Habitat Global Village Hand Book by Iconic Design Division

GLOBAL VILLAGE HANDBOOK 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME TO BULGARIA General facts about Bulgaria • Customs • Etiquette • Clothing • Traditional food • Language Construction terms Packing list

05 10 10 10 10 11 12 14 15

HFH BULGARIA NATIONAL PROGRAM The housing need in Bulgaria Needs around the country and HFH's response HFH Bulgaria’s Projects Portfolio • Fighting Poverty and Child Neglect • Residential Energy Efficiency • Microfinance for Home Improvement • Financial Literacy Training • Advocacy and Coalition Building • Other Housing Related Projects Partner Families Profiles

16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19

GV PROGRAM Global Village Program Construction Plans for the year • New Builds in Kostinbrod • Construction techniques and Materials • Global Village Team Construction Work Accommodation for the volunteers Transportation Partner Families

20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22

R&R options Health and safety on site GV Policies Wish List of HFH Bulgaria HFH Bulgaria GV Emergency Management Plan 2015

25 27 32 33 34

USEFUL INFORMATION Arrival in Bulgaria (airport, visa) Transportation Health requirements Currency value Time zone Credit Cards Business Hours Post oﬃce Telephone and Internet Local Emergency Numbers

37 37 34 38 38 39 39 39 39 39 40

HFH BULGARIA / 03

WELCOME TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BULGARIA Dear Global Village team members, Many thanks for your interest and willingness to join Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria in building safe, decent, affordable homes in our country. You will be of a great help in this ancient country and for sure you will have lots of interesting experiences while working with homeowners and visiting different parts of Bulgaria. We are very grateful that you have selected our affiliate to work with and we truly hope that you will have a wonderful time. This Handbook contains important information and it will be your guide during your stay in Bulgaria. Please read it carefully and discover how to make your trip an unforgettable adventure, which will bring you personal satisfaction, smiles and new friendships. If, at any point, you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to work with you and to have fun, building not only homes, but a hope for the future. We believe that you are about to enter into a life-changing experience. Why? Because we’re sure that you will love Bulgaria and its people. Will there be any challenges? Absolutely, and our staff and volunteers are here to help and to make your trip as pleasant as possible. We are eager to make new friends and to demonstrate our famous Bulgarian hospitality. Have a great time in Bulgaria! Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria Team

HFH BULGARIA / 04

WELCOME TO BULGARIA Bulgaria (Bulgarian: България), oﬃcially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country located in the heart of the Balkans. Bulgaria oﬀers a highly diverse landscape: the north is dominated by the vast lowlands of the Danube and the south by the highlands and elevated plains. In the east, the Black Sea coast attracts tourists all year round. Its location has made it a historical crossroad for various civilisations and as such it is the home of some of the earliest metalworking, religious and other cultural artifacts in the world. Founded in 681, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe. Its history is marked by its location near Europe’s frontier with Asia. Some 85% of the population are Orthodox Christians and 13% Muslims. Around 10% of the population are of Turkish origin while 3% are Roma. Similarly, its traditional dishes are a mixture of east and west. The most famous Bulgarian food must be yoghurt, with its reputed giﬅ of longevity for those who consume it regularly. Bulgaria’s main exports are light industrial products, foods and wines, which are successfully competing on European markets. Famous Bulgarians include philosopher Julia Kristeva, Elias Canetti, Nobel Prize winner for literature in 1981, and Christo Javachev (“Christo”), the creator of many unorthodox outdoor sculptures.

HFH BULGARIA / 05

FASCINATING FACTS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT BULGARIA

01. Bulgaria is one of only a handful of countries in the world where a shake of the head means “yes” and a nod means “no”. 02. The Bulgarians were the first to use Cyrillic script, which is also the alphabet currently used in Russia. The Cyrillic alphabet was adopted by the first Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD. 03. Bulgarians invented the first electronic computer, digital watch and car air bag. 04. Bulgarian yogurt has a unique taste because the bacteria used to make it, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, is only found naturally in Bulgarian air. 05. In Hollywood flick The Terminal, actor Tom Hanks, 55, who plays a man trapped in an airport, speaks Bulgarian. 06. Michael Palin, 68, upset Bulgarians by saying it is most famous for gypsies. 07. Bulgaria is in the EU, but uses the lev instead of the euro. 08. A Bulgarian folk song was included on the Voyager Golden Record which was sent into outer space by NASA. 09. Tara Reid, a housemate on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, has just married Bulgarian financier Zack Kehayov. 10. Bulgaria grows a lot of roses. In fact, the roses grown in Bulgaria’s “Rose Valley” produce most (70-85%) of the world’s rose oil – a component in most perfumes. HFH BULGARIA / 06

WELCOME TO SOFIA Today Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria and the 13th largest city in the European Union. Sofia is the main administrative, industrial and transportation center of the country. With Population of 1,291,591 people, representing 17.5% of the population of the country and contributes to the creation of more than 34% of GDP. The Metropolitan region includes 38 cities, 1.2% of the country’s territory, but it concentrates the one- fiﬅh of the workforce in Bulgaria. Sofia is a young and intelligent city with 20 of all 44 universities in Bulgaria with over 40,000 students. Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is also located in Sofia. Centre of political, cultural and business life in Bulgaria, Sofia is a bustling and vibrant city, but pleasantly surprises everyone with a cozy atmosphere unexpected for a megalopolis. The proximity of Vitosha Mountain whose silhouette appears in the background of the central boulevards, the abundance of greenery and beautiful Orthodox domed churches in ancient squares, the charming architectural eclecticism, marked by the flashing effects of various European styles, the elegant cafes and bistros always full of dressed up people stir the feeling that Sofia is a city of pleasure. Leisure time and enjoyment – in the day and at night – never ends here. If, during the day the city is colourful and kaleidoscopic, at night its abundantly illuminated historic buildings make it a magical scenery of a fairy show, with plenty of amazing opportunities and seductive roles.

HFH BULGARIA / 07

FASCINATING FACTS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT SOFIA

01. Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria 131 years ago. 02. The first telephone conversation takes place in Sofia in 1884. 03. In 1896 a Czech, August Shedevi, who is living in Sofia introduced the first car in Bulgaria. 04. Sofia was lit with electricity in November 1, 1900. 05. On January 1, 1901 the first electric trams start. In 1936 it began production of the first Bulgarian trams and three years later is established the first Bulgarian construction - all metal, which at the time was unique in design.

06. 10 years aﬅer the liberation the foreigners living in the new capital, brought the bicycles. Ivan Vazov called it "diabolical vehicle" and citizens of the capital - bitsikal. 07. The City Park is the oldest park in Sofia, located in the city center in front of the former royal palace. It was opened officially on April 4, 1878 and originally called Alexandrovska garden. According to a study of WAD foundation it is one of the favorite places of the citizens of Sofia.

08. On the territory of Sofia municipality there are 7 zones of national ecological network Natura 2000. Sofia can be crossed only through its parks, according to a city resident. 09. Sofia has 49 mineral springs. 10. In Sofia is exhibited the oldest gold treasure in the world, found in Bulgaria with over 3000 gold items which are over 6 000 years old. HFH BULGARIA / 08

W E LC O M E TO KO S T I N B R O D Kostinbrod is a town in western Bulgaria. It is located 15 km west of the capital city of Sofia. It is located on two important transport corridors: Lom — Sofia — Thessaloniki and Sofia — Belgrade. The international railway line to Western Europe passes through the municipality, with a train stop at Kostinbrod Station. Kostinbrod is the seat of Kostinbrod municipality, part of Sofia Province. It has an area of 62.2 km² and a population of 16,278. The municipality includes the following 14 localities. The town is crossed by two rivers, the Blato in the north and the Belitsa in the south, both tributaries of the Iskar River. According to the legends, the town was founded by a certain Kosta, who settled near the crossing (брод, brod) of the Belitsa, thus giving the name to the town (Kostinbrod means "Kosta's ford"). There he opened a pub that became popular among the merchants arriving in the capital, some of them settling and organizing a village, whose centre of the time is now located west of the road between Sofia and Lom. Historically, an early reference to the locality (as КОСТИНЪ БРОДЪ) can be found in Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria's Oryahov Charter of 1 December 1348. The economy of Kostinbrod was largely based on poultry farming and stock breeding during the Communist period, but a number of factories, including a 120,000 m² CocaCola one, have emerged in democratic times due to the town's favourable position and the liberal zoning policy of the municipality. Kostinbrod is also famous for the mineral waters in the area. Thermae were built in the Izvoro country in Roman times.

HFH BULGARIA / 09

GENERAL FACTS ABOUT BULGARIA Customs, Etiquette and Clothing Bulgaria on the face of it is still a fairly formal society - initial greetings are therefore formal and reserved. Greetings consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day. Close female friends may kiss one another on the cheek. The most common formal greetings are Kak ste? - How are you? and Zdraveite - Hello. The more informal forms, used with friends, relatives, and coworkers, are Kak si? and Zdrasti or Zdravei. Bulgarians generally pride themselves on their hospitality and neighborliness. An uninvited visitor will first be greeted with a handshake or verbal greeting at the outermost doorway or gateway, and will be invited further into the private domestic space depending on the nature of the visit. At mealtimes, a guest will be offered food and drink, and at other times a drink (oﬅen homemade rakiya); it is impolite not to accept this hospitality. The obligation to accept a host's offer extends to situations outside of the home, such as when invited for a meal or a drink in a restaurant or other establishment. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring flowers or sweets. In ethnically-mixed areas, it is considered polite to greet a neighbor or acquaintance in that person's own language. On the street or in other public places, strangers will usually avoid making eye contact. In public transportation, it is expected that younger people will give up a seat to an older woman or to a parent with a young child. Failure to do so invites public censure from other passengers. When talking, Bulgarians tend to stand or sit closer together than Westerners. They speak in louder voices and touch each other more oﬅen. Traffic flow is fluid and based on immediate circumstances. For this reason, please be extra careful when crossing the street. Bulgarians wear modern Western-style clothing. They dress with care, even for informal occasions. Parents choose their children's outfits with great care. They seem to like imported and hand-knitted clothing. Many women knit sweaters for their families. Women should not wear shorts while visiting churches; admittance may not be allowed.

Territory: Population: Capital:

110 993, 6 km2 7 364 570 Soﬁa (1 291 591 inhabitants)

Oﬃcial language:

Bulgarian

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

National currency:

Time zone:

Lev, BGN 1.00 BGN = 0.511974 EUR 1.00 BGN = 0.658284 USD GMT +2

Traditional Bulgarian costumes are worn only at festivals and for dance performances. They are colorful, with embroidered white shirts or blouses and fancy embroidered vests. Red is used in almost all costumes, either as a background color or in the embroidery. Black is also used in many costumes. HFH BULGARIA / 10

TRADITIONAL FOOD Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries. One of the most famous and most popular breakfast items in the country is banitsa. It is a made of dough with various fillings, such as cheese, spinach, rice, and meat. People in rural areas grow vegetables that are exceptionally tasty, which is why salads occupy a central place in our culinary tradition. The most popular Bulgarian salad is the Shopska Salad, but there are also other salads worth trying – Shepherd’s Salad, Harvest Salad, Snezhanka, Monk’s Salad, Dobrudzha Salad, Roasted Peppers Salad, and many others. One of the most popular appetizers is Tarator (cold Cucumber Soup). It is prepared with yogurt, cucumbers, dill, crushed walnuts and spices. Some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes are grilled – meat balls, kebapches, grilled meat pieces, grilled sausages, and others. Various stews and dishes in clay pots are also a regular part of the Bulgaria cuisine (hotchpotch and casseroles). These include Chomlek, Kavarma, and Kapama. One of the trademarks of the Bulgarian cuisine is Cheverme – an entire lamb roasted on a spit. This dish is typical for the Rhodope region, but it is also served throughout the country. Potatoes are a main ingredient in many Bulgarian recipes. The most popular potato dishes include Ogreten, Patatnik, potato stew, and fried potatoes. Such delicacies are usually accompanied with a Bulgarian wine, since Bulgaria is justly famous for its wines. Thanks to the country’s unique climate and soils, a variety of grapes thrive here – Gamza the Wide Melnik, Dimyat, Mavrud, Red Misket, Ruby and Pamid. Another very popular Bulgarian spirit is Rakia. It is made of grapes or other fruits – plums, apricots, figs, pears, and others. A rose rakia is distilled in the Valley of Roses since this is the home of Bulgaria’s oil-yielding roses. Another important staple is bread, which is usually bought fresh every day. A popular snack is a slice of warm bread topped with feta cheese and tomato slices. A favorite dessert is baklava (flaky pastry dough with nuts soaked in sweet syrup). Bulgarians like to drink strong espresso and Turkish coffee.

HFH BULGARIA / 11

BG LANGUAGE

Bulgarian is a Southern Slavic language with about 12 million speakers in Bulgaria and also in Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Greece and Romania. Bulgarian is mutually intelligible with Macedonian, and fairly closely related to Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Slovene. A modern literary language based on vernacular spoken Bulgarian was standardised aﬅer Bulgaria became independent in 1878. Many Turkish words were adopted into Bulgarian during the long period of Ottoman rule. Words have also been borrowed from Latin, Greek, Russian, French, Italian, German and increasingly from English.

HOW TO SAY IT IN BULGARIAN

Usually you will be able to ﬁnd someone willing to help you express yourself. However, it is convenient to learn few words in Bulgarian.

ENGLISH

BULGARIAN

GREETINGS & CIVILITIES Hello Good morning / Good aﬅernoon / Good evening How are you? Very well Not bad I don’t feel well Thank you Please Excuse me Yes / No I don’t understand Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1,2,3,4 … 10

Zdravei Dobro utro / Dobar den / Dobar vecher Kak si? Mnogo dobre Dobre Ne se chuvstvam dobre Blagodarya / Mersi (informal) Molya Izvinete me Da / Ne Ne razbiram Ponedelnik, Vtornik, Sryada, Chetvartak, Petak, Sabota, Nedelya Edno, Dve, Tri, Chetiri, Pet, Shest, Sedem, Osem, Devet, Deset

HFH BULGARIA / 12

ENGLISH

BULGARIAN

GETTING AROUND How many km? Bus station Airport Car Here / There Leﬅ / Right / Straight

Kolko kilometra? Avtobusna spirka or Spirka Letishte Kola Tuk / Tam Lyavo / Dyasno / Napred

AROUND TOWN Where is (the)? Ticket Hotel Street Church Museum Pharmacy Police

Kade e? Bilet Hotel Ulitza Tzarkva Muzei Apteka Politzia

SHOPPING How much? Money Bad / Good Cheap / expensive Open / Closed Do you have…? I want / I don`t want

Kolko? or Kolko struva? Pari Losho / Dobro Evtino / Skapo Otvoreno / Zatvoreno Imate li? Az iskam / Az ne iskam HFH BULGARIA / 13

ENGLISH

BULGARIAN

CONSTRUCTION TERMS - TOOLS Hammer Saw Tape measure Pickaxe Broom Trower Nail Wheelbarrow Shovel Screwdriver Bucket Gloves Glasses Helmet

Chuk Trion Ruletka Kirka Metla Shpakla Gvozdei or Piron Kolichka Lopata Otverka Kofa Rakavitzi Ochila Kaska

CONSTRUCTION TERMS - MATERIALS Cement Wood Wall Pipe Wire Glue Paint Floor Insulation Ceiling Electrical

Tziment Darva Stena Traba Tel Lepilo Boya Pod Izolatzia Tavan Elektricheski HFH BULGARIA / 14

PACKING LIST Please pack as lightly as possible. Bring clothing which fits comfortably, preferably cotton outfits. Steel toe work boots are preferred, but other boots are okay for construction. No sandals are allowed on the construction site. We highly recommend flip-flops and bathrobe for bathing. You will be noticed and stared at if walking around in construction clothes. If you don't mind, this is fine. But, please be aware that it may happen. Electricity Bulgaria's standard electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz. For other equipment, a transformer or adaptor is required unless the appliance has a multivoltage option. Bring a voltage adapter for any important electric devices from home. Consider, however, that buying an item in Bulgaria (iron, radio, hair dryer) may be cheaper and longer lasting than buying adapters for each one. Essential items: Money belt Mosquito repellent (depending on the site this may be needed, check with program coordinator) Passport (since you may obtain e-visa make sure to have it with you, it is easy to print the e-visa) Pain relievers Prescription & personal medications Cash pocket money Sun block lotion Small light / battery may be used in the evenings as some streets do not have electricity / light Toiletries Travel alarm clock Wide brim hat Work boots / hiking boots Work clothes for site Hand sanitizer

Other items you may wish to bring: Bath robe Towel (the hotels provide but this is in case you chose hostel or prefer to use your own) Bible Camera Ear plugs for light sleepers European adapter if needed Journal Light weight rain jacket Sandals Sunglasses “Breathe Rite” strips or something similar for snorers (since you are going to share room with someone else).

HFH BULGARIA / 15

HFH BULGARIA NATIONAL PROGRAM Habitat for Humanity in Bulgaria Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria has been active since 2001. It runs a diverse, innovative program tailored to meet the local housing need. Habitat Bulgaria works not only with families and individuals to improve their current housing situation but provides supportalso to communities by partnering up with community-based social support organiza-tions adding value to their activities. Habitat Bulgaria is influencing markets by developing new micro-finance and innovative thermal insulation products. The organization is actively taking part in the housing-related policy-making at the national and the local levels providing societal support with regard to poverty housing, social housing, residential energy efficiency, and integration of marginalized and vulnerable groups of the population. The housing need in Bulgaria During communism, the national government provided families with housing. Once a market economy took hold, the responsibility for housing fell on the local authorities, who have no resources to deal with the problem. As a result, more and more homes need major repairs while many homeowners cannot afford even basic maintenance of their flats. The EU accession significantly increased the cost of property in Bulgaria, especially in the capital, pricing more and more families out of the market. The majority of Bulgarians own a house or a flat, but they struggle to maintain them. Many live in big blocks of flats constructed 40-50 years ago. Maintenance of these buildings has become a severe challenge for the homeowners, as the structures are rapidly deteriorating. At the same time, social housing programs have been cancelled and low-income families have no options to improve their living conditions. How Habitat addresses the need Habitat Bulgaria is working in partnership with local non-governmental organizations and government and microfinance institutions to provide assistance to low-income and socially disadvantaged families for improving living conditions through a variety of projects. Here are some examples of Habitat’s projects in Bulgaria:

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HFH BULGARIA’S PROJECTS PORTFOLIO Fighting Poverty and Child Neglect Habitat Bulgaria provides interest-free short-term financing for home improvements and urgent housing interventions to socially vulnerable and marginalized families of symbolic income levels. Habitat Bulgaria capitalizes revolving funds for home improvement interest-free financing, which work in the very communities and provide long-term support. The organization works together with local community-based partners and adds value to the social support services they offer in the communities. Thus Habitat Bulgaria’s products are leveraged to maximize the effects of interventions designed to address improved health care, school attendance, maternity and social skills. Habitat Bulgaria additionally supports this particular project by providing financial literacy trainings to families from the targeted communities to develop some basic financial skills.

Residential Energy Eﬃciency We provide need-tailored loans and guarantees to low-income households and homeowner associations throughout Bulgaria to renovate condominium buildings. The aim is to support families of low income in their desire to live in decent buildings, and achieve lower energy consumption and costs. We develop our strategy in line with national long-term programs and strategies for residential energy eﬃciency and condominiums’ renovations.

Microfinance for Home Improvement We offer low-income families access to energy efficiency loans with reasonable terms and interest rates. Home improvements may include the following items: roof repair, hydro insulation, exterior wall insulation, window repair or replacement, updating bathroom fixtures, replacement of inefficient appliances, etc.

HFH BULGARIA / 17

HFH BULGARIA’S PROJECTS PORTFOLIO Financial Literacy Training We provide ﬁnancial education training seminars to low-income families. The seminars are an essential element of our project activities and focus on the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to adopt good money management practices for family earning, spending, savings, borrowing and investment.

Advocacy and Coalition Building Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria has been actively involved in the housing-related policy making at the national and the local levels. The organization has already managed to amend a number of national strategic and legislative framework documents providing social housing opportunities to more than 6,200 people, volunteers’ opportunities with regard to the involvement in disaster response activities. Habitat Bulgaria led the establishment of a National Coalition for Home Improvements “Decent Home”, which got supported by 20 members – corporations, professional chambers, non-governmental organizations, associations and municipalities. Habitat Bulgaria is working on the new National Housing Strategy and National Housing Act of Bulgaria and is providing discussion platforms, including by organizing the ﬁrst National Housing Forum ever held in Bulgaria. The organization is also advocating for the elimination of the housing poverty in Bulgaria - as a member of the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Immigration Issues, responsible for the development of the new National Roma Integration Strategy and by taking numerous policy positions both as a national Habitat organization and in coalition with other stakeholders.

HFH BULGARIA / 18

OTHER HOUSING RELATED PROJECTS Development of Innovations and Social Enterprise Habitat Bulgaria develops an innovative thermal insulation made of recycled textiles. By the completion of the project the organization will have developed a fully tested and certified prototype of the product, the intellectual property rights for the patent and trademarks. The organization’s ambition is to develop a thermal insulation product, which compares in qualities with the most commonly used thermal insulations but is much more affordable, thus providing easier access to the energy-efficiency renovations market to lower-income households.

Social Housing in Dupnitsa Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria was awarded by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works a partner of the Municipality of Dupnitsa for the implementation of a pilot project for the construction of more than 160 social housing units for vulnerable, disadvantaged and minority low-income households.

Partner Families Profiles HFH Bulgaria offers to families a hand-up partnership opportunity. Habitat homeowner families build their own home with an affordable, long-term mortgage and also contribute hundreds of hours of volunteer labor or "sweat equity." Habitat Bulgaria cooperates with financial organizations in order to distribute the loans to the families. The mortgage payments go into a "Revolving Fund for Humanity" which is used to serve more families, thereby providing the financial foundation for a sustainable community development effort. To be eligible for participating in this project, the families must fit the following criteria: low income, economically active people who don't have proper living conditions and are demanding home improvement loans, but don't have access to traditional banking services because of low incomes and absence of collateral acceptable for banks. The families are credit worthy as they are generating stable income and are able to direct part of that income to repay loan.

HFH BULGARIA / 19

GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAM Experience another culture while making a difference in the lives of other Habitat for Humanity Global Village volunteer teams travel to exciting destinations in the United States and around the world. They advocate for better living conditions and raise funds to help those in need! GLOBAL VILLAGE CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR THE YEAR During 2015 we are planning to host our Global Village teams in Kostinbrod! New Builds in Kostinbrod The project uses the traditional Habitat for Humanity methodology that is based on building a simple, decent and affordable home for low-income families, living in substandard conditions. Social housing policy in Bulgaria is out dated and unenforced. Little has been done in terms of reform, investment and issues resolution. Housing issues are devolved to families and municipalities – both have limited resources. Habitat Bulgaria has 1200 sq. m land in the town of Kostinbrod. The project is to build 4 new homes by implementing several construction techniques, but all they will provide high energy efficiency, reduced use of materials and less construction wastes. Recycled materials will be used in construction too. The target group of this project is low-income families, young couples with children and young couples who are living in substandard conditions in Kostinbrod, without access to simple, decent and affordable housing. Individual homeowner and tenant beneficiaries will be selected based on need by a local committee and will receive an affordable no-profit loan that will be repaid into a revolving loan fund in order to build more homes. The new houses will have an area of 94.00 square meters including an open kitchen living room, two bedrooms and sanitary rooms. The house design utilises local materials and is labour intensive. This will create job opportunities for local people and will ensure that resources stay and circulate within the local economy. Habitat Bulgaria will ensure the affordability for families by modifying home design and keeping the cost of homes low. Beneficiary homeowners will also contribute ‘sweat equity’ or volunteer labour to the building of their homes and those of their neighbours. These both will reduce the cost of the home and will encourage cooperation and a sense of community among residents.

HFH BULGARIA / 20

GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAM Construction Techniques and Materials The traditional construction technique in Bulgaria is with blocks and mortar. This varies from the wood frame structures built in many American or Western European housing developments. Block walls are built on a concrete foundation and within a skeleton of concrete and reinforcing iron bar beams and columns. The blocks are making the outer structure of the house. Interior walls are also made of blocks, but smaller in size and with a mortar or gypsum board finish. Then, eventually, Interior walls are painted. Oﬅen, the ceramic tiles are used for floors and on the walls in the kitchens, bathrooms and balconies. The roof truss frame is made of wood and the roofing is oﬅen done using semicircular ceramic tiles. Traditional insulation in Bulgaria is done by using the plant materials, such as straw, corn stalks or reeds, which is found along the water streams. These are combined with mud and served either as insulation within the roof attic space or as a thatch roof. Homes built by Habitat Bulgaria will use modern insulation materials and energy saving insulated glass for windows and energy efficient doors and windows. The project comply(s) with the seismic standards in the country.

Global Village Team Construction Work We will be building at one work site. Volunteers bringing personal tools may want to mark their tools with their name or other information for easy identification. • Plastering interior and exterior walls; • Walls and roof insulation; • Assisting the professionals for fixing sanitary appliances, water installation, sewage and heat installation; • Interior and exterior finishes, painting the doors, windows, fences and maintaining the construction site clean, tidy and safe; • Cleaning the existing walls, windows, doors and preparing for painting. Accommodation for the volunteers: The teams working in Kostinbrod will be accommodated in Sofia or in Kostinbrod for the whole trip. We will suggest a reasonable hotels near to the city center. Concrete details on the accommodation could be found in the budget. We will do our best to accommodate you as comfortably as possible and share the Bulgarian hospitality with you. Transportation Transportation will be available to/from the work site, the restaurants and during sightseeing (it lasts about 40 minutes from the hotel in Sofia to the build site in Kostinbrod). The restaurants in Kostinbrod will be chosen just walking distance from the work side. You will be provided with a map of Sofia and Kostinbrod and a brochure listing museums, restaurants, etc., upon your arrival to Bulgaria.

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THA NKS TO HABITA T B UL GA R I A T W O FA M I L I E S CA N P R O V I D E A S AFE AN D D E C E N T H OM E T O T H E I R CH I L D R E N !

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MEET HABITAT BULGARIA FAMILIES Ketevi: Stephan Ketev (43), his wife Bistra (41) and their three children Galina (20), Dimitar (Mitko) (8) and Maria (6) are thrilled to be chosen a partner beneďŹ ciary family for one of the houses built by Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria in Kostinbrod! Stephan was born in Smolyan. The high rate of unemployment in the region forced Stefan to leave home and move close to the capital city. Stephen and his family have been living in rented house for over 20 years. The family does not own any property and cannot aďŹ&#x20AC;ord to repay a mortgage loan. Stefan is a technician in the local TV operator; his wife is a local secondary school English teacher. Thanks to Habitat Bulgaria, little Mitko and Maria can have a child room of their own!

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MEET HABITAT BULGARIA FAMILIES Georgievi: Milko (41) and Veronika Georgiev (30) rent a small two-room apartment where they live with their three children – Christiyan (11), Mario (6) and Eva (3). The apartment is too cold and wet during the winter and this worries Veronika as the health of her children is her biggest concern. Milko and Veronika are both employed but they cannot aﬀord to buy a new, bigger home for their family. Milko heard about Habitat Bulgaria´s project in Kostinbrod from his sister and applied to become a homeowner. The partner family already moved in their new house in where the kids have their own room with new furniture and where they can play in the yard and enjoy everything that a happy childhood has to oﬀer.

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R&R OPTIONS Sofia Sightseeing Tour The city tour of Sofia is a walking one. Most of the attractions of the capital are located in the heart of the city. The duration of the tour is about 2 hours and 30 minutes and usually includes a visit to The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia church, the National Theatre, the former Royal Palace, the Rotunda Saint George, the Parliament.

Full day excursion to Rila Monastery Rila Monastery (10th c) is the largest and most famous Eatern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The monastery complex houses a rich collection of icons, wall paintings, old-printed books – some 15 000 volumes, etc. The monastery became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. During this tour you will see the goldplated iconostasis in the main church, Hrelyo’s tower and the monastery’s museum, which is famous for housing Rafail’s Cross.

Full day excursion to Plovdiv Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, famous for its ancient and diverse culture and millennial history. You will take a city tour of the Old Town of Plovdiv - you will see well-preserved houses of the National Revival Period /18-19 century/, the St. Constantine and Elena Church, the Roman Theatre and the Roman Stadium.

Full day excursion to Kazanlak Kazanlak is the so-called capital of the world famous Bulgarian Rose Valley. You will pay a visit to the Rose Museum where you will be shown the original way Bulgarian Rose oil was produced. Also on the agenda is the Thracian Kazanlak Tomb dating back to the 4th century BC, which is under the protection of UNESCO as part of the World Heritage List.

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R&R OPTIONS Full day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo Veliko Tarnovo is a city in the north central Bulgaria, located on the Yantra river. It is famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. During the tour you will visit the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower. Stroll along the Samovodska Charshiya Street in the Old Town. Free time for lunch and in the evening return to Soﬁa

Full day excursion to Koprivshtitza Koprivshtitsa is a small town situated in a picturesque valley among the mountains in the central part of Bulgaria. A town with a special spirit, now turned into a museum where you can feel the unique atmosphere of the Revival Period in Bulgaria. Beautiful 19th century houses, homes of some of the most eminent Bulgarians - the writers Dimcho Debelyanov and Luben Karavelov, the rebels against the Turks - Georgi Benkovski and Todor Kableshkov.

Full day excursion to Kovachevitsa and Leshten or 2 day excursion to Kovachevitsa and Leshten Bulgarian villages are famous for their beautiful natural settings and their hospitable residents. Village tourism has been successfully developed in many of them, providing the opportunity to experience Bulgarian lifestyles and culture, enjoy Bulgarian traditions and customs, and taste Bulgarian dishes prepared according to age-old recipes. Some of the prettiest Bulgarian villages are nestled in the Rhodope Mountains – Leshten and Kovachevitsa.

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HEALTH AND SAFET Y ON SITE Safety is everybody's number one priority and should always be an important consideration at the construction site! Safety is based on knowledge, skill and an attitude of care and concern. Your on-site supervisor(s) have established a Building Site and Safety Orientation and will also instruct each worker about the proper procedures for performing each task you`ll be asked to do. This will familiarize you with potential hazards of each and how such hazards can be minimized or eliminated. It is very important that everyone in Habitat knows about safe work practices and follows them.

Guidelines for Safety on the Worksite • Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations, and since Habitat work crews oﬅen have a high proportion of inexperienced people, everyone must pay particular attention to safety. • Be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. An observer can oﬅen see danger better than the worker involved in the project. • Be cautious at all times and ask if you are uncertain how it is done, or if you are unable to do it. • Dress in appropriate clothing. Hard soled, closed toed shoes and a hard hat are REQUIRED on the worksite. • Tie long hair back, and keep jewelry to a minimum. • Wear personal protective gear (hard hats, goggles, masks, etc.) properly. • Know the safety signs. • THINK, do you understand the task and safety measures needed before you start working? • Make sure you have been trained for the task you are doing AND the correct and safe way to use any tools required for it. • Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions. Headphones and cell phones can be dangerous and are not permitted on the worksite (you may use them in the designated break areas). • Be aware of potential hazards on the site such as: construction materials, holes, tools and other equipment. • Ensure that all power and hand tools and equipment (such as ladders, scaffolding, etc.) are inspected by a professional before you use them. Double check that any guards or other secondary protection measures on tools and equipment are installed and functioning properly before using them. • If you see any unsafe or hazardous tools or conditions tell the site supervisor IMMEDIATELY. • Do not run or engage in horseplay on the site and pay special attention if a load is being carried nearby or machinery is being operated next to you. • Know where the first-aid kit is located, who the first aider is and how to get emergency help on site. • Know your physical working limits, take breaks whenever you need them and drink plenty of water. • Contribute to a SAFE and efficient work environment by maintaining a clean nd tidy and properly caring for tools. HFH BULGARIA / 27

YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY ON SITE • No alcohol or drugs are permitted on site at any time. Volunteers who need prescription drugs (inhalers, etc) should make sure they have a suﬃcient supply on site. • Wear sun screen of a suitable factor, reapply throughout the day. • Wear appropriate clothing for the tasks involved. • Drink plenty of water – at least 2 liters a day, even more when it is hot. • Check water bottles for seals, and do not share water bottles. Wear your HARD HAT at all times: Hard Hats must be worn at all times on site, except in designated break areas. Proper GLOVES can protect your hands from: Cuts when carrying sharp edged materials and equipments Skin irritation from cement, paint, lime wash and other chemicals Getting a corn while working with the tools for long time Wear EAR PROTECTION when: A compactor and any other power tool is in use near you Any equipment is being used nearby that may cause damage to your ears Heavy machinery is working nearby you for prolonged time Wear EYE PROTECTION when: Hammers, chisels and planer are being used by yourself or someone nearby You or somebody next to you is using any type of power tool Using lime wash, chemicals or mixing or pouring cement

Wear PROPER FOOTWEAR at all times: Open toed shoes are forbidden on the site Footwear must be covered and hard soled Decoration bands are dangerous, keep them tied tight Steel toecap safety boots must be worn in demolition works When LIFTING an item: Know your capacity and weight limits. Ask Site Supervisor. Keep legs slightly apart, bend the knees, keep the back straight Grab by both hands, liﬅ with the legs support, not the back Wear a FACE MASK when: You understand the mask type and its designation Using chemicals, painting lime wash, mixing cement Scraping old paints and sanding the items to smooth

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KNOW YOUR SAFETY SIGNS Hazard, Danger, Warning A yellow triangle with a black boarder and symbol within. Any symbol within this sign describes the warning of a health hazard. Example: describes that there is a high voltage danger and electric shock risks Safety A green square with white symbol within. This describes safe condition, direction, location and emergency exits. Example: describes the location of the First Aid Kit. Mandatory, Obey A blue circle with white symbol within. This indicates a specific course of action which must be taken. Example: describes that the area should be kept clear and tidy. Or any request message. Fire A red square with white symbol within. This describes the location and types of fire extinguisher or emergency exits, etc. Example: describes the position and correct use of the fire extinguisher Prohibition, Stop A red circle with diagonal cross bar on a white background. Symbols behind this sign describes that a certain behavior is prohibited. Example: describes that entry or pedestrian is not allowed

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HAZARDS AND PROTECTION ON SITE BE AWARE that the following hazards can be met on the site when fulﬁlling the following tasks:

TASK Ground work Foundation work Timber work Masonry Insulation work Drywall, OSB, Plywood sheathing Roofing Load carrying Old paint removal Demolishing Floor finishing Painting Working on the ladders, scaffolding Using power and handtools

POTENTIAL HAZARDS P.S. Hard hats and all body covered safe clothing must be worn at all times on the building site.

PROTECTION

dust, heavy load, sharp tools, soil slides, loose rock, cave -ins, bad air, overhead loads in excavation

gloves, back support, trench box, shoring, safe liﬅing techniques

cement dermatitis, airborne dust, exposed rebar, heavy loads, crystalline silica, alkaline compounds sharp edges of timber, saw dust, sharp tools, exposed nails and screws cement and limestone dermatitis, awkward posture, heavy loads, debris, brick or block fall, etc. asbestos, synthetic and glass ﬁbers, skin irritant components gypsum and saw dust, heavy loads, awkward postures, sharp tools, sharp edges on material rooﬁng tar, solvent vapors, heat, slope, height, awkward posture heavy load, paths block, blind areas, sharp material edges

mask, respirator, cloth gloves, safe liﬅing techniques penetration and abrasion resistant gloves, goggles, safe liﬅing techniques toe capped boots, leather gloves

sharp tools, heat, ﬂame, volatile vapors, dust, lead dust, heavy load, ﬂying debris, sharp materials and tools, exposed power wiring, exposed gas and water pipes knee trauma/ pain, awkward postures, glue and glue vapor solvent vapors, toxic metals in pigments, paint additives falling and slipping from the height, vertigo Defective power cords, broken or absent protective guards and grounding, silica dust, saw dust, whole body vibration, noise

vinyl coated insulated or penetration resistant gloves, respirator cloth gloves, goggles, mask, toe capped boots rubber or vinyl coated gloves, hard soled boots, respirator, fall protection leather or cloth gloves, toe capped boots, back support goggles, leather gloves, respirator, mask cloth gloves, goggles, mask, toe capped boots, safe liﬅing knee pads, respirator, good ventilation, cloth gloves rubber or vinyl coated gloves, mask or respirator, goggles safe shoes, harnessing, barricades, dry steps, 2nd person to support appropriate type of gloves, ear plug, goggles

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HEALTH AND SAFET Y OFF SITE Health and safety is not limited to the building site and extends to all aspects of the trip. Off the site, you should practice the same public safety measures you would use at home. You need to use your common sense and be aware of personal safety and health matters away from home. Below is some guidance that you should follow: • Ensure that someone knows where you are at all times. Do not wander off alone, especially at night. • Do not carry large sums of money on you and avoid showing expensive personal possessions to strangers. • Be conscious of pickpockets (especially in Sofia). They oﬅen work in public transportation. • Always carry your emergency contact card that will be given to you by your host volunteer coordinator or sending coordinator. If a problem should occur, HFH staff are available 24 hours a day during your stay. • Only drink bottled water.

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GLOBAL VILLAGE POLICIES Giﬅ Giving Policy At Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria we are very glad to host Global Village teams. Their contribution is immeasurable for our families. Every team member visit to Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria a is a real giﬅ. When Global Village teams work with partner families they get so close and many of them become good friends, and before their return team members oﬅen want to make more contributions to families – their friends. This policy is to help Global Village team members to answer questions related to additional giﬅ giving. It is common that giﬅs can create a dependence on others to provide assistance, while the HFH model focuses on breaking the dependence. Indeed you are a key partner in challenging and supporting families as they seek to improve their living situation – not as ”a hand out”, but as “a hand up”. Additional funds for building more houses are always the most powerful contribution!!!! The support for further house building at the host office is always the best giﬅ to insure that more children can grow up in decent shelter. You may also want to encourage the team to give a small giﬅ to the community as a whole. Please never give money/cash directly to families, and never buy expensive giﬅs for them as these sets an expectation that will be difficult to handle later. If you have general giﬅs or used clean clothing for homeowners that would like to give to anybody and not an assigned family you can leave those with the office and later they can distribute.

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WISH LIST OF HABITAT FOR HUMANIT Y BULGARIA We have created a “wish list” of things that we need to make our work possible, if you are able to help us with any of the items it will help us to reduce our costs and allow us to spend more on building homes.

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS AND MATERIALS

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Item Theodolite Digital Laser Rangeﬁnder Electric power saw Power screw driver Helmet (hard hat) Hacksaw on wood (Crosscut Saw) Concrete vibrator Petrol-powered saw Scaﬀolds (Concrete) Mixer Caulking gun Tile cutter Shovel Level spirit Jack hammer Brushes for painting Safety goggles Mortar troughs Wheelbarrows Ladders Plumb bob Concreter`s Tongs(Pincers) Gloves

Unit quantity 1 2 1 2 20 10pc 2 set 1 2 set 1 2 2 8 3 1 5 20 2 5 2 3 4 20

# 24 25 26 27 28

Item Plastic paint trays Concrete mixer 190l. Plastic bucket 12l. Galvanized bucket 12l. Curve shovel

Unit quantity 5 1 10 20 5

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Item Camcorder Multimedia projector Memory stick DVD CD Laptop Van

Unit quantity 1 1 6 15 25 1 1

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HFH BULGARIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTE: All GV participants are covered by insurance, unless otherwise noted. If emergency assistance is required (such as life threatening or serious illness/injury) please get immediate professional assistance and contact insurance ﬁrst, and then alert GV. Otherwise, please use reputable local clinic/hospital for minor injuries and always complete claim form provided by team leader.

Team Leader : - applies First Aid /calls ambulance - contacts Emergency (local hospital and insurance) - informs Host Coordinator (available local Habitat staﬀ)

Host Coordinator informs: 1. Sending Coordinator 2. National/Executive Director 3. Area Oﬃce Volunteer Programs

Host Program (HFH Bulgaria) Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria 55, Lyuben Karavelov Str., fl.1, apt.1; Sofia 1142, Bulgaria +359 2 98 324 10 office@hfh.bg www.hfh.bg

Staﬀ directly responsible for emergency: Denitsa Ilieva Volunteer Coordinator +359 878 702 545; +359 (2) 98 324 10; ilieva@gmail.com Raina Gidionova Volunteer Coordinator Assistant +359 878 785 158; +359 (2) 98 324 10; gidionova@hfh.bg Assya Dobrudjalieva Project Manager + 359 897 899 966; +359 (2) 98 324 10; dobrudjalieva@hfh.bg Mincho Benov National Director +359 898 691 007; +359 (2) 98 324 10; benov@gmail.com

Area Oﬃce Contacts (EMEA AO) Habitat for Humanity International Europe, Middle East and Africa Zochova 6-8, 81103 Bratislava, Slovakia +421 2 3366 900 www.habitat.org

Staﬀ directly responsible for emergency: Zuzana Kubikova Michalidesova Volunteer Programs Manager +421 911 045 823; +421 2 3366 9055 ; zkmichalidesova@habitat.org Katarina Britanakova Volunteer Programs Specialists +421 911 045 821 ; +421 2 3366 9004 ; kbritanakova@habitat.org Veronika Bodova Volunteer Programs Specialists +421 911 045 824 ; +421 2 3366 9002; vbodova@habitat.org

Habitat For Humanity Intl Global Village Program (HQs in the US) Global Village department : +27 12 430 9200 GMT +2 Cellular emergency hotline: +27 83 290 9203 E-mail: gv.emea@habitat.org HFH BULGARIA / 34

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN Medical Facilities Local Hospital, town of Kostibrod: Medical Center I Address: Republic of Bulgaria, town of Kostinbrod, 35 “Lomsko shose” Blvd. Tel. +359 721 662 16 Hospital in Sofia: MILITARY MEDICAL ACADEMY (MMA) Address: Republic of Bulgaria, Sofia, 3 “Sv. Georgi Sofiiski” Str. Tel: +359 (2) 92 26 000 Fax: +359 (2) 95 26 536 Website: www.vma.bg Hospital in Sofia: Alternative Healthcare Facility /urgent cases and incidentes/: Multiprofile Hospial for Active Treatment and Emergency Medecine / MHATEM / MHATEM N. I. PIROGOV Address: Republic of Bulgaria, Sofia, 21 “Totleben” Blvd. Tel: +359 (2) 91 54 411 Tel: +359 (2) 91 54 213 Website: www.pirogov.eu Useful telephone numbers: Emergency Calls: 112 Police: 166 Fire service: 160 First Aid Department: 150 Information: 144

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN For medical referrals, evacuation, repatriation or other services please call /24 hours access/: ACE Travel Assistance Program (HFHI insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for teams from US, Canada, EMEA and AP sending programs) PHONE NUMBER Tel: 1-800-243-6124 (toll free in the USA or Canada) Tel: 1-202-659-7803 (collect outside the USA) POLICY NUMBER ADD N10784177 Zurich Insurance (for teams from GB, Northern Ireland and Ireland) PHONE NUMBER +44 1489 868 888 Insurance provider: Masterpolicy POLICY NUMBER Great Britain: P ZUR10873 Northern Ireland: P ZUR9270 Republic of Ireland: P ZUR9837

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USEFUL INFORMATION Arrival in Bulgaria (airport, visa) Visa Requirements when entering the country A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/she is a holder of a regular foreign travel document or another equivalent document as well as a visa if required. Visa-free regime for holders of Schengen visas for a stay of up to 90 days. Bulgaria tourist visa is not required for citizens of USA for a stay up to 90 days. Visa issuing A foreign citizen wishing to apply for a Bulgarian visa shall hold a regular travel document that meets the following requirements: • its validity expires at least 3 months aﬅer the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - aﬅer the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; • contains at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes; • has been issued within the last 10 years. Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Bulgaria. For more information about visa applications and issues please check the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria - Consular services. Also on the website of MFA Bulgaria you can find information about the Visa Regime for foreigners and the list of countries http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/109/index.html Airport Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria staff will pick up/drop off your team as a group from/to the airport and with hired driver will transport you to your hotel. In cases that some of your team members need to arrive or depart apart from the team, HFH Bulgaria will be happy to assist and arrange the early arrivals and later departure's pick up, drop off and hotel reservations, but the staff cannot promise to meet them at the airport. Transportation Public transport Sofia is amply covered by an interlocking network of trams, buses and trolleybuses, with services running from about 05:00 to 23:30. Single-journey tickets cost 1.00 leva and can be bought from street kiosks or from the driver. Officially, you're supposed to punch an extra ticket for each large item of baggage, but in practice this is rarely enforced – except on buses to and from the airport.

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USEFUL INFORMATION Metro There are two metro lines in Sofia: Obelya - Mladost, Nadezhda - City Center. They connect most important places in the center of the city and some of the suburbs. There is metro station near to the Central Railway Station. Tickets cost 1.00 leva and are different from those used in trams and buses, and can only be purchased from ticket counters in the underground stations themselves. Taxis Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. The average cost per kilometer is 0.80 / 0.88 leva during the day and 0.90 leva during the night. The price per kilometer is not higher than 1.00 leva. Beware of unmarked cabs. Reliable taxi services: “OK Supertrans”: Tel.: +359 (2) 973 2121, web: http://www.oktaxi.net/index_en.php “Yellow Taxi”: Tel.: +359 2 91 119, web: http://www.yellow333.com/opencms/opencms/menu/en/ Health requirements Your health is one of our major concerns. We strongly recommend that you seek professional medical advice to insure that you are healthy enough to handle hard work, sometimes in hot days and dry climate. Please bring all medication needed while you travel. It is also important that you bring a set of prescriptions with you, about all of your medications being taken or those needed to be taken in special circumstances. For your safety on the construction site, it is important that you are up-to-date with your tetanus shot. Currency The official Bulgarian currency in circulation is Lev (BGN). As 1.00 Leva is equal to 100 stotinki (Bulgarian coins). Note bills: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, Coins: 1, 2, 5, 20, 50 (stotinki), Coin of 1.00 Lev. Foreign persons can safely exchange money at all Bulgarian banks and at most of the exchange bureaus without a commission for currency exchange. The average Bulgarian currency exchange rates of major international currencies are as follows: 1 Euro = 1.95583 BGN (2 Leva), 1 US Dollar = 1.49 BGN, 1 Pound Sterling = 2.3 BGN. Tipping Tips are generally not included in the bill. Waiters are usually given 10 % of the bill. Tipping taxi drivers and doormen is voluntary, but it is usually done by people in Bulgaria.

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USEFUL INFORMATION Time zone Winter time: GMT + 1 hour (October through March) Summer time: GMT + 2 hours (April through September) Credit cards The following credit cards are accepted in the highrange hotels, restaurants and shops in Bulgaria: Diners Club, American Express, MasterCard, Carte Blanche, Visa, Euro Card, etc. They can be used for payment of all standard services: hotel accommodation, restaurants, nightspots, shopping, car rentals, air tickets, etc. Travelers’ checks can be exchanged for fee at any major banks. Business hours Usually business hours are 8:30AM – 17:30PM (for administration). Most shops work until 22:00PM – 24:00PM or non-stop, restaurants work usually from 10:00AM – 12:00AM until 23:00PM – 24:00 PM or sometimes 24 hours a day. Usually the pharmacies in big cities are open 24hours every day. taken in special circumstances. For your safety on the construction site, it is important that you are up-to-date with your tetanus shot. Post offices There are post offices all over the country, several in Sofia, and in Kostinbrod as well. The post offices are noticeable by their yellow sign with black letters saying “BG POST.” Sending a postcard or a letter to the country cost 0.65 leva. Sending a letter to European countries cost 1.00 leva and 1.40 leva to country outside Europe. Telephone and Internet Tel. Code: +359 (2 for Sofia). There are a lot of public places with free wifi internet in Sofia. These are: Central Railway Station and neighboring Central Bus Station, Sofia airport – coffe bar, all metro stations, National Palace of Culture (at the so called “Lovers Bridge”), Doctor`s garden (near to Sofia university “St. Kliment Ohridksi”). Also you might have free wifi internet access in some of the big shopping centres/Malls and some café-bars Churches The national religion in Bulgaria is Christian Orthodox. There are church services every Sunday in all churches, language is Bulgarian, begins at 11:00AM and usually lasts 2 hours. During sightseeing we will visit some old churches in the capital city. If you are interested in staying for Sunday service let us know in advance. Climate and Weather Bulgaria has a temperate-continental climate with moderate features which is characteristic for Central Europe, with hot summers, long, cold winters and very distinct seasons. In general, the warmest areas are in the southern districts of Bulgaria, influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Daytime temperatures vary from 0-5°C in the winter and 25-38°C in summer months. Check this web site for weather forecast: http://weather.digsys.bg HFH BULGARIA / 39

LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS & CONTACTS General emergency call: 112 Police: 166 Medical emergency: 150 Fire: 160 Emergency road service and road assistance: 146 Denitsa Ilieva GV Host Coordinator; Resource Development & Communications Coordinator Mobile: (+359) 878 702 545 E-mail: ilieva@hfh.bg Rayna Gidionova GV Host Coordinator Mobile: (+359) 878 785 158 E-mail: gidionova@hfh.bg

Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria

Address: 55 Lyuben Karavelov Str., fl. 1, apt. 1, Sofia 1142, Bulgaria Phone/Fax: (+359 2) 983 24 10 Email: office@hfh.bg Web: www.hfh.bg Be with us in 2015 and become our friend on Facebook Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria

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Bulgaria