Winter, Bulgaria, short, sharp and should be well prepared for if you have a car here. Now I have a Lada and very proud of it I am, even though I hate cars. But this is a car with character even though there are elements of embarrassment to many who I tell. Not to me you understand but to many Brits who turn their nose up at owning such a vehicle.
The Lada was meticulously prepared for winter in my farmhouse garage. The battery was taken out and put on a trickle charge via a DIY solar charger designed for AA rechargeable batteries stuck on the kitchen windowsill. Wasn’t quite sure whether it was going to work though but worth a try. In fact the idea is so Bulgarian I was glowing with pride with idea being my own.
The car was packed with blankets underneath the bonnet, over the front radiator grill and on top of the bonnet to insulate against the severe cold that was bound to come. It was as snug as a bug in a rug as they say.
The car was jacked up so the front wheels were raised off the ground in order for the tyres to be laid up to rest. The front tyres both have slow punctures (normal in Bulgaria) so this would insure they are not crushed when totally void of air after a few days. The back wheels were blocked and the hand brake off to avoid stretching the handbrake cable.
The fuel tank was run judged to be almost empty and the gas completed used up as the preparations for winter for my Lada almost complete. It was very reassuring that all this was completed, I was to be away throughout the winter months.
Arriving back at the end of winter the car was seen exactly as it was left. The blankets and sheets were removed in the now warmer weather to reveal the engine after hibernation. The two front tyres totally void of air were pumped up and the car let down onto the concrete garage floor. The battery placed in, connected and with the little petrol that was left in the tank the car sprung to life after about five turns of the engine. The trickle charging system for the battery that was improvised and in place throughout winter worked perfectly. The car was a goer, and within 20 minutes of being tucked away all snug, the car was ready for action.
It was only three weeks later when taking the car out during night that I discovered that the lights didn’t work!
Now here is a warning, because I covered the engine with blankets and sheet during winter, this was nesting material for rats and mice. The next morning I took a closer look at the electrical system. Much of the plastic casing of the relay systems, etc. have been eaten and the wiring stripped of plastic. A fair few of the wires have been gnawed and severed from rat teeth. It is no wonder the lighting didn’t work.
Strangely enough the car would have had no problem with vermin if the bedding material hadn’t been placed underneath the bonnet. This just invited a perfect place for rat and mice nests. Next year this won’t of happen again solely due to me being here all the time this time round. But this is a good tip to remember to other hibernating their cars in garages here.
Don’t make the beds up for mice and rats under the bonnet as it won’t only be lights out before bedtime for the vermin but for your car in the spring.
Gergyovden
Well it's the 6th of May and and eagerly awaited population in Bulgaria was finally rewarded with their patience. It is another name day in Bulgaria and a pretty big one, the name is George. Incidentally it is also Army Day to coincide with this day of celebration. It is unofficially the day summer starts and is celebrated by farmers throughout the land with a specially baked Gergyovden bread.
All people that have a name mildly similar to the name George is included in the name day celebrations but of course all friends and family get in on the act of celebrating on their behalves. So Galia has her name day set today, a special day for her and a present was bought the day before. She wanted a chip fryer and she got one. No jewellery, fancy fashion or otherwise was wanted. What a practical Bulgarian she is and a very happy one I'm so glad I've got her for so many reasons, not least the love I have for her.
We had also purchased the lamb after surveying many shops. This of course is the traditional food of this particular name day. But little was we to know that we didn't get to eat it...... Mainly because a guest arrives a lunchtime.
It was Georgio, Galia's cousin, who of course was celebrating with his allocated name. He had a friend in the wonderful Yambol Park who own a restaurant/bar and he had reserved an area sitting out in the park for all his friends and family. We had formally been invited and we had tot be there within the hour. No worries though a Bulgarian hour can last anything up to 6 hours and in some cases lasts forever! This means we had time enough to get ready.
We were very excited as we remember last years' celebration laid on by Doctor Georgo and although we didn't make it due to work commitments we saw how much fun was had by the pictures, including live accordion music and game with a live, loaded handgun - that's another story though.
Galia and I got ready in our best outfits and bough a gift of perfume and chocolates for Georgio, again traditional gifts with moderate costs are traditional. We walked in glorious sunshine to the Park, (called Diana Park after the Greek Goddess of Hunting).
We saw the cluster of buildings in the centre of the park, part of which used to be for wedding functions etc. but had been run down since 1990. Georgio we could seen in the distance already had a few friends around and the rakia had already been started. Could he last the distance?
We sat down again with glorious weather in the middle of this beautiful park and every so often more friends and family turned up. Shopska salad, green salad, nuts, were a never ending supply from the restuarant and we could smell the barbeque which consisted of kufta (herbed mince balls). Then the lamb, which fell off the bone came into play after a few hours.
All this time we were talking and listening to heavy metal music, Georgio and Toma (the restaurant owner) were a big fans of this music. The whole of the park was filled with Iron Maiden, Metalika and Alice Cooper, the latter they played from my request once they found out I was a big fan.
The strange thing about this get together was that I felt as if I was part of the family, my Bulgarian now up to quite a bit in conversation terms. No longer did I have to become isolated from a point of lack of Bulgarian communication skills. Oddly enough everyone wanted to speak English to me but I didn't feel right about this and explained why. Anyone who knows me know why as well.
The guests still came flooding in and the children paying around were so refreshing and didn't need any attention from parents. They were more than content to play such simple games in the park like hide and seek, running races and just playing around with a simple stick they found in the woods. There wasn't any need for anything for them to be stimulated by other than playing with themselves. The whole day and evening was stress free and content children added to this immensely. God I'm so glad I here in Bulgaria and away from disrespectful, spoilt and untamed Brit kids.
Speaking with many people I met the head coach of the International Bulgarian basketball Coach. He was telling me how Bulgarian basket ball is on the up and that Yambol basketball is the best in the country. He also was saying that it was becoming harder each year from lack of funding at school. This of course means less talent cultured at an early age and less talent in the pipeline for the future. He had be the coach for some twenty years having worked his way up through the ranks. We spoke about many other things related to sport and basketball, he has a strong opinion that golf, snooker and other sports that don't involve aerobic activities aren't sport at all! He has a point.
The toilets in the main building had a reputation, non on site with the restaurant/bar as all this was really was a souped up shed! The reputation was realised by Galia as she tested the water. From thereon it was toilet natural as we were surrounded by lush greenery, trees and bushes, perfect for relief in natural privacy. The Tundhza was only 20 metres away from our seat and many men found this a good point of relief with blocks of apartments opposite staring them in the face holding no fear of indecency. (A picture of the mens' toilets is given here)
So many friendly people, it is overwhelming that this now is part and parcel of how life is here and Galia and me are also very much part of the makeup. Food drink and music and song were now going through into the night as the lights came on.
Rakia by the litre and real Russian vodka were the staple drinking diet. Every few minute a big 'Heidi!' followed by 'Nastravey!' Occasional a few Bulgarian singing came out based around the name of George even so often followed by the 'Nastravey' and so it went on.....
Finally the crowded long table got shorter and midnight approached but not before many laughs and talking with a bit of dancing toward the end materialised. (The two name day celebraties Georgio and Galia give a good example here.) We knew we'd been to a party and lost count of the numbers of rakias we had. Even so nobody got out of hand, there was no bad words or bad feelings all was concord throughout. Again the respect everyone has for everyone else is quite astounding.
We finally got home and just looked at each other knowing that coming back home to Bulgaria was the best move we had made and we just don't want to ever leave again.
All people that have a name mildly similar to the name George is included in the name day celebrations but of course all friends and family get in on the act of celebrating on their behalves. So Galia has her name day set today, a special day for her and a present was bought the day before. She wanted a chip fryer and she got one. No jewellery, fancy fashion or otherwise was wanted. What a practical Bulgarian she is and a very happy one I'm so glad I've got her for so many reasons, not least the love I have for her.
We had also purchased the lamb after surveying many shops. This of course is the traditional food of this particular name day. But little was we to know that we didn't get to eat it...... Mainly because a guest arrives a lunchtime.
It was Georgio, Galia's cousin, who of course was celebrating with his allocated name. He had a friend in the wonderful Yambol Park who own a restaurant/bar and he had reserved an area sitting out in the park for all his friends and family. We had formally been invited and we had tot be there within the hour. No worries though a Bulgarian hour can last anything up to 6 hours and in some cases lasts forever! This means we had time enough to get ready.
We were very excited as we remember last years' celebration laid on by Doctor Georgo and although we didn't make it due to work commitments we saw how much fun was had by the pictures, including live accordion music and game with a live, loaded handgun - that's another story though.
Galia and I got ready in our best outfits and bough a gift of perfume and chocolates for Georgio, again traditional gifts with moderate costs are traditional. We walked in glorious sunshine to the Park, (called Diana Park after the Greek Goddess of Hunting).
We saw the cluster of buildings in the centre of the park, part of which used to be for wedding functions etc. but had been run down since 1990. Georgio we could seen in the distance already had a few friends around and the rakia had already been started. Could he last the distance?
We sat down again with glorious weather in the middle of this beautiful park and every so often more friends and family turned up. Shopska salad, green salad, nuts, were a never ending supply from the restuarant and we could smell the barbeque which consisted of kufta (herbed mince balls). Then the lamb, which fell off the bone came into play after a few hours.
All this time we were talking and listening to heavy metal music, Georgio and Toma (the restaurant owner) were a big fans of this music. The whole of the park was filled with Iron Maiden, Metalika and Alice Cooper, the latter they played from my request once they found out I was a big fan.The strange thing about this get together was that I felt as if I was part of the family, my Bulgarian now up to quite a bit in conversation terms. No longer did I have to become isolated from a point of lack of Bulgarian communication skills. Oddly enough everyone wanted to speak English to me but I didn't feel right about this and explained why. Anyone who knows me know why as well.
The guests still came flooding in and the children paying around were so refreshing and didn't need any attention from parents. They were more than content to play such simple games in the park like hide and seek, running races and just playing around with a simple stick they found in the woods. There wasn't any need for anything for them to be stimulated by other than playing with themselves. The whole day and evening was stress free and content children added to this immensely. God I'm so glad I here in Bulgaria and away from disrespectful, spoilt and untamed Brit kids.
Speaking with many people I met the head coach of the International Bulgarian basketball Coach. He was telling me how Bulgarian basket ball is on the up and that Yambol basketball is the best in the country. He also was saying that it was becoming harder each year from lack of funding at school. This of course means less talent cultured at an early age and less talent in the pipeline for the future. He had be the coach for some twenty years having worked his way up through the ranks. We spoke about many other things related to sport and basketball, he has a strong opinion that golf, snooker and other sports that don't involve aerobic activities aren't sport at all! He has a point.
The toilets in the main building had a reputation, non on site with the restaurant/bar as all this was really was a souped up shed! The reputation was realised by Galia as she tested the water. From thereon it was toilet natural as we were surrounded by lush greenery, trees and bushes, perfect for relief in natural privacy. The Tundhza was only 20 metres away from our seat and many men found this a good point of relief with blocks of apartments opposite staring them in the face holding no fear of indecency. (A picture of the mens' toilets is given here)So many friendly people, it is overwhelming that this now is part and parcel of how life is here and Galia and me are also very much part of the makeup. Food drink and music and song were now going through into the night as the lights came on.
Rakia by the litre and real Russian vodka were the staple drinking diet. Every few minute a big 'Heidi!' followed by 'Nastravey!' Occasional a few Bulgarian singing came out based around the name of George even so often followed by the 'Nastravey' and so it went on.....
Finally the crowded long table got shorter and midnight approached but not before many laughs and talking with a bit of dancing toward the end materialised. (The two name day celebraties Georgio and Galia give a good example here.) We knew we'd been to a party and lost count of the numbers of rakias we had. Even so nobody got out of hand, there was no bad words or bad feelings all was concord throughout. Again the respect everyone has for everyone else is quite astounding.
We finally got home and just looked at each other knowing that coming back home to Bulgaria was the best move we had made and we just don't want to ever leave again.
My Skalitsa Farmhouse for rent - An Advertisement
Farmhouse for Rent in Skalitsa Village - SE Bulgaria (Now with Internet connection)About Skalitsa Village
The village of Skalitsa is located in Southeast Bulgaria. Its nearest towns are Yambol and Elhovo, Radnovo all around 30 minutes drive from the village.
Yambol and Elhovo towns are thriving and continue to be rejuvenated by popularity and investment from many foreigners and Bulgarians. Radnovo is untouched by foreigners and is a relatively unknown but very attractive town.Skalitsa is one of the larger and more important villages in the area and is an up and coming attraction with available investment from Europe into the infrastructure and facilities there.
There has been a major clean up and fresh look in the village with the school having been renovated and money other public building having been given a face-lift. There is also brand new theatre/concert hall that opened in the village centre last year that attracts artists and performers nationally and from around the world.
It has everything you need in the village including two garages, post office, a doctor and dentist surgery, two veterinaries, a chemist, a variety of grocery/food stores, a clothing/linen/shoe shop and a beautiful orthodox church, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007.
During the summer months, (and there are many of them) there is local produce sold from stalls in the village centre park - yes it has a big public park in the village centre as well.
It also has a unisex hairdressing shop and many bars scattered around in and around the village where you can get refreshments, snacks and most cater for basic food provisions.
Skalitsa also has its own bakery, window double-glazing factory, metalwork factory, wood-processing factory and around the village many new vineyards have been planted from private investment.
Bus and taxi services run regularly from the village centre to all satellite villages and major towns such as Radnovo, Yambol, Elhovo and both Nova and Stara Zagora.
It is not widely known but Skalitsa is famed for its healing stones, which are geographically positioned at a point where two magnetic fields cross. There is only one other place on earth where this happens! Research has been made on the site along with media attention, all present evidence of the stones having healing properties for arthritis, rheumatism and various other related and unrelated ailments.
There have been two sets of film makers in the village last year, one film crew from Hollywood USA, choosing Skalitsa for its magnificent setting on a raised rock base within the Thracian Plain. Skalitsa actually mean little rock. This was chosen over other Balken countries including Croatia, Romania and Former Republic of Czechoslovakia, the Skalitsian scenery could not be compared with!
The Farmhouse Location
The farmhouse is located high up on the edge of the village a pleasant ten-minute walk to the village centre and about the same to the healing stones. There is Ivan and Maria who own the bar/general grocery store which sells everything you would need which is only some 300 metres from the farmhouse. Of course the main towns of Yambol, Elhovo and Radnovo are only 30 minutes drive have big supermarkets where you can stock up with provisions if you wish.
Halfway up the side of a quiet tarmac road away from the main road, (which is quiet as well) you will find it nestling naturally. It has purposely been made to blend in complete harmony with character of other farmhouses that are scattered around the village.
The views form the farmhouse grounds are extensive over the countryside and from the garden and most days you can have stunning views of the hills and even the mountains in the north.
The Accommodation
The Grounds
As you enter the farmhouse along the white concrete path you will be entering a garden purposely retaining very much the Bulgarian style with the farmyard and cart tucked away under the outhouses shelter. Looking beyond the garden through the vineyard trellis with uninterrupted view of the undulating Bulgarian countryside.
It is full of practical but beautiful plants and shrubs and of course the wine and rakia producing vines that cover the main area above you. Underneath the vines is the patio area, well protected from the direct heat of the strong Bulgarian summer sun and a perfect place to relax with a cool refreshing drink accompanied by the wonderful nature surrounding you.
Inside the Farmhouse
Once you enter the farmhouse this is where the Bulgarian style mixes and compliments with the western European comforts and modern lifestyle. The renovation was made to a high standard with kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom now providing a very comfortable living with double glazed units throughout. Throughout the farmhouse it still keeps very much to Bulgarian traditional style is decoration and taste. In a nutshell, everything is to modern western standards but with Bulgarian character written all over it.
The Hall
This carpeted internal entrance for the house is a separate room leading to the other three rooms. Fitted with a Skalitsa made white aluminium door netted fly screen door, this provided draught free winters and ventilation options during the hot spring, summer and autumn months. It has a clothing rack for hanging outdoor clothing and ample space for outdoor shoes to be kept. Also there is a cabinet, drawer and some shelving for storing keys, purses, hand luggage, etc.
The Kitchen
The kitchen has all white goods provided, fridge, freezer, washing machine, modern electric oven and grill, gas hob, extractor hood above and a microwave oven. The kitchen is big enough to cater as a dining area with a dining table and four chairs to fitting comfortably. All crockery and kitchen accessories are provided.
The Bathroom
The modern bathroom suite is a brand new extension of the farmhouse. It is a fully tiled with a large bath and fixed wall shower unit with shower curtain surround. There is a wide bathroom ceramic basin and low flush toilet with a convector heater if needed. A wall cabinet with mirror doors is fixed above the basin.
The Bedroom
The comfortable carpeted bedroom has one double king-sized bed with headboard and bedside drawer. The view from the window gives a glorious sight of the vines, garden and uninterrupted views of the wonderful Bulgarian countryside beyond. It is fully furnished with dressing table with full mirror and quality wooden wardrobe imported from France. Also there is an electric convector heater if needed.
The Living Room
The luxurious and homely living room is cosy furnished with good quality imported furniture. There is a new wooden floor and ceiling with a traditional Bulgarian patterned carpet. Placed within are two\sofas, which will accommodate six guests. One sofa converts into a comfortable double bed. You will find a high quality Sony music system with CD, cassette and radio facilities. A colour television is also provided for terrestrial viewing.
As part of the fittings there is also a freestanding traditional wood-burning stove with a well-stocked supply of local wood in the garage retaining the Bulgarian atmosphere. On the bookcases you will find a good variety of books, music cassettes and CDs that are also there for you to enjoy.
Extras
*Food and daily supplies of all provision from shoes to bread provided can be bought from the local shop only 300 metres away.
*Milk, (from cow or goat or sheep) eggs and sirine (traditional white Bulgarian cheese) can be bought from neighbours at below shop prices.
*Electric water and bottled gas for heating/cooking are provided for in the price for guests staying less than 28 days.
*All bedding and towels are provided
*A weekly laundry and cleaning service is provided id required |(a fee of €15 is charged for this)
*There is a regular garden maintenance from the owners and food from the garden is offered free form the extensive grounds during the growing season.
Why Rent here?
This renovated farmhouse gives the best of both worlds, tranquillity of Bulgarian village life with as all the comforts of a home from home. Whether for holiday, a base for house hunting or a place to stay whilst your property is being renovated this is an ideal place to stay at a fraction of the cost of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Not sure whether Bulgaria or village country life is for you? Use the farmhouse to test the water with Bulgarian village life without total initial commitment - there are special rates for extended stays over 28 days!
Look at out Competitive rates Daily rates:
€20 leva per night all seasons
Weekly rates
March, April, May, June - €125
July, August, September - €140
October, November - €112
December, January, February - €100
For extended stays of 28 consecutive days or more the following rates apply:
€400 for each 28 days all year round (€100 per week) Guests staying for 28 days or more will have to cover nominal electric, bottled gas and water bills.
Testimonals
August 2007
Dear Martin and Galiya,
We just had to say how much we enjoyed out stay at your house. This was the first time in Bulgaria and everyone was so helpful and friendly we really didn't want to go back.
Just a few points, a fly screen or curtain should be installed on the front door like you have done to the windows, it was a problem with them getting in the house. Also you might consider getting English television in the farmhouse, we did miss that.
That aside, thank you so much for letting us use your Bulgarian home we envy you living there. Might see you again next year after we get married.
Rik and Maggie
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October 2007
Hi Mart and Gal,
Bulgaria for the first time for us and it was a horrendous time in Sofiya being hassled by taxi people. thank God for Christu you taxi friend who you booked for us. He was our gardian angel before he arrived we weren't too sure wether this country was for us! By the time we got to scalitza and you greeted us we had calmed down and the rakia you presetned to us was quite a tonic. For the week or so we were there we didn't want to go home and we are now seriously looking for a house for us in the area. Stefan loved the animals there, he doesnt stop tlaking about them a week after getting back to yorkshire. Galia is lovely and her bulgarian ways was an added bonus for us when we needed her. nothing was to much trouble. We hope to return and see both of you again but hopefully with out own dream home and we can give you our rakia. Give our love to Maria, Ivan Sasho and Rosa for being such warm neighbours, we had put on weight since being there.love dave linda and stefan
____________________________________________________________
September 2007
Mart and Galia,
just a quick massive thank you for being such warm and generous hosts. We adore you house and our 4 days there really wasn't enough for us. We would dearly like more time there next year rather than opting for the coast, that was a mistake we wont make again. We have fallen in love with Skalitza in that short time there.
Will be in touch through email
Phil and Sam (Sam is now expecting! Will update you later)
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April 2008
Joe and I would love to thank you so much for making our holiday so special. Our previous trip as you know wasn't for us and you have restored our faith in Bulgaria with your hospitality and understanding of much that we didn't know about in Bulgaria. We have been educated by both you and Galia.
May well see you again in the autumn if you can fit us in
Many Thanks again
Love
Joe and Rose
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