Category: Sofia

National Theatre Ivan Vazov

~ Veselin ~ 16 Comments

My daily walk got me to this iconic place in Sofia, which I frequently feature here. It’s probably the prettiest area in the city, although I see some competition forming around Doctor’s Garden and some other places. It’s dominated by tourists during the day and by young locals drinking beer during the night.

Some trivia, in case you get there:

  • There’s a dude selling expensive balloons who wears shorts from April. You see a dude selling balloons with shorts, it means the spring is here. It can be freezing cold, doesn’t matter.
  • There are older men playing chess. Some coins get exchanged, playing is not free.
  • The best place to visit within this garden, apart from the benches with this particular view, is the City Gallery. I’ve never regretted visiting it.
  • One of the best vegetarian restaurants is just behind (and to the left), called Satsanga
  • Starbucks Srebarna is good but doesn’t have a nice toilet, you’d be happier visiting one of the two McDonalds in the area

The Subway Problem – Solved

~ Veselin ~ 21 Comments

I wrote earlier about the nearby road next to the highway that had started sinking due to the new subway construction. The holes have since been filled with a mix of concrete and dirt.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I expected them to dig deeper and address the root cause. I still worry that the whole area might sink further. But if there’s no underground water involved and it’s just the subway, the patches may eventually settle and hold.

I find your lack of faith disturbing

— Darth Vader

Archery

~ Veselin ~ 17 Comments

I know nearly zero about Archery, other than South Koreans are very good at it. But I witnessed a tournament in the nearby park not once but twice because apparently it took two days. Looks like a beautiful and relaxing sport. I should try it one day.

Subway Construction Causes Holes, Cracks, and Structural Threats in Sofia

~ Veselin ~ 14 Comments

A hole opened on the road in my neighborhood as a result of the underground subway construction. The road is severely damaged, and it looks like the buildings nearby may start cracking as well. There were some attempts to fill the hole, but more holes opened. The sidewalk separated from the road, and there are large cracks over a long distance.

Makes me wonder why is it still permitted for busses to drive near the holes and if the nearby building will need to be evacuated.

UPDATE: the road is fully closed today, all the buses (TM3, TM5, and 73) have alternative routes. Multiple bus stops have been closed. I’m glad the engineers took this seriously.