Today I had one of these inspiring evenings in Sofia centre. It's much different from the daily traffic and noise, and crowds. It's Saturday, dark, peaceful (yes!), only graduates from high school shouting from 1..2..3.....12!!! :-D Small streets in the centre like Angel Kanchev str. - the perfect place for a walk :) If I could choose where to live, I would choose a street like this - and a big house with old architecture - renovated, of course :)
Well, some unexpected obstacles appeared on our way back home, but nevertheless we had a great time! :) Till next time :-D
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Time to relax :-D
It's high time I started my small holiday. Well, there are lots of things ahead - 2 exams left, and I'm still searching for an internship for the summer...I haven't imagined it would be so tough finding an internship in finance. It's probably because I've got too many criteria...or because the area of finance I want to find an internship in is not very wide. Wish me luck! :)
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Lucky, lucky, lucky!!!
I'm lucky!!! :-D
When I was going back home from the trip to Zemen region, I found 5 leva on the street at the traffic light just in front of my block. I'm rich, I'm rich, I'm rich!!! :-D This is a good sign - money expected (this is my interpretation).
When I was going back home from the trip to Zemen region, I found 5 leva on the street at the traffic light just in front of my block. I'm rich, I'm rich, I'm rich!!! :-D This is a good sign - money expected (this is my interpretation).
Back from the Zemen region :-D
I'm back! It was awesome!!!!! I had a great time!
Well, with some exceptions - like the grumbling Grisha & Milen.. hmmmmmm. There was an apple tree just in front of the teracce which prevented them from seeing the mountain opposite the village. So all the time they were making up plans how to cut the tree while Stasi wasn't watching.
In the evening there was a bird singing outside and poor they - couldn't sleep (lol!) so I just tried to imagine that in a moment we could see a dark creepy shadow on the tree with a knife glimmering in the moonlight trying to get rid of the poor bird. Yeah, it's Grisha :-D But he refused doing so - suggested he could be more rational and use a gun...
Today we went to see the Zemen monastery and when we reached the place it turned out that there was a fair (sabor) IN and AROUND the monastery! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears! To sing chalga and eat kebapcheta, and drink beer, and sell some cheap junk clothes and toys around such a holy place...it was very annoyng. I really don't know - probably in the past people also would gather at such places to make fairs and dance traditional music (in fact, today they danced traditional folk music as well). But nevertheless I think it's not normal. I wanted to see the church - Stasi told me that together with the Boyana church it's the oldest Bulgarian churches completely preserved. But I couldn't enter, so many people dancing, and I think it was closed for visitors that day. :( I was thinking - well, if this is not right thing to do, then I shouldn't blame all these people having fun there. Probably average people would think it's OK if the monks from the monastery allow such fairs. And herd instinct says - if other do it, why don;t we join them. Sad story. :(
Nature in this region is very beautiful. It started raining on our way back and it was even more beautiful :-D
Aaand, finally, at about 5 p.m. we were entering Sofia through Vladaya...luckily, no traffic jams - just like on our way to Zemen :-D Aaand, noise again :) And cars. And Liulin :))) Well, Stasi just left us in front of Liulin underground station and left home :) And three of us - me, Milen & Grisha - reached our final destinations - homes - by the nice tram No.20 (wow, I always get headache from this tram).
It was a nice one-day holiday with the "good old" classmates and friends :) Next time will be my turn to host such holiday :-D I promise :)))))
Well, with some exceptions - like the grumbling Grisha & Milen.. hmmmmmm. There was an apple tree just in front of the teracce which prevented them from seeing the mountain opposite the village. So all the time they were making up plans how to cut the tree while Stasi wasn't watching.
In the evening there was a bird singing outside and poor they - couldn't sleep (lol!) so I just tried to imagine that in a moment we could see a dark creepy shadow on the tree with a knife glimmering in the moonlight trying to get rid of the poor bird. Yeah, it's Grisha :-D But he refused doing so - suggested he could be more rational and use a gun...
Today we went to see the Zemen monastery and when we reached the place it turned out that there was a fair (sabor) IN and AROUND the monastery! I couldn't believe my eyes and ears! To sing chalga and eat kebapcheta, and drink beer, and sell some cheap junk clothes and toys around such a holy place...it was very annoyng. I really don't know - probably in the past people also would gather at such places to make fairs and dance traditional music (in fact, today they danced traditional folk music as well). But nevertheless I think it's not normal. I wanted to see the church - Stasi told me that together with the Boyana church it's the oldest Bulgarian churches completely preserved. But I couldn't enter, so many people dancing, and I think it was closed for visitors that day. :( I was thinking - well, if this is not right thing to do, then I shouldn't blame all these people having fun there. Probably average people would think it's OK if the monks from the monastery allow such fairs. And herd instinct says - if other do it, why don;t we join them. Sad story. :(
Nature in this region is very beautiful. It started raining on our way back and it was even more beautiful :-D
Aaand, finally, at about 5 p.m. we were entering Sofia through Vladaya...luckily, no traffic jams - just like on our way to Zemen :-D Aaand, noise again :) And cars. And Liulin :))) Well, Stasi just left us in front of Liulin underground station and left home :) And three of us - me, Milen & Grisha - reached our final destinations - homes - by the nice tram No.20 (wow, I always get headache from this tram).
It was a nice one-day holiday with the "good old" classmates and friends :) Next time will be my turn to host such holiday :-D I promise :)))))
Friday, May 19, 2006
I'm going to Zemen!!! :-D
I'm very happy to day because I'm going to Zemen with some friends for a day :-D It's a region (and a village, and a monastery) in the western part of Bulgaria - very close to Kiustendil. We're having a day off - out of Sofia with all the city noise, smog, traffic.By the way, I found these photos by Google, and the photo on the right - there's a pretty nice website with detailed information about Bulgarian monasteries :)
http://www.bulgarianmonastery.com/
I hope someone brings a photocamera. My digital camera is still out of order :'( Today I brought it to have it repaired at an authorised Panasonic office 10 minutes from home, but it turned out
that this office doesn't repair cameras. I have to go to the other part of Sofia :'(near Hemus hotel. So no photos from me again...hmm they may bring a simple photo camera the most, so I'll have to wait for the photos to be printed, and then to scan them....hmm I've almost forgotten the traditional way of taking photos...Anyway I'll think of a solution. Probably again Google :-D (Wow, they have to pay me for advertisement:)))
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Barcelona vs. Aresenal
Wow, I'm a football fan :-D
I decided to watch the Champions League final. :))) But no beer, only yoghurt :-D Watching football - Tsveti style :))))))))
Bulgaria - the big questionmark on the EU map
Yesterday the expected monitoring report of the EU Comission was announced. No surprises. Bulgaria is performing very bad in 6 areas:
=> setting up a proper integrated administration and control system in agriculture – agricultural payments represent a significant part of the EU budget. Any member state must guarantee the proper spending of such funds. Any shortcoming in this respect may delay the disbursement of funds or give rise to correction or recovery of the EU taxpayers money;
=> building-up of rendering collection and treatment facilities in line with EU acquis on TSE and animal by-products – food safety is a main concern for all EU citizens, food products must fully respect all EU requirements;
=> tangible results in investigating and prosecuting organised crime networks - the existence of organised crime puts into question the rule of law in Bulgaria, it affects directly all citizens and their basic rights;
=> more efficient and systematic implementation of laws for the fight against fraud and corruption – corruption undermines public and business confidence in Bulgaria. It represents ongoing risks of fraud against the EU budget and funds, indirectly it has consequences on current EU taxpayers, it also hampers the economic development of Bulgaria by deteriorating the business climate;
=> intensified enforcement of anti-money laundering provisions – money laundering is a financial crime, linked to terrorist activities, tax evasion or false accounting. The fight of such a criminal activity is key for the security and financial interest of all Bulgarian and EU citizens;
=>strengthened financial control over structural and cohesion funds - it is in the direct interest of all Bulgarian citizens to fully benefit from EU funds, in particular for important infrastructural projects, so as to allow Bulgaria to catch up with other Member States and to become fully integrated in the EU
More info:
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/201&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=fr
OK, we've made a progress. But yet some of the most cruical problems remain. Like crime networks, corruption and money laundering, and financial controll over the stuctural&cohesion funds. Areas which, in my opinion, need a serious "touch".
We have several months until next review of our performance. Several months to show improvement in these areas. Otherwise - no EU membership in 2007.
I really don't consider the European Union as the entity which should be the "destiny", the ultimate goal of Bulgaria as a state. Like every huge entity comprised of diverse states, they have huge problems. And who knows what future may bring? Probably EU doesn't have long future at all?
Nevertheless, unfortunately, I should admit that probably there's no other option for Bulgaria except being EU member in order to progress. And to get out of the morass we've sank into by ourselves. You see, there's a huge apathy for national walfare, there's only interest for individual welfare. And this is the destructive factor which leads us to the deepest waters.
So without the "push" of the EU institutions, God only knows what could have happened to us till now. And, moreover, what could happen to us in FUTURE. We just need to be dependent on a "Great power" - in this case - be part of it, but yet accomplishing the needed requirements.
That's Bulgaria, unfortunately. We don't do something good just for ourselves. People always blame the Great Powers for their misery. But the problem is within ourselves. We just don't stress on our interests and don't work for welfare of Bulgaria because we want it, but because someone else tells us so. Because we're egoistic nation, that's what we are. Nothing more, nothing less.
Those who could change something - they surrendered to the system - either emigrated, or became part of the system. That's the brutal truth. Hopefully EU will push us make some improvements the hard way. And these people come back. Otherwise... how do you see Bulgaria in 2050?
What about you? If you, dear reader, are Bulgarian, what do you think? Have you surrendered to the system? What values do you have? Are they the best strategy for you to prosper? Don't answer straightly, think it over again. Be honest...to yourself.
=> setting up a proper integrated administration and control system in agriculture – agricultural payments represent a significant part of the EU budget. Any member state must guarantee the proper spending of such funds. Any shortcoming in this respect may delay the disbursement of funds or give rise to correction or recovery of the EU taxpayers money;
=> building-up of rendering collection and treatment facilities in line with EU acquis on TSE and animal by-products – food safety is a main concern for all EU citizens, food products must fully respect all EU requirements;
=> tangible results in investigating and prosecuting organised crime networks - the existence of organised crime puts into question the rule of law in Bulgaria, it affects directly all citizens and their basic rights;
=> more efficient and systematic implementation of laws for the fight against fraud and corruption – corruption undermines public and business confidence in Bulgaria. It represents ongoing risks of fraud against the EU budget and funds, indirectly it has consequences on current EU taxpayers, it also hampers the economic development of Bulgaria by deteriorating the business climate;
=> intensified enforcement of anti-money laundering provisions – money laundering is a financial crime, linked to terrorist activities, tax evasion or false accounting. The fight of such a criminal activity is key for the security and financial interest of all Bulgarian and EU citizens;
=>strengthened financial control over structural and cohesion funds - it is in the direct interest of all Bulgarian citizens to fully benefit from EU funds, in particular for important infrastructural projects, so as to allow Bulgaria to catch up with other Member States and to become fully integrated in the EU
More info:
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/201&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=fr
OK, we've made a progress. But yet some of the most cruical problems remain. Like crime networks, corruption and money laundering, and financial controll over the stuctural&cohesion funds. Areas which, in my opinion, need a serious "touch".
We have several months until next review of our performance. Several months to show improvement in these areas. Otherwise - no EU membership in 2007.
I really don't consider the European Union as the entity which should be the "destiny", the ultimate goal of Bulgaria as a state. Like every huge entity comprised of diverse states, they have huge problems. And who knows what future may bring? Probably EU doesn't have long future at all?
Nevertheless, unfortunately, I should admit that probably there's no other option for Bulgaria except being EU member in order to progress. And to get out of the morass we've sank into by ourselves. You see, there's a huge apathy for national walfare, there's only interest for individual welfare. And this is the destructive factor which leads us to the deepest waters.
So without the "push" of the EU institutions, God only knows what could have happened to us till now. And, moreover, what could happen to us in FUTURE. We just need to be dependent on a "Great power" - in this case - be part of it, but yet accomplishing the needed requirements.
That's Bulgaria, unfortunately. We don't do something good just for ourselves. People always blame the Great Powers for their misery. But the problem is within ourselves. We just don't stress on our interests and don't work for welfare of Bulgaria because we want it, but because someone else tells us so. Because we're egoistic nation, that's what we are. Nothing more, nothing less.
Those who could change something - they surrendered to the system - either emigrated, or became part of the system. That's the brutal truth. Hopefully EU will push us make some improvements the hard way. And these people come back. Otherwise... how do you see Bulgaria in 2050?
What about you? If you, dear reader, are Bulgarian, what do you think? Have you surrendered to the system? What values do you have? Are they the best strategy for you to prosper? Don't answer straightly, think it over again. Be honest...to yourself.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Meeting with the class
Today I met with my classmates. It was great that almost all of them came - 22 out of 27 (having in mind that some of those 5 missing are abroad)! It's 3 years since our high school graduationbut I felt like I'd seen them just the day before. They haven't changed a lot. Perhaps their appearance has changed, but inside they are just the same. Again we splitted into two groups, again people behaved the way they did while we were still at high school.
Nothing has changed. We're only 3 years older than we used to be. As if really people have their mindset formed during teen years (high school) and then you can't change much. I really felt it.
Anyway, I do believe that the more years pass, the more "united" we'll become. This was a huge step ahead - gathering 22 people after 3 years without any meetings, it was a "SUCCESS!" (with thumb up) - Nikola style :-D
P.S. I really hope that Yassen gives me the photos from his camera, I really want them! If he forgets, I will go and sleep in front of his door if needed! :-D
Nothing has changed. We're only 3 years older than we used to be. As if really people have their mindset formed during teen years (high school) and then you can't change much. I really felt it.
Anyway, I do believe that the more years pass, the more "united" we'll become. This was a huge step ahead - gathering 22 people after 3 years without any meetings, it was a "SUCCESS!" (with thumb up) - Nikola style :-D
P.S. I really hope that Yassen gives me the photos from his camera, I really want them! If he forgets, I will go and sleep in front of his door if needed! :-D
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The hard times and the light times
Today I discovered something I haven't thought about before. It's all about balance, you know? You can't devote all your time to one cause and expect to be happy about it. You just fall in a "black hole", a magic circle you can't escape of. And when you finally find a way to escape from one "black hole", you immediately fall into another. And so on, and so on. And in all cases you're not happy.
So it's more like a spiral - you always spin around something, but the core is somewhere in the distant middle and you can't reach it.
So what's the solution? Can there be a solution at all?
Well, YES! For sure! The solution is start searching for the balance. For the golden mean. And to start from right now!
Just walk slowly, with small paces, look around, look for signs or any challenges ahead. And don't look back.
P.S. Thanks, G.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Rhodopi mountain
Well, the story today is that I miss my digital camera :( 2 weeks ago it slipped onto the ground
and now it can't make photos. So that's why I won't upload any recent photos. So I'll use the help of internet...and Google in particular :)
It's been a tough week. Last Wednesday I went to Plovdiv together with the MCe team to prepare for the National Planning Conference. The site was a mountain hostel in the Rhodopi mountain...I love this place...
The rounded shape hills, broad-leaved trees with small patterns of dark, being a group of pine
trees. 
Wherever you watch, you see nothing else but the blue sky with white fluffy clouds and hills couloured in light and dark green, sometimes meadows and fields, and rocks.
The last time I was in Rhodopi mountain was more than 15 years ago and I was too small to notice all its beauty and enchantment. Just imagine yourself walking on the road and from both sides high green hills hiding the sky. Or walking through the forests listening to the mysterious sounds of the hollow trunks while the wind is blowing.
And I really felt this magic when I was walking through the mountain together with the AIESEC MC team :) We walked for more than 3 hours.
Some challenges with finding the mountain hostel, but the mountain paid back with its beauty.
and now it can't make photos. So that's why I won't upload any recent photos. So I'll use the help of internet...and Google in particular :)It's been a tough week. Last Wednesday I went to Plovdiv together with the MCe team to prepare for the National Planning Conference. The site was a mountain hostel in the Rhodopi mountain...I love this place...
The rounded shape hills, broad-leaved trees with small patterns of dark, being a group of pine
trees. 
Wherever you watch, you see nothing else but the blue sky with white fluffy clouds and hills couloured in light and dark green, sometimes meadows and fields, and rocks.
The last time I was in Rhodopi mountain was more than 15 years ago and I was too small to notice all its beauty and enchantment. Just imagine yourself walking on the road and from both sides high green hills hiding the sky. Or walking through the forests listening to the mysterious sounds of the hollow trunks while the wind is blowing.
And I really felt this magic when I was walking through the mountain together with the AIESEC MC team :) We walked for more than 3 hours.
Some challenges with finding the mountain hostel, but the mountain paid back with its beauty.
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