 cm at Todorka. Sunday and Monday snow. Excellent piste conditions for next week. “POWDER TUESDAY” Again .

Subscribe for ski hire and 6 day lift pass quote form, Head Test Centre up to 20% off voucher and JJ Murphy’s FREE beer and 15% discount vouchers.

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The Bansko weather video report was taken taken this afternoon. This morning saw bright skies with clear views. Cloud then partly enguulfed the mountain tops. Looking like much needed snow will arrive tonight.

Picture taken 9:00 am, Monday 18th January 2010

Forecast And Ski Conditions

Huge snow deposits are eluding Bansko and Borovets — but a little snow Tuesday and Wednesday. I am not convinced the snow will be much in spite of the Accuview forecast on this page. I will go for Friday as the day; a really deep storm is not far away. Fingers crossed. The weather charts have been changing and hopefully you’ll forgive me for getting  it wrong.

Temperatures are remaining cold and poor to fair conditions for intermediate skiers. A frustrating 2 out of 10 day: a possible 5 for the advanced.

Piste Collision Conditions

There was some icy areas… and many falls. Stefan and I helped Natasha a Macedonian lady off to the side of piste number 10 after a collision and called mountain rescue. The piste was icy in places and as hard as rock in places and, with no helmet, I was not surprised she was sufficiently dazed to need to be taken off the mountain by the mountain rescue team.

As I took this video there was yet another fall. The most I have seen so far this year.

Run Number 5 is closed for a competition but being a Monday and now low season, the queues are small and it’s a good time to come to Bansko.

Stay tuned for more video reports, pictures and some tips on restaurants. It’s more competitive in Bansko this year — but curry night at the Avalon this Thursday is always popular.

Please support this site and book your accommodation, ski passes and packages here. New lower package prices just negotiated, so feel free to drop me an email for a quote.

JJ Murphy’s

JJ Murphy’s: some positive changes here to the food. One of the best steaks I have had in Bulgaria was here on Saturday. Stays open late and both here and in Sofia help raise money for the One Life Charity event. They advised me that they have a special event at JJ Murphy’s on the 13th February (their first anniversary) and of course St Patrick’s night on the 17th March. Subscibe for a JJ Murphy’s special offer here…coming soon for blog subscribers only!

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Bansko Blog night out… hits JJ Murphy’s on Tuesday 29th December! And I’ve just had some good news from Shelly, Murphy’s manager, and from the well known Bavarian long time local, Frank Nadler…  that “Star Merak” (“Old Zest”) perform in Murphy’s on Tuesday, around 6 p.m. Please come, enjoy and say hello…

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May I ask about your tattoo? I uttered these words within just a few moments after being introduced to Tina. She had joined us with her friend, Silvana, for a drink in Sofia’s JJ Murphy’s.

Tattoo From Vratsa

My wish came true. Tina agreed to my request to write  her story.  A tale she recountered with such good humour, enthusiasm and fun in Murphy’s. Read on for Tina’s unique story:

“Whenever I go anywhere today, and wear short sleeves, you can be certain for some sort of reaction. Here in Bulgaria, tattoos on women are not considered that great, well only if you are foreign — and then I guess you can get away with anything! People stare, and friends have fallen about laughing. I’ve seen people almost walking into lamp posts and falling off  bikes, staring at my tattoos on my arm. People double take, grab my arm, want to photograph it. Some would probably be happy to saw it off if they could — and have it stuffed on their sideboard.

Ok so my tattoos are different, yes and that’s what I like, after all, all my life I have strived to be that little bit different. I mean, why would anyone want to be like anyone else?? And I write about haunted houses and take people on tours of graveyards. I guess that is not your normal British womans’ occupation. So here I am, after spending 18 months living in Bulgaria, and what do I have to show for it. Well I have some of the best artwork ever tattooed on my left arm for EVER!

And it doesn’t get much better than that.

So you have 101 questions to ask me? Well, I have anticipated what you may ask and here they are for you¦..the top 5, most asked questions of me

Tina Lakin

Who are the people in your work?

The lower part of my arm is my grandfather, William Lumley from the first world war. He was in the Yorkshire Regiment of the Green Howards. The tattoo is an exact copy of the photo I gave the artist to use. The result is stunning, and so much more than I expected. I was speechless when it was finished and I could take in the whole, real effect. If anyone could see the photograph which the work was taken from, its an exact copy.

The upper part of my arm is my Dad, again another portrait copied perfectly the exactness very uncanny. The attention to detail is breathtaking.

Both my Grandfather and Father are no longer here and I wanted to preserve their photographs in the best possible way, so that I would never loose them and they would always be close to me. A tattoo is the perfect way, now wherever I go these two wonderfully handsome men come with me and, boy, do they get some attention.

The rest of the work is a mixture of designs which I found to compliment everything else and I really like the overall result “ there will not be anyone else with the same tattoo!! I am unique!

Did it hurt?

Hurt is a slightly too stronger word I think to use for the tattoo process, however I would not say it was painless. It is uncomfortable, but then would anyone really expect to have permanent art sketched on them and receive no pain?? Anyway there were moments when I thought that I would pass out or throw up and please this is a piece of advice for anyone wanting a tattoo:

Don’t drink the night before and make sure you have lots to eat before the work. After all, you want the experience of getting the tattoo to be part of the whole event and a pleasant few hours, not torture!! I think it’s the hour or so after that hurts more than the actual work. The burning; not nice.

And then there are the two weeks or so when the skin is healing and you must take care of it applying medication several times a day and keeping the area clean. You also feel like a snake shedding its skin for a week or so and then as if by magic the process is complete. This is all vital to the end result. I had mine done at the worst time of year, when the sun was at its hottest and it was hard to keep my arm out of the intense heat of the Balkan sun at times.

What Inspired you?

Last winter I was living in a small village on the banks of the Danube and was very bored, I found myself watching more and more cable TV and two of the programmes which I became addicted to were LA Ink and Miami Ink. I would sit glued watching and rewatching these reality shows about life in tattoo studios. I watched with great interest of the stories behind the clients’ artwork.

I had been wanting some more work doing, I had one tattoo done about  eight years ago in the UK on my ankle . It was at a rather dodgy place and spent several weeks after having it done in agony — and spent a fortune on medication. I also had a small artistic piece on my left shoulder, but had wanted something dramatic. I always believed that tattoos were made to be seen. And so I decided, one cold snowy night last winter, that 2009 would be the year for my ultimate tattoo!

Where did you have your work done?

Sometimes you meet people for a reason. And no matter how strange and bizarre the meeting may be at the time, you are meant to meet them and they will play a significant part in your life for one reason. Well to cut a long story short, a Bulgarian friend of mine introduced me to a wonder tattoo artist in the town of Vratsa, half way between Vidin and Sofia. Luidmil, from the Magic Needle.

Luidmil changed my life and we will always be friends and keep in touch. He has a uniqueness, a quality which is rare to find I believe in Bulgaria, still today. Meeting him was like a breath of fresh air. Vratsa is very much “small town Bulgaria” and quite traditional — and so for him to establish himself I can only imagine was a huge challenge. Well he has succeeded in many ways, and now he is the only artist I would trust to do any work on me. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Magic Needle to anyone who wanted a tattoo. And who knows, I may just have to go back for something else soon!!

Do you mind the attention?

I have got used to the affect the tattoos have on people, people have even asked if they can take a photo of them. They are a talking point definitely and certainly break the ice. On recent flights I have sat next to people who have done nothing but stare at me for almost three hours. I just wish more people would ask.

I see them as not just tattoos, no way, they are works of art and masterpieces and ,above all, they are my Dad and Grandfather. To be able to say that, makes me very proud. My Dad has been likened to Charles Bronson and Rhett Butler from Gone With The Wind! And some Bulgarians think that my Grandfather is some Eastern military figure.

Whoever they are, or whatever they think, I will always love my tattoos, I chose to have them and I chose the portraits, they mean the world to me and I enjoy sharing the experience with anyone who asks.” Tina Lakin November 2009.

Have you a Bulgarian story? Would you consider a tattoo like Tina’s? Do you relish the thought of tattoo needles? Let us know. Good News! Tina has more entertaining articles from Sofia’s theatre ghosts, living in Vidin, and food. So watch this space.

Check out Eikon Devices for tattoo needles.

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The One Life Bulgaria charity is a most worthy Bulgarian charity. One Life has an exceptionally good record on getting all the money where it’s most needed. All proceeds got to help to alleviate children’s disease and disability in Bulgaria.

After the quiz Irish Gary, of JJ Murphy’s, posed for the picture above with me.

Somewhat belatedly, I report on the success of the quiz night in JJ Murphy’s on 28th March. With a mix of multiple choice, and outright answers, the night stimulated, frustrated and amused. For me at least, the break for food was more that welcome. Although not sure of the sustenance for the brain teasing questions made any difference.

With sponsorship from JJ Murphys, Bower Properties, Bansko Tourist Inforamtion and The Sofia Echo and a raffle raise a total of 1,800 leva (€900 approx).

Why our team embarrassingly took four of the eight rafle prizes, I do not know. But thanks to all the organisers for a fabulous evening and hope this blog can help spread the word a little more on the good work One Life Bulgaria does.

More can be found at onelifebulgaria.org.

I have taken the liberty of copying from their website the following:

As we work with extremely sick, we are sometimes barred from any form of physical contact, which was certainly the case at the National Hospital for Infectious Diseases, here in Sofia. The children are suffering from all sorts of different diseases so are even unable to interact with each other, as are their parents. We managed to do the following:

- Help renovation of the wards
- Provide 90 new beds, mattresses and bedding
- Repair a significant part of the roof
- Provide some minor furniture and equipment items

We always ensure that we make the Bulgarian public aware of what we do, and insist on press coverage. The Government have now awarded the hospital 1.3 million leva (approx 460,000 sterling) to finish the work.

Money has been spent on the orphanage at Panagyurishte to buy desperately needed bathroom equipment, furniture and bedding.

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