Buy & Sell Bulgaria Insight Newsletter

We are pleased to invite you to our presentation on INTO THE FUTURE.

This will take place in Varna, Golden Sands resort, Astera hotel on 26th - 27th April 2007. The topic will be on the development of Marina Gardens, Marina Hills, Golf Hills, Panorama, and finally the “Royal Oakwood” Golf Course. As you already know development work has started in Marina Gardens, and we will be pleased to unveil the designs of the “Royal Oakwood” Golf Course.

We look forward to seeing you here in April, and if you require any further details and a time-table, please contact us.

R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, 10th April by e-mail to: alan@buy-sell-bulgaria.com, or +359 52 699731.

I recently went to see Albena Cliffs. I absolutely loved the place. It has a fantastic view towards the Albena Bay and a beautiful forest at the rear. Nearby there is a new holiday village, which is almost completed. It seems that there are many others who have also seen the prospect and value of this area. The moment I put my feet on the ground, I immediately imagined myself, living in a beautiful luxurious house, laying in a sun lounger on the veranda in the sun and smelling the warm and fresh air. You should definitely check-out this project. Construction starts 2008. Buy now off plan »

This is the name day for all who have names like flowers and trees and, like me, Lili (Lily-of-the-valley; Lilium). This is also the orthodox “Palm Sunday”. It is always one week before Easter. On this day most people go to church, they buy some willow twigs which are blessed and then tied to the entrance of the home as a proclamation of faith in the resurrection of Christ.

Being one of the most beautiful spring holidays it celebrates the day of the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when he was welcomed with palms and olive branches. Bulgarian Orthodox tradition uses more readily-available willow branches instead of palms, and people weave them into small crowns, which they put on the head of young children for health and blessing. All who are named after flowers and trees celebrate their name day on this day.

Happy Name Day to me!!!!:)

The Bulgarian holiday property market will continue to grow in the years to come because of a number of factors, Managing Director of Buy and Sell (Bulgaria) Christopher Violaris said. Parallel development occurred in Bulgaria’s tourism sector and holiday property sector. Bulgaria offers a wide choice of tourism opportunities and has a competitive advantage over other countries.

Spain and Cyprus are dynamic and developed property markets but have reached a saturation phase. This gives Bulgaria the chance to develop its property market. British property buyers still represent the largest group of foreign investors in the country. EU membership is a plus as it makes people more comfortable buying property in Bulgaria.

The future of the market is in the development of Bulgaria as a golf property destination and promotion of the country as a permanent living destination. Environmental concerns and the introduction of Natura 2000 were going to bring about balanced development. Climate changes and the milder weather could further increase the appeal of the country.

Varna Lake is the largest and deepest lake on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. There is evidence that even in prehistoric times Varna lake shores have been inhabited by people. Various remains of ancient civilizations have been discovered here - flint tools, pile dwellings, dug-out canoes. The famous Varna chalcolith necropolis can be seen on the northern side in the region of Varna Western Industrial area.

The neighborhoods of Zvezditsa and Konstantinovo, where our land is, overlook the lake from the southern heights. Marina Gardens, Marina Hills, Golf Hills, Royal Oakwood, Acropolis, Old Vines, Marina Bay, Panorama and Politea, are areas we have chosen, because we see them as best spots in the region. You can see hills overlooking the Varna bay, amongst grape wines, and fruit orchards, where nature is at its best or land next to the waterfront where the sea laps at the edge of the land with a secluded bay, making it a beautiful and serene place.

Supporting the move for making the region a protected territory under the Natura 2000 program, there are many projects for these areas, including a golf course, luxury villas, homes and bungalows for those who love to combine the sport with comfortable living, swimming pools and all the facilities you expect of a small town, such as restaurants, shops, bars, medical facility and spa, an Equestrian Centre. By the Lake, as part of our further investment, there will be a professional water sports centre, horse riding school, archery field, the construction of a swimming pool, a Greek/Bulgarian tavern, an English pub, and we will build a new platform on the beach that will be used for shows and cultural presentations. Be part of the dream! Live your dream!

Congratulations to April’s Employee of the Month, Svetlana Mircheva (Sales Director’s Secretary). Does Svetlana even need an introduction? She is typically the first face you see when we come into the office in the morning, smiling and exchanging pleasantries, while simultaneously managing incoming calls and arranging for property visits that need to go out on short notice.

She is also the face of the Sales Department for clients and prospects who walk through our door and her long tenure at the front desk testifies to how well she does her job. Every colleague no doubt has a positive story about how Svetlana has come through for them; we depend on her for the mail, phone messages and a whole host of other administrative jobs that would take too long to list.

Congratulations, Svetlana, and thanks for all your hard work!

As previously mentioned, Chris Violaris, Managing Director of Buy & Sell (Bulgaria), visited London in the beginning of March. Meetings with the designer and architect of the Royal Oakwood Golf Course were held and have been very successful. The contract for the construction will be finalized and signed in the end of April. Further to expanding our coverage in the UK, we are planning to set up an information office at St Katherine’s Dock. This will make it easier for you and others interested in Bulgaria, to provide all necessary information, etc. We will let you know the opening date.

Proposed office at St Katherine’s Dock, which is close to London Bridge

During Chris’s stay in the UK, he bought 2 new cars, which will increase our car fleet. We saw the pictures and we are all looking forward to seeing them here.

There are many birthday boys and girls in April. Our dear colleagues Nevin Halil (Legal Department at Buy & Sell Bulgaria), and good clients and friends Margaret Coleman, Stephen Day, Darren Finch, Kristina Trodden, Latesha Tuck and Anastasia Irodotou have their special day this month. We would like to wish them all many happy returns and the best of luck!

“Nikovata Kashta”, which means “Niko’s House”, is situated in the place of Akchelar near the sea capital of Varna, on the road to Aladja Monastery (Golden Sands resort area). It seats 70 and is positioned in a marvelous National Revival, 2-storey house with a large terrace and spacious yard. The tavern “Nikovata Kashta” carries you away into the warm and cozy atmosphere of the old time taverns. There you will be entertained royally! It offers tasty specialties from the Bulgarian national cuisine. The menu includes a variety of salads, warm and cold hors d’oeuvres, a la minutes, barbecue, main dishes, and deserts. There is also a rich assortment of white and red wines, brandy, alcohol and non-alcohol drinks. Why not try it out, it is perfect for every occasion.
Rating of 8/10.

All over the country, Bulgarians marked on 24th February the holiday, known as Todorovden (the day of Todor or Theodor), also called the Horse Easter. The Orthodox Church celebrates the day on the first Saturday of the Easter Fast.

On this day there were many traditional horse races and our dear colleague Teodora (Reception) had a name day. Happy name day Teddy, wishing you loads of smiles and luck!

In the picture above, the mayor of the neighborhood of Konstantinovo (next to Marina Hills) is preparing the thoroughbreds Vagner and Granada for the traditional races on Todorovden. In actual fact we have been invited by the mayor to see some races, which have been organized for April, 8th as well. For any of you who enjoy horse riding, let us know when you come over and we can arrange a ride.

Left to Right: Lili, Diana Georgieva, Chris, Alan, Margie, Nevin, Mira, Teddy,
Megi, Svetla, Diana Vladimirova

Chris and Alan took us, the ladies, out for lunch to The Five Corners (Pettey Kjusheta) today, 8th March, to celebrate the International Woman’ s day. We got loads of flowers that day also, from the best men and great gentlemen in the office, Chris, Alan and Miro. It was so kind of them. We had a good laugh, lots to eat and drink. Wish it was 8th March everyday

Easter (8th April) is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, the Crocuses and the Daffodils. Its a time for Christians to celebrate the life and resurrection of Christ. And a time of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and coloured eggs!

The bright red colored egg is the symbol of Easter (or Pascha) for the Bulgarian Orthodox Christians. Nowadays other colors are used as well. The eggs are colored on Holy Thursday after the Divine Liturgy. The Easter breads are a worldwide Orthodox tradition as well. They are different sizes and decorated. The bread is called “kolache” or “kozunak”. This bread is taken to church on Saturday evening when a special sequence of services takes place: Midnight Office, Rush Procession, Matins & Divine Liturgy. Such breads and eggs are presented especially to the Spiritual parents (God parents, krustnitcite), to the biological parents, and also to other relatives, friends, etc.

The eggs are cracked after the midnight service and during the next days. Each person selects his/her egg. Then people take turns tapping their egg against each other, and the person who ends up with the last unbroken egg is believed to have a year of good luck.

Banitsa (pronounced “BAH-nit-sa”) is a traditional Bulgarian dish eaten at any meal, and one of my favourites. Here’s the recipe…

What you need:

• 2 packets of filo dough (Bulgarian “fini kori” or filo from the frozen desserts section)
• 500 grams of white cheese (Bulgarian sirene or feta cheese)
• 1 tea cup of oil

Ingredients for the topping:

• 6 eggs
• 1,5 cup of soda-water
• 2 cups yogurt
• 0,5 tea spoon of baking soda
• 1 tea spoon of salt

How to make it:

Start laying the filo dough in a buttered baking dish. You should take in turns: 1 sheet filo dough, then spread some oil with the edge of a tea spoon, then another sheet of dough, etc. In 2 or 3 places include some crushed cheese all over the layer. Once finished, cut into the desired serving pieces. Then prepare the topping, until the oven is preheated up to 240 C. Mix the eggs, the yogurt and the rest of the ingredients. Pour the mixture over the banitsa and make sure there are no pieces of the filo dough left dry.

Bake for 15 minutes at the beginning then lower the temperature to 190 C and bake for another 15 minutes, or till golden. Enjoy!

Roxy’s beautiful puppies, 2 dogs, 2 bitches, born at Christmas, are ready now for their new homes. All are well socialised with other dogs, children and adults. Vaccinated and treated for parasites. For more information, check out: http://www.freewebs.com/anglo-bulgariandogs/index.htm

The Association aim to speed up the neutering/spaying programme which is in force at present. This will mean less pups to add to the amount of strays on the streets. They promote neutering and spaying for all dogs other than pedigrees used for breeding. Ann, Margaret, Lina and Cheryl wish to upgrade the kennels where the dogs go for neutering/spaying. The conditions are as far from EU standards as you could possibly get. Spreading the word that all dogs (not just pedigree) deserve to be looked after properly. They should have food and water, somewhere safe and warm to sleep and veterinarian care when required.

So once you have settled in Bulgaria, have a good friend to join your family.

Diana Georgieva (New Business Development
Manager at Eurolink Finance) ready to order at Happy

We have just made our new brochures for Buy & Sell (Bulgaria) and Eurolink Finance. They have already been put on the tables of the the biggest and fastest growing restaurant chain in Bulgaria, Happy. The trademark “Happy” has 18 outlets in different cities all over the country. The brochures have all basic information of the services, which Buy & Sell (Bulgaria) and Eurolink Finance offer. If you would like to hand over a brochure to friends and partners, who might find our services and products of interest, please let us know and we’ll get them out to you.