First Snow Of The Season Arrives

Well, what a week. As the booking season opens the snow obliges with a nice sprinkling on the upper part of the mountain.

Weather forecast

As always at this time of year things can change but low temperatures are set to continue for the next week.

As the days shorten here in Bansko the fruit and vegetables reach their peak wondrousness. My article this time last year on the explosion in fruit and vegetables at this time of year is worth a read; click here.

High rainfall; the silver lining

However this year the high rains have spoilt plums, grapes and several other crops.

This week I spoke to one of the head of a new wine exporting association, and she confirmed that the higher than normal rain levels have severely reduced the crop on the vines.

But the good news is that the 2013 vintage is now coming out and is probably the best for 20 years. So look out for my podcast with Galina in which she name her top red and white wines available now.

This podcast will be out in the Bansko App and here in Bansko Blog as well as iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher.

The even better news is that typically a wet summer is followed by a cold winter and higher than average snow falls.

Corruption, politics and elections

In my quest to educate myself more about Bulgaria and the people who really know their topic I spoke to Clive Leviev-Sawyer; the editor-in-chief of the Sofia Globe.

The Sofia Globe is totally independent and is hugely respected by the international community around the world.

Clive talks to me about corruption in Bulgaria and the true stories. Of course corruption exists everywhere, but let’s face it, Bulgaria has a reputation for it.

I wanted to know more. Clive tells me how it is. Essential listening!

Election time is here. Voting takes place this Sunday 5th October.