Buy & Sell Bulgaria Insight Newsletter

At present there is an active Bulgarian Cricket Association mainly in the Sofia Area, with 8 active clubs. We are hoping to form a Eurolink Cricket team, with sponsorship from Chris Violaris. Apart from that the Varna University has a team and we are hoping to make this our 1st game. The team will be a mixture of Bulgarian/English players. Watch this space!

Unusually warm weather in Bulgaria is spoiling the plans of tourism companies for the winter season, Dnevnik daily said. Weathermen predict unchanged or even higher temperatures in January. The winter could be the hottest for the past 47 years in the whole of Europe. However, sun is always welcome in Varna and its surrounding resorts and villages. And this month the weather girls just say that the weather today is scorchyo.

You might have, but just in case, let me tell you what it’s all about. The Orthodox Church in Bulgaria celebrates days dedicated to all Saints. For example, on January 17 it is Saint Anthony’s Day (Antonovden), where celebrations are to protect people from illnesses. It is also the holiday of all who bear the name of Saint Anthony.

On this day women do not spin, knit and cook beans, corn and lentil, because they might make the diseases angry.

Legend has it that the twin brothers Anthony and Atanas were blacksmiths and were the first to invent the blacksmith’s tongs. Anthony’s Day is celebrated as a holiday of the blacksmiths, ironmongers, cutters and shoeing smiths.

People named after the saint Anthony (meaning “priceless” in Latin) - Antonia, Andon, Dona, Donka - celebrate their name day on January 17.

Reviewed by Margie & Alan Coleman

This restaurant is to be found inside the Astera Hotel in the resort of Golden Sands. There are 40 seats available and the best part of that is that they are formed into little cosy areas, so you can definitely have a nice romantic meal. The design is very stylish, the decore is silver-grey with red accents, mirrors and silver woven lighting. The atmosphere is great and the food, thanks to the chef Mr. Plamen Stamov, calls me to strongly recommend the restaurant for experiencing a wonderful meal. Rating of 9/10. Cheers!

Bulgaria’s property market will increase its appeal following the country’s accession to the European Union. One in seven Britons is considering purchasing property in Bulgaria, following the country’s EU accession at the beginning of this year, according to a new survey. The number of foreign visitors to Bulgaria went up by 8.3 % last year, bringing the total in 2006 to 1.5 million. Bulgaria’s official inclusion in the European Union is a key opportunity for property investment in this emerging market, commented Alan Coleman, the Sales Director of Buy and Sell Bulgaria Ltd, member of Eurolink Investment Group. Based on the past history of other Eastern bloc countries joining the EU, where property prices have risen significantly these markets look set to become strong areas for capital growth.

The company Xmas party was a hit. The long and full of fun night continued till the small hours of the morning. There were loads of food and beverages, surprises and live music.

Chris Violaris having fun with all on the dance floor

A pyramid of light was set to illuminate the sky above the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.

The top news is of course, that Bulgaria and Romania joined The European Union on New Year’s Day, helping to end geographic divisions left over from the Cold War and extending the borders of the now 27-member bloc eastward to the Black Sea.

Thousands of revelers gathered, Sunday night of 31st Dec last year, in the main square of Bulgaria’s national capital Sofia, at Battenberg Square, embracing and cheering when the clock struck midnight. EU flags fluttered overhead and fireworks lit up the sky. “We are home!” said a headline in a Bulgarian newspaper.

For Bulgaria, with a population of 7.7 million, and whose history is marked by conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and Soviet occupation, EU membership is also viewed as a source of economic and democratic stability. Bulgaria expects to receive as much as €661 million in the first year after entry.

Fireworks at the Varna city Nezavisimost Square.