September 2015
Newsletter
of the International Women’s Club in Sofia
Celebrate Oktoberfest
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL BULGARIANS!
The IWC Constitution needs you!
Next Monthly Coffee Morning: Tuesday, 6th October, 10.30am at Matti-d
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
Dear Ladies, Summer is nearly over and as we all start returning to Sofia I hope you have all bought back happy memories of time spent with family and friends. Many of us, still in Sofia in August, enjoyed a very relaxed coffee morning on the terrace of Barbarossa Restaurant, as well as events such as the cheese tasting curtesy of Mlekarnitsata Dobrev in Journalist Square and our very own Toi Castello and Liliana Padilla delighted us with homemade Spanish and Argentinian dishes.
As always summer is the time we say goodbye to members who are departing Bulgaria and the IWC, but we were particularly sad to say a sudden farewell to our board member and treasurer, Sibeal Reynolds, who, due to family commitments, left Bulgaria this summer to return to Ireland. Although Sibeal is supporting us as much as possible from a distance we do need to find a new treasurer and board member and I ask if anyone is interested in taking on this role to contact me as soon as possible. I wish Sibeal all the best and I know you will all share in a massive thank you to her for her hard work and commitment to the club over the years. September brings the start of a new year at the club, where we will be re joining activity groups, participating in the upcoming events and of course immersing ourselves in the bazaar preparations. With this in mind please do not forget to renew your membership subscription! This can be made online with payment through the bank account, through the office or at the September coffee morning. All the details can be found on the website or here in the newsletter. As well as the monthly events there will also be sign up sheets for all the current regular activity groups. These groups do vary from year to year as people are coming and going, particularly through the summer. So if you do not find an activity that you are interested in or if you would like to organise an activity for the ladies yourself, please make this known at the events table! Please also take the time to look at the guest pricing structure for events. These details will be on the events page in the September issue and under general information in the following newsletters..We are always working hard to acquire special prices, discounts and offers for you, the members and while we welcome guests to attend some events, we do not feel they should have this full advantage until they have joined the club as a member. September also means that work starts in earnest on this year’s annual Charity Bazaar with the first stallholder meeting to be held at the Polish embassy on the 16th September. If you are interested in running a stall on behalf of the IWC or you or someone you know would like to organise a country stall, or offer your time or services, please give your detail to Toi Castello, our Bazaar Coordinator and she will send you all the relevant details. Toi is particularly looking forward to hearing from anyone who would like to coordinate the volunteers that are needed prior to and on the Bazaar day itself. With so much going on, I look forward to seeing you all in the coming months, not only to hear all your lovely holiday stories, but to listen to your idea’s and thoughts so that together we can move our club forward to suit the needs of its members. Best wishes,
Angela Bird
Permanent and Waterproof PRINT on LIVE ROSES
Cover image: A waitress with Hacker-Pschorr, one of the traditional beers allowed to be served at Oktoberfest. She wears a dirndl, a traditional women's dress of Bavaria. Image courtesy of wikipedia.org.
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IWC Executive Board 2015-2016 President Angela Bird 0879 119 152 president@iwc-sofia.org
Charity Chairperson Maria Ilieva 0878 300 561/ 0879 119 154 charity@iwc-sofia.org
Vice-President Becky Ruth Faber 0879 119 150 firstvp@iwc-sofia.org
Bazaar Coordinator Toi Castelló i Reñé 0879 506 799 charitybazaar@iwc-sofia.org
Treasurer Vacant 0879 506 800
International Women’s Club Business Park Sofia, Building 11A, 3rd floor
Office Manager/Newsletter Editor: office@iwc-sofia.org admin@iwc-sofia.org tel.: 02 951 6117 (please call before visiting)
“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 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.
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.
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.
September important dates
11th September, Remembrance Day, USA On the anniversary of 911, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting upon this event, and praying for the victims who died, and their families and friends.
engulfing firestorm, ultimately brought down both towers. A number of other buildings were also damaged or destroyed. Most notably was the Marriott hotel, which was also destroyed. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen Islamic al-Qaeda militants hijacked four planes. The hijackings occurred from Boston, Newark and Washington airports. The planes selected were long distance flights, which would have more fuel in the tanks.
The fourth hijacked plane ultimately crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA. Passengers on the plane learned of the fate of the other planes, and unsuccessfully attempted to take back control of the plane from the suicidal the hijackers. Everyone aboard died.
One plane each hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York city. The planes and
In total, 2977 people were killed of which 2606 were people who died in the towers.
16th September, Mexican Independence Day Mexican Independence Day celebrates Mexico's Independence from Spain. Like the U.S. Independence Day, this day is celebrated in Mexico with parades, fiestas, fireworks, and picnics. In 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo of Dolores, Mexico was planning a revolt to free the country from Spanish rule. On September 15, 1810 at 11:00 pm, Father Hidalgo rang his church bell to call his parishioners, and rally them to fight off Spanish rule. He then made a speech to his congregation, and the fight for freedom began. Today, Mexican people mark this very special holiday, by repeating the ringing of the bells at 11:00 pm on the 15th. It is followed by a day of celebrations on the 16th. http://www.bci-moscow.ru, http://www.oktoberfest.de, www.history.com
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19th September – 4th October, Oktoberfest Day, Germany Oktoberfest is a two week festival, held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. While it is a giant world festival in Germany, Oktoberfest celebrations are held around the world during this time. So, if you can't get to the fair in Germany, you can participate in a local event. It's time to eat, drink, and be merry! Each year, the Oktoberfest is opened, as the mayor of Munich taps a keg of beer. There is even a special brew made, aptly called Oktoberfest beer. The very first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810. It was held to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (King Ludwig 1) to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The wedding took place on October 12th, and a great horse race (in celebration of the marriage) was held a few days later on October 17th. The marriage was celebrated annually, and came to be known as Oktoberfest. Early Oktoberfest celebrations were held in October. The festival was eventually moved to September, as the weather was better earlier in the Fall.
22nd September, Independence day of Bulgaria "... Always peaceful, my people today are longing for their cultural and economic progress; in this direction nothing should impede Bulgaria; nothing should be an obstacle to her prosperity. This is the desire of my people, this is their will - let it be what my people want. The Bulgarian people and the State Governor cannot but think and wish for unity in their common cause and purpose. Independent in practice, my state is stumbling along the way towards peace and prosperity, should we succeed in eliminating this burden we shall also achieve a better climate in future relations between Bulgaria and Turkey. I and my people are sincerely happy with the political revival of Turkey. Turkey and Bulgaria - free and completely independent from one another - will have all necessary conditions to create and strengthen their friendly relations and to devote themselves to a peaceful inner advancement. On this day - 6 September 1885, excited by this holy deed and in order to respond to the stately needs and the desire of the people, with the blessing of the Almighty I declare the unified Bulgaria an independent Bulgarian Kingdom and together with my people I sincerely believe that this act will meet with the approval of the Great Powers and the compassion of the entire enlightened world. Long live to a free and independent Bulgaria! Long live the Bulgarian people!" Proclamation to the Bulgarian People 6
Charity update Dear ladies, Neither the holiday mood, nor high temperatures stopped our charity team from committing to various charitable initiatives. In recent months, the news of our activities reached many people even those outside the club who decided to donate, so we had to stop taking new donations for few weeks, because our storage was full. At the same time we’ve distributed in kind donations to several locations with people in need, mostly to people with disabilities. Here is the place to express my sincere thanks to a very special person, Sibeal Reynolds, treasurer of the club, a friend with a big heart and great supporter of the charity team and its work. Days before his departure to Ireland, at a very hectic moment, Sibeal invited the charity team and made a large in kind donation – two full vans! Thank you Sibeal! Looking forward to seeing you soon Best regards,
Maria Ilieva, Charity Chairperson
Charity visits for September 17-19 September: Charity visit to Karin Dom, Varna
The choice of vehicle depends on the number of people wishing to participate. If you like to join the trip, please contact Maria not later than September 10th on 0879 119 154. Please be aware that the Charity won’t be able to cover accommodation, food and personal expenses. Please find more information about Karin Dom on the following page.
25 September:
Charity Committee meeting
This will be the first from several consecutive meetings related to: What steps to take in direction to modernise the constitution so that it is in sync with the processes that occur in the external and internal local environment? Should we increase our scope of activities or keep the current level although we almost doubled the projects we work on over the past year? What should we do so that we are relevant and responsive to the processes that are happening in our society, etc.? Maria would like to encourage all IWC members who are interested in charity work to join her, in order to have an all-together productive meeting. Please confirm your presence before September 20th on charity@iwc-sofia.org or admin@iwc-sofia.org. Let’s make the positive changes together! 7
Charity Update A big thank you from Smile Bulgaria Foundation
Vasko learning his numbers in our fully furnished living room
Dear Leaders and Members of the International Womens’ Club of Sofia, We cannot thank you enough for your generous provision of furniture and appliances for our Family-Based Home for Children Without Parental Care! We had hoped to get enough second-hand furniture and appliances to fill the house, and to allow us to function, but your thoughtfulness and generosity allowed us to go far beyond this. Kamelia enjoying her new bedroom, which was completely furnished by the IWC!
We were able to welcome the first children into our home with their own brand-new beds and furniture, including night stands that are completely their own - they have a safe place to put their personal belongings which no one else is allowed to touch - something that is of high value as these children move into a new, unfamiliar environment.
The new appliances allow everything to function smoothly, which is an enormous help to us! (We had no idea how much this washing machine would get used!!!) Thank you so very much for making all of this possible. We are deeply touched not just by your generosity, but by the forethought behind your giving, and by the wonderful encouragement your partnership is to us in this endeavor. We now have four active, fun-loving children in the home who are making full-use of all your kind support. THANK YOU for helping make this house truly a home for them!
Тhe children and their new play-set in the big back yard
Paris, Claude Monet, 1878, Art, Rue Montorgueil,
The four precious children in the home - two sets of brother and sister With heartfelt thanks,
Spas and Christina Stoimenovi and Team The Smile Bulgaria Foundation
Our kitchen with appliances from the IWC
The home from the outside 8
Charity projects 2015 Charity visit and BBQ at Roman social home Sincere thanks to our member Albena Matova, who is the Chair of Tabitha Bulgaria Foundation for organising a wonderful charity trip and BBQ at the Roman Orphanage.
ers are to support the spiritual and intellectual development of children, brought up in social institutions, to acquaint them with the universally accepted moral Christian values, and with the traditions of Bulgarian society and culture; to organise vocational training courses and to give better educational and job opportunities to less fortunate children; to assist to the educational opportunities for young and talented Bulgarians.
IWC has a long standing commitment to Tabitha to support vocational training for adolescents in remote villages of Bulgaria in helping them to become independent and self-sufficient members of society. The aims of the foundation amongst oth-
Canis therapy at St Troitsa park
Karim Dom Foundation Karin Dom Foundation is committed to seeing a better quality of life and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. Their aim is to support the social inclusion of children with special needs and their families through professional services, advocacy, and raising public awareness.
Karin Dom works with children from 0 months to 18 years old with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental disorders, sensory problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and children with multiple disabilities. The IWC has been supporting since 2006 their multidisciplinary team of professional physiotherapists, speech therapists, special education teachers, psychologists, social workers, pediatricians and others.
Around 150 children per year (up to 30 children a day) have consultations, physiotherapy, special classes, art and music sessions, swimming, and integrated activities with other children both at Karin Dom and in the community. 9
Charity Bazaar 2015 update Dear members,
21st year, the annual charity bazaar is a long standing favourite with the people of Sofia.
I am pleased to inform you that preparations are underway for the 21st Annual Charity Bazaar, scheduled to take place on Sunday 6th December2015 at the Inter Expo Center (IEC) Sofia (147 Tsarigradsko Chausse Blvd).
As Bazaar Coordinator, I am happy to introduce you the 2015 Bazaar Team, nine committed ladies, who work hard together to make things happen. We all have one common goal, we all volunteer to raise money for charity and have fun at the same time. That’s what makes our job so exciting.
Every year the Annual Charity Bazaar provides an opportunity for countries to proudly showcase their handmade crafts, music, souvenirs, folklore, national cuisine, clothing, literature, culture and tradition. At last year's bazaar there were 66 stalls, 44 of which were representing 49 countries, 11 charities and 18 IWC Stalls. 1500 volunteers worked to make this happen and more than 7000 people visited the bazaar.
This year, we have the pleasure to welcome in our team an Honorary Member, Mrs. Aldona Krajewska, wife of the H.E. Mr. Krzysztof Krajewski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland, who kindly agreed to volunteer in the organisation of the Charity Bazaar.
The IWC is extremely proud that now in its
Bazaar team contacts Toi Castelló i Reñé Bazaar Coordinator iotcas@gmail.com +359 879 506 799
Albena Jones Assistant Bazaar Coordinator albenajones@yahoo.co.uk +359 879 119 151
Nara Vasconcelos Advance Ticket Sales narabulgaria@yahoo.com +359 888 010 860
Aldona Krajewska Honorary Member of Bazaar Team 2015 aldonakrajewska@wp.pl +359 888 903 496
Elisaveta Petrusheva PR and Media e.petrusheva@mysextet.com +359 898 707 777
Elitsa Lingorski Donors Contracts and Logos office@iwc-sofia.org +359 2 951 6117
Sandra Topalska Donors Coordinator sandra.topalska@gmail.com + 359 885 039 071
Bogdana Angelova Entertainment Coordinator iwcbazaar.entertainment@ gmail.com +359 889 623 566
Violeta Sabcheva Entertainment Assistant iwcbazaar.entertainment @gmail.com +359 878 225 465
This Vacant could be Volunteers’ Coordinator you!
Volunteers’ Coordinator We would like to encourage you to take on the vacant team member position - Volunteer Coordinator. She will coordinate the volunteers work during the full 3 days required – the 2 set up days prior to the bazaar (Friday and Saturday) and the actual day of the bazaar - Sunday. Ideally someone who speaks English and Bulgarian which will aid communication and she is not volunteering on any other stall at the same time.
If you are interested in the position and want to become an active part of this great, multicultural project, please don´t hesitate to contact me at any time. My email is iotcas@gmail.com and my telephone number +359 879 506 799. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Toi Castelló i Reñé, Bazaar Coordinator 10
July Coee Morning at the British Residence
We would like to thank HMA Emma Hopkins and the entire team at the British residence for their warm welcome! It was indeed a pleasure to meet you and to share our vision for contributing to the improvement of the social landscape in Bulgaria.We would also like to thank Bulgarian jewellery designer Teodor Lultchev for bringing a truly delightful artistic spark to the gathering, we really enjoyed his exceptional jewellery designs! Also, thanks to the regular representatives from Wonder Group, kids were happy and occupied with stimulating activities. A special morning indeed!
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A day to dream of
again! This time with deserts! I even memorised a recipe, which everybody liked and which I would like to share with you: In water you soak for at least 3 days: a handful of dry apricots, a handful of 2-3 kinds of raisins, a handful of almonds, a handful of walnuts, a handful of pistachios. Before serving you peel the almonds, the walnuts and the pistachio and return all the ingredients in the water! Voila! Bon appetit! Thank you dear Kathy, your lovely mom and your friend for the glorious food! It was an unforgettable event! Something to dream of!
Here we are, on a lovely June's day, a group of enthusiastic ladies curious to try exotic Afghan food! Our elegant host Kathy welcomes us in her stylish house and oh, the smell of food made in heaven by Kathy's mom, an Afghan friend and Kathy herself captured us! The aroma of countless unknown spices was floating in the air! Soon the table was covered with delicious appetisers and magnificent colourful salads from all the vegetables you can find at the market this season! The centrepiece of the main courses was the rice, but what kind of rice! It was made with lamb, rich Asian spices, raisins and almonds! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Everybody was talking and laughing happily! Yes, the food was very special and so tasty! The service - excellent! We even had a chance to listen to some Afghan music, which was very pleasant! And the table was full
Teddy Houry
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‘Green pancake’ day
GREEN PANCAKE ROLLS recipe (Served for 20 people)
the pancakes: Ingredients for heat flour 250 grams of w gs 2 eg lt 1/2 teaspoon samilk t 750 ml coconun Pandan pasta of gree 1 - 2 teaspoons ons margarine 2 teaspo
For the filling: 200 gr grated coco 100 grams of brow nut n su 50 grams sugar gar 1/2 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon vanilla 1 Pandan leave ke Rolls : e Green Panca How to make th e: For the pancak d milk dd the eggs an a. Heat A . lt sa d an r n past Mix flou dd green Panda a and stir well. Ag with a little oil, make like in st ba n, e. pa the set asid thin omelet then
For the filling:: Mix coconut with sugar, vanilla powder, salt and pandan leaves. Stir well and cooked until done. Finally, take a piece of thin omelet that has been made, then fill with 2 teaspoons part of the contents, then roll the pancake.
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Pandan - definition : Pandan (screwpine pand anus) is a type of plant that grows in tropic al areas of Asia. Pandan leaves have a sw eet, unique flavour that is commonly used in southeast asian countries to enhance both desserts and savoury dishes. The leave s are long and bright green, and when po unded or ground, they lend a sweet taste an d aroma to many Thai desserts and some dr inks.
Splendid Spanish and Ibero-Latin cooking demonstration On a fine Wednesday at the end of August, while secretly and slowly, nature starts preparing for the coming of the golden autumn, twenty or so ladies decided to wind their way through the highway from Sofia to Lesnovo’s village streets. No, no, they were not intending
mas and tastes, which afterwards took us to the land of tapas (the word “tapas” comes from the Spanish word “to cover” and now means any food on a small plate). How many different types of tapas did we taste? With how many of them did we treat our tongues like kings, by how many of them were we totally surprised! Home-made bread, warm from the oven, with healthy seeds, tomato spread with olive oil made from fresh tomatoes from Toi’s garden, thin ham slices wrapped around melon, hot and tasty ham croquettes (“croquetas de jamon”), vegetable and beef empanada’s, octopus salad (“salpicon de pulpo”) and some other delicious tapas, which in the past were just small plates used to cover your glass of wine to keep out flies and insects! And be the time we thought the space in our stomachs had become rather limited, we were surprised by being served black rice with juicy shrimps (“arroz negro”) which were cooked just in front of us in a huge pan and had phenomenal flavour indeed! After that, like there is no tomorrow, we immersed ourselves in a refreshing full body taste of fresh, homemade cold tomato soup (“gaspacho”) and crowned our feast by delicious Argentinean desserts!
to search for the footprints of the leaving summer, neither for the winds of villages! They were all keeping their eyes widely open and with the help of their friends, directions given or accompanied by GPS, they were looking for “Villa Alegria” to attend Toi, Borislav and Liliana’s Ibero – Argentinean lunch! And the Villa was found! And the gate was opened! And a sea of the most colourful flowers greeted us! And the hosts met us with smiles as big as an ocean! And the setting was idyllic – a pool, a garden and a white tent. And every single detail in the marvellous garden was breathing kindness, care and love! How generous to share their home with us and teach us all of Argentinean, Catalan and Spanish food!!! Such a broad variety of food and drinks were served for us! The amazing feast started with the refreshing taste of Sangria, which in each household can be made in its own version, although the required base will always be wine (the better the wine, the better the Sangria), liquor and a citrus mix! Then, just before being seated around the beautifully decorated table, we were delighted to witness a very informative presentation on exceptionally finely slicing a whole leg of pork by Borislav, fully equipped with slicing tools (including a joyful apron). Apart from the fact that it was great fun for all the ladies, we learned that the best pig must be acorn fed, free range and left to cure for two whole winters!!!!
After all, on a very fine Wednesday, already at the end of August when secretly and slowly, nature starts preparing for the coming of the golden autumn, twenty or so ladies had a day rich in tastes and flavours, full of fun and laughter and even got a surprise at the very end! Miwako won the prize of being able to pour the most wine from an oddly shaped flask into her mouth! This is where the wind took them!
Ernesta Kazlauskaite-Tsakona
But, now let’s come back to our still summery Ibero – Argentinean journey of aro14
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Authentic Spanish and Ibero-Latin recipes SPANSH CROQUETAS DE JAMON HAM CROQUETTES Ingredients: ▪ 100 g flour ▪ 100 g olive oil ▪ 1 garlic glove ▪ 1 small onion finely chopped ▪ Salt and pepper ▪ 100 g jamón finely chopped ▪ 25 g grated parmesan ▪ 750 ml milk 3,6% Preparation: Fry the onion and garlic together with the oil, salt and pepper. Add the flour and stir slowly to cook the flour. Add the milk until the béchamel is done. Then the jamón and parmesan and stir again for one minute. Leave it to cool, make small balls and dip them first in egg and then in bread crumbs. Deep fry just before serving. Enjoy it!!
SPANISH ARROZ NEGRO BLACK RICE Ingredients: ▪ 1 kg rice ▪ 500 g squids ▪ 1 small onion ▪ 2 tomatoes ▪ 1 green pepper ▪ 3 garlic gloves ▪ 2 l fish stock ▪ 200 ml white wine ▪ Salt and black pepper ▪ Olive oil ▪ Squid’s ink Preparation: Chop the onion, green pepper, tomato and garlic all very finely. Heat the fish stock. In a frying pan, put a dash of extra virgin olive oil, and when hot, fry the squids previously chopped for five minutes. Add the onion and green pepper, stir and let it do for five minutes. Add the garlic, sauté a few minutes and finally add the chopped tomatoes. Salt it lightly and let everything simmer for five minutes. Dilute the ink in a cup with two tablespoons of hot water and add it to the pan. Add the rice and let it sauté, stirring for about two minutes. Add the white wine and let it evaporate. We cover the rice with half the broth and let boil, letting it cook over high heat for ten minutes, at which point add the remaining broth, go down the fire and conti-
nue cooking over medium heat for another ten minutes. This time point is indicative and depends on factors like the type of rice used and the fire, so it is advisable to try the rice in the final minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes covered with a clean cloth. Serve with allioli.
ARGENTINEAN QUINCE “PASTA FROLA” Ingredients: ▪ 400 g flour ▪ 200 g butter ▪ 7 Tbsp sugar ▪ 2 egg yolks ▪ 1 egg ▪ 1 tsp vanilla essence ▪ 400 g quince paste (‘dulce de membrillo’) Preparation: Mix the flour, butter sugar until well blended. Stir the yolk, egg and vanilla and add to flour mixture. Form the dough until smooth and press it into a 22 cm pan with ¾ of the dough. Melt the quince paste in a small saucepan with a little amount of water. Then spread it onto the dough. Form strips of the remaining dough and put them on top of the melted quince layer in a lattice pattern. Warm up the oven to 180 degrees and then put the cake and bake it for 20-30 minutes, until the dough turns gold brown. ARGENTINEAN PIONONO WITH “DULCE DE LECHE” Ingredients: ▪ 4 egg yolks ▪ 4 egg whites ▪ pinch of salt ▪ 40 g sugar ▪ 40 g flour ▪ parchment paper Preparation: Beat the yolks with salt and sugar until a uniform mixture is formed. Add the flour gradually, stirring slowly. Beat the egg whites until stiff and add to the mixture, mixing softly and stirring up and down. Warm up the oven up to 180 degrees. Grease the baking tray with little butter, adding flour. Place and spread the mixture. Put it in the oven for 15 minutes. Roll the dough with parchment paper and let it cool down. Then unroll it and put “Dulce de Leche” or any mixture you want and roll again. 16
‘Sirene’ tasting
Twelve people, including a few spouses, came to a lovely cheese tasting and discussion day at Journalist Square, Dobrev Delicatessen. Five different versions of the brine cheeses, were offered and paired with a light summer rosé wine. We listened to descriptions of the famed Bulgarian cheese. The east mediterranean or southeast european special cheese called ‘sirene’ is a traditional food. Sirene and ‘kiselo mliako' are two national foods of the Balkans. Sirene is made of goat's, sheep’s or cow’s milk, or a combination of milks. It is slightly crumbly with a minimum dry matter of about 46-48% and fat content in dry matter of about 44-48%.
• Greece: Feta - Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) • Israel: Bulgarit ( )בולגרית- 'Bulgarian (cheese)' • Lebanon: Bulghari ( )ﺑﻠﻐﺎﺭرﻱي- 'Bulgarian (cheese)' • Romania: Telemea, Brânză • Russia: Bryndza (Брынза) • Turkey: Beyaz peynir 'White cheese' • Czech Republic: Balkánský sýr (Balkánský sýr) 'Balkan cheese' • Mexico: Cotija cheese • Iran: Tabrizi: 'White cheese (paneer)' How to cook? Sirene may be kept for some time in water. Before you use it to cook sweet items, such as cakes or sweet coffee breads, remember to WASH THE CHEESE, i.e. soak in water to reduce the salt content.
This milk product is commonly produced in blocks, and has a slightly grainy texture. It is used as a table cheese, as well as in salads and in baking. Its most traditional use is in ‘shopska’ salad, which is ubiquitous in Sofia restaurants, but another common food is stuffed peppers and of course, daily, for breakfast, in baked ‘banitsa'. However unusual, wonderful variations are possible, such as cheese and chewbritsa scones, or biscuits. Sirene, much loved food, is technically known as ‘white brine cheese’ (bialo salamureno sirene) and is produced in southeastern Europe, and is easily found in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Montenegro, the Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greece and also in Israel.
One requirement for traditional sirene is its minimum ageing period of three months. However in recent years, many parents will give children a milder version, which is a soft type of the cheese, called “svezho” or ‘fresh buffalo sirene,’ and this is not aged.
Some ladies ask why is there a difference in the price of sirene, e.g. between 4 leva and 12 leva? Tax on the items may differ, also the quality of it. The price can vary depending on the origin of cheese, if it comes from a far region or if it is harder to get. Always the milk must keep a high fat content. A similar type of cheese by any other name, is still delicious! Similar cheeses are known in other countries by different names:
Whatever you call it, no matter how often or seldom you eat it, and however you prepare it, sirene can be a wonderful addition or supplement to your meal.
Becky Ruth Faber 17
Membership news Dear IWC members, In our ongoing efforts to streamline the clubs practises we have reviewed the access and cost of IWC events. One of the privileges of being a member of the IWC is that we can offer events, some organised by our members and some from businesses in sofia and beyond, where we have agreed special prices. As many of the members of the IWC offer up their time and services for free to fellow members we therefore feel that until a guest becomes a member she should not receive that same privilege. Therefore the following conditions will come in to effect from the 1st September 2015. 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 and hopefully we will also attract special prices from businesses we approach on behalf of the members of the IWC. 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 follow: Monthly Events Free monthly events will still be free to guests. Events costing under 20BGN, there will be an additional charge of 5BGN. Events costing 21BGN or more, there will be 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 will be required from all members and guests attending an event with a cost involved. This deposit will be forfeited in the case of non attendance. In summary:
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.
Angela Bird President 2015-2016
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Birthdays in September
We say good-bye to our treasurer Sibeal Reynolds, who has already gone back to Ireland on an urgent call to attend to important family matters. We will surely miss her professional and friendly manner, as well as her sense of humour. Sibyl will stay fully committed to completing all accounts up till end of July after which she will pass on the files to the new treasurer.
Eteri Overall, 1st September Vivi Patricia Anis, 3rd September Ernesta Kazlauskaite-Tsakona, 6th September Victoria (Tori) Priestley, 9th September
We also say fare well to Sandra Guilder and to Olga Volzhina, who were both active members of the club. Sandra was running the monthly golf players group, which means that we need a new lady in charge of that. Olga’s healthy eating workshops were attended by many and a lot of valuable knowledge was passed on. A big ‘thank you’ from all of us.
Sibeal Reynolds, 9th September Annamaria Giannakos, 12th September Elena Atanasova, 14th September Tatiana Stoilova, 28th September
IWC OPEN DAYS
Linda Sweeney, 27th September
The Open Day in September is on Friday, the 25th after the Charity Committee! Don’t miss your chance to become involved on the important issue of how to update our two Constitutions. We need your input. Come to the office and tell us your ideas.
OPEN LETTER After six years my experience with the IWC and Charity Bazaar is about to end.
Can you, help us create a section with advice and information on favourite places you would recommend to newcomers for our new "Help for Newbies" section of the newsletter in September? Please tell us your favourite places for hairdresser, colourist, movie place for family, reliable car mechanic, handyman, babysitters, picnic site, best plumber, place for a romantic date, kids park for sport and bike, kids party location?
I regret very much I am leaving Sofia. The years that I spent here were fantastic. I will miss the Charity Bazaar commitments and contacts created with you, with friends – organisers, with donors - always so generous, and above all with my Italian friends with whom I shared work and satisfaction.
Or you may have some other ideas you want to suggest for new people.
I will not forget you and embrace you all with love
If you have any information to share, could you write a quick e-mail during the summer months to the office, please? We will then gather all the info and publish it in the September issue of the newsletter.
Silvana Abagnale IWC Member 2009-2010, Stallholder of Italian stall
Announcements Hatha Yoga for beginners
Housekeeper available immediately.
Dear Ladies from the IWC in Sofia, I would like to invite you to my Hatha Yoga for beginners class from September, 1st, every Friday from 10 am till 11.30 am at Yoga Studio "Eleven" in Lozenec, 16 Zlaten Rog Street, opposite Hotel Marinella, former Kempinski. The price per class is 10 leva. My contact number is: 0888443000. Teddy Houry
My housekeeper Renee worked for me for nearly 4 years. She is reliable, trustworthy and friendly. She speaks only Bulgarian, but this still allows her to communicate. Feel free to contact me for a reference - dianetromansberg@yahoo.co.uk, or call Renee directly- +359 87 6231221. Diane Tromans-Berg
Dear music lovers in Sofia, do you know SLIC? The Sofia Ladies International Choir is looking for voices for the new season. Rehearsals are in English, once per week, for a multi-cultural community of women who share a passion for singing. Large repertoire and multiple concerts during the year. Please ask us questions at our FB page: Sofia Ladies International Choir. Come and Sing with us! 19
Ongoing activities
Bulgarian Language Group 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.
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.
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. If you would like to join the sessions, please e-mail Albena Jones at albenajones@yahoo.co.uk.
Lots of fun reading, come and join us next month!
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 email: iotcas@gmail.com.
Golf 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.
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 (voted on by the members) and usually meet on the last Thursday of the month at 10:30am. For more information contact: Lisa Freij on her email: lisa.freij@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 email list then please contact Lynne at lynnegodding@gmail.com.
Hiking Club
Bridge
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 Becky Ruth Faber and she will direct you to the person leading this group.
Interested members are invited to play bridge. An intermediate/advanced group plays on Thursday mornings at 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 Frenchspeaking group. For more information, contact Diana Kolarova at dianakolarova@ yahoo.com or 0888 423 150. We also welcome visitors! 20
are conducted in English but we have sung in Latin, French, Spanish, Bulgarian and even Korean! 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: Daniela Videv at danielavidev@hotmail.com.
Patchwork Group 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 welcome to bring ideas, patterns, and materials. For more information, please contact Dusica Trkulja on her landline: 02 980 0948.
Choir 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
Wednesday,
2nd
September events
September
t.b.c.: Intro to Reiki with Liliana and Sara Deposit of 30 leva required. Venue: home of Sara Sedo in Sofia Village. Contact Sara at sara.sedo@gmail.com.
a kid & your bikes for fun biking; South Park point of meeting – the coffee shop on the corner; Sign up at coffee morning; Please contact Becky Faber & Nan Smith. Contact Becky Ruth Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 8th September
Monday, 14th September
10.30am: Monthly Coffee Morning
10.00am: Icons for all Meet at Nevski Cathedral; join a history / art professor who can explain / describe the “Windows” of Orthodoxy, why did St. John of Damascus call them “books for the illiterate”; prepare comfortable walking shoes to go see several of the best Icons in Sofia!! Sign up at Coffee morning. Contact Becky Ruth Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 9th September 11.30am: Newcomer Lunch at Tsum Let’s Meet at “Cheerleader’s” a new restaurant at Tsum, near Sheraton Hotel. Enjoy a fresh salad or one of the best burger in Sofia at the oldest department store. We welcome new members & greet old friends. Sign up at coffee morning. Contact Becky Ruth Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 15th September
Friday, 11th September
11.00am: New World food demo Did USA give us anything besides amazing Jazz singers and “The Blues,” Mickey Mouse, and Hollywood? Yes - potatoes, corn, coffee beans and tomato’s are all “new world” products! Enjoy typical American salads and listen to original music. At Luisa’s apt near Radisson Hotel; 10 leva deposit when you Sign up at Coffee morning. Contact Becky Ruth Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.
6.00pm: South African food demo Gather with others interested in Africa and enjoy typical “Braai” foods. Deposit: 10 leva when you sign up. Limited number of 15 guests applies. Contact Becky Ruth Faber at beckyruthfaber@gmail.com.
Saturday, 12th September Time t.b.a.: South Park Parent-child bike Mother daughter/ Father Son Bike in the Park. Bring 21
Friday, 17th -19th September
Friday, 25th September
Charity visit to Karin Dom Karin Dom works with children from 0 months to 18 years old with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental disorders, sensory problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and children with multiple disabilities. We will visit them on location in the city of Varna. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0879 119 154.
9.30am: Coffee and information on kid friendly fun Lovely chance for mums to gather and talk about museums and places to take their kids. Contact for this event is Amy Dincuff: adincuff22@gmail.com, 40 Rayko Alexiev St. Block 216, 9th floor Apt 27, mobile 0888 666 341
Monday, 21st September
1.00pm: Charity committee meeting This will be the first from several consecutive meetings related to how to: what steps to take in direction to modernise the constitution. Contact Maria Ilieva on 0879 119 154.
Friday, 25th September
7.00pm: Adventures in music and art with Nara An artist will perform special work and we will learn about music and some key listening principles. Sign up at Coffee morning with 10 leva deposit or contact Nara Vasconselos at narabulgaria@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, 30th September Time t.b.c.: Tango with the ‘stars’ Well, at least learn to Tango with a professional! A sample lesson with Argentinian dancer / dance teacher, Alejandro Chavez; arranged by L Padilla. Details when you sign up at Coffee morning. 20 leva deposit required. Contact for this event is Liliana: lilianagpadilla@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 22nd September 2.00pm: Appetiser gala in the garden This is a (‘BYO’) “Bring your own” event. Bring a recipe and a sample of a favourite appetiser; Katya Royen invites you to her home to share & savour your favourite tidbits paired with delicious wine. Sign up at Coffee morning or please contact Katya at katya_royen@abv.bg .
September calendar Intro to Reiki
10.30: Coffee Morning
10.00: Icons for all
11.00: New World food demo
19.00: Adventures in music
14.00: Appetiser gala
11.30: Newcomers Lunch
18.00: S. African food demo
Charity visit to Karin Dom
9.30: Kid fun info 13.00: Charity Committee
Tango with the stars
22
South Park bike
23
24