tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48278097371624106792024-03-19T12:27:26.660+02:00Drive in BulgariaTraffic info and Driving Tips for BulgariaDriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-60349490218935606992013-09-11T21:32:00.002+03:002013-11-21T17:58:32.410+02:00New Bulgaria-Greece border crossing opened: Makaza - Nimfea<h4>
The Makaza-Nimfea border crossing was oficially opened on 09th September 2013</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxNJuXgvKhfZ1DVKaCOdUcvGcNmihopGHrv3uhI5BxKAZnCjQ0B_0Mf_LZIgkF0btJpBDCWhinYOBKeP_LDTvSugvZuMeCbIHm1S2XaT9WWcxxJ_qXrc9C-EpcfvP_WyXkeyhg8G1ZTvC/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+DriveBulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxNJuXgvKhfZ1DVKaCOdUcvGcNmihopGHrv3uhI5BxKAZnCjQ0B_0Mf_LZIgkF0btJpBDCWhinYOBKeP_LDTvSugvZuMeCbIHm1S2XaT9WWcxxJ_qXrc9C-EpcfvP_WyXkeyhg8G1ZTvC/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+DriveBulgaria.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAUcyOrrU39nPqrZvVLGN9B3oYpOPpEPTp-2q0mF8OUYhKEADeRDv7PR0fW3KF0TNLX7VCaD8N7bBAZeI1QV2Xv9BChqNFFA74udxn9YZNygFUZFgqDyTD9IgGxVrpfXrzvwLufFa89ON/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+DriveBulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The new crossing is now fully operational for vehciles up to 3.5 tonnes and up to 8+1 seats. The distance from Kardjali (Bulgaria) on National road 5 to Komotini (Greece) is about 80km and now it takes about 1h 30 min to drive between the 2 cities. Police control is shared and it takes minutes to cross the border as it is traffic free at the moment. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdKJ2RlipRe0tpNP9ttOhJos3IXZiJqNEaxTHB9jUZMpWC9lJp2gxc7akck8kFpiVHKV_1ZfOMIs9NfE0PCLQgwDZ11vNaIssS0RfNGQfg5X7tl4Wp3XCUHqaCFPe8O16t-TDGdDqpJ1v/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+Greece+DriveBulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdKJ2RlipRe0tpNP9ttOhJos3IXZiJqNEaxTHB9jUZMpWC9lJp2gxc7akck8kFpiVHKV_1ZfOMIs9NfE0PCLQgwDZ11vNaIssS0RfNGQfg5X7tl4Wp3XCUHqaCFPe8O16t-TDGdDqpJ1v/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+Greece+DriveBulgaria.jpg" height="122" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDODFU2Nv7I0rhaxTtfeaHsPjHZTm5fOsqE4H10LBeiUuyGF9SUs9-lfBUPe-GMeRDVt3kwdJ7WUj0IMi9Ny0Q2hrVQV7Uiwxs8j7WfPykqikskZFeUfe3fhRwJfQM2Sb1mMmqTnpP9l_e/s1600/Makaza+border+crossing+Greece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <br />
The border crossing is also easing the traffic from Haskovo (Bulgaria) and Alexandrupolis (Greece). <br />
DriveBulgaria advises all drivers heading to that area to take advantage of the new crossing as it is much faster than all alternatives and roads are in very good condition.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Have you tried this new route and border crossing with Greece? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Please share your toughts and comments below</b>.</span><br />
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<b>Visit our sponsors from URCA at <a href="http://www.urca.bg/">www.urca.bg</a> for Sofia car rental and airport transfers </b>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0Bulgaria42.733883 25.48582999999996439.7479155 20.322255999999964 45.7198505 30.649403999999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-60474228272895359612013-09-05T20:01:00.000+03:002013-09-05T20:03:38.489+03:00Etar 2013: International Fair of Traditional Crafts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNTdk_NvHYk_RmyyF5E4CwRyUOIHv84rSX6Hgqwr7d0oc8Qir3KuGrZuX02Ph0Cfh4_EXnWQ8ymvXRgBEflUBB1OtwuGAlbGlEptAEl-l4JPrf9e39vEjJI7k3z-yEl8v1I-wxhbid-Bt/s1600/Etar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNTdk_NvHYk_RmyyF5E4CwRyUOIHv84rSX6Hgqwr7d0oc8Qir3KuGrZuX02Ph0Cfh4_EXnWQ8ymvXRgBEflUBB1OtwuGAlbGlEptAEl-l4JPrf9e39vEjJI7k3z-yEl8v1I-wxhbid-Bt/s1600/Etar.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>The 11th Fair of crafts takes place from the 06th till 08th September 2013 at the only open air architectural and ethnographic musem in Bulgaria: Etar. <br />
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Open from 08:00 till 18:00, visitors could enjoy fair of traditional crafts with an open-air crafts bazaar.<br />
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More than 80 craftsmen from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Scotland, Italy and Syria will participate in the event presenting pottery, coppersmith, cutlery, weaving, iconography and more. <br />
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This year's craftsmen competition is in woodturning. <br />
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About Etar</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYVxtRgLLdki_VHs67yT9mNfN1Qa0qrO4HPgxMWK1m2lt8O2_uY-pKqDVSJjAgniRThMZPoqqscW8kTVggwOaKg_8O-oodsKYd33Q1s1vI8Pm8OuVj-MnyRJcGxl3g7MIlPCBmiUCNpvF/s1600/Etar+near+Gabrovo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYVxtRgLLdki_VHs67yT9mNfN1Qa0qrO4HPgxMWK1m2lt8O2_uY-pKqDVSJjAgniRThMZPoqqscW8kTVggwOaKg_8O-oodsKYd33Q1s1vI8Pm8OuVj-MnyRJcGxl3g7MIlPCBmiUCNpvF/s1600/Etar+near+Gabrovo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Etar open-air ethnografic museum hosts one of the richest collection of real-time operating water-powered machinery. The main street of crafts shows 16 different types of old Balkan architecture. Crafts and arts presented include: icon-painting, coppersmithery, pottery making, cow-bew workskop, sandals workshop, silverware, woodcarving, cart production, folklore instruments workshop, cutlery, bakery and confectionery.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7qx2o5KJTT1qaI_Q_f-kyCN94JK5suvAKPuxgRGFuenizA0vPPCukSoCzqmc7iiiAdpqK6MTzGT4Dj6OB1AzZDIXmtNYkIGh1om8_xD23sVBkq311EkpkcVtakKALjM_z1SKB_AX4T4l/s1600/water+mill+Etar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7qx2o5KJTT1qaI_Q_f-kyCN94JK5suvAKPuxgRGFuenizA0vPPCukSoCzqmc7iiiAdpqK6MTzGT4Dj6OB1AzZDIXmtNYkIGh1om8_xD23sVBkq311EkpkcVtakKALjM_z1SKB_AX4T4l/s1600/water+mill+Etar.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a><br />
There is also a local herbs-shop. <br />
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You can buy original craft products directly from the craftsmen observing how they are made in a traditional way.<br />
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How to reach Etar</h3>
Etar open-air museum is located just 8km south of the city of Grabrovo. <br />
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If coming from the south on E85 (National road 5) heading to Garbrovo, after descending from the Balkan mountains (Stara planina) and Shipka mountain pass look for a detour on the right for Etar. <br />
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If coming from the north on E85 (National road 5) from Veliko Tarnovo or from Sevlievo on National road 44 heading to Garbrovo, you will have to cross all the city of Gabrovo following E85 (5) direction to Stara Zagora, Kazanluk and Shipka pass, and after exiting Gabrovo look for a junction to the left (take left fork) while the main road continues to the right. DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0Етър, Габрово, България42.8094444 25.34833330000003642.7977954 25.328163300000035 42.821093399999995 25.368503300000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-27814946922446701252013-08-28T12:51:00.000+03:002013-08-31T03:02:26.377+03:00New motorways opened in Bulgaria - summer 2013<h2>
Good news for motorists in Bulgaria: </h2>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1WAjRK0tESXC0Hz3ZpdWbdYSztf_WUUcacrLWMhaHKg0Wee2aUEKtZrAHpn8zNh3qK3_t1Ij9YUy2_3wfYpNBudIn8I73apwTlKE88a5cFNkvuCg-ssM8Ks73gv8ERoZvgkfMczQh23p/s1600/Trakia+Motorway+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trakia Motorway A1 now fully opened" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1WAjRK0tESXC0Hz3ZpdWbdYSztf_WUUcacrLWMhaHKg0Wee2aUEKtZrAHpn8zNh3qK3_t1Ij9YUy2_3wfYpNBudIn8I73apwTlKE88a5cFNkvuCg-ssM8Ks73gv8ERoZvgkfMczQh23p/s200/Trakia+Motorway+Bulgaria.jpg" height="122" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<li><b>Trakia motorway A1</b> is now fully opened. Last section of the route from Sofia to Burgas was opened on 15th July 2013 finishing a 40-year-old contruction of the motorway. Drivers can now get in about 4 hours from Bulgaria's capital to the Black Sea coast. Distance is 360km. </li>
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<i>DriveBulgaria.com TIP:</i> Drive with care in the section between Sofia and Plovdiv. The road is quite bumpy as some points and we advise drivers to drive with lower speed, up to 110 - 120 km/h.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eF50CnH3Hlf29TlwW2aga-WKXo7lB_HUtN5r93DIwpm582vO-q_UjZF9gqM3QF2VGunxzXqSLWkpW7X7_n3bgn604-gPtgvjLH4jtm9u_TVvrayK5lG879txRf0tVIgpihDm8LVSoKfo/s1600/Struma+Motorway+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eF50CnH3Hlf29TlwW2aga-WKXo7lB_HUtN5r93DIwpm582vO-q_UjZF9gqM3QF2VGunxzXqSLWkpW7X7_n3bgn604-gPtgvjLH4jtm9u_TVvrayK5lG879txRf0tVIgpihDm8LVSoKfo/s200/Struma+Motorway+Bulgaria.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a>
<li><b>Struma motorway A3</b> : another 14 km from Dolna Dikanya to Dupnitsa North were opened on 22nd July 2013 making currently a total of 33km opened from this motorway. Speed limit was increased to 120 km/h on the whole section. Actually if coming from Sofia on the Lulin A6 motorway, after the exit to Pernik and Sofia South Ring the route continues on Struma motorway A3. </li>
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<i>DriveBulgaria.com TIP: </i>As the route naturally continies from Lulin A6 to Struma A3 motorway driving in direction from Sofia to Kulata, beware that speed limit is 140 km/h on the Lulin motorway A6 and 120 km/h on the Struma motorway A3.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEV47cFQlrHSftGuvWbZtR8SqqOJwJB2w7olM8BcnX0P3q6NgESg-oSO0CxVjgTduymNSm7WB6qIEpZHQ66OWPYOLB4HkjjzvxppKuePxZLKqiaHM5lgIo3vtyvV6XBy_0vw9bNctQeQp/s1600/Hemus+Motorway+Bulgaria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEV47cFQlrHSftGuvWbZtR8SqqOJwJB2w7olM8BcnX0P3q6NgESg-oSO0CxVjgTduymNSm7WB6qIEpZHQ66OWPYOLB4HkjjzvxppKuePxZLKqiaHM5lgIo3vtyvV6XBy_0vw9bNctQeQp/s320/Hemus+Motorway+Bulgaria.JPG" height="278" width="320" /></a>
<li><b>Hemus motorway A2</b> : new 8 km section was opened on the entrance/exit of Sofia. The new section eases the traffic at this traditional traffic jam spot.</li>
</ul>
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<i>DriveBulgaria.com TIP: </i>When driving in direction to Sofia, beware of speed limits. A very common speed - trap by traffic police<br />
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<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Information source: Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works through Road Infrastucture Agency; </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: DriveBulgaria.com is not responsible for the information posted on the site and its accuracy!</span></span>
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</script>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0България42.733883 25.48582999999996439.7479155 20.322255999999964 45.7198505 30.649403999999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-43016251213849564302012-10-06T13:20:00.001+03:002013-08-28T17:22:58.618+03:00No insurance stickers in Bulgaria: new up-date on traffic lawStarting 06th October 2012 a new up-date to the Bulgarian Traffic Law comes in power.<br />
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Motorists should not put any stickers or other markings that show that the vehicle has a damage or theft insurance (Auto Casco in Bulgarian). The fine for doing so is 50 BGN (about 25 EUR).<br />
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This is <b>not </b>valid for the obligatory Third Party Liability insurance and its validity sticker, which should always be put on the front-screen of the vehicle. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuwauJpz6FPOL7qaABSJqflVa3C0RXfhS7xSBZSOGqnacjoRSjpSpQIai2JmVxPnKPIzg9Mxrefv4yxTBjJy1YCpIYju0_08jaMUFJhXcj5wrnemkUizDSV8d5nonW_y81dg13G2HsKlt/s1600/stikeri-kasko.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuwauJpz6FPOL7qaABSJqflVa3C0RXfhS7xSBZSOGqnacjoRSjpSpQIai2JmVxPnKPIzg9Mxrefv4yxTBjJy1YCpIYju0_08jaMUFJhXcj5wrnemkUizDSV8d5nonW_y81dg13G2HsKlt/s1600/stikeri-kasko.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more theft or damage protection insurance stickers in Bulgaria</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-57354940266285807012012-09-28T11:44:00.000+03:002012-09-28T12:40:44.944+03:00Closed roads in the district of Sliven <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rallysliven.com/images/stories/frontpage_slides/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="IRC Rally Sliven 2012" border="0" height="121" src="http://www.rallysliven.com/images/stories/frontpage_slides/44.jpg" title="IRC Rally Sliven 2012" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture: www.rallysliven.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Rally Sliven, round 11 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, starts today 28th September 2012.<br />
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Due to the race there will be closed roads in the mountainous sections of Sliven and Kotel municipalities. If you plan driving through the area excpect difficulties in the areas where the competition takes place. <br />
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Forty-four crews are set to contest the Mabanol Sliven Rally in Bulgaria this week, round 11 of the all-action Intercontinental Rally Challenge season. Drivers representing nine different countries will battle for glory on the undulating asphalt stages in mountains overlooking Bulgaria’s eighth largest city.<br />
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The Mabanol Sliven Rally features 13 stages over a competitive distance of 197.32 kilometres. The action begins with the 1.91-kilometre SSS Sliven at 20:00hrs local time on Friday 28 September. <a href="http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/956" target="_blank">Info from IRC site</a><br />
Find more info and results at the official site: <a href="http://www.rallysliven.com/index.php" target="_blank">http://www.rallysliven.com</a> or IRC news <a href="http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/956" target="_blank">http://www.ircseries.com</a><br />
<br />DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0Сливен, България42.6805279 26.316330242.3070119 25.6846162 43.0540439 26.9480442tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-63304885517747313082012-08-07T14:54:00.000+03:002012-08-07T12:37:35.592+03:00Headlights ON: it's the law in Bulgaria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8N5oez3O7zRkZ4C5CQyX8RQlvVZOMbxg1-rqkaFtWktq4YRiKstuUgLi5599HbSstc8ydcdPz5RYLv0dxBGJ9CHLwII8OtewCKnKIDT-HH7MKXbQir257fRsaDzcQ5GPas2ZBPw7zV2w/s1600/800px-Lincoln_xenon_headlamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8N5oez3O7zRkZ4C5CQyX8RQlvVZOMbxg1-rqkaFtWktq4YRiKstuUgLi5599HbSstc8ydcdPz5RYLv0dxBGJ9CHLwII8OtewCKnKIDT-HH7MKXbQir257fRsaDzcQ5GPas2ZBPw7zV2w/s320/800px-Lincoln_xenon_headlamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Important update on driving in Bulgaria: starting 07th August 2012 motorists should drive with headlights on low beam (or if the vehicle is equipped with day-lights) during day and night, all year round. Forgetting to do so - will cost you a 50 LV (about 25 EUR) police ticket. The change comes in power today 07th August 2012, following an up-date of the Bulgarian Traffic Law.DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-56958592067972947892012-06-29T13:55:00.000+03:002013-08-31T03:02:15.555+03:00Speed limit increased to 140 km/h on motorways in Bulgaria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAkrv3ybVv4-MwMr1ai_2A1YoG5fkh0b4-V1BgBF-l9R-_fVP8HbpqTgeNw_-rLhlVG5Q6VY9fU3O6R5nVjvFvhj8QyliO0ChdDWdVwg4LssKYaVvjp1ubd3zJ5i6k7NdrAkfG4JrefVR/s1600/speed140-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAkrv3ybVv4-MwMr1ai_2A1YoG5fkh0b4-V1BgBF-l9R-_fVP8HbpqTgeNw_-rLhlVG5Q6VY9fU3O6R5nVjvFvhj8QyliO0ChdDWdVwg4LssKYaVvjp1ubd3zJ5i6k7NdrAkfG4JrefVR/s1600/speed140-150x150.jpg" /></a></div>
From 26th June 2012 the speed limit on Bulgaria's motorways is increased to 140 km/h. <br />
Still this will be valid only for the newest or recently repaired sections. <span lang="EN-US">On the
other sections it is usually 130 km/h, 90 km/h or other signposted speed
limit.</span><br />
<br />
The amendments of the Traffic Law also introduce the term "fast road": these are roads where the speed limit is 120 km/h and do not have a hazard (emergency) lane. Such roads are to be build in Bulgaria in the following years.<br />
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<br />
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</script>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-3261587083594007572011-08-17T21:06:00.000+03:002012-10-16T15:57:19.445+03:00Apollonia Festival of Arts - Sozopol, Bulgaria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9RLH6qEBPHNXMmRAAErP8A3AcDE2zYpWRwuS3ZeJAZSW8twtBhyphenhyphen5nyCIJQwyXvbW_Q7AK2aoQI00BirQSWiIXrpCp1zIsXV8StdShJrb6_gVcuuRgWPwhd8jyqpOgFb62Gu7-OeEiQ6c/s1600/Apollonia+Festival+of+Arts+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9RLH6qEBPHNXMmRAAErP8A3AcDE2zYpWRwuS3ZeJAZSW8twtBhyphenhyphen5nyCIJQwyXvbW_Q7AK2aoQI00BirQSWiIXrpCp1zIsXV8StdShJrb6_gVcuuRgWPwhd8jyqpOgFb62Gu7-OeEiQ6c/s400/Apollonia+Festival+of+Arts+2011.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Apollonia Festival of Art </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sozopol, Bulgaria <br />
27th August – 5th September 2011<br />
<i></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Since 1984, when the first Apollonia Festival of Arts was organized, the event has always been held in the ancient seaside city of Sozopol – an atmospheric place with plenty of cultural sights to see. <br />
<br />
Apollonia is a festival of all arts: from music, through theatre, dance and plastic art to literature and poetry, cinema. It aims to preserve and present to the audience the unique Bulgarian culture as well as to show the newest achievements and artistic interpretations of many Bulgarian and foreign artists.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Throughout the festival, over 30 concerts will be staged on different venues, all of which significant places among the city of Sozopol. <br />
<br />
Some of the best concerts during the festival are going to be staged in the UBB /United Bulgarian Bank/ club in Sozopol. Furthermore, some of the best contemporary productions of the Bulgarian cinema such as “Shelter”, “Hunting small predators”, “Lora from morning till evening” and “love.net” will be presented in the Naval club of the city.<br />
<br />
Throughout the festival, some great theatre plays of Sofia Drama Theatre and Sozopol Drama Theatre are going to be staged in Otets Paissii Cultural center. <br />
Check the theatre programme for the festival here: <a href="http://www.apollonia.bg/en/programme">http://www.apollonia.bg/en/programme</a><br />
<br />
This year, among the performers, there will be some of the most famous Bulgarian musicians such as Teodosi Spasov and the Sofia Soloists chamber ensable.<br />
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It is also worth seeing the famous jazz singer Camelia Todorova and J.P.3. band, together with the Bulgarian National Radio Big Bend, Ivo Papazov and the Trakia orchestra. <br />
The bands Zone C, Acoustic Version and Ahat will also contribute to the incredible atmosphere during the festival.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6mLVHNjP_s626-zLVviJuHoXxFbwuaDNPTEBG7by5CayGTjGNTZKEkSfH61FlunqKJU5edFL9SPi_yD1H-BoRG_lgfqIDHRY7zECeo5ttd7GOLZvFA9xVwXPw59UP_0I0kSYj4ORIxhB/s1600/Chico+Freeman_Sozopol.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6mLVHNjP_s626-zLVviJuHoXxFbwuaDNPTEBG7by5CayGTjGNTZKEkSfH61FlunqKJU5edFL9SPi_yD1H-BoRG_lgfqIDHRY7zECeo5ttd7GOLZvFA9xVwXPw59UP_0I0kSYj4ORIxhB/s200/Chico+Freeman_Sozopol.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
There are also going to be guest stars: the world famous saxophonist Chico Freeman (USA), the Fritz Pauer Trio (Austria), the trumpeter Tom Harrell (USA) and the pianist Paul Hefner & Tara Nova (USA).<br />
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Un-doubtlessly, one the most interesting shows during the Apollonia festival will be the duet of the American guitarists with Serbian origins Dusan Bogdanovic and the legendary Bulgarian musician Milcho Leviev.<br />
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<br />
<b>Check out below the highlights of the programme for the event:</b><br />
<br />
<b>27th August: 18:00h, Art gallery:</b><br />
Exhibitions opening of many Bulgarian artists and The Archive of the Planet – autochrome plates of Albert Kahn<br />
<br />
20:30h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Opening night concert: Bulgarian National Radio Big Band, conducted by Antoni Donchev and soloist Tom Harrell (USA) – trumpet. <br />
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<b>28th August: 21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:</b><br />
Concert of the Bulgarian rock band Ahat<br />
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23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Chico Freeman and the Fritz Pauer Trio. The great soprano and tenor sax of Chico Freeman and the talented austrian trio Fritz Pauer (piano), Hans Strasser (bass) and Joris Dudli (drums) are very impressive with their harmonic melodies.<br />
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<b>29th August: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Vivi Vasileva & Christian Deberlain(Germany) - percussion show<br />
<br />
21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Poli Genova & Dani Milev’s band, guest star: Lyubo Kirov. Poli Genova has become famous mostly for her participation in EuroVrision 2011 where she represented Bulgaria with her newest song “Na inat”<br />
<br />
23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Camelia Todorova & J.P.3.<br />
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<b>30th August: 20:00h, Art Gallery:</b><br />
Premiere: Theatre on table, Jean-Luc Lagarce: The end of the world, directed by Staiko Murdzev<br />
<br />
21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Ivo Papazov and Trakia Orchestra. Ivo Papazov, called also “Ibryama”, is a famous clarinet musician not only here, in Bulgaria, but on the world stage as well. Working with the famous American producer Joe Boyd, he turns the incredible Bulgarian folk music into jazz-fenomenon.<br />
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23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Acoustic Version band<br />
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<b>31st August: 21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:</b><br />
Vlatko Stefanovski Trio (Macedonia)<br />
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23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Tan GoGo. This is the first Bulgarian band to play Argentinean tango. The young members are all filled with enthusiasm and creative ideas and the fans of the genre are all going to be very pleased with the variety of the band’s repertoire.<br />
<b><br />
1st September: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Marie-Denise Heinen (Germany) – violin & Rada Chomakova – piano<br />
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21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Grafa. Vlady Ampov, with his artistic name “Grafa”, is one of the most popular pop singers in Bulgaria. His songs are instantly becoming №1 not only in the Bulgarian music charts, but in MTV charts as well.<br />
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23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Zone C band. The band gains fast popularity among the jazz fans with its talented and unordinary interesting.<br />
<b><br />
2nd September: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Philip Ivanov (Belgium) – piano<br />
<br />
21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Maria Ilieva (famous Bualgarian pop singer)<br />
<br />
23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Tara Nova (USA) & Paul Hefner (USA) – piano, Boris Taslev and Mitko Dimitrov. <br />
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<b>3rd September: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Concert of the Bulgarian National Radio Brass Quintet<br />
<br />
21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Vasil Petrov – The pop project. He’s a well known pop and jazz singer, people call him “the Bulgarian Frank Sinatra”.<br />
<br />
23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Concert: Alexander Vladigerov – trumpet, Konstantin Vladigerov – piano, Stoyan Yankulov – drums and Huan Garsia (Columbia) – bass.<br />
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<b>4th September: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Musical saloon in memory of Polin Viardo featuring: Ina Kuncheva,Miroslava Yordanova, Julian Smith and Vesela Kazakova<br />
<br />
20:00h, Art gallery:<br />
Premiere - Theatre on table: Edward Albee’s “Occupant” <br />
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21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Sofia Soloists chamber ansamble, conducted by Plamen Jurov & soloist Teodosi Spasov.<br />
<br />
23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Dusan Bogdanovic (USA) – guitar & Milcho Leviev – piano<br />
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<b>5th September: 19:00h, Archeological museum:</b><br />
Concert of the violinists form Mincho Minchev’s Master class<br />
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21:00h, Amphitheatre Apollonia:<br />
Mihail Yosifov sextet & Santimental Swingers. The three girls from Santimental Swingers – Vera, Desi and Roni, make you dance on the jazz rhythms of the 30s, 40s and 50s. <br />
<br />
23:00h, UBB club:<br />
Rick Margitza (USA) – sax, Ricardo Del Fra (Italia) – bass, Milcho Leviev – piano & Stoyan Yankulov – drums. Rick Margitza, great tenor and soprano saxophonist, is one of the most respected musicians of his generation. Together with the multi-talented “jazz, but not just jazz” musician Ricardo Del Fra and the two Bulgarian performers, the amazing show is more than guaranteed.<br />
<br />DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0Созопол, България42.4173676 27.69635640000001342.2748431 27.472222900000013 42.5598921 27.920489900000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-32968044386726191042011-07-28T08:23:00.000+03:002013-08-31T03:01:43.937+03:00Jazz Fest Bansko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HF2GE2IwMi-GjRpY2DMbgz0kIHB6-bnB0-GMulPdyY2nEqSqWS8gFVhVs5G5iJNVWn9wiX8TgMdnjvEXzcpg39FAWGieVcZt0TXGl4vY4ZPJLK7XuJpQiy5sNjw4O7zx6qP6HpzX_b5b/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HF2GE2IwMi-GjRpY2DMbgz0kIHB6-bnB0-GMulPdyY2nEqSqWS8gFVhVs5G5iJNVWn9wiX8TgMdnjvEXzcpg39FAWGieVcZt0TXGl4vY4ZPJLK7XuJpQiy5sNjw4O7zx6qP6HpzX_b5b/s320/logo.png" width="182" /></a></div>
<br />
The International Jazz Festival in Bansko -<br />
in 2011 from 6th to 13th August, is one of the biggest summer music events in Bulgaria and on the Balkans.<br />
<a href="http://banskojazzfest.com/"><br />
http://banskojazzfest.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNZ8Jx3WxWFmShZozRAlXW1fwsYNXk82p6PV2AhOq_I0JBs_q4Cr2brptcpJRBoX42lvgHFtBJbi0MtX8MNNDP_tT9WsDyPwGTDK1MuuHOrTToAmGwWQHMW1b7qitq-YEH7LWbOiDGVyZ/s1600/Bansko+Jazz+Festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNZ8Jx3WxWFmShZozRAlXW1fwsYNXk82p6PV2AhOq_I0JBs_q4Cr2brptcpJRBoX42lvgHFtBJbi0MtX8MNNDP_tT9WsDyPwGTDK1MuuHOrTToAmGwWQHMW1b7qitq-YEH7LWbOiDGVyZ/s200/Bansko+Jazz+Festival.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Throughout the festival jazz musicians from all over the world will perform on open-air stage on the Nikola Vaptsarov square in the centre of Bansko. <br />
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Additionally, during the festival, smaller stages are built so jazz is also played in some of the resort complexes and restaurants.<br />
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The musicians, coming from four different continents and more than 20 countries, represent each and every type of jazz – from standard, blues and swing to Dixieland and bebop.<br />
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Legendary names in the jazz music, such as Jackie Ryan & Larry Vuckovich Trio (USA), Mungo Jerry blues band (Great Britain), <br />
The Jive Aces (Great Britan) , Jazzex (Ukraine), Yoni Vidal <br />
(Spain, Belgium) and Oleg Kiriev (Russia) will perform for the public in Bansko.<br />
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An interesting accent in the festival will be the Egyptian Percussion Show on the last day.<br />
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During the event some of the most famous Bulgarian jazz musicians - Camellia Todorova,<br />
Bulgarian National Radio Big Band, Dixieband Teteven,<br />
Lilly of the West and<br />
Akaga band will perform for the fans of jazz music.<br />
<br />
<b>Full programme for the stage in Nikola Vaptsarov square:<i></i></b><br />
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<b>6th</b> - 19:30h: <b>Dixieband Teteven</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>Lili Ivanova & band</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
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<b>7th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Ensemble Trakia</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>Balkan Horses</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>Albena Veskova</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
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<b>8th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Bulgarian National Radio Big Band</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>Jazzex</b> (Ukraine)<br />
<b>Jackie Ryan & Larry Vuckovich Trio</b> (USA)<br />
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<b>9th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Kaffe Ball</b> (Serbia)<br />
<b>Camellia Todorova & JP3</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>The Jive Aces</b> (Great Britan)<br />
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<b>10th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Ondrej Stveracek quartet</b> (Czech Republic)<br />
<b>Elina Duni quartet</b> (Albania, Switzerland)<br />
<b>Yoni Vidal</b> (Spain, Belgium)<br />
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<b>11th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Boriana Dimitrova Quartet</b> <br />
(Bulgaria, Germany)<br />
<b>Maya Nova Quartet</b> (Bulgaria) <br />
& <b>Rick Margitza – sax</b> (USA)<br />
<b>Mungo Jerry blues band</b> <br />
(Great Britain)<br />
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<b>12th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Big Band Saransk</b> - Conductor Alexander Kurin <br />
& Special guest <b>Oleg Kireyev</b><br />
<b>Lily of the West</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
<b>Milo Suchomel quartet</b> (Slovakia)<br />
<b>Akaga</b> (Bulgaria)<br />
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<b>13th</b> - 19:00h: <b>Ankara Combo band & Elif Tacer</b> (Turkey)<br />
<b>Baron - sax & Jarek Bothur Quartet</b> (Poland)<br />
<b>Márta Téli trio</b> (Hungary)<br />
<b>Percussion Show</b> (Egypt)<br />
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All the concerts are free for the standing audience. However, if you want a seated place during the festival, you need to ask for and buy a subscription card from your hotel. It is advisable to do that upon your arrival as the number of such cards is limited.<br />
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<b>How to get to Bansko:</b><br />
- <b>by car:</b> from Sofia take the E79 road south to the town of Simitli (direction "Kulata") and turn east at Simitli onto national Road 19 to Bansko. Distance from Sofia: approx. 160 km.<br />
Check for Sofia car rental deals and airport transfers at <a href="http://urca.bg/">URCA rent a car & transfers</a> <a href="http://urca.bg/">www.urca.bg</a><br />
- <b>by bus:</b> daily buses from Sofia: Central Bus Station <a href="http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php">http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php</a> or Ovcha Kupel Bus Station. Journey takes about 3hours. <br />
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<b>Where to stay in Bansko</b><br />
- Hadjipopov family guest-house: <a href="http://www.hadjipopov.eu/index_en.html">http://www.hadjipopov.eu</a> Green-lodge quality certificate<br />
- Hotel Martin: <a href="http://www.hotelmartin.domino.bg/index_e.htm">http://www.hotelmartin.domino.bg</a> Family owned 4-star hotel close to the Old Quarter of the town.<br />
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<b>Where to eat in Bansko</b><br />
- Baryakova mehana: a long established traditional resaurant. 3 Velyan Ognev Str, Tel +359 749 8 44 82 <br />
- Todeva mehana: a traditional Bulgarian restaurant located close to the old church. Excellent food and service by Mitko and Nadia. 7 Neofit Rilski Str. Tel. + 359 898 634 514
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</script>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-51463775562286828432011-06-15T15:43:00.000+03:002013-08-31T03:01:19.108+03:00Driving in Bulgaria<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">DRIVING IN BULGARIA </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Essential guide </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">General info</span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Driving in Bulgaria is on the right side of the roads and overtaking is on the left side. <span style="color: #99cc00;"></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Minimum driving age is 18 years. Children<span style="color: red;"> </span>under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat. You should have a valid driving license and carry it always with you when you drive. Obligatory vehicle documentation consists of registration card, annual technical inspection card and “third party liability”<span style="color: #99cc00;"> </span>insurance.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Motorcyclists must always wear a helmet.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It is not allowed to drive & talk on a mobile phone unless you are using a hands free system</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Headlights should be always ON in the period between <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">01 November </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">01 March</b>.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Signs in Bulgaria</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> are in Cyrillic and Latin on major roads. Still in the countryside some of them could be in Cyrillic only, so it is</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"> helpful to have a basic understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Winter driving in Bulgaria</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> should be done with caution as some areas of the country experience severe winter conditions. It is highly advisable to have your car equipped with winter-tires (although this is not legally required) and it is the law to carry snow-chains with you during the winter period (01 November – 31 March). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It is advisable to drive defensively as sometimes locals may be reckless, travelling at high speed and switching lanes without indicating. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Always try to avoid road rage!</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #115985; font-family: "Bodoni MT"; font-size: 16pt;">Never leave any valuables (including the front panel of the CD-player) in the visible areas of the car, especially in bigger towns and tourist areas.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #115985; font-family: "Bodoni MT"; font-size: 16pt;"></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">Roads</span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Since Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 roads are improving with every year.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Still many of the roads can be often <u>bumpy</u>, with poor asphalt surface and without markings of the road lanes (especially B-roads in the countryside). Motorists should drive with greater attention on countryside roads, especially when driving at night time as pot-holes or unlit farm carts and animals are a hazard.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Motorways</span></b><span lang="EN-US">:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There are 3 motorways in Bulgaria: </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">Trakia – A1</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">Hemus – A2 </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">Maritsa</span><span lang="EN-US"> – A3</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">They have usually 2 lanes + 1 hazard lane. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Speed limit is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">140 km/h</b>. (but on most sections it is reduced to 130 km/h)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa9fMBKao-XcogI5cfYYJRUCRKmB1mT4XB3Xtl9OFTvlADvaxQEVkc4ptXQeDDAHqIY1UcPaXfC5pkXKud9vaN6S1U-BvZ9sF0X9EL_0yC-_RGLdo7DCfYsX9OZCyjXVIwQAKB0iZO6BO/s1600/Trakia+Motorway+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa9fMBKao-XcogI5cfYYJRUCRKmB1mT4XB3Xtl9OFTvlADvaxQEVkc4ptXQeDDAHqIY1UcPaXfC5pkXKud9vaN6S1U-BvZ9sF0X9EL_0yC-_RGLdo7DCfYsX9OZCyjXVIwQAKB0iZO6BO/s400/Trakia+Motorway+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trakia Motorway (A2) - Exit to Kostenets and Muhovo</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Toll roads:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa_qp9lap_Dx1DVtZ631fTn3y9ZBs-aH2VrNL6OioyVCISCvnalKhzfTgc65gTpurfCeln-CIaibvtbcO8dbF8ITbOZtY6_OLgMkWOUVdnZiamIt0SKnqBd4OTn6D-Gb_JtD-eVOjXVqo/s1600/Vignette+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa_qp9lap_Dx1DVtZ631fTn3y9ZBs-aH2VrNL6OioyVCISCvnalKhzfTgc65gTpurfCeln-CIaibvtbcO8dbF8ITbOZtY6_OLgMkWOUVdnZiamIt0SKnqBd4OTn6D-Gb_JtD-eVOjXVqo/s1600/Vignette+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US">There are no toll roads in Bulgaria. However if you are to drive outside the build-up areas you should obtain a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vignette</b>.</span><span lang="EN-US"> This is a road-tax valid for all roads in Bulgaria. It is a sticker that you should put on the right-bottom corner of your windscreen. Note that before that you should write the registration-plate number of your vehicle in the space provided. Also do not throw away the receipt and the plastic-sheet left after putting the sticker. Keep them both in the car.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The prices in 2012 for a vignette for a regular car are as follows: </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">1-week vignette: <b>10 leva</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">1-month vignette: <b>25 leva</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">1-year: <b>67 leva</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBO1BzQMJSlRz3CqoL0pm0LyYCMOb-QRCNtwqWRe9GgOxJ1LWp44kpu65JMDlKtViitONTKjcIJuHAW6c_41E4jg5dH6BPZMUGFDov8SAMY2OgQcu7V0uc6SCKR9qDAPuIT3007GkvhFP/s1600/Vignette+Sign+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBO1BzQMJSlRz3CqoL0pm0LyYCMOb-QRCNtwqWRe9GgOxJ1LWp44kpu65JMDlKtViitONTKjcIJuHAW6c_41E4jg5dH6BPZMUGFDov8SAMY2OgQcu7V0uc6SCKR9qDAPuIT3007GkvhFP/s320/Vignette+Sign+-+Driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Speed<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Speed limits in Bulgaria are as follows (unless other stated by road sign):</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">build-up areas: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">50 km/h</b>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">open roads: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">90 km/h</b>. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">motorways: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">140 km/h</b>. </span><span lang="EN-US">(but on most sections it is reduced to 130 km/h) </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">From 26th June 2012 the speed limit on Bulgarian motorways was increased to 140 km/h. But in fact this is efective only for limited parts - the most newly build or repaired section. On the other sections it usually 130 km/h, 90 km/h or other signposted speed limit. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Beware of speed cameras or traffic patrol cars with mobile radars. “Speed traps” are quite common in Bulgaria, especially on the main roads and during the summer holiday season. Be careful when a main road goes through build-up areas (towns or villages) as right after the sign with the name of the settlement the speed-limit is 50 km/h. “Speed traps” are very common at such places. There is a certain allowance for over speeding with about 10 km/h above the limit to which you will not be fined.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">Parking<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Parking your car in bigger cities in Bulgaria (and especially in Sofia) is in most cases not for free. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Watch carefully the road signs when parking on the side of the streets.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Beware that your car will be either towed away or blocked with a </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">wheel-clamp if you park without paying in a blue-zone or at other no-parking areas. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4VlAH-hmRMcM375zWDSzmD_qbakzpKU_Lc-uXUil8i7PUMzZpNJM5U2f-oWJS_ySguhhVeDWJ45OwIIM2_I740XvfsfPOHg4H_SBcQPRmiyk0QtCcjwBj07_OjnKoIf_OF33edx_ERs3/s1600/Parking+in+Bulgaria+-+wheel+clamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4VlAH-hmRMcM375zWDSzmD_qbakzpKU_Lc-uXUil8i7PUMzZpNJM5U2f-oWJS_ySguhhVeDWJ45OwIIM2_I740XvfsfPOHg4H_SBcQPRmiyk0QtCcjwBj07_OjnKoIf_OF33edx_ERs3/s320/Parking+in+Bulgaria+-+wheel+clamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPcq8hYoh1-R5-ILA9DVC6k9WClnGRFvO3Y0VF0-ZRuNSP2T73BypzdEffnG0DNRPJgU2tWU9VLMIVXO2Spj2Hl7rTCD4BMVlMvSBPln9LUh9A12J6_IRDmEbaL18v7bqzlpW1YU8N02E/s1600/Parking+in+Sofia+-+Blue+Zone+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPcq8hYoh1-R5-ILA9DVC6k9WClnGRFvO3Y0VF0-ZRuNSP2T73BypzdEffnG0DNRPJgU2tWU9VLMIVXO2Spj2Hl7rTCD4BMVlMvSBPln9LUh9A12J6_IRDmEbaL18v7bqzlpW1YU8N02E/s200/Parking+in+Sofia+-+Blue+Zone+area.jpg" width="150" /></a><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Expect very soon a detailed guide on parking in Sofia at <a href="http://www.drivebulgaria.com/">www.drivebulgaria.com </a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">Traffic police</span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If a representative of the traffic police stops you, pull over the vehicle, turn off the engine, do not leave the vehicle and wait for the police-officer to approach. You could be asked to present the vehicle’s documentation (which consists in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">registration card, technical support card and “third party liability”<span style="color: #ff6600;"> </span>insurance</b>), your driving license and international passport (or national ID-card for EU citizens). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There are often routine-checks carried out by the Bulgarian Police, so you could be pulled-over even if you have not committed any violation of the Bulgarian Traffic Law. DO NOT try bribing the police officer on any occasion! This might have been a common illegal practice in Bulgaria during the 1990’s, but today you might get into serious trouble trying to do this!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIioQRqZOIS-Utn7hyphenhyphen3nIPTuwdf80z1sgJjYOF8wAfTrXgdoKxNhWfZUtydTWpScg5Ho1piSOn1GZB_85J5KorKNakpgDo_l39BVXHwhhzP5T-yzkkG85DkzB-i3EIsJxm6xRlH2dbULD_/s1600/Driving+in+Bulgaria+-+Police+patrol+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIioQRqZOIS-Utn7hyphenhyphen3nIPTuwdf80z1sgJjYOF8wAfTrXgdoKxNhWfZUtydTWpScg5Ho1piSOn1GZB_85J5KorKNakpgDo_l39BVXHwhhzP5T-yzkkG85DkzB-i3EIsJxm6xRlH2dbULD_/s400/Driving+in+Bulgaria+-+Police+patrol+car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Fines</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The most common violation of the traffic law in Bulgaria is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">over-speeding</b>. If you are caught in doing so, you will be fined as follows:</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Build-up areas</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">:</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Speeding Offence</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Fine</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Up to 10 km/h </span></b><span lang="EN-US">over the posted limit</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">20</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">11 km/h to 20 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">50</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">21 km/h to 30 km/h </span></b><span lang="EN-US">over the posted limit</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">100</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">31 km/h to 40 km/h </span></b><span lang="EN-US">over the posted limit</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">200</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">41 km/h to 50 km/h </span></b><span lang="EN-US">over the posted limit</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">300</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Over 50 km/h </span></b><span lang="EN-US">over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">350</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Licence Disqualification</b> for 3 months</span></div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Open roads:</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableContemporary" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-border-insideh: 2.25pt solid white; mso-border-insidev: 2.25pt solid white; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: -1;"> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speeding Offence</span></b></div>
</td> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Fine</span></b></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Up to</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10 km/h</b> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">20</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">11 km/h to 20 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">50</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">21 km/h to 30 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">100</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">31 km/h to 40 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">150</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">41 km/h to 50 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-5 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">200</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-right: solid white 2.25pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.4pt;" valign="top" width="283"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Over 50 km/h</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> over the posted limit</span></div>
</td> <td style="background: #CCCCCC; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid white 2.25pt; mso-pattern: gray-20 black; mso-shading: white; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 162.0pt;" valign="top" width="216"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-yfti-cnfc: 128;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">300</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> leva and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Licence Disqualification</b> for 3 months </span></div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> ▪ Drivers (with less than 2 years of experience) with <span style="color: #cc0000;">blood alcohol content</span> (ascertained by a medical test) <span style="color: #cc0000;">from 0.5 to 1.2 per mill</span>, have their driving license suspended for a period from <span style="color: #cc0000;">2 to 12 months</span> and pay a fine between <span style="color: #cc0000;">300 and 600 leva</span>. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 219.75pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 219.75pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyw9BfTT1s2EtSWamVq6x8WNRMNHLHy_1_pxWonmOQm3SHpsSfFahMHOwb-Q792VjLB0C3-S1r1n6aRr0_KI89sYRGdPb0dk0q4-q9USIMDOG_06C2FZqwzhXtRcKu89jGCKa7W8XnkVv/s1600/Drink+and+driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyw9BfTT1s2EtSWamVq6x8WNRMNHLHy_1_pxWonmOQm3SHpsSfFahMHOwb-Q792VjLB0C3-S1r1n6aRr0_KI89sYRGdPb0dk0q4-q9USIMDOG_06C2FZqwzhXtRcKu89jGCKa7W8XnkVv/s200/Drink+and+driving+in+Bulgaria.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> ▪ For a repeated violation, the fine is from <span style="color: #cc0000;">1000 to 2000 leva</span><span style="color: red;"> </span>and driving rights are suspended for <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 to 3 years</span>. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> ▪ Drivers (with more than 2 years of experience) driving with <span style="color: #cc0000;">blood alcohol content from 0.5 to 1.2 per</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">mill</span> have their driving license is suspended for a period from <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 month up to 1 year</span> pay a fine from <span style="color: #cc0000;">200 to 500 leva</span>.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> ▪ For a repeated violation, the fine is from <span style="color: #cc0000;">1000</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">to 2000 leva</span>.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #cc0000;"> For driving with alcohol blood content exceeding 1.2 per mill, the law provides for up to 1 year of imprisonment. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">In case of refusal to be tested for alcohol or narcotics test, the fine is from 500 to 1000 leva and the driving license is suspended for 12 to 18 months.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 14pt;">Remember to always fasten your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seat belts</b> on the front as well as on the back seats <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">– it saves lives and it is the law</b>. The fine for not putting your seat belt on is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">50 leva</b>.</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Petrol stations</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">On major roads, in and around bigger towns there are quite a few petrol stations. Bigger petrol stations in Bulgaria include: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkZ2oMvNuI46XLKg1cuB_hODlUk6ARngkbJ64yP-QgLQ-FXPfGDQl6ENHMAhC2Id8qgbtYoDMZEttepLcVAe40xw1FZm2OJpR_2OXy9_nO-FK3GJO9FTSVfx-gmQkrSciVYMcoOmqxd3d/s1600/Petrol+Stations+in+Bulgaria-DriveBulgaria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkZ2oMvNuI46XLKg1cuB_hODlUk6ARngkbJ64yP-QgLQ-FXPfGDQl6ENHMAhC2Id8qgbtYoDMZEttepLcVAe40xw1FZm2OJpR_2OXy9_nO-FK3GJO9FTSVfx-gmQkrSciVYMcoOmqxd3d/s640/Petrol+Stations+in+Bulgaria-DriveBulgaria.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Most of them have as well small shops and cafes for a snack or refreshment. In some remote country areas petrol stations could be few and far between. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Generally customers pay at the cashier desk (international credit and debit cards such as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">VISA</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MasterCard</b> are at most of the places accepted). Self service at the petrol station is not very popular. Normally you should leave some tip directly to the personnel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">Equipment</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US"> <br />
The equipment listed below is required by the law and you should always carry it in your car:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">first aid kit </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">fire extinguisher</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">spare tire</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">car-jack</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">safety jacket</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">hazard triangle</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">snow-chains (* only for winter periods)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbC1ZR-UZ3BFJCI1CvfLLy9CBhFM_7CR13oOmELPXA0bC5CvIiwa6Lgvg2D15EgodCVJj8lUMJOzJBBS-vlfFuWvDF8-ca53tDNsODOptBTcc14c5B6TqD5ZoLI_Hf-Y9NL971gW3oq7z/s1600/Emergency+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbC1ZR-UZ3BFJCI1CvfLLy9CBhFM_7CR13oOmELPXA0bC5CvIiwa6Lgvg2D15EgodCVJj8lUMJOzJBBS-vlfFuWvDF8-ca53tDNsODOptBTcc14c5B6TqD5ZoLI_Hf-Y9NL971gW3oq7z/s200/Emergency+112.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">Emergency telephone numbers</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">112 – European emergency line</span></b> (all kind of emergencies)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">150</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Ambulance </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">160</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Fire Brigade</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">166</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – Police</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">165</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - Traffic Police</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; tab-stops: -18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt;">These are 24-hour toll-free numbers that may be reached directly from any telephone. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt;">The Rose Festival</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7P42Y0csWfbfN1T_S3lY0BX9EY3ctMV03xwUF3ilNt0BCupIS85S6O8CQCDs72sMZVLytzANbWHrxf_Ely6cpAZBttJAyKk3iNcqPlDQVc3ubQoEu42BpfwVb0VIhRIBxlcA3AgIlhQk/s1600/Bulgaria-rose-valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7P42Y0csWfbfN1T_S3lY0BX9EY3ctMV03xwUF3ilNt0BCupIS85S6O8CQCDs72sMZVLytzANbWHrxf_Ely6cpAZBttJAyKk3iNcqPlDQVc3ubQoEu42BpfwVb0VIhRIBxlcA3AgIlhQk/s320/Bulgaria-rose-valley.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">The Rose Festival takes place every year in the city of Kazanlak, Bulgaria, during the first week of June. It celebrates the beginning of the harvesting period of the rare oil-producing Damascena rose (or Kazanlashka rose). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">This type of rose has been cultivated in the Bulgarian so called Rose Valley (that includes the city of Kazanlak, together with Karlovo, Pavel Banya and Strelcha) for more than 300 years and the oil, extracted from its blossoms is widely used in the production of the finest perfumes throughout the world and for that reason extremely expensive.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">The Rose Festival 2011 will last 3 more days – from 31<sup>st</sup> May till 5<sup>th</sup> June 2011. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">The highlights, as always, would be the Election of the Queen of Roses (3<sup>rd</sup> June), as well as the ritual Rose-picking and the Festival Parade Carnival (5<sup>th</sup> June)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">Programme of the Festival:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">31<sup>st</sup> May: <span style="text-transform: uppercase;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">journey around the world</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> – open-air photo shoot in the central square of Kazanlak – “Seuthopolis”. The square will be transformed in a décor where anybody will be able to take a photo with different landscapes. Apart form that, there will be many make-up artists, designers and hairdressers who will help you create your unique photo, which will be shot by a professional photographer and for those with greater courage, there will be a body art painter.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">1<sup>st</sup> June: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Car, Plane and Ship models exhibition</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> – Toys for children and adults at the “Seuthopolis” square</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">2<sup>nd</sup> June: 17:00h. Opening of the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Street of Crafts</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">3<sup>rd</sup> June: 21:00h. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Queen of the Roses show</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> in the “Seuthopolis” square (election of the Queen, fireworks show and concert) The queen should be a young girl, who must have graduated in the same year and later it is her that rewards the best rose-pickers during the ritual Rose-picking.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">4<sup>th</sup> June: 18:00h. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Bulgarian folk music-and-dances concert</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">5<sup>th</sup> June: 10:00h. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Ritual rose-picking</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Rose Distillation</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> at the Rose Institute</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> 12:00h. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Festival Parade Carnival</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> in the “Seuthopolis” square</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> 13:00h. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660033; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;">Closing OF the Festival</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">with a concert</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> <u><b>How to get to the Rose Festival 2011 in Kazanluk:</b></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">- by train: Bulgarian State Railways: trains schedule at <a href="http://www.bdz.bg/">www.bdz.bg</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">- by bus: Sofia Central Bus Station: buses timetable at <a href="http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php">http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;">- by car: from Sofia take the E871 (national road 8) to Kazanluk (about 200 km)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #993366; font-family: Calibri;"> Check for Bulgaria car rental deals at URCA rent a car <a href="http://www.urca.bg/">www.urca.bg</a> </span></div>
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DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-65960081840990141622011-03-07T17:48:00.002+02:002011-03-14T11:49:56.838+02:00Seat belts reminderBulgarian traffic police launches today (07th March 2011) a seat-belts-campaign. There will be regular police-checks for the seat belt being put by all passangers in a vehicle. The emphasis will be on the belts on the back-seats as it turns out that only 3 - 5 % of the passengers in Bulgaria use seat belts when travelling on the back seat. <br />
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DriveBulgaria reminds: <b>It is the law to put on your seat belt in Bulgaria on every seat (including the backs seats) <u>and it does save life</u>!</b><br />
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The current penalty fee for not putting a your belt on the back seat is 25 EURO per passenger (payable by the passanger himself and not by the driver).<br />
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Recent surveys show that about 300 people die every year in Bulgaria because of not wearing a seat-belt on the back-seat.<br />
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Have you ever been involved in an accident and have you experienced the effect of the car seat belts yourself? Please share and comment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAagCjx3a3-NkLAWAa3okZ_STQdwAwGJe2MWXJPMVYXg0CJYHki9bj1LwhSZVZphmTVZ28TMUzuoLpxS_rqDKKnXCCB5xCDGO0WEh2nS4Giimbwb_ZwwUM5NLPfspXvdzflqOaGvrJdIFq/s320/2-seat_belt_q.jpg" width="320" /></div> <i>Your seat-belt could be very often the difference between life and dead...</i>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4827809737162410679.post-83141873006583151802011-03-01T16:09:00.000+02:002011-03-02T12:50:18.453+02:00The DriveBulgaria site is born...The first post on the blog is finally present!<br />
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It took more than a year after the first idea of this site came to our mind.<br />
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After finding that there is quite scarce (if any) information in English of any drive tips or traffic info in Bulgaria we decided to launch this 'Drive Bulgaria' project. As we are all professionals in the transportation and travel business it would be a pleasure for us to share the first-hand info that we gather during our frequent travels combined with the official traffic info from the Road and Traffic Police Authorities in Bulgaria.<br />
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But most of all it will be up to <b>You</b> - all our readers to contribute to this blog with your comments and thus help the others by sharing your knoweadge, experiense and advice on driving and travelling in Bulgaria.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>DriveBulgaria.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08334026985420575366noreply@blogger.com1