June 2016

Newsletter

June 2016

of the International Women’s Club in Sofia

Charity Bazaar 2016 update

IFF in photos What will be your city escape - an orchard or a farm?

Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Tuesday, 5th July, 10.30am, SOHO restaurant, Mall Bulgaria

Letter from the President

Dear Ladies

What a busy month May has been! Club Peroto, our choice of venue for the last coffee morning was a great hit, with all of you saying how you loved this space. We have again chosen this venue for our coffee morning in June, but will have a couple of different venues for July and August.

In between all the various holidays, Nadya has kicked off her first month as VP with some lovely events that have proved very popular with all of you. There have been cooking demo’s, a wine evening, and cultural trips.

Nara had charity trips to Vidin and Rousse and the board was busy representing the IWC at the food festival around Bulgaria. The food festival has just ended and I will make a final report including the money raised for the charities in the next newsletter. We have also been busy this month making contacts for the bazaar, venues, club activities and donors.

The month of June kicks off with a preliminary stallholder meeting, where we would like to emphasize to all our stallholders, new and experienced, the basic principles of the bazaar and our club, the reasoning behind the running of this huge event and how they can improve their donor participation.

I encourage all who are involved in a stall in any way to come along to this meeting, we want you to understand why we do what we do and how you can achieve the values that we strive for in the bazaar.

The months following the election of a new board can be a little rocky for all of us, with everyone getting used to new ideas, new people and maybe not quite what some individuals hope for. As a board, I can ensure you that we value and respect all of your queries, comments and ideas, but we can not react to rumour and speculation. We have all taken the responsibility of these positions with great sincerity and if you talk to us, I assure you, we will give a truthful and honest response.

For many of you, this will be your last coffee morning before you leave for your well earned holidays, we hope you will still stay in touch by checking out the website, the online newsletter and facebook, if you are having any trouble with access, please contact the office for help. For some, you are saying goodbye to experience life in a new country, but I hope we will remain in your heart! We would love to hear how you are getting on and welcome, pictures, interesting information and your story, keep in touch, we are a small world!

A very happy June to each and every one of you!

Best regards

Angela

Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES

Cover image: Rachel Jonas, Cherry Orchard.

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IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org

Charity Chairperson Nara Vasconcelos-Baretto 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org

Treasurer Kelsa L. Smith-Mouskourova 0879 506 800 treasurer@iwc-sofia.org

Vice-President Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova 0879 119 150 vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org

Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castelló i Reñé 0879 506 799 c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com

Office Manager/ Membership Coordinator Zarina Benoun-Takova 0895 571 813 admin@iwc-sofia.org

Web/Newsletter Editor: Elitsa Lingorski 0877 369 483 office@iwc-sofia.org International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor, tel: 02 951 6117 “Like” IWC on Facebook and check our website www.iwc-sofia.org

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.

Events Charges All events are available to fully paid up members of the IWC. Where there is a cost involved, it will be kept to the very minimum.

Guests will be able to attend the events that are specified at the time. Not all events will be open to guests. Events that are open to guests will also carry a ‘guest’ surcharge as follows:

Monthly Events Free monthly events are free to guests. Events costing under 20BGN, there is an additional charge of 5BGN. Events costing 21BGN or more, there is an additional charge of 50%.

Monthly Activity Groups Monthly activity groups are free and any charge for guests will be at the discretion of the organiser of the group, a charge may be added for instance if a guest regularly frequents one of these activities without becoming a member.

A deposit is required from all members and guests attending an event with a cost involved. This deposit will be forfeited in the case of non attendance.

Event

IWC Member

Guest

Free Monthly Event

Free

Free

Free Activity Group Event

Free

Paid*

Paid Monthly Event

5-20BGN

+5BGN

Paid Monthly Event

21BGN+

+50%

Member only Event

Open

Closed

*Charge for guests at the discretion of the activity group organiser with a min. sum of 10 BGN. 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 organisation/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 organisation; 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 e-mail. 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.

June’s little poetry corner

In the Casemate

June Morning Dawn on the lake The world is still.

Water like a mirror.

Land and water blur.

Bold bright colors in the morning light.

Steam rises from the still surface In wisps and swirls, Soon to evaporate in the warming air.

Birds and I stir Ready to face a new day.

Above a chorus Joins my world.

A flock of Canadian geese A squadron of at least Twenty-five land off the point.

Squawking and trumpeting Their arrival.

Tea on the porch Soaking it in, The wonder of God's creation.

Oops, time for work.

A cherry orchard by the house A cherry orchard by the house.

Above the cherries beetles hum.

The plowmen plow the fertile ground And girls sing songs as they pass by.

It’s evening—mother calls them home.

A family sups by the house.

A star shines in the evening chill.

A daughter serves the evening meal.

Time to give lessons—mother tries, But can’t. She blames the nightingale.

It’s getting dark, and by the house, A mother lays her young to sleep; Beside them she too fell asleep.

All now went still, and just the girls And nightingale their vigil keep.

Taras Shevchenko Translated by Boris Dralyuk and Roman Koropeckyj

Raymond A Foss 5

В казематі VIII Садок вишневий коло хати, Хрущі над вишнями гудуть, Плугатарі з плугами йдуть, Співають ідучи дівчата, А матері вечерять ждуть. Сем'я вечеря коло хати, Вечірня зіронька встає. Дочка вечерять подає, А мати хоче научати, Так соловейко не дає. Поклала мати коло хати Маленьких діточок своїх; Сама заснула коло їх. Затихло все, тілько дівчата Та соловейко не затих. [Між 19 і 30 травня 1847, С.-Петербург] Тарас ШЕВЧЕНКО

Ramadan

For those who doesn’t know what Ramadan is, it is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, where Muslims worldwide observe a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad.

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida/ar-ramad which means scorching heat or dryness.

Ramadan is the time when Muslims try to emphasize four activities — prayer, fasting, charity and remembrance. The one month fasting is obligatory in the faith (for adults), except those suffering from illness/ ailments, the elderly and pregnant/lactating/menstruating women and those who are impoverished.

The fasting starts from dawn until sunset. Muslims will remain from consuming food, drinking liquid and even smoking. They are also instructed to refrain from sinful behaviors and thoughts.

The food and drink that will be served is only before dawn and after sunset.

The act of fasting is a discipline that forces the individual to forget about food and to remember who they are, why they are here, and what they are doing to be the best possible form of their self.

In Bulgaria the Ramadan 2016 will start on Tue, 7th June, on this day the people of this faith will have to finish their first meal by 3:36 am and break the fast of the day at 9:03 pm (before sunrise and after sunset).

And it will last until the 6th July 2016.

The day after the Ramadan (7th July 2016), is the Eid Al-Fitr or the “festival of breaking of the fast”, this celebration is usually stretched to 2 or 3 days. On the spirit of celebration, Muslims all over the world are encouraged to forgive and forget any differences with others or animosities that may have occurred during the year. As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy. Islam teaches that good deeds, especially charity and worship, are pathways to forgiveness and purification.

In majority Muslim countries the Eid Al-Fitr is a national holiday(s). People return to their home towns or cities to celebrate with their families and to ask forgiveness from each other. A special meal is usually prepared very festively to welcome the family members/close friends who might/will come to pay a visit.

Happy fasting to our Muslim friends, may you finish the month in peace and serenity.

Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova

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Charity May Activities in photos

Brothers conductor Maksim Eshkenazy and violinist Harry Eshkenazy

Bulgarian singers at the International Food Festival in Rousse

Charity chairperson and hubby with Gergana from Child and Space Family type home in Ruse

Charity Committee meeting May 17th

Charity ladies and children before the start of the Fortissimo concert in Vidin

Charity ladies and hubbies visit the impressive art work in Vidin municipality, made by Asja's husband who is also show here in brown pullover

Charity ladies at the Charity table during May coffee morning

Charity ladies going for lunch at the boat restaurant by the Danube river in Vidin

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Charity ladies, famous brother musicians Maksim and Harry Eshkenazy, actor Deian Donkov director of Vidin sinfonieta and lady concertmaster

Child and Space charity table at Rousse International Food Festival showing a photo exhibition

Child and Space run Family type home in Rousse

Fortissimo concert in Vidin

Famous Deian Donkov and conductor Maksim Eshkenazy at Fortissimo concert in Vidin

Fortissimo concert in Vidin with IWC logo

IWC logo at the entrance doors in Mall Rousse

IWC banner at the entrance of the food court in Mall Rousse at International Food Fest

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May Coffee Morning in photos

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A wonderful reception at Hotel Balkan was hosted by the African Ambassadors and Heads of Mission in Bulgaria to celebrate Africa’s Day this year. This day commemorates the foundation of the Organization of the African Union on 25th May 1963.

Africa Day was held under the patronage of the Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov and the Ambassador of Egypt Mana El-Shinaui who is dean of the African ambassadors here. There was representation by the diplomats from the countries of Sudan, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa and Honorary Consuls of Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Seychelles and Uganda.

The event in Sofia was filled with bright colored African costumes, including mine, ebony ornaments and masks, snake skins and crocodile handbags, sandalwood incense and superb African cuisine. Among the many visitors from different nationalities there were diplomats, representatives of the Bulgarian government and business people. The motto was - "Africa: A land of great opportunities."

It was a real celebration for our taste buds, one could try hot meaty dishes with fragrant and exotic spices - Traditional Moroccan cuisine with famous dish "Taadzhin", dishes from Sudan - "Assida with sauce Malla, various African sweet pastries with cinnamon and caramel. The drinks were also exotic - cold drinks from dates, Sudanese Red Hibiscus flower and Moroccan mint tea. Of course the experience wouldn’t be complete without the world-famous wines of South Africa.

The stands were covered with African souvenirs and handmade jewelry - the Algerians showed precious leather goods, at the stand of Sudan we were offered eggs of ostrich, bags and wallets from crocodile and snake skins and from Mali we saw paintings on leather and canvas with oil paints by local craftsmen.

The motto this year was - "Africa: A land of great opportunities." Personally as a financial analyst and being half African I believe that is an exact description, according to research and economic forecasts – Africa will feed the world one day, actually probably in the not so distant future. For that reason I like to call it “The Green Continent” with its untapped natural and mineral recourse and millions of acres of fertile agricultural land it is indeed the land of great opportunities.

We thank the African Ambassadors and Heads of Missions for a memorable Africa Day 2016.

Albena Jones 11

May Wine Night

FOR SALE

Two newly renovated houses situated in the architectural reserve in the village of Dollen, Western Rhodope mountains, 25km from Gotse Delchev and 100km from the Mediterranean sea.

The first house is fully furnished in a traditional Rhodopean style, offering two bathrooms on each floor, one bedroom, living room with two beds, open-plan kitchen.

The second house comprises of two bedrooms with two beds each, living room in a traditional ‘mechana’ lay-out, bathrooms on both floors. It also has a large garden. Prices are negotiable.

The properties can be sold together or separately.

For more information, please call 0884 11 11 77.

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Monthly Lunch at the Korean restaurant in SoďŹ a

Pot Luck It was a pleasure to welcome almost twenty from the IWC to our home for a pot luck brunch on Wednesday, May 11th. An American style pot luck is a communal meal to which each guest contributes food to share.

Pot luck can also be interpreted to mean "luck of the pot" where one takes a chance on whatever is available. We were quite lucky because everyone brought a fun assortment of hor d'oeuvres, main dishes, and desserts. We had delicious cheese platters, fruit, nuts, and wine and then wonderful Bulgarian spinach pastry puffs and salads, Japanese rice and green tea bread, pumpkin bread, and a healthy quinoa dish. We also enjoyed "ants on a log" which is American and is made by putting peanut butter on a stick of celery and topping that with raisin "ants". Dessert was an assortment of chocolates, croissants with fruit and chocolate fillings, strawberries and oranges, and Turkish delight. It was a gathering filled with warm company and conversation. I think we all feel the luck of being in Sofia at the same time and having the IWC to find each other.

Jane Ewing 14

International Food Festival in SoďŹ a at Bulgaria Mall

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International Food Festival in Burgas

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Charity Bazaar 2016 update Dear members,

ipate in the event’s organization and enjoy the Bazaar from another perspective.

I am pleased to inform you that the preparations are underway for the 22nd Annual Charity Bazaar scheduled to take place on Sunday 4th December 2016 at the Inter Expo Center (IEC) Sofia.

All together we look for sponsors. We create the event from the ideas of everybody. We contact stallholders and Embassies and help them to design their stalls. And of course, we do have great fun while dedicating some of our spare time for this noble cause. All together we make it THE MOST INCREDIBLE EVENT EVER!!!!

Every year the Annual Charity Bazaar provides an opportunity for the countries to proudly showcase their handmade crafts, music, souvenirs, folklore, national cuisine, clothing, literature, culture and tradition. At last year's bazaar there were 70 stalls, 50 of which were representing 52 countries, 11 charities and 10 IWC Stalls. 1200 volunteers kindly dedicated their time and efforts to make this happen and more than 8000 people visited the bazaar.

At the moment, we have several open positions at the Bazaar Team. If you want to be a part of the team and share the joy and responsibility that runs this multicultural project, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time, via email: c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com or telephone +359 879 506 799.

Call us for a meeting so you can find out more about the Bazaar Team and how you can contribute to the upcoming IWC Charity Bazaar 2016.

Tell us all your ideas and suggestions about how to organize the event and help making them true.

As a result of it, last year we raised more than 340,000 BGN to be distributed among the Bulgarian charities and foundations that we support.

The Annual Charity Bazaar is an international event, which unites different cultures, habits and people for a very good cause. And what is the most important, is that every one of YOU can be a part of this event!

Experience the rewarding satisfaction of the charity work and make friends forever.

See you soon, Toi Castelló i Reñé IWC Bazaar Coordinator 2015-2017

We are currently looking for active, committed, enthusiastic and responsible people to partic-

Members news The National Art Gallery in Sofia is hosting an exhibition of Indonesian batik and Bali art between May 21 and June 26.

June Birthdays

Avantica Shinde Neilsen, 4th June Jean Olson, 6th June Nomsa Motloung, 11th June Roumiana Evans, 12th June Jati Priyaningsih, 17th June Dessislava Sevlievska, 27th June Irina Dilkova, 30th June

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with the National Gallery in Sofia proudly presented “The Indonesian Batik and Art-Craft Exhibition” on May 21.

The exhibition is part of a series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Bulgaria.

The selected batik textiles shown in this exhibition, most of which date back to the early 19th century together with more re cent samples, are from the personal col lection of H.E. Sri Astari Rasjid, the Am bassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the Republic of Bulgaria, Albania, and Macedonia.

She is one of Indonesia's leading contem porary artists and has exhibited her works throughout the world.

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Ongoing activities (updated) * Enquiries * 1. Would anyone like to be the contact for the Golf and the Tennis club?

Regrettably the persons who use to manage these two groups are no longer able to.

It would be unfortunate to remove these two interesting sports from our ongoing activities.

If anyone would like to continue or have some information regarding a person who manage these two sports, please contact Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova (vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org).

2. Anyone has a successful/regular/ongoing club or group you want to share with us?

Anything that could be beneficial for our members and be can be a great addition for our “Ongoing Activities”! Please contact Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova (vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org).

sen every week. All members and all levels are welcome.

If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk.

Charity Action Group The group meets once a month 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 dates for the next six meetings are as follow: May 17; June 14; July 12; August 9; September 20; October 11.

Time is 1.00pm, we meet at the office in Business Park Sofia for now, after the move there will be a different address. Contact Nara Vasconcelos on 0878 300 561 charity@iwc-sofia.org.

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 Liliana Padilla by e-mail: lilianagpadilla@gmail.com.

Hiking Club

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 non-fiction books from writers of all nationalities.

There is a morning meeting once a month on Friday. For more information contact: Sonya Petrova: andsonya@yahoo.com.

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 please write to Dobroslava Simeonova (dobroslavabg@yahoo.com).

Bridge

Bootcamp/PiYo (Pilates Yoga)

The bridge group is renewing its playing sessions once a week starting from April as the private bridge club ”King of clubs” is not open during morning hours any more. Interested members are invited to play bridge with us. A place of the meeting will be fixed for each session. There is an English-speaking group and a French-speaking group. For more information contact Diana Kolarova: dianakolarova @yahoo.com, 0888 423 150 or Marieta Neykova: neykova-mp@dir.bg, 0889 84 93 54.

We are an English language OUTDOOR exercise group. We meet every Wednesday (bootcamp) and Fri (PiYo) at 10.30 am. Almost always we will meet at the park behind CCS (City Centre Sofia) mall. Meet up place is Costa Coffee at CCS before 10:30. Motivated by our expert instructor Ivan Germanov, we spend up to 1 hour of great workout with plenty encouragement and support to reach our fitness goals while enjoying exercise in a group atmosphere. Any level is welcome! Contact Nadya WuisanBratanova (vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org) for more information.

Patchwork Group

Tuesday Playgroup

The group meets every Monday from 10:00am –12:00pm at Dusica Trkulja’s apartment. The address is Evlogy Georgiev 99, floor 6, apartment 27. Interested ladies are welcome to bring ideas, patterns, and materials. For more information, please contact Dusica Trkulja on her landline: 02 980 0948.

Mums and dads with babies, toddlers and small children, please come along to our weekly playgroup! We meet every Tuesday at 10am, at someone's home or in a park or play centre. It's a great opportunity to meet new people (some of us have lived in Sofia for many years so are great sources of advice and information too), and for the children to make friends. It's totally free and there is no obligation to host, so please do come and join us! For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please email Stephanie.Karaolis@gmail.com.

English Conversation Group 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 cho-

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A note from the event’s coordinator (vice president): Hello dear ladies!

I am very excited to present you with various wonderful activities this month (my first month on the ‘job’!). As the new acting events coordinator/vice president it is my personal goal to present you ladies activities that are exciting, interesting, educational and fulfilling.

As a mother to a young child (as many significant number of members in our club), I know how important it is to still be active and social. This is in essence what the club has given me, and what I would like to give back.

My recipe for a great month (one that I would like to repeat every month if possible) is to always have a day of: International cuisine/monthly lunch, cooking demo, spa, night out/wine evening, fitness/health, trip outside of Sofia and a sprinkle of unique activities that could be beneficial to us all. I hope that many of you will be able to participate and enjoy!

Having said that, if you have ideas, inputs or requests; you can find me at morning coffee or email me and I will try my best to make it happen. Also, please think how you can contribute to the club’s activities this year.

If you have some nice skills or experience, or if you can get us a special deal in something or even if you have some great tips for a great activity or venue or location you’d like to share with us…we really do want you to have the chance to participate and be involved as much as possible.

I am really pleased to be a part of this wonderful club for women. And I hope that we will all have a great and enjoyable year to come.

Cheers!

Nadya Wuisan-Bratanova

June events Dorkovo, where last year a new museum opened. There we are presented with giant skeletons of mammoths and other big mammals, as well as sculptures, fossils, informative illustrations. When it is time to go back to Sofia, we are not going to drive back. We will take the narrow gauge train for a memorable ride along one of the most beautiful train tracks in Bulgaria. This is a train that we do not think will exist next year, so the opportunity is one that is not to miss!

Tuesday, 7 June 10.30: Coffee Morning Commercial Tables: TBA

Saturday, 11 June 08.00: “Mammoths and Trains”, a family trip

by Lyuba tour

Monday, 13 June

Departure / Meeting place: 08.00 am from Radisson Hotel Expected return: around 05.00 pm Price*: 5 to 8 persons: Leva 144 pp 8 to 12 persons: Leva 92 pp 12 to 16 persons: Leva 71 pp *IWC members discount of 10 %, Children under 12 y.o. travel with 50 % discount.

Price includes: private transportation by a minivan, tickets for the narrow gauge train and the museum, Englishspeaking guide.

Price does not include: independent lunch (please bring sandwiches from home for picnic), traditional tip for the guide and driver.

Another opportunity to use a time-machine and go back millions of years ago where many extinct animals wandered the earth. We will drive to the small village of

09.45: Art Tour by arttour.bg (1st group) Meeting point: in front of the Sofia City Gallery, address: Ul. “Gurko” No. 1, the entrance is from “Batenberg” street.

Maximum: 6 people Transport: Mini bus Cost: Free!

Enjoy ART TOUR where you will be taken to three different studios of illustrious Bulgarian artists who will not only open their doors but also their heart to you. Experience a personal and warm atmosphere at the artist’s abode and talk like old friends about art and everything else…

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Program - 10:00 Short glance of the exhibition “White,white,white” - part of the Paper Art Festival - 10:45 First atelier - 11:45 Second atelier - 12:45 Cocktail in the third atelier with traditional Bulgarian snacks and wine, coffee and sweets - 14:00 End of tour and drop-off.

Space is very limited. We would appreciate a confirmative attendance out of respect to the Art Tour coordinators. Thank you.

Sign up at morning coffee! Contact Nadya WuisanBratanova for more info.

prepare this famous French dessert with three different types of creams and the artistic ways of decorating it!

You will be able to take home your creation to show to your family or friends and impress them (don’t forget to bring a box). During the course you can enjoy some Aperitif and bites. To learn more about Tamta & French Gourmandise please visit: http://myfrenchgourmandises.com Contact Nadya to sign up!

Wednesday, 15 June* TBC 09.45: Art Tour by arttour.bg (2nd group) Same as 13 June, just a different group. Meeting point: In front of the Sofia City Gallery, address: Ul. “Gurko” No. 1, the entrance is from “Batenberg” street.

Maximum: 6 people Transport: Mini bus Cost: Free!

Enjoy ART TOUR where you will be taken to three different studios of illustrious Bulgarian artists who will not only open their doors but also their heart to you. Experience a personal and warm atmosphere at the artist’s abode and talk like old friends about art and everything else…

Program - 10:00 Short glance of the exhibition “White,white,white” - part of the Paper Art Festival - 10:45 First atelier - 11:45 Second atelier - 12:45 Cocktail in the third atelier with traditional Bulgarian snacks and wine, coffee and sweets - 14:00 End of tour and drop-off.

Space is very limited. We would appreciate a confirmative attendance out of respect to the Art Tour coordinators. Thank you.

Sign up at morning coffee! Contact Nadya WuisanBratanova for more info.

Monday, 20 June

13.00: Monthly Lunch at Bulgarian Restaurant MOMA It’s that time of the month where the foodie in all of us craves something a little different and unusual…Moma Restaurant is the new modern face of Bulgarian restaurants. Its concept combines a delightful culinary experience with authentic recipes which remind us of times past in a modern interior blending the beauty and purity of the Bulgarian maidens of yore, represented by the designer through various visual symbols, photos, fabrics and decors.

Location: Moma, 28 Solunska Street, Sofia Deposit: 5 leva Sign up at morning coffee or contact Nadya WuisanBratanova (vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org).

Tuesday, 21 June

10.00: International Day of Yoga/Baby Mama Yoga in the Park!

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Let’s celebrate this day and join us for a fun morning of Yoga at CCS Park. We have collaborated with special instructors from Yantra Yoga, who specializes in Yoga for ladies, mothers & baby/young kids. Kids are most welcome to join! Don’t forget to take your own mats (although some small amount will be provided).

Friday, 17 June 10.30: French desserts cooking class with My French Gourmandises Location: My French Gourmandises, Ul. Banat No. 5 Sofia Price: 50 Leva Deposit: 20 Leva Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours Min 6; Max 10 people!

Lovers of pastry, Legendary French éclairs await you.

Artist and cook Tamta Khalvashi will teach us how to

You can learn more about Yantra Yoga on http://www.natalyoga.net/ 21

Price/Deposit: 7 bgn/adult 4 bgn/child (*under age of 5 is free) Max: No Maximum.

Thursday, 30 June

10.30: Visit to Tina’s & Kevin’s Cottage Farm

Friday, 24 June

Time: 10.30 (meet-up point IKEA) Max: 15 people!

Price: 25 bgn/adult (special price for IWC!) 10 bgn/child (*under age of 4 is free)

20.00: Evening Out: Karaoke at Club Versus Enjoy an evening out with IWC ladies, and this time is Karaoke time!!!

Always wanted to sing karaoke and have a lot of fun?

Always wanted to get up the courage to sing your favorite songs in front of people? Do you love singing? If you do, come and join us for this fantastic night out!

Bring your husband or your friends; pick some songs that you like and sing your heart out!

Deposit: 10 lv (Must be paid at morning coffee) Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.11:00 (get together in Sofia) Means of travel: Car pooling (own/share transport) Come and spend a day at the farm, kids are more welcome to join. Enjoy a scenic lunch at the farm with the farm’s own produce. See what farm living and natural living is all about. Kids could meet and feed the animals – they currently have beautiful baby goats, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens and the resident dogs and cats!

Learn how Cottage Farm, fresh cream goats' cheese and delicious jams and preserves are made.

COTTAGE FARM ALINO is our self-sustaining smallholding in Alino in beautiful rural Bulgaria, overlooking the Rila Mountains. They grow their own vegetables, fruit and livestock and follow an organic principles (use no artificial fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides). To learn more about the farm, visit: http://www.cottagefarm.bg/.

Contact Nadya for more information by e-mail vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org.

June calendar 10.30: Coffee Morning

08.00: Mammoths and Trains

09.45: Art Tour

13.00: Monthly Lunch

10.30: French desserts cooking class

09.45: Art Tour

10.00: International Day of Yoga

20.00: Karaoke

10.30: Alino Cottage Farm Visit

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