A Bulgarian Odyssey

Always note folks - when the organiser says be at the airport on time, be there! Two more minutes and I don't know how we'd have been getting to Bulgaria.

Upon arrival we found passport control full of young, fit, shaven headed, uniformed officials (who were just the women!). The coach driver was very safe and progressed at a steady pace unlike Austrian drivers who a l w a y s l e f t y o u wondering how they'd negotiated that icy bend.

The hotel staff were smart, plentiful and efficient and fairly lacking in English, though exemplary service was provided. Bulgarian food is always warm, but you can never burn yourself on it, but at least there was a wide selection and there is always enough choice to satisfy most. From what we heard from other holiday makers though, don't go less than four stars.

The hotel had its own nightclub. The cabaret kicked off after midnight, so some of our party tended to return to their rooms around 5am! The main foyer had a 24-hour bar. Other activities included the night time skidoo run and a jeep safari. I took a mask and goggles for the skidoo - not for the snow but the diesel fumes from the vehicle in front of you!!

Skiing instruction varied. The top class were very happy with their instructor, as were most of the others. However, the beginners class was rather large and did not advance as fast as the Austrian classes last year. This was looked into after day one and improvements were made.

The snow was adequate this year, we skied most of the time, some days some lifts were shut due to high winds that concentrated people on the lower slopes making for lesser enjoyment. On the last day we had new snow and got up top before the lifts were shut allowing us to stay in a relatively deserted area for some time. One of our members didn't fall off the lift bar it snapped! But at least snow was soft. On the last day the top class was let loose North Tames & Chilterns Area on the top slopes, and I claimed the best winners of the Cobb Jug Mug for Best Area fall beating Steve's head first roll down the red run.

I hurtled down a short but steep run to turn and climb the bridge going right then left along the path overlooking the tree lined crevasse... The turn didn't happen, and I just managed from the net barrier. Lying face down on one interested parties are being sought now. Get in arm and across my free leg with one touch with still attached to a ski doesn't lend itself

Adrian Barnard

Extract from Plus News March 2004

Organised by;
Leo Glover &
Adrian Barnard