May 2018

May 2018

Newsletter of the International Women’s Club-Sofia

Russian matryoshkas, African queens and Arabian princesses at the American Residence

Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture

Approved Charity Projects 2018 A

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president’s letter

IWC Executive board 2017-2018

President Albena Jones, UK gsm: 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org Vice-President Maya Metodieva, BG vicepresident@iwc-sofia.org Treasurer Dessislava Ivanova, BG treasurer@iwc-sofia.org Bazaar Coordinator Bazaar Team Nicole Simmons Diana Michaels-Christopher USA gsm: 0879 506 799 c.iwcbazaar@gmail.com Charity Chairperson Maya Gocheva-Ash UK/BG charity@iwc-sofia.org Address 67A Postoyanstvo st., 1111 Sofia tel: 02 951 6117 www.iwc-sofia.org Office Manager & Membership Coordinator Zarina Benoun-Takova gsm: 0895 571 813 office@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 (please call before visiting)

Project and Office Support Associate Milena Varzonovtseva admin@iwc-sofia.org www.iwc-sofia.org https://www.facebook. com/IWC2017

Dear members, Welcome to the blossoming month of May, the most transformational and vibrant month of the year.

The IWC is blossoming and transforming as well. Events as the 2018 charity funding allocation to the projects supported by the IWC, the recent Executive board elections, the innovative formation of a Bazaar team headed by two able co-ordinators and the brilliant IWC networking event at the US residence have given our club a pleasant disposition. We should be thrilled by the wonderful comments of appreciation by Bulgarian NGO’s, the positive feedback by non-members and the diplomatic circles. The desirability for IWC membership is phenomenal after the International fashion show networking evening hosted by our own Nicole Simmons, our gratitude goes to her and her husband His Excellency Eric S. Rubin the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria for being such wonderful hosts. I also thank you all for being there, especially for the colourful international costumes display. I am pleased by the renewed members interest in our club life, the participation, the willingness to host and put forward ideas. This is the way forward in all our IWC activities - new alongside existing members, we can all contribute through our individuality, our uniqueness and professional or life experience to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion towards each other and the underprivileged groups that we support.

All I can say is “Thank you ladies for all that you are, for all that you do and are about to do for the IWC”.

Let’s have a fabulous May. “May all your wishes be fulfilled in May. May the sun bring you new energy by day.

May the moon softly rest you by night.

May the rain wash away your worries.

May the wind blow renewed strength into you.

May your path be bright all the the way through.”

Best wishes,

Albena Jones IWC President 2018-2019

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

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.

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.

*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.

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 admin@iwc-sofia.org.

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.

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

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.

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

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.).

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 newsletter@iwc-sofia.org not later than the 15th of the preceding month.

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

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.

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24th of May – Bulgaria celebrates the day of bulgarian enlightenment and culture, and the slavonic alphabet

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n this day Bulgaria celebrates a special and very bright holiday, one of the most highly respected and inspiring ones, the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the Day of Bulgarian enlightenment and culture, and the Slavonic alphabet. It is celebrated with church services, parades of educators from all levels, school students, and speeches by state and government leaders. In the capital Sofia and across the country - in cities and towns, pupils from various schools parade with the icons of the brother-saints Cyril and Methodius, Bulgarian and European Union flags, and banners bearing the names and crests of their schools.

Cyril and Methodius were 9th century church figures who undertook Christianizing missions and are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, forerunner to the Cyrillic alphabet. May 24th was the day on which deserved recognition was given to the dedication and apostolic work of Bulgarians as teachers and leaders. This day is celebrated

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No other holiday has such a long history and tradition in Bulgaria

in Bulgaria since the 19th century – no other holiday has such a long history and tradition in Bulgaria. It is connected to the enlightenment movement of that time and throughout its history has always been the brightest of all Bulgarian holidays. 24th of May is a day that has no analogue among the other nations - the Day of literature, enlightenment, culture.

It’s a holiday of spiritual rising and striving for scientific and cultural achievements.

The letters created by Cyril and Methodius, their translations of the liturgical books, their fight to protect the rights of all nations to honor God in their own languages have a historical significance to Bulgarian national development and prosperity. Their life work is human, democratic, and Slavonic. It becomes part of the general human idea for equality at the spiritual field.

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Bulgarian traditional dates in May Celebrating the Bulgarian Army Day and Day of Valour – 6th of May The 6th of May is celebrated in Bulgaria as the day of Bulgarian army and valor.

This date was officially pronounced as the Day of the Bulgarian Army in 1880, but it was banned during the communist period. After 1989 and the fall of the communist regime the Seventh Grand National Assembly appointed as army celebration day the 23rd of August - the day of the decisive battle at Shipka Pass from 1877, when the Ottomans failed to take the summit after heroic defense from the Bulgarians and Russians. In 1991 and 1992 the Bulgarian troops celebrated this memorable day as their holiday. In 1993, with a decree of the Council of Ministers of January 27th, the date 6th of May was reinstated as a day of valor and celebration of the Bulgarian Army.

In its contemporary celebration the Army day starts at 9am in front of the monument of the Unknown Soldier in Sofia, where the Patriarch or another representative of the high clergy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church leads the service. Wreaths and flowers are laid in memory of the fallen warriors.

The military parade begins at 10am on Knyaz Alexander I Square.

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In recent years the parades are opened by a helicopter “Mi-17” overflying the square and carrying the Bulgarian national flag. This is an Air Force helicopter that is involved in emergency and rescue operations and is used to help with floods, as well as for extinguishing forest fires.

The parade is traditionally accepted by the highest

ranking officer in the garrison or division, and in the capital - by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief - the President of the Republic.

The parade marches through some of the very central places in Sofia, like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Parliament and the Military Club.

An interesting fact - since 2012, the word “gentlemen” was removed from the official addresses at the parade: instead, the commander turns to the army ranks only briefly with: “officers, guards, sergeants, etc.” This is due to the growing number of women in the army and their participation in military parades and serves as recognition of their active army activity and bold behavior in the execution of military tasks.

During the parade the National anthem is performed and artillery salutes are produced.

On the date of the holiday a number of museums accept visitors for free. Open Doors Days are announced by the National Museum of History and the National Military History Museum in Sofia, the Museum of Aviation near Plovdiv and many others. There are also various public events related to the celebration - military and military-historical photo exhibitions, specialized excavations of historical artifacts, distribution of a troop portion of food prepared from military-field cuisine in real field conditions.

The official celebration ends at 12pm with the changing of the Guard in front of the Presidency.

The word “gentlemen” was removed from the official addresses at the parade: instead, the commander turns to the army ranks only briefly with: “officers, guards, sergeants, etc.”

By David Holt [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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6th of May and Gergyovden On May 6th, we celebrate St. George’s Day one of the biggest celebrations in the folk calendar in honor of St. George the Victorious and day of the Bulgarian Army. And as it is sung in a Bulgarian folk song: “Good day Easter, even better - Gergyovden...” Gergyovden is one of the most loved spring holidays, as it marks the beginning of the spring. This is when all the nature awakes and the forests and meadows turn green, the air fills with the aroma of flowers, grasses and herbs.

That’s why the celebration is also called “Colorful George”.

Saint George the Victorious is worshiped by both Christians and Muslims. Growing up in a rich Christian family, he became a zealous supporter and defender of the Christian faith, for which he was tortured and beheaded in 288AD by Emperor Maximilian. Saint George embodies the ideal warrior, patron of the army.

According to the old Bulgarian tradition, on this day a lamb is cooked in every home and the whole family gathers around the festive table. It is imperative to have the ritual bread, but it is nice to have more lamb sarma, dairy products, green onions, fresh garlic, boiled wheat, banitsa and wine. Additionally, dairy products should not be borrowed.

On St. George’s Day celebrate: Georgi, Gergana, Galia, Ginka, Ganka and Gancho.

May 1 – international labor day and international workers’ solidarity On May 1st the world celebrates Labor Day and international workers' solidarity. On this date, many countries in the world celebrate the social and economic achievements of the workers' movement. The day is one of the official holidays in Bulgaria. The first attempt to celebrate May 1st in Bulgaria was in 1890 by the Topographic Society. In 1939 May 1st was declared a public holiday, and since 1945 the Communist authorities began to celebrate the holiday each year.

After the end of the communist regime in 1989, May 1st continued to be an official and non-working day, but the state authorities did not commit themselves to organizing mass events.

The story of the holiday is associated with the 19th-century international socialist movement and workers' protests to respect elementary social rights. It was launched on 1 May 1886 in the United States when the unions held an informal national strike involving over 300,000 workers from across the country asking for an official 8-hour business/working day.

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What is Europe Day and why is it celebrated?

Europe Day is held on 9 May each year and celebrates peace and unity in Europe. It marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which was presented by the French foreign minister Robert Schuman on this date in 1950. At this time, European nations were struggling to cope with the devastation World War II had caused, and they were determined to stop another such war from happening – particularly a war between the historical rivals France and Germany. At a speech in Paris, Schuman presented his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would eliminate the possibility of war between the European nations. He proposed that a European Coal and Steel Community should be created, including the member-states with coal and steel production. The thought behind this was that merging economic interests would help to raise standards of living and create a more united Europe.

Just under a year later, the treaty which created this community was signed, and the founding members were France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. This was the first of a series of institutions that would become the European Union.

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Approved Charity Projects 2018 #

Name

Amount

Project Name

1

5 km run

4600.00

5km Run

2

Agapedia Bulgaria Foundation

9060.00

„A walk to remeber – 2018“

3

International Council for Cultural Centers

2835.00

Baking Bread for Health and Social Development (Baking Bread for HESED)

4

Bulgarian Helsinski Committee

5000.00

Mapping the murders of women in Bulgaria 2012-2017

5

Association Caritas Sofia

8850.00

Integrated social services for people with disabilities in "Annunciation" Centre

6

Association Caritas Sofia

14000.00

Home Care

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The Cedar Foundation

9200.00

Live it to learn it

8

Association of “Children with oncohematologic diseases”

14000.00

Summer camp for chuldren with Cancer

9

CVS

5000.00

Women's civil particiaption through freedom of choice

10

Down Syndrome Parent Association

8800.00

Down Syndrome Summer Family Camp

11

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Bulgaria

18000.00

Teachers are the great Leaders

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FICE BG

4229.00

"Equal Opportunity for the Children of Vratsa"

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For Our Children Foundation

5000.00

Better life for a child in need

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Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion

15200.00

Early Years Educational Interventions among vulnerable kids

15

Ideas Factory

3000.00

Baba Residence Restart

16

Karin dom Foundation

17604.00

Communication and innovative education of Children with special needs

17

Light for Life Foundation

17457.60

Active life for physically disabled people and their families through cultural, sport and art events

18

NAVA Foundation

3849.00

Model S.O.V.A

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New Step

4995.00

Early Childhood neurodevelopmental intervention for special needs children

20

Partners Bulgaria Foundation

17730.00

Teaching Children Conflict Resolution Skills at School

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PINK Foundation

12000.00

Materials and equipment for training, clubs of interest and educational events in Tran, Peshtera and Pernik

22

Tabitha Bulgaria Foundation

5720.00

Soup Kitchen

23

Teach for Bulgaria Foundation

8000.00

A dedicated teacher for every child

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Worldwide Foundation for Vulnerable Children

4989.82

Growing by Playing

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April highlights april coffee morning

constitution day of the republic of poland The occasion of the National Holiday - Constitution Day of the Republic of Poland was cellebted on the 25th of April with a reception at the Polish Embassy in Sofia. Hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland and his wife and IWC member Mrs. Aldona Krajewska.

We were glad to cellebrate with them, as the IWC and the Polish Embassy in Sofia have a strong, long lasting friendship and co-operation.

Albena Jones

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japanese tea ceremony

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Russian matryoshkas, African queens and Arabian princesses at the american residence

A fabulous IWC networking international attire fashion event was held on the 19th of April at the US residence.

the chance to showcase their colourful international costumes under the musical rhythms of the nationality they were representing.

Our hosts his Excellency the U.S Ambassador to Bulgaria His Excellency Eric S. Rubin and his wife and IWC member Nicole Simmons had organised a truly international evening with a varriety of food, wine and a catwalk in the middle of their garden.

Besides socialising, guests and IWC members had

The event's aim to create more awareness of the IWC, it's meaningful work and contribution to the Bulgarian society was achieved.

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Big gratitude to our hosts and members.

Albena Jones

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Russian matryoshkas, African queens and Arabian princesses at the american residence

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turkish cooking demo

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Sofia Survival Tips for Newcomers Econt

Submitted by: Anya

Ciecierski

If you are looking at items for sale on Facebook or OLX you will often see the term “Will Econt”.

Econt is a fantastic service in Bulgaria that allows items to be shipped easily and quickly at a minimal cost. When you want to purchase something and have it sent via Econt below are the steps.

As an example, I recently bought an essential oil diffuser and a selection of fun essential oils from Back2Nature (on Facebook). It was sent by Terri Joanne Tatton (a British expat living in Varna), it arrived in Sofia the next day and shipping cost was less than 5lv.

I have been told that the process to send an item is just as simple. Econt is quick and easy and a great option available to us in Bulgaria.

1) Go to www.econt.com to find the Econt office closest to your home.

2) Give the seller your name, phone number and address of your local Econt office.

3) They will ship the item from their local Econt office and when it arrives you will receive a text message letting you know it is ready for pick up.

4) Go to the Econt office, show your text message and pick up your item.

5) Many sellers give you the option to inspect the item before payment. If you decide not to accept it you only pay the shipping cost.

6) When you are satisfied with the item you pay the agreed upon amount directly to Econt. The seller is notified and picks up their money from Econt so you don’t need to bother with making payments online.

Top 5 Finds to Try

Tasting Menus

1 Inspired by the French concept of degustation, tasting menus are all the rage at fancy restaurants around the world. I think it’s a fun way to try something new, and enjoy an evening without decisions. Here are a few great options in Sofia where you will be dazzled with tiny bites complete with dry ice, edible gold leaf and other embellishments meant to impress.

1. Restaurant Ahora: bul Nikola Vaptsarov 25A (Lozenets), 7 course tasting menu: 70lv 2. Restaurant Secret: bul Tzar Osvoboditel 12 (Center), 17

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course tasting menu: 89,90lv, 10 course vegan tasting menu: 77,90lv 3. Cosmos: ul Lavele 19 (Center), 6 course tasting menu: 64,90lv (104,90lv with alcohol pairing) , 6 course vegetarian tasting menu: 49,90lv (89,90 with alcohol pairing) 4. Talents: (Culinary School): ul Dr Petar Beron 9 (Center), 4 course set meals: 35lv (check the event calendar on website for specific menus) 5. Este: ul Nikolay Haytov 3A (Iztok), 10 course tasting menu: 220lv (350lv with wine pairing) (Note: I’ve never tried this one but would love to hear from someone who has!)

Weekday Lunch Set Menus These restaurants offer a gourmet prixfixe lunch Monday through Friday at amazing prices. The menu is published on their Facebook page each morning. Treat yourself to a fancy lunch this week!

Andre: ul Han Krum 31 3 course lunch: 13,90lv Talents: ul Dr Petar Beron 9 4 course lunch: 10lv Ahora: bul Nikola Vaptsarov 25A 2 course lunch: 8,90lv Happy Pig: Tzarigradsko Shose 17 3 course lunch: 14lv (plus cocktails 30% off until 16:00!)

Don’t miss Sofia Restaurant Week 2018 – May 5-13 29 participating restaurants offer a 3 course set menu for the fixed price of 29 leva. Visit http://restaurantweek.bg.

Do you have a Top 5 list to share? Email office@iwc-sofia.org

A New Experience

Have a Taste

As long as we are talking about tasting, there are other fun things to taste in Sofia!

Whiskey/Scotch Tasting at Robert James Whiskey: corner of bul Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev and ul Prof Fridtjof Nansen (by NDK).

Over 1000 types of whiskey in the store, the largest selection in Eastern Europe.

Some free tastings in the store or 5 to 15lv per dram (taste) in the upstairs tasting room.

Wine Tasting at EnjoyWine: ul Tsar Shishman 19 Store that specializes exclusively in Bulgarian wines especially from small boutique family cellars.

Approximately 100 wines in stock.

Tasting of 5 white wines: 22lv Tasting of 5 red wines: 25lv

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The Story of Water Drawings

Some IWC members had the pleasure of winning some of this creative pictures during our last raffle.

Here is a short story about the creation of this art work.

Drawing on water abbr /ebru/ and sinuinagi / suminagashi/ The art of painting on water is a mysterious art which history and technique hide many secrets.

It has emerged as a way to predict the future. In Asia in different temples seeing was done by spraying paint on the water. In China the first paintings on water date back to 986 BC. In Japan there is data from 825-880 BC. This art is known there as Suminagashi which in Bulgarian means “floating ink�. The scholars agree that the technique of ebru / ebru / comes from Bukhara in Turkestan from where it spread along the Silk Road to Persia, India and Anatolia. In translation from Persian, the word ebru means water surface. When it entered Europe, it was called Turkish paper.

Applications of the arts EBRU and SUMINAGASH Both techniques have been used not only for the fine art works of art exhibited in homes and galleries around the world, but also in calligraphy, caption frames, and finely bound book covers.

In the present day, these techniques can be used on luxury notebooks or albums, to frame and make personal gifts of your dearest ones.

Antoanta Bebenova/ IWC sponsor

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May birthdays Martina Cecchini, 2nd May Madeleine Corcoran, 4th May Nadya Wuisan Bratanova, 4th May Albena Jones, 6th May

Assia Blomsma, 7th May Maya Ash, 11th May Hedich Shafaee, 18th May Marina Trajanov, 23rd May

regular activities Patchwork Group

This group consists of seven members and we are meeting every Monday in the PLUS TOVA café, situated in Marin Drinov 38 st., from 10 am to 12 pm. Teacher of the group is Dusica Trkulja who is showing the making of patchwork. The members of the group have made a patchwork pillow which they would like to show to IWC members during the morning coffee in November. The group will continue again in January 2018 with its classes as in the following few months we will focus on the charity Christmas Bazaar preparations!

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.

Bridge

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 info contact Diana: dianakolarova@ yahoo.com, 0888 423 150 or Marieta: neykova-mp@dir. bg, 0889 849 354.

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 chosen every week. All members and all levels are welcome. Please enquire at CM to see who is leading this group, as there were changes.

Spanish Conversation Group

Everybody who wants to practice and improve her Spanish is welcome to our 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 Reñé by e-mail: iotcas@gmail.com

Bulgarian Conversation Group

Five Native Bulgarian speakers joined to form a conversation group by special request – just for you to grow and increase and to practice your B U L G A R I A N! We meet weekly at 10.30 every Tuesday. Please contact Jane Ewing for location – the teachers/ tutors are all wonderful Bulgarian friends from IWC who you respect and know.

Don't be afraid! Come join us! Zapovyaday!! Contact Jane by e mail: janeaewing@gmail.com.

Russian Conversation Group

To the attention of anyone who wish to improve conversational Russian language regardless of the level of her knowledge and practice: the new Russian Conversation group starts from February planning to meet twice a month. Everybody who is interested is welcome. Please contact Marieta Neykova who is a native Russian speaker by e-mail: neykova-mp@dir.bg or tel. 0889 84 93 54.

Hiking Club

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 Bistra Karakoleva (biskarakoleva@ gmail.com).

Tennis

A group of members are starting to regularly play tennis together. We are of mixed ability and if you wish to join us or get on the regular emailing list then please contact Teodora Petrova on 0888 495066 or her email: teodora_p@yahoo.com.

Tuesday Playgroup

Mums and dads with babies, toddlers and small children, please come along to our weekly playgroup! We meet every Wednesday 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.

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may events 08.05.2018 10.30am May Coffee Morning ARENA DI SERDICA HOTEL, 2 Budapeshta str.

12.05.2018 10.00am to 8.00pm Asian Festival Borisova gradina

(Simeonovsko Shosse) 1700 Sofia.

Come and join the Indonesian Cooking Demonstration with Chef Tri Prasetyono.

Cost: 25 BGN per person, limit 20 people. Deposit 10 leva, please sign up at the Coffee Morning. Contact: Vivi on 0877 882 729 or email: vivipatricia2006@gmail.com.

Enjoy learning how to cook the authentic Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng), Chicken Satay and sweet dessert.

15.05.2018 12.30pm Monthly Lunch

29.05.2018 9.00 pm Monthly Karaoke Night

Due to popular demand lunch will be at BODEGA RANCHERO, 6 Nikola Vaptsarov blvd. http://bodega.bg/bg/61573, fee 10.00 BGN per person, drinks extra cost.

Versus Karaoke bar, 50 Tsar Samuil street.

21.05.2018 12.00 pm Indonesian Cooking Demonstration Indonesian Embassy in Sofia, Ulitsa Yosef Valdhard no. 5

May calendar

10.00: Asian Festival

10.30: MCM

12.30: Monthly lunch

12.00: Indonesian cooking demo 21.00: Karaoke night

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