Today, we continue on our virtual backpacking trip through Europe, and our next stop is... Bulgaria! This is a very historic country that has been through periods of prosperity and of challenges. There is so much beauty and interesting history to explore. Let's dig in!
The capital city of Bulgaria - Sofia - is the second oldest city in Europe.
In 1977, when the Voyager I and Voyager II probes left Earth, they did so with a traditional Bulgarian folk song playing on board.
The Cyrillic alphabet is used in Bulgaria, and in fact, was created there.
The national (alcoholic) drink of the country is Rakia - a very strong and sweet drink of fermented fruit.
Bulgaria is very well known for its production of rose oil, as it creates 70% of the world's supply.
The Petchka, a traditional stove used for both heating and cooking is historically, and often to this day, a centerpiece of the home (particularly in more rural areas outside the cities).
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that hasn't changed its name since it was established (in 681 AD).
More than 40 mountains dot the country's landscape.
Pickling is very popular. Many houses have a small to medium sizes cellar to store their jars of pickled goods!
Wine has been produced there since the Stone Age.
One of the world's largest ancient burial ground and collection of gold artifacts was discovered in 1972. Additionally, more than 15,000 Thracian tombs have been discovered across the country, many of them remain unexplored.
The country is currently one of the poorest in Europe (though it remains above the world's average). Related to that, Bulgarians are unfortunately ranked among the least happy in Europe and generally report a poor quality of life. This also may be related to the pessimistic attitude that many Bulgarians generally hold. A common saying and outlook is, "Too much good can lead to bad things."
There are more than 600 mineral springs across the country - the second most after only Iceland.
Bulgarian yogurt is unique to the country, as the ingredients used can only be found there. It is reportedly very delicious, and many claim it has health benefits and can increase the lifespan of those who eat it.
The people of Bulgaria are very superstitious, with many little customs a part of daily life as a result. I loved learning that on special occasions, before the celebrated person or people leaves, water is spilled in front of the doorway, with the sentiment, "May your successes flow like water."
Chained bears were once a common site, dancing for those who chained them as street entertainment. Thanks to animal rights activists, this practice no longer takes place.
Bulgarians enjoy one of the fastest internets in Europe.
Bulgaria is considered the third most valuable architectural site, after only Greece and Italy.
Sofia is built on top of Roman ruins.
The first subway station in Sofia took 30 years to complete (from 1960-1990), because all of the Roman ruins that were found as they worked to build the station. The original Roman walls were built so well and were so sturdy that they are used to hold up the upper floors of the metro station today.
The last monarch exiled by the Communists became Prime Minister 50 years later in 2001!
Every year on March 1st, the Spring festival Baba Marta is celebrated, and Bulgarians exchange small red and white figures, called Martenitsas, with each other.
On Easter, eggs are dyed bright red, and customarily thrown at one another. The last person standing with an unbroken egg is said to enjoy good luck for the coming year.
To celebrate New Year's Day, dancing men in traditional costumes of goat hair and wooden ram masks wake everyone early for a day of fun!
"Name Days" are celebrated in Bulgaria in addition to birthdays and are even more valued in some circles.
Bulgarians express approval by shaking their heads side to side (versus nodding), and disapproval by nodding up and down.
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