December 2014

December 2014/January 2015

Newsletter

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

Final Stallholders’ Meeting at Turkish residence Lucky tombola: a trip to Ankara and nine days in Nepal

239th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Bazaar 2014

Monthly Coffee Mornings: 6th January and 3rd February at Matti-d 1

17, Patriarh Evtimiy blvd., Sofia 1142 +359 2 819 20 20; +359 882 600 600 www.UES.bg

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Letter from the President

Hello!

By the time you read this all the hard work for our members and stall-holders and volunteers at least will be over with the 20th Charity Bazaar behind us. I’m sure there will be tales to tell - there always are – and everyone will be very tired but I hope that all will be pleased with the results of their efforts and happy to have contributed towards another success.

I say the hard work has finished but not for our board, bazaar team and office staff who continue to get contracts out, pay bills, finish up all the business of the bazaar with all our partners, account for donations, plan the thank you brochure and presentation to our donors in January and a million other jobs that need to be done to ensure that all the practical, financial and legal obligations of the bazaar are completed correctly. Thank you to Angela and Toi and their team for their hard work in putting the bazaar together this year and to Elitsa, Zdravka and Zarina in the office for not only co-ordinating all administration work for the bazaar but for still handling the day to day issues of both the club and foundation.

One of the things that is wonderful about the IWC is that its members get an opportunity not only to raise money for charity projects and good causes but can have a say on how the money is then spent. Most other charities don’t give their supporters this chance. With that in mind the most important meeting of the year of the Charity Action Committee will take place on Thursday 22nd January at 15.00 at our office in the business park. This is when we discuss and decide on how the biggest percentage of the funds raised at the bazaar will be spent. Projects that wish to be considered for funds will have already have submitted their application forms and these will be looked at and opinions shared at this meeting. If you wish to take part in this process, then please keep this date free and let Maria Ilieva know that you plan to attend so we can ensure there is enough space for everyone.

We hope you enjoy this bumper December/January issue of the newsletter with some pictures of the bazaar.

More will follow in the thank you brochure.

I wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and holiday season and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Lynne

Our Board President Lynne Godding 0879 119 152/ 0887641295 president@iwc-sofia.org lynnegodding@gmail.com Vice-President Maria Naslednikova 0879 119 150 firstvp@iwc-sofia.org

Treasurer Sibeal Reynolds 0879 506 800/ 0878 741 888 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva 0878 300 561/ 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org Bazaar Coordinator Angela Bird 0879 506 799 iwcbazaar@yahoo.co.uk

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International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor Elitsa Lingorski, Office Manager/ Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org Zdravka Tsvetanova, Office Assistant admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 “Like” IWC on Facebook and check our website www.iwc-sofia.org

Cover photo: Paromita Sanatani, Tibetan singing bowls

We appreciate your support Thank you Wonder Group for looking regularly after our children during coffee mornings!

We thank the South African Embassy and Dimitar Delchev for the 20th anniversary video clip!

Special thanks to Tania Mateva and Bulged for printing this issue so quickly!

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

Club policy Smoking Please note that all IWC Coffee Mornings are non-smoking.

Bulgarian Applicants Unfortunately, due to a lack of available spaces, new Bulgarian applicants will be added to the waiting list, until further notice Language Don’t let a lack of fluency in English keep you from attending the monthly coffee mornings and other club activities. Many of our members speak other languages. Remember, we are an international club, and we are here to support you. You’re welcome at any time.

Suggestion Box The suggestion box is always available at the members’ sign-in table. Feel free to write your ideas, concerns, complaints, and suggestions to the IWC Board and drop them in the box.

Because you’re important to us, we want to hear from you.

IWC Visitors Policy The IWC doors are open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend up to

two coffee mornings and two activities prior to applying for membership. A 15 BGN fee is payable upon registration at the sign-in table during the coffee morning. For more information, please contact the Member-ship Coordinator at office@iwc-sofia.org.

Use of IWC Logo The Board has established the following policy for the use of the IWC logo and brand name. In order to prevent any misuse.

1.Written Permission must be requested from the Board a minimum of 2 weeks prior to event; 2. The partnering organization/company should be in good standing in the community; 3. The event should seek to pursue the goals of the IWC; 4. No third-party usage will be permitted. An agreement will be signed between IWC and partner organization; 5. The Logo may be used only for the agreed event and for specified time period.

Guidelines for Paid Advertisement 1. Priority for any vacant advertising spaces will be given first to IWC members, then to outside advertisers.

2. Advertisers are welcome to run or extend their advertisements for a period of six months. After that time, if there is a waiting list for advertisements of that size, the situation will be reviewed, and priority for available spaces will be given to (a) IWC members; (b) new advertisers; (c) existing advertisers. The same order of priority will apply to smaller ad space that may become available.

3. There is no waiting list for advertisements of a given size, the current advertiser may extend their advertisement for the contract period of their choice.

4. These guidelines may be revised at any time with the agreement of the IWC Board.

5. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the IWC.

Rules For Announcements From Members 1. Advertisements will be run in two consecutive issues.

If the member sends a request to run the advertisement again, it will be extended for a further two issues. After that, the advertisement will be removed.

If the member still wishes to include the advertisement after that time, the request will be considered, but placement is not guaranteed.

2. Advertisements must be submitted by members. Members may not submit ads for non-members (e.g., for a friend who is selling a car, etc.).

3.Members may not submit

recommendations for businesses.

These recommendations may be submitted to the IWC Go To Guide.

Businesses are also welcome to purchase advertising in the newsletter.

4.Recommendations for individuals engaged in business (e.g., dentists, hairdressers, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board.

5. Final discretion as to whether to include an announcement rests with the Newsletter Editor.

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We ask members to send all announcements for the newsletter via email. The size of ads should not exceed a single paragraph of five lines. The IWC board is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in these announcements.

Please send your contributions to office@iwc-sofia.org not later than the 15th of the month.

The origin of Santa Claus Nicholas was born in Parara, Turkey in 270 CE and later became Bishop of Myra. He died in 345 CE on December 6th. He was only named a saint in the 19th century. Nicholas was among the most senior bishops who convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and assembled the New Testament.

In 1087, a group of sailors who idolized Nicholas moved his bones from Turkey to a sanctuary in Bari, Italy. There Nicholas supplanted a female boon-giving deity called The Grandmother, or Pasqua Epiphania, who used to fill the children's stockings with her gifts. The Grandmother was ousted from her shrine at Bari, which became the center of the Nicholas cult. Members of this group gave each other gifts during a pageant they conducted annually on the anniversary of Nicholas’ death, December 6.

The Nicholas cult spread north until it was adopted by German and Celtic pagans. These groups worshipped a pantheon led by Woden –their chief god and the father of Thor, Balder, and Tiw. Woden had a long, white beard and rode a horse through the heavens one evening each Autumn. When Nicholas merged with Woden, he shed his Mediterranean appearance, grew a beard, mounted a flying horse, rescheduled his flight for December, and donned heavy winter clothing.

Saint Nicholas soon would be there…” Moore innovated by portraying a Santa with eight reindeer who descended through chimneys.

The Bavarian illustrator Thomas Nast almost completed the modern picture of Santa Claus. From 1862 through 1886, based on Moore’s poem, Nast drew more than 2,200 cartoon images of Santa for Harper’s Weekly. Before Nast, Saint Nicholas had been pictured as everything from a stern looking bishop to a gnome-like figure in a frock. Nast also gave Santa a home at the North Pole, his workshop filled with elves, and his list of the good and bad children of the world. All Santa was missing was his red outfit.

In a bid for pagan adherents in Northern Europe, the Catholic Church adopted the Nicholas cult and taught that he did (and they should) distribute gifts on December 25th instead of December 6th.

In 1809, the novelist Washington Irving (most famous his The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle) wrote a satire of Dutch culture entitled Knickerbocker History. The satire refers several times to the white bearded, flying-horse riding Saint Nicholas using his Dutch name, Santa Claus.

In 1931, the Coca Cola Corporation contracted the Swedish commercial artist Haddon Sundblom to create a coke-drinking Santa. Sundblom modeled his Santa on his friend Lou Prentice, chosen for his cheerful, chubby face. The corporation insisted that Santa’s fur-trimmed suit be bright, Coca Cola red. And Santa was born – a blend of Christian crusader, pagan god, and commercial idol.

Dr. Clement Moore, a professor at Union Seminary, read Knickerbocker History, and in 1822 he published a poem based on the character Santa Claus: “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hope that

Notable dates and religious festivals

25th December, Christmas, Christian

the 25th day of December became the widely accepted holiday.

Only the Armenian church held to the original celebration of Christ's birth with Epiphany on January 6.

It is believed that the first celebrations of Christ's birth were originally grouped together with Epiphany, one of the earliest feasts of the Christian church observed on January 6. Even as far back as the second and third centuries, we know church leaders disagreed about the appropriateness of birthday celebrations within the Christian church. Some men like Origen felt birthdays were pagan rituals for pagan gods. And since the date of Christ's actual birth had not been recorded, these early leaders speculated and argued about the date.

The term Christmas appeared in Old English as early as 1038 A.D. as Cristes Maesse, and later as Cristes-messe in A.D. 1131. It means "the Mass of Christ." This name was established by the Christian church to disconnect the holiday and its customs from its pagan origins. As one fourth century theologian penned, "We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of Him who made it."

Although it is true that many traditional Christmas customs find their origins in pagan practices, these ancient and forgotten associations are far removed from the hearts of Christian worshipers today at Christmastime. If the focus of Christmas is Jesus Christ and his gift of eternal life. Moreover, Christian churches see Christmas as an occasion to spread the good news of the Gospel at a time when many unbelievers pause to consider Christ.

Some sources report that Theophilus of Antioch (circa 171-183) was the first to identify December 25 as the birth date of Christ. Others say that Hippolytus (circa 170-236) was the first to claim that Jesus was born on December 25. A strong theory suggests that this date was eventually chosen by the church because it aligned closely with a major pagan festival, dies natalis solis invicti (birth of the invincible sun god), thus allowing the church to claim a new celebration for Christianity.

Ultimately, December 25 was chosen, perhaps as early as A.D. 273. By 336 A.D., the Roman church calender definitively records a nativity celebration by Western Christians on this date.

Eastern churches maintained the January 6 commemoration together with Epiphany until sometime in the fifth or sixth centuries when

3rd January, Mawlid al-Nabi, Islamic

The word Mawlid, or Milad, depending on the method of transliteration used, comes from the Arabic word for birth and usually refers to the anniversary of Muhammed's birth. This

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Singh’s teachings have a big impact on Sikhs. In his lifetime, he stood against the Mughal Rulers and fought against injustice. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh took five men from the lower caste of society and baptized them as His Five Beloveds, endowing them with great courage and a devotion to God. It was his dedication to God, his fearlessness and his desire to protect the people from being oppressed that led Guru Gobind Singh to establish the Khalsa, a military force of saint-soldiers which he baptized.

Under Guru Gobind Singh’s guidance and inspiration, the Khalsa followed a strict moral code and spiritual discipline. It was through his courage that the people rose against the oppression of the Mughal ruler in India at the time. Aside from being a spiritual and a military leader Guru Gobind Singh was also a gifted writer who penned a large body of literary work. Before his death in 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib, which is Sikhism’s Holy Scripture to be the permanent Sikh Guru.

observance is also known as Mevlid Serif in Turkish, Mawlūd Sharīf in Urdu and Maulidur-Rasūl in Malay. Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed's birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, while Shi'a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month.

Many Christians around the world annually celebrate Epiphany on January 6. It is a public holiday in many countries and it commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings (also known as wise men or Magi) visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.

Muhammed was born in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570 of the Gregorian calendar. The precise date of his birth is unclear.

There are mixed beliefs on how one observes Muhammed's birthday. Some people see the Prophet's birthday as an event worthy of praise. Others view the celebration of birthdays as contradictory to Islamic law. Both sides cite the Hadith (narrations originating from the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammed) and events from Muhammed's life to support their views.

January 6, which is 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, marks not only the end of the Christmas holidays but also the start of the Carnival season, which climaxes with Mardi Gras. In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In their roles as the kings, or wise men, they sing about the Jesus’ birth and pay homage to the “king of kings”. They are rewarded with praise and cookies.

Mawlid, or Milad, is celebrated with large street parades in some countries. Homes and mosques are also decorated. Some people donate food and other goods for charity on or around this day.

Others listen to their children read out poems about events that occurred in the Prophet Muhammed's life. Mawlid is celebrated in this way in many communities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.

Dia de los Reyes Magos is the Latin American celebration of Epiphany. In many Latin American countries, it is the three wise men and not Santa Claus who bring gifts for children. Children write letters to the wise men telling them how good they were and what gifts they want. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the Fête des Rois, is celebrated with parties for children and adults. The galette des rois, or “cake of kings”, highlights these celebrations. This cake is round and flat, cut into the pantry, covered with a white napkin and carried into a dining room.

However, many Muslims also do not participate in celebrations on this day. Instead, they may mark the occasion by spending more time to read the Koran. Muhammed is said to have been born on a Monday and some scholars see fasting during the hours of daylight on Mondays as another way to celebrate his birth.

6th January, Epiphany, Christian

Children in Spain fill their shoes with straw or grain for the three kings’ horses to eat and place them on balconies or by the front door on Epiphany Eve. The next day they find cookies, sweets or gifts in their place. The “three kings” make an entry in many cities in Spain on Epiphany Eve, accompanied by military bands and drummers in medieval dress.

5th January, Birthday Celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (also spelled Govind Singh) is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. It is a religious celebration in which prayers for prosperity are offered.

Epiphany is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, Three Kings’ Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany refers not only to the day itself but to the church season that follows it – a season that has a varied length because it ends when Lent begins, and this depends on the date of Easter.

It is common for large processions to go through markets in India on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. People sing devotional songs during the procession and share sweets and a cold drink or a sharbat among the adults and children. There are also special prayer gatherings that are held at places of worship known as Gurudwaras.

Historical lectures are conducted and poems recited as part of praising the Guru on his birthday. Special dishes that are unique to this occasion are prepared and served during the festivities.

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. Like other Christian seasons, the church appropriated Epiphany from an old pagan festival. As early as 1996 BCE, the Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice (which then occurred on January 6) with a tribute to Aeon, the Virgin. It is important to note that the holiday was established prior to the Gregorian calendar’s introduction.

Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh Guru of Nanak. He was born at Patna, Bihar, India, on December 22, 1666. His birthday sometimes falls either in December or January or even both months in the Gregorian calendar. The annual celebration of the Guru’s birthday is based on the Nanakshahi calendar.

Guru Gobind Singh was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who gave his life to protect religious freedom. He succeeded his father when he became a Guru at nine years of age. Guru Gobind

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timeanddate.com, aboutreligion.com

Charity update Dear IWC friends, For the academic year 2014/2015, the International Women's Club-Sofia provided 34 scholarships to students without parental care. This number makes our club the largest donor of "Ready for Success" Program with a total of BGN 61,000.

IWC-Sofia is partner to BCAF and Foundation “Orphan” since the beginning of the Scholarship Program which supports students without parental care, who have demonstrated outstanding academic success.

IWC-Sofia donated four computers for the needs of Pink Foundation and their educational program aimed to the children from poor families in Tran town. Thanks to this equipment children and young people will be able to learn many new and useful skills, and at the same time will have access to the global network.

On December 1st, The Soup Kitchen was officially opened. This is a project of BNP Paribas and Sofia Municipality, financially supported by IWC – Sofia. The social kitchen is open till the end of March and provides dishes to more than 1 700 poor people on daily bases. Thanks to this initiative people in need survive the cold winter months much easily. This is another project supported from IWC since the very first day.

Maria Ilieva

International Women's Club-Sofia announces the start of call for charity proposals for 2015

Charity activities: January 12, 2015 – Soup Kitchen Visit – 12.00 pm in Residential Area Mladost 2. The address is Mladost 2, Kindergarten “Slanchevo zaiche”, (ex-Kindergarten No 39), next to block 241 and across block 239. Please confirm your presence on charity@iwc-sofia.org

Current and future beneficiaries can apply for IWC funding.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1.Only legal entities can apply

(according to the club constitution individuals can not apply for funding);

Star of Hope 15th Anniversary Concert

2.Written projects in the following areas can be submitted:

We congratulate Star of Hope Foundation which celebrated its 15th anniversary with a concert held at the Ljubomir Pipkov National Music School on November 20th, 2014.

Emergency Level Assistance; Support to Disabled People; Social Integration of orphan teenagers; Women’s Issues; Equal Access to Education and Educational & Training.

Please contact charity@iwc-sofia.org for an application form. Projects must be submitted by email or regular post service till the end of working day of January 9th, 2015.

The Charity team will present the Budget draft during a regular Charity Committee on January 22nd, 1.00 pm at IWC Office. All club members are invited to participate in the discussion related to Charity Budget 2015. Please confirm your presence till January 21st on charity@iwc-sofia.org. Final approval of Budget 2015 will be made by the board of the club not later than 31.01.2015 Important: Requests for In kind donations will be accepted permanently, depending on the available resources.

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Bulgarian national folklore songs, ballet and classical music were performed by young Bulgarian musicians and singers. Emilia Manolova, member of IWC and founder of Star of Hope Foundation shared some of her early days experience of her ground-breaking work, comparing her task to one’s walking through deep snow. Well done Emi! We admire the work you do in changing the lives of so many vulnerable people throughout Bulgaria and wish you a continuous success in building those “bridges of trust and friendship”.

Charity Bazaar lucky tombola tickets: Ankara Listening to the advertisement for the 20th Christmas Bazaar that can already be heard on the Bulgarian National Radio and looking at the posters that can be seen at a number of places in Sofia, I cannot but share with you some photos from our family trip to Аnkаrа, an unexpected destination prompted by a lucky tombola ticket my husband bought at the Bazaar last December.

The generous long term sponsors from Hilton had donated a complimentary accommodation at the Ankara Hilton SA and it was graciously upgraded to a.deluxe executive room by the General Manager there, who had been in Bulgaria for almost 7 years. If that made us think that Mr. Jacques Brune enjoyed his stay in Bulgaria, the kind words from his employees and colleagues here left no doubt about his popularity. And Mr Stefan Reiter, the General Manager of Hilton Sofia, had a letter for us delivered as soon as we arrived there. Rivalry or competition within the chain of Hilton Hotels, name it what you want, but they do know how to make their guests feel special.

We had a meeting with Mrs Sibel Gurel, Hilton’s Executive Secretary, and had a chance to talk in details about IWC of Sofia activities and the charity events of the Ladies’ club in Ankara.

Any travel guide can tell you about the Ankara Castle, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, the Augustus Temple, Kocatepe Mosque, or the destination of Excellence: Hamamonu, but none of them can show you the place as the

local people can do it. And we had the good chance to meet a number of these people – the professional staff at the Hilton and their friendliness beyond the formal training, the bright young people at the reception of the hostel, our son chose to stay at, the hospitality at the small family restaurant with the most delicious ‘guzleme’. They all made us feel very welcome in a city of cultural heritage and natural beauties.

PS: As you can see from the photos, we stopped for a day in Istanbul, and I have to say that if it was not for Sheni to recommend the new fast train from Istanbul to Ankara, we probably would have given up the whole trip.

Thank you, Sheni.

Sonya Petrova

Nine days in Nepal

Remember the IWC Charity Auction last November? Somehow I ended up the lucky winner of one open destination return ticket donated by Turkish Airlines. I hadn't really thought about going anywhere but it was nice to have that option. After much dreaming and some research, looking for that perfect destination, I found out by chance that my cousin was currently living in Kathmandu, Nepal and keen to have guests discover this beautiful country! At that point my husband and daughter insisted they were coming along too!

We left on the morning of 20th October, with Turkish Airlines from Sofia via Istanbul. The layover is over 8 hours so it gave us plenty of time to take the metro into down town Istanbul and show our daughter some of the main sights.

We took off from Istanbul on schedule at 20:45 and after just over 6 hours of a very comfortable flight we were already landing in Kathmandu, local time around 6am in the morning. The time difference between Nepal and Bulgaria is 2 hours and 45 minutes (winter time 3:45) - a deliberate choice by Nepal, to differentiate themselves from their neighbour, India.

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Getting the tourist visa upon arrival, can involve lengthy queuing, especially when travelling in peak season (which it was) - however we were among the very few people planning on staying less than 15 days. Everyone else seemed to be heavily laden with back packs and sturdy mountain boots in the line for a 90 day permit! Nepal is of course a must for trekkers and mountaineers; the climb to Everest base camp and the Annapurna circuit, which had just days earlier claimed the lives of over 40 people, top the list. But, we were pleasantly surprised to find plenty

to see and do, if trekking is not on your agenda.

Staying in Kathmandu, a visit to the Durbar squares of the three ancient kingdoms (Kantipur, Patan and Bhaktapur) are a must, but best spread out over several days, otherwise it can be a bit repetitive. It is definitely worth hiring a local guide to show you around (cost approx. $10 but you will have to negotiate) in order to appreciate the important features. Also on the to see list are the Buddhist temples at Swayambhunath and Bodnath.

Shopping in Thamel is a must for all with a weakness for hippy clothes and a love for 'haggling'. There is also no shortage of shops with gear and clothes for trekkers, and Mandala street offers a welcome respite from the noisy street traffic, with many shops offering locally produced items by artisans and NGOs. These are usually fixed price and help give you an

understanding of local pricing.

Momo's are the traditional speciality when it comes to food; a steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, served with a spicy chilli tomato sauce, very tasty! For the fact that Nepal has to import much of its food, we were pleasantly surprised to find the general standard of cuisine both local and international to be very high and relatively inexpensive!

We took a weekend trip out of Kathmandu, to Pokhara approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. This was probably my most extreme experience in Nepal! The journey takes about 6 hours including a lunch stop, but neither terrain nor road conditions make it possible to travel any faster than 40 km /hour. Overloaded buses and trucks, motorbikes carrying whole families and a few modern jeeps, no one driving to any rules I could understand or using any signals! However most remarkable was the overall calmness of Nepali drivers -no egos at play here! Very refreshing after the abuse we are used to on Bulgaria's roads.

Pokhara – and more specifically the Lakeside district, has developed entirely in conjunction with the trekking boom. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Annapurna range, there is no shortage of accommodation, souvenir shops and good restaurants here. Extreme sports opportunities include hang gliding and delta flights, but being peak season these were heavily booked. Instead we found the International Mountain Museum very fascinating and informative, and indulged in a delicious lunch at the Fishtail Lodge set in the middle of Lake Phewa, whilst we patiently waited for the clouds to disappear and reveal the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna range. On the morning of our departure from Pokhara we were rewarded by this splendid unforgettable beauty.

Our final highlight of 9 days in Nepal was the Everest Mountain flight with Buddha Air (at 6am). Not inexpensive at $200 per person, each passenger is guaranteed a window seat and a visit to the cockpit on the one hour round trip to Everest and back.

Such majestic natural beauty, combined with the skilled craftsmanship of the ancient palaces and temples, and the friendly gentle nature of the local people made us all fall in love with Nepal. And of course we have left enough to discover on our next visit ;-)

Paromita Sanatani 9

Charity Bazaar 2014

Dear Members, Stallholders and Volunteers,

On behalf of the bazaar team, I would like to thank you all for your continued support, enthusiasm, dedication and passion that makes the IWC charity bazaar such a success. This being our 20th bazaar shows that members, embassies, volunteers and donors, past and present are committed to ensure that the biggest fundraising event in Bulgaria, will continue year after year, to raise the much needed funds for the IWC charity foundation.

With 46 country stalls, representing over 50 countries this year, we had plenty to offer the people of Sofia and beyond and if past years are anything to go by, they will show their appreciation by showing up in their thousands to spend their money knowing it will be used by the IWC foundation to support numerous charity projects around Bulgaria, this event really is a win-win for everyone involved!

I hope to see you at our special coffee morning, for you the members, stallholders and volunteers, to relax, chat and celebrate our fantastic achievement.

I would also like to thank the bazaar team, the board and the office staff for their hard work and support, together, we managed to get the bazaar up and running!

I wish you all peace and happiness at this festive period and look forward to a prosperous New Year for all.

I am writing this in the lead up to the bazaar and have no idea how much money was raised or how well attended the bazaar was, all I know is that every single one of the volunteers poured their heart and soul into the bazaar and through all the hard work, frustrations and tears (I am sure there were some!) we all achieved one of the most memorable days of the year.

Denmark

This year Denmark has participated for the first time in the IWC Charity Bazaar together with Finland, Sweden and Norway in the joint Nordic Stall. It was a great help that the other Nordic countries have experience from earlier years on how to run the stall on this big fundraising day in Sofia. With the help of the staff at the Danish embassy and the Danish community we made our traditional Christmas decorations which are folded/woven paper stars and hearts. Additionally we also made homemade Danish butter cookies.

The organization of the Charity Bazaar was a huge task which we realized more and more as we got into the preparations for the day. I do admire the charity bazaar team for their dedication taking into account that it is an unpaid voluntary job. It is amazing how many different things one has to decide upon such as how big a stall, how many chairs, what to sell, which companies to contact as donors, how many volunteer badges needed etc etc etc. I suppose next time will be easier with this year's experience. The Nordic stall has now truly lived up to its name, since Denmark has also participated together with Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Dorte Kieler 10

Angela Bird

IWC Charity Bazaar Coordinator 2014

Dear members, I would like to share with you my experience as Stallholders’ Coordinator of the 2014 Charity Bazaar.

At the beginning, I volunteered because I wanted to help in organizing the biggest event of the IWC. It was the 20th Anniversary of the IWC Charity Bazaar, it made it even more special for me.

At that time, I was not really sure what it meant. I knew I had to help the organization but I hardly new anything more than that. Soon I discovered how challenging and at the same time how satisfying this task can be. There is nothing more international, more multicultural than the Annual Charity Bazaar.

It is s a great challenge that needs to be worked hard at in order to achieve and even surpass all the goals set upon us.

Working continuously with many people, I realised that we all work in the same direction, we all volunteer for a charity project, not only me, all the people from every stall. We all focus on the people who need our support and our efforts in order to survive. I saw enthusiasm and joy in all the people who are preparing their stalls, decorating, cooking, dancing...people who showed us the best of their countries. I saw all the stalls helping each other in a joint-effort project. To me there were no individual stalls, we were all one big stall, the international community of Sofia who was making this project come true.

During every meeting, whilst surrounded by people gathered together, I felt how motivated everybody was to make this task successful.

When I was young, I used to think that I would like to be part of an NGO, helping others, going to countries in greatest need, but I guess I never got the chance. Very often it is difficult for us to leave everything behind, deny ourselves a comfortable life in order to go abroad and help people who have nothing. The IWC Charity Bazaar gave me this opportunity, the opportunity to feel useful for others. I can now say that I am feeling helpful whilst being at home, there is no need to go to poor countries, there are people who need our help right here, where we live, very close to us. It makes me happy that I can help them in this way.

After all, there is one thing I can say - I don't regret taking on the responsibility, even more, I would recommend it to anybody, because it is a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.

I would like as well to take this opportunity to thank all Stallholders and Volunteers in making my job as Stallholders’ Coordinator so easy and pleasant. This was the reason why I enjoyed it so much and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you for making the 20th Anniversary the best IWC Charity Bazaar ever!

Wishing you a lot of success in the New year, Your

Toi Castello,

Stallholders’ Coordinator, 2014

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Charity Bazaar 2014

Dear Ladies,

donations expected. I will keep you informed. Another highly successful Bazaar. Teamwork at its best! Thank you all!

Seasons Greetings to you and yours.

I am so very proud of the contribution made by the IWC over the years here in Bulgaria and feel honoured to be part it.

What a remarkable year for the International Women's Club! Not only did we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Club, but we have just experienced the 20th Charity Bazaar. And such a memorable day!

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2015.

I would like to share with you, that the proceeds for the day are approximately 218,000 BGN with a further 80,000 BGN donations received by bank transfer. And there are more

Warm regards,

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Sibeal Reynolds, Treasurer 2014-2015

IWC Stalls and Charities, supported by the Club raised more than 42 000 BGN on the Bazaar day In addition to its role as organizer of the Annual Charity Bazaar, International Women's Club-Sofia is actively participating in the event with its own stalls such as IWC Charity Stall, Toys, Brick- a- Brack, Bakery, Cloths, Big Tombola and Books Stalls.

Thanks to these stands, IWC is able to raise additional funds to various social causes. On the Bazaar day the IWC Stalls raised almost 25 759.40 BGN. The amount raised by the different Charities supported by IWC is 16 269.50 BGN. Some of them traveled more than 450km each way just to become part of this significant event.

Thank you to all IWC and Charity stalls. You are great!

BIG THANK YOU to all donors – corporative and personal, for their kind support by providing vouchers, food, clothes, household items, toys, books, magnets, gifts, Christmas handmade decoration and etc., or gave their support as volunteers!

Best regards,

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Maria Ilieva, Charity Chairperson 2014-2015

Charity Bazaar 2014

With thanks to Chavdar Kaldiev for working very hard and supplying the photographs on the day of the Bazaar!

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November highlights Chic and Cozy vintage sale with Business Ladies Forum

Following on from the cocktail we held with the Sofia Business Ladies Forum in June their chairperson contacted us with a suggestion for a fund-raiser they wished to organise in November. Their idea was to hold a nearly-new, designer clothes and accessories sale and they wanted to donate all the funds raised to the IWC. On Tuesday 4th November we gathered in Gamma Design Showroom, having paid our 25 leva for entry, with a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne in hand and browsed the rails and shelves of clothes, handbags, jewellery and shoes. Everything was marked up at 100BGN and you had to put a name ticket on the item you wanted. If no-one else wanted the item then it was yours for 100BGN but if more than one name tag was placed on an item it was then auctioned. One handbag went for 650BGN! In total nearly 6600BGN was raised and this has been donated, with the Forum’s approval, to BCAF to fund 2 university students and 2 high school students through their studies this year.

Thank you ladies for the initiative, for the generous donation and for introducing me to this incredibly civilised way of shopping – I will aim to always have a glass of champagne in my hand when browsing the rails from now on!

Lynne Godding

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball

On 15th November the Marine Corps detachment serving at U.S. Embassy in Sofia celebrated their 239th birthday with a ball in the grand hall at the Kempinski Zografski Hotel. Guest of Honor, H.E. Ambassador Marcie Ries congratulated the Marine security guards – GuSgt Dwight Amantine, Sgt Bob Thao, Sgt Alexander Palmer, Cpl Felix Rivera, Cpl Jomar Deterline, Sgt Steven Pena and Cpl Ryan Kelly – and praised their loyalty, courage and commitment.

Guests were treated with the Presentation of Colors, a cake cutting ceremony and a heartwarming speech by guest speaker Sgt Maj Jeffrey Craig. After a fine cocktail hour and a delicious dinner buffet, the floor was happily overtaken by dancers of all generations.

Elitsa Lingorski 15

November highlights Christmas decoration workshop at Sory’s house led by Johanna Alcantara

Final Stallholders’ meeting at the Turkish Ambassador’s Residence

The Final stallholders’ meeting was kindly hosted by H.E. Suleyman Gokce at the very impressive Turkish residence. Built in 1903 by the famous Austrian architect Friedrich Grunager for the Bulgarian lawyer and diplomat Haralampi Sarmardjiev, this beautiful building was acquired by the Turkish government in 1916. It brings together the style of imperial Viennese baroque with elements of Mediterranean Renaissance. It boasts many valuable pieces, original paintings, crystal chandeliers and ‘Luis XV’ furniture dating from the 1930’s.

Stallholders were treated to a cup of tea and coffee in the winter garden after which they made their way to the hall where final instructions for the day of the bazaar were given. Posters, tickets and badges were distributed amongst the attendants. The spirits were running high in the expectance of another very successful Charity Bazaar.

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November monthly coffee morning The November IWC Coffee Morning, as a traditional event for the members and guest, was again a warm and vibrant morning for everyone.

As a new member in Sofia, I would like to share, that the tradition of that event is to bring different, refreshing, and enjoyable moments over a cup of coffee or tea. You can connect to the local international community, and spend time with friends, as well as meet new members and share experiences and ideas. This time, I bought a jar of homemade delicious, pickled organic vegetables, from a lady who grows them at her own farm.

There were also great selections of handmade jewelers and cosmetic products that make wonderful gifts for our families and friends.

For new members this is the best time for any type of conversation, exchanging information and for joining the group activities which the club offers. There is something for everyone who wishes to make friends and a new home. I had a great opportunity to announce my new Pilates classes to the ladies and signed up for the French conversation club.

It has been three months since I became a member of IWC in Sofia. A poetic way to describe my experience of being surrounded by so many friends from different parts of the world during the coffee mornings, would be to compare it to a gorgeous bouquet of exotic flowers, with the unique colors, aromas and beauty of all the women.

Stela Hyde-Pironkova

Felt workshop at Rojdestvo Hristovo We were nine women to participate in the felt workshop at the Rojdestvo Hristovo Center, (a daily activity center for socially disadvantaged women/mothers) from countries as different as Venezuela, Switzerland, England, Japan, France, Colombia, Spain etc.

We were greeted in Liulin around 10:00 by Vania the center’s founder and manager, and

by Zoe, volunteer from England, and the other staff, in a very warm and smily atmosphere. We first made a tour of the new house were the center is now housed, in the quarter of Liulin. We visited the newly professionally equipped kitchen which Vania explained they hope soon to start using for cooking and catering services. We also visited the official workshop where we saw a few women at work and the various beautiful products of their craft work: ceramics , felt works and dolls, of all shapes and sizes, and colours, which will be sold during the various seasonnal bazaars in December, in Bulgaria and abroad.

Then we sat around the big wodden tables of the main hall and shared hot beverages and delicious homemade cakes. Vania demonstrated her talents with the felt and the various possibilities of this wonderful natural material. We then all started working with our special needles, first preparing our wool "canvases". Then poking little by little the colorful wools inside the canvas, to elaborate a wool "frame" and finally a pattern of our own, under Vania s gentle supervision. Although we all lacked experience, thanks to our teacher’s skills and in relatively little time, we all managed to produce a beautiful little wool craft to take back home! The souvenirs were a mixture of sweet and colorful christmas trees, snow man, snow flakes, angels, flowers, landscape and abstract creations!

I think the participants to this workshop would all agree that we all spent both a useful (the price for this workshop is helping the center), creative and fun morning together! We thank the Rojdestvo Hristovo Center and wish them a long happy life in their new home!

Claire Borelli-Tzanev

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Membership news Birthdays Dorte Kieler, 4th December

Diane Tromans-Berg, 3rd January

Teodora Petrova-Ivanova, 6th December

Deborah Hensley, 5th January Maria Ilieva, 6th January

Elisaveta Petrusheva, 6th December

Josefina Pekarova, 9th January

Maria-Teresa Duran Moreno, 15th December

Emilia Slavova, 12th January

Johanna Alcantara, 15th December

Miwako Note, 18th January

Angela Bird, 20th December

Krassimira Lowe, 21st January

Marieta Neykova, 27th December

Christina Stoimenova, 26th January

Mona Kaushik, 1st January

Welcome to our new members Katayun Roein Afghanistan/Bulgaria

Ongoing activities Dragolevski/Simeonovo/Boyana coffee group, please contact Sandra Guilder at sandrasbulgaria@aol.com. Anyone interested in starting/joining other local groups, please contact Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg.

Charity Action Group The group meets once a quarter to discuss new charity projects, the progress of ongoing projects, and the finances of the Charity Foundation. Part of the follow-up is frequent visits to these projects. If you want to make a difference and contribute something please join us! The date and place of the next meeting is published in the monthly newsletter & on the website. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0878 300 561 or at charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Book Club Members read one book a month, and then get together to discuss the book (discussions are in English and are usually very fun and lively). We read a variety of fiction and nonfiction books from writers of all nationalities (voted on by the members) and usually meet on the last Thursday of the month at 10:30am. For more information contact: Dorothy Tomalin on her email: dorothy.tomalin@gmail.com.

Newcomers’ Coffee Morning Newcomers get togethers are usually organised once a month or as required. They are smaller gatherings, often in members homes, where it is easier to talk to others and to find out what the club is all about and what it can offer you. The date of the next such meeting is in the calendar at the back of this newsletter. For more information, contact the Vice President Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

Architecture/Archaeology/History Club Calling all history buffs, and anyone else who is interested in exploring the rich culture and architecture of modern and ancient Bulgaria! The group meets once a month for walks around town or to visit museums, attend lectures, go on trips outside Sofia, etc. The cost of the trips will be divided amongst the members. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. Sign up at the Monthly Coffee Morning. For information contact: Lyuba Boianin at lyuboslava@yahoo.com.

Local Coffee Groups Local coffee gatherings take place in different homes (on a rotating basis) for people who live in the same neighborhood.

These get-togethers, at which coffee and snacks are served, enable people to become better acquainted in an intimate atmosphere. The Lozenets Coffee Group is organized by Emilia Slavova (emilia@audioarte-bg.com). Please contact her for more information. For more information about the

Bridge Interested members are invited to play bridge. An intermediate/advanced group plays on Thursday mornings at

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10:30 am in the “King of Clubs” club, just behind Matti-d.

Fee is 5 BGN for the session. There is an English-speaking group and a French-speaking group. For more informa-tion, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors!

Toddler music group This takes place most Mondays at 10.30am., Please contact: Liz Allen at lizsleeman@btinternet.com.

Golf

Bulgarian Language Group

We meet every Wednesday and tee off at 10 o'clock, any one interested in playing email Sandra Guilder on sandrasbulgaria@aol.com or call 0879866790.

Elina Kirova is a professional teacher and translator. The Bulgarian conversation or language group meets every Friday from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at the IWC Office. For further details, please contact Elina Kirova at elinakirova@yahoo.com, or sign up at the monthly coffee morning.

Cricket Devam Women's Cricket Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM at the National Sports Academy in Student City. If you are interested, contact Mona Kaushik at devamibsac@gmail.com. Age is no barrier! No fee!!! Let’s play cricket!!!

French Conversation Group For more information, contact the Vice President Maria Naslednikova at maria_nas@abv.bg or call her on 0879 119 150.

Hiking Club

English Conversation Group

The hiking group is an energetic group of dedicated hikers who head up to Vitosha and the surrounding mountains every Friday. We usually meet at 9 am at Fantastico in Dragelevtsi.

An email is sent to all hikers every Wednesday with more specific plans and this often includes different meeting points.

A typical hike will bring us back to our meeting point at 2 or 3.

For more information or to join the mailing list, please contact Diane Tromans-Berg dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk or 0885 721 841.

We are five native English speakers who take it in turns to lead a weekly conversation group every Thursday from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Different venues and topics are chosen every week. All members and all levels are welcome.

If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.

Spanish Conversation Group Everybody who wants to practice and improve her Spanish is welcome to or weekly meetings. Also, if you are already fluent in Spanish or if you are a native speaker and you would like to participate, please contact Toi Castelló on 0882 008 518 or write her an e-mail: iotcas@gmail.com.

Zumba Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program created in Colombia during the 1990s. Get your body ready to Zumba!

The classes are taught by instructor Galya, who speaks excellent English, at Stadium Vasil Levski in the city center.

Each lesson costs 7 BGN per person. The classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. For more details, you can visit their website at http:// www.bodyartkally.com/index-en.php. Sign up at the coffee morning or contact Monika Slosarikova at 0877 997 075 or monika.slosarikova@gmail.com.

Children’s Dance Classes We are now offering ballet and hip hop dance classes for the children of IWC members. The instructors for the hip hop class are an award-winning and popular team. Every Saturday from 11:00 AM–12:00 noon. And while your kids are enjoying themselves, you can join the Bulgarian folk dance classes! The venue is the Dance Studio, which is centrally located. The address is ul. Skobelev 58. The price is 120 BGN for 4 classes for a group of 4 (about 7.5 BGN per class). The price goes down to 7 BGN per class if we have more than 4 kids enrolled. The price includes a bottle of water (0.5 l). For further information, please contact Avantica Shinde Nielsen on her mobiles at 0889 490 646 or e-mail avanticashinde@hotmail.com.

Henna Indian Body Art Avantica Shinde Nielsen would like to offer classes to our members to share this wonderful traditional Indian art style.

Each beginner’s course is 4 weeks, once per week. Day and timings will be decided according to the convenience of the group members. All materials will be provided. For more information and costs, please contact Avantica on her e-mail: avantica@gmail.com.

Mum and baby play group

Patchwork Group

It meets most Tuesdays at 10am and people take it in turns to host. Please, contact Amy Dincuff at adincuff22@ gmail.com.

The group meets every Monday from 10:00 AM-–12:00 PM at Dusica Trkulja’s apartment. The address is Evlogy Georgiev 99, floor 6, apartment 27. Interested ladies are

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Ongoing activities welcome to bring ideas, patterns, and materials. For more information, please contact Dusica Trkulja on her landline: 02 980 0948.

art work will be turned into terra cotta (raw or glazed). Costs are 10 Leva per hour, lessons take 3:00 hours with a group of 3 to 5 people. Monday to Friday 9.30 – 13:00 and 12.30 – 16:00 with a lunch brake. Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan on 0894 716 182 or via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr.

Icon Painting Course

Choir

Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful and colorful Christian icons. Learn to draw and paint your own icons. The classes are taught in English by a professional artist in Boyana. The entire course costs 150 BGN per group of 5 people. The cost of materials will be approx. 30–40 BGN, which is a one-time cost. The time and day of the week will be determined depending on all the group members’ convenience. There is an option for either a morning group or an afternoon group, or both. Everyone is welcome! Contact Sory Almonacid de Jan at 0894 716 182/0894 716 182 or (preferably) via e-mail at jansory1@yahoo.fr, jansory35@gmail.com.

Sofia Ladies International Choir (SLIC) is a ladies four part harmony choir here in Sofia. We sing everything from ancient to modern, sacred to secular and songs from different cultures . Our rehearsals are conducted in English but we have sung in Latin, French, Spanish, Bulgarian and even Korean! Our practices take place in a music studio in Borovo district from 19.30 on a Wednesday evening. We are small but make a good sound and have already performed several short concerts at the Catholic Cathedral and the US Embassy. Our choir director is a Bulgarian/Canadian who is great fun. We are looking for some more good singers. The ability to read music would be an advantage but is not essential. For more info: Lynne Godding at lynnegodding@gmail.com or 0887 641 295 or Daniela Videv at danielavidev@hotmail.com.

Sculpture class From copying an antique torso to studying Aphrodite’s head, this course will make you to familiar with classical clay modeling. All tools are provided at the atelier. Your finished

January events Tuesday, January 6

Thursday, January 22

10:30am: Monthly Coffee Morning

1:00pm: Charity Committee

The Charity committee is open to any member of the IWC. Important charity topics and budget issues will be discussed. This is your chance to get involved in the decision making process of funds distribution. Please confirm your presence to charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Meeting at our usual place Matti-d.

Friday, January 9 11:00am: Newcomers Coffee Morning at Confetti

Please confirm to maria_nas@abv.bg or call 0879 119 150.

Tuesday, January 27

Monday, January 12

10:30pm: Visit to the National Theater Ivan Vazov The National Theater opened its doors in 1907. The first architectural plan was made by the prominent architectural duo Fechner and Helmer, known as the “opera architects” due to their significant work in this type of building in Central and Eastern Europe. The building suffered a severe damage after a big fire in the 1920s and was restored following the design of the German architect Dulfer, then was harmed by the bombings in World War Two, but quickly gained its previous glamour. We will walk in the corridors, halls and ateliers of the theater, learning stories about the heavy stick of Pencho Slaveykov (early 20th c. director of the theater), the artists’ envy, but also great friendship, the stories of some of the most prominent Bulgarian intellectuals who worked here in some way – Yavorov, Nikolai Liliev, St. L. Kostov, Ivan Milev, N. Masalitinov, and many more.We will meet in front of the theater for a tour with a 3 hrs duration. Cost: free for IWC. Please confirm to maria_nas@abv.bg or call 0879 119 150.

12:00pm: Soup Kitchen Visit

The address is Mladost 2, Kindergarten “Slanchevo zaiche”, (exKindergarten No 39), next to block 241 and across block 239.

Please confirm your presence to charity@iwc-sofia.org.

Wednesday, January 14 8:30pm: Mummers in real action

Today most of us are familiar with Mummers parades, which are numerous. This tour will give us the opportunity to follow them in their traditional route from home to home in their authentic village surroundings ‘casting bad spirits away’. We are going to visit four villages, seeing a variety of masks and costumes. Departure will be from the Hilton Hotel. Expected return around 5:30 - 6:00pm. Price: 62 BGN per person based on a group of min. 10 people. Price includes transportation, guide, driver’s escort, drinks and a small mummers village contribution. Discount of 10% for IWC members.

Price does not include lunch. Our recommendation is to bring a packed lunch and snacks. There will be plenty of opportunities to take lots of pictures, make sure your camera cards have enough space. Please confirm to maria_nas@abv.bg or call 0879 119 150.

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January calendar

10:30 Monthly Coffee Morning 12:00 Soup Kitchen visit

11:00 Newcomers Coffee Morning 8:30 Mummers village trip

13:00 Charity committee meeting 10:30 National Theater visit

Announcements Special Offer for IWC Members and friends

New Butcher Shop in the town. Selling excellent calf, veal and lamb meat. Awaiting your orders...

27 A General Iosif Gurko St. shop@butcher.bg, +359 2 954 54 57

www.butcher.bg

The offices of the IWC will be closed from the 24th December until 5th January. If you leave a message on the voicemail system, it will be dealt with after the 5th January 2015.

Happy holidays!

I would like to recommend my cat sitters, Teddy and Peter, brothers who adore cats and will make sure the feline member of your family has its own holiday while you are away.

They are totally committed to making your cats stay as comfortable as possible.

Please contact them on pettedkittylovers98@gmail.com

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Cases of 12, one litre bottles (equivalent to 17 normal size bottles) delivered to your home for just Euro 56 (BGN 110). This is a discount of about 25% to the price in the supermarket.

Choose from Chardonnay, Rose, Merlot, Cabinet Sauvignon, Cuvee or a “mixed case” To place an order call or email Sandra on 087986670 or sandrasbulgaria@aol.com.

(Payment can be made on delivery).

Announcements My Bulgarian Recipes by Sonja Kapsazov Available now in time for Christmas!

Beautifully illustrated, strong new binding and other small revisions. Beautiful full colour illustrations, easy to follow recipes in Bulgarian and English.

n! ditio E New

Price 45 leva

Discounts and invoices available for bulk orders 10+ copies Please call Paromita on 0888 408647 to order your copies or for more information

Dear Ladies, Stela Hyde-Pironkova is a new member of the IWC who recently arrived from the States. She is a fullyqualified fitness and wellness instructor/consultant with more than ten years of teaching experience with Sport and Health Club fitness centers in Northern Virginia and other facilities in Europe. She holds professional certifications from the USA in Pilates, as well as in Yoga, Core Bare, Balleton and swim instruction, as a former professional swimmer. Stela is experienced in working with people in private and small group classes, targeting athletic conditions, extensive spine, lower back, neck and shoulders issues, posture correction, as well as prenatal and postnatal training.

She is currently forming groups at the Kempinski Hotel, but she can be flexible with the time schedule and type of classes. You can reach her on her email (stelapilates@gmail.com) or on her mobile (087-667-1778) to tell her what might suit you best.

2009 Mercedes Benz A150 for sale!

It looks and feels like new and was well perfectly maintained by the original owner and our family. We are including winter tires in the sale so please take a look if you are in the market. Fits 1-2 car seats in the back no problem. Located in the city center and owner can meet you for a test drive anytime prior to my departure on Oct 24th. My husband will be in town until December so after Oct 24th he will be able to show the car to any interested parties.

* only 2 owners (original and our family), original owner drove it very little, it only has around 39,000 km mileage! * bought and maintained at Balkan Star (Bulgaria Mercedes Benz dealer) * automatic drive, like new interior * petrol/gas engine * inspected in May 2014, fully insured through May 2015 * winter tires included!! * 2 sets of keys * English and Bulgarian manuals * Bluetooth for phone so you can talk handsfree etc * 8350 EUR (16,400 BGN)

Please contact: Heather +359 87 6959476 (inquiries before Oct 24th) Tomi +359 87 8541705 (inquiries after Oct 24th)

Apartment to Let

Penthouse to Let Unique penthouse with total area of 664 sq. m. located in the heart of Sofia, occupying the last two floors of new luxury building with video surveillance, 24-hour security and controlled access. The amazing panoramic view due to its beautifully landscaped terraces (197 sq. m.) and the unique luxurious furniture made by famous Italian designer make this property one of a kind. This fully equipped penthouse, combining modern and classic style will suit even the most refined customers’ taste.

On the first level there are spacious living room, kitchen with dining area, two storage rooms, laundry room and a guest toilet. In addition there is a separate bedroom with en-suite bathroom, walked-in closet and cabinet which are connected to the main apartment and are ideally suitable for guest accommodation.

On the second level there are three bedrooms with bathrooms.

Central heating and air-conditioning, light and airy rooms with big windows, the fireplace are only some of the amenities which make the stay in this penthouse cozy and relaxing after the long working day.

A large and very stylish twobedroom, two-bathroom apartment in the heart of Sofia, overlooking Alexander Nevski Cathedral. High ceilings, beautifully finished, fully furnished, wooden parquet floors, security system, air conditioning and central heating.

One month deposit required.

Longer let negotiable. Available 1st January 2015.

For more information, please call Elitsa Lingorski on 0877 369483.

Hi Ladies, I am offering lessons in Arabic language.

I'm planning to teach you reading, writing and speaking, so if anyone is interested, even if it is only one lady, it’s OK. I'm planning to have the lessons at home in order to teach writing and reading properly.

I hope my offer sounds good to many of you.

Regards, Tulip Al-Azawy, tulipazawy@yahoo.com

For contacts Katayun Roien 00359 878740521

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What children have in common is that they are different.

We are too.

Highly trained educators. Fluently English speaking staff.

From day care to advanced learning programs. Children from 2²6 years old. 16 nationalities. Two different locations: 25 Knyaz Boris I Str., NDK and 27 Hr. Smirnenski Blvd., Lozenets.

For more information: Call +359 889 229 666 or visit www.abckinder.org

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