Summer Travels – Bulgaria

Had no idea Kathy & I would ever visit Bulgaria. Definitely not on “My Bucket List.” But, there we were! Kathy was invited to be part of a team conducting a Theory of Constraints workshop for business people in Bulgaria and surrounding countries. There were close to 200 attendees for the 2-day workshop. It was my first experience being in meetings where translators were used. The ladies that were translating “from English” and “to English” did great (at least the “to English” part for me).

We flew from Rome to Sofia, Bulgaria, on Bulgaria Air. The sponsors of the workshop met us at the airport and drove us, first around a bit of Sofia just to get a sampling of the city, and then on to the conference center at Pravets.

There is a great deal of old beauty in Sofia. We got just a sampling and these pictures were taken from the car as we sped through town (stopping for traffic and most pedestrians). Once outside the central part of the city the buildings took on a decidedly Soviet-style bleakness. Many of the factories along our route were closed. The purpose of the workshop was to start to improve the economy and business outlook in the country.

The conference center is situated on a beautiful lake with mountains in the background (The panorama shot from our room’s balcony gives you a bit of the feel.). The Pravets Conference Center is very modern facility. Great food – they did breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet-style. I was most at home at the desert table. No Coca-Cola products in sight so I made due with Pepsi Max….

our view

Once the workshop was completed our hosts drove us back to the airport so we could catch a flight to our next adventure. On the way to the airport I did see one very familiar sign. Our driver took us through what he called the “gypsy” part of Sofia – he said it was the quickest way to the airport.

Kathy said she and the other presenters were very pleased with the turnout, participation, and questions. They received many “thank you’s” as the workshop ended.

Our next stop on this “once in a lifetime” summer of travel was Israel. We have many friends in Israel and have wanted to visit the country and visit its many historical places. That part of our story is in the next installment. Until then …

… Be happy, be safe, and may God Bless you.