Qatar III - Doha friends in Sofia

Omaya's  Balaleet cake

....delicious blast from the past 

Bansko- or....again is again

Bansko is by all means the most famous Bulgarian ski resort.  It used to be well known even before the glory (and the construction companies) discovered its beauties at the end of the nineties…My faithful visits along those years recorded the impressive, and not always positive, transformation of this small historical town with peculiar local culture and rich traditions into a meeting place of national and regional jet-setters and the newly-formed Bulgarian upper middle class …

The good news is that the sudden rise to the level of international tourist destination didn’t change the customs and the views of the locals. A short walk around and you’ll notice the same as ever old ladies (babi)  in their traditional clothes sitting and chatting in front of three-hundred years old, stone built houses.  As in the old joke about the Swiss Germans that learn German in school, Bansko people learn to speak Bulgarian, as well. The local dialect is almost impossible to understand and it should be no surprise when they alternate it in perfect calm with the standard Bulgarian.

However, even if you are not so interested in history and anthropology, the ski slopes, lovely alpine landscape, good food, rich night-life and the Jazz and Opera festivals in the summer, make Bansko worth to visit.

The Old Church 

A rare view of this Summer Garden and Restaurant

A street

View from the upper swiming pool in Kempinsky

Just look at the animals around !

My breakfast view !

Some tips for the freshers:

Hotels – the offer is diverse, though if you look for a five-star experience, definitely it is Kempinsky Grand Arena. I have never changed since it opened. Ski-in, ski-out hotel, good service, one of the best spas in Europe, two out-door and one in-door swimming pools, perfect location. During the season and the Summer Festivals booking in advance is a must.

In case you wish to meet the owner …and pay less for more–Aparthotel Pirin River Ski and Spa. A small family run hotel, owned by my friend Yaroslav Golev,  a Bansko born, Columbia University alumni, who after working for the President of the Republic, for the European Commissioner and being Ambassador, decided to land back to his native town, and rise happily his kids in a healthy environment.

Restaurants – any traditional tavern is good to try! However, “Дедо Пене” is nice in case you go for authentic, centrally located tavern without music (I can’t guarantee the last….). If you are not against Gipsy bands singing traditional songs at your table, upon request of course, almost any other like Обецановата къща /Obetcanova kushta/ or  Зехтинджиевата къща /Zehtindjievata Kushta/…

Shopping - you can buy or rent ski equipment at any of the numerous shops around ! Prices are much higher during the season, of course, but still reasonable. 

And enjoy it !