The Diary: Skiing in Borovets

Friday:
As I made my way back to the car after the Irish St. Patricks Day reception, I couldn’t help but notice how beautifully all the buildings in the centre of town were illuminated. Actually took my camera from the car and wandered about in the drizzling rain taking photos. Guess it shows that I don’t spend much time in the centre of town after dark these days!

By the time I reached home in Bistritsa, what was rain in Sofia was now snow. YUCK! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH NOW!

Saturday:
Waited for my husband to return from his company team building exercise. Quite why these have to infringe on our valuable family time on weekends is anyone’s guess?!
Didn’t leave for Borovets till 4pm. Decided to go night skiing, which turned out to be a really great decision. The conditions were perfect; excellent snow, mild temperatures, no crowds and cheaper lift passes. We all thoroughly enjoyed the whole family skiing together.

Sunday:
More great skiing.

The resort is much quieter already and everyone is talking about the end of the season. I don’t remember ever seeing better snow conditions for this time of year and I reckon the season could continue well into April. Skiing alone for a little while on the four man chair lifts, I was taken back 13 years to when I first arrived in Bulgaria, working as a rep in Borovets. Decided to have a tea with brandy to celebrate.

Can’t help but wonder what Borovets will look like if Sofia really should win the Olympic 2014 bid? How many of these magnificent pine trees will be cut down? Can the resort get rid of all the ugly shacks that don’t comply with any building regulations? Will it ever be possible to find someone to clear the ice and snow from the roads and paths?

I do so hope that the opportunity will be put to good use...

Monday:
My friend S. threw a lunch for a revisiting expat. Delicious food as always.

I guess the down side of living in an international community is the constant turn around of people, friendships seem so hard to maintain over the distances as we get older. I have gotten to the stage where I ask: “How long are you staying?” before befriending. Thankfully there is an ever growing number of friends who are opting to stay long term in Bulgaria....

Tuesday:
As if to coincide with the release of our new spring edition of “Sofia – the insider’s guide”, it seems like spring is finally coming...

Hosted the Working Women’s Network at our new offices and had a good turn out. Nice mix of local and foreign professional women, working for a variety of businesses and NGOs.

Wednesday:
Guess we need to find a new graphic designer again! Haven’t heard a “dickie bird” from the last one, since he shouted at our office manager last Friday, telling her that he never wanted us to call him again. It must have been tough for the guy working with three women in the same room!! I have once again been reminded of the importance of checking out references before employing someone. Can’t say we’re sorry to see the back of him which is a shame really as his design skills were good even if his communication and inter-personal skills were sorely lacking. Finding good skilled workers continues to be a hit or miss affair.

Thursday:
Fell down some steps at home last night, twisting my left ankle and grazing my right arm quite badly. It made driving around today a little awkward! Avoiding the potholes at the moment seems to require all the attention and energy one has. I really cannot remember the roads being in such a disastrous state after the winter for many years now. Noticed on German TV that they too are plagued with potholes (no doubt in the former East Germany) but there, people were advised that they could sue the local authorities for any damage to their cars. Unless, of course, proper warning triangles had been put up, warning of road damage! Doubt any of this would work over here. Ever tried suing anyone here? As to putting up signs – it would cost a small fortune in signs! Why is it though that the worst potholes are in the wealthy suburbs? Can it be a question of money?

Friday:
Got my air tickets today. This time next week, the kids and I will be in Vienna visiting the family during the children’s spring break. Haven’t been “home” for over a year and a half. It will be nice to have some downtime; sleeping in, using the highly efficient public transport (I drive up to 80km a day here), finding clothes in my size in every shop I enter and meeting up with old friends, some from my early childhood, others former Sofia expats.