Last weekend I visited Bulgaria with my work mates and got to see a ski resort and country that I barely knew anything about outside of games of Diplomacy. Bulgaria is a former communist country bordered by Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey and the Black Sea. We went to the resort of Pamporovo (Пампорово) near the Greek border, about 3-4 hours from Sofia where we flew in. My colleague Peter owns an apartment that has recently been built in the burgeoning resort.

As far as a countries go, I think Bulgaria has a long way to go. I could describe it as stepping into a time machine, but only partially, because you see loads of soviet style architecture, half finished houses and buildings. But there is also a mix of new developments, mansions, and some just plain odd looking stuff mixed in. Also the roads ranged from recently built to scary bumpy tracks that people overtake on in the middle while cars pass each side.

For skiing, the resort had a fair size, and on good days would have a nice assortment of runs, ranging from easy to nice fast black runs coming down the face of the mountain.

It was a fun trip of poker, snowboarding, pool and watching sport, and while I mightn’t go back soon, I would say it is an experience you will only understand if you go yourself.

Andrea, Lena and the Snowman

On February 2 we had quite a snowfall in Cookham, with 3-4 inches on the ground in places and no sign of it letting up. I guess I don’t need to mention that the country ground to a halt. My train was cancelled so I decided to work from home, now that I’ve set up the computer desk nicely in the living room for the time being.

Lena and Andrea enjoyed the snow, going out in a break from the heavily falling flakes to construct a snowman, complete with carrot, scarf and woven hat. To be completely honest, Lena liked the look of the snow much more than being in it. She does like the snowman though and made sure that Andrea repaired him after her nap. It seems that the snowman wanted a nap too.

Greg at Lenggries

We all got a weekend in Munich as Greg had a work trip, and Lena and Andrea managed to get a good price for a flight along. 

We stayed with Dee and Martin, which was a good chance to catch up with them and other old friends, and also gave Greg a rare chance to go snowboarding on Saturday.  Greg and Martin took the BOB bahn down to Lenggries and caught the ski bus to the slope, and enjoyed a long day of sun and snow!

Other fun things included a big brunch at Cafe Neuhausen on Sunday, and time to help Dee and Martin think about their wedding.

It was fun to be back, Lena now can say the word Munich (and much more of course), and we all had a great time.