Two Fat Ladies, Issue 88

Issue #88

In this week’s Buzz:

  • Earthquake in Greece felt in Bansko

  • Here’s how Nick would read the Buzz and know what’s important not to miss

  • Dozens arrested in crackdown on vote buying ahead of elections

  • Easter holiday celebrations plan announced

  • Creative Bansko exhibition back for second year

  • I was short-changed a few times in Bansko. Is that normal?

  • End of season party at The Hub in two weeks time

If I was receiving the Buzz every week, this is how I’d read it.

On Friday, I popped into The Hub. It was coming to the end of Bonkers Bingo (every Friday at 7pm if you fancy it), and it was packed. Did 88 come up while I was there? Sadly, no, but it did get me thinking that we’re now on Issue 88.

So, here’s a rundown of how The Buzz is written and how best to read it (if I was you).

First, the main story is always going to be the email subject line. Something that’s different every week and usually linked to something that’s happening right now (either in Bansko or in Bulgaria).

I’d then see what things are in “In this week’s Buzz” section. They’re usually the highlights that I believe are the most important in the newsletter (or would be most interesting to read about): there’s usually one from each section.

I’d then scan the different sections (the titles are bolded so you can see what the story or news article is about), and if any events are coming up that I like the sound of, I'd add look into them from the curated list.

And, I’d always read the “before you go” section. It usually has useful, relevant information about what’s happening in town, as well as other information (sometimes not well-known).

There might be a few things throughout the newsletter that you already know about or have read, but hopefully, there’s also one or two “Oh, I didn’t know that!” moments, too.

Happy reading. 😁

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 110 New Posts, 💬 434 Comments, 👍️ 1,672 Reactions

Are You a Nomad from the USA? Do You Feel Trapped Abroad?
Will has been tasked with writing about digital nomads from the US who feel “stuck” abroad and think it won't be great to head back to live in the States. Find out what people had to say.

Who Else Felt That Tremor?
Pete posted asking if anyone else had felt the tremor from the earthquake that occurred in Greece. Apparently, lots of people did.

How Much Does it Cost to Groom My Dog?
Tori wanted to know if there are any groomers in the local area that people would recommend and what the average price is. See where was suggested.

Is it Normal to Be Short-Changed Everywhere?
Will has been in town for a few days, has been short-changed on three occasions, and wonders if it's the “norm”. See what people had to say.

Bansko & Beyond

Ski lessons for young people
This week, 6-year-old pupils were taught by instructors from Yulen how to ski safely, with most having their first lesson and putting on skis on the mountain. This is a joint programme between the ski resort operator (Yulen) and the local municipality. Read more.

Dozens arrested in police crackdown on vote buying ahead of elections
If you’re a Beehive member, you’ll already know about changes in police chiefs across the region and the reasons behind them. It looks like the Ministry of the Interior is actively working to ensure fair Parliamentary elections in April. Read more.

Olympic bronze medalist for Bulgaria comes first in biathlon
Lora Hristova, who represented Bulgaria at the Winter Olympics (receiving a bronze medal for third place) in Italy, recently won the women’s biathlon competition in Bansko. Read more [translation required].

Bansko students take part in regional student games
Local students from some of Bansko’s schools recently took part in the regional “Student Games.” While there were no top-three finishes by Bansko students, they all put in significant preparation and effort, and this shows that investment in school sports is having a positive effect on individual students. Read more.

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Events Next Week

Creative Bansko: Art as a Business
On Friday (3rd) and Saturday (4th), Creative Bansko hosts its second exhibition. This will take place on both days from 10am to 2pm at Nikola Vaptsarov Interactive Museum. Participation is free. More info. There is also a collective exhibition starting at 6pm on Saturday (4th), where you can meet the artists and enjoy music and cocktails. This is the formal opening of the exhibition, which will last for 10 days. More info.

Handpan & Wine Workshop (Razlog)
On Friday (3rd) at 6pm, Ether in Razlog is having a Handpan and wine workshop. The evening is about “…vibration, flavor, and mindful presence.” Price is 40€. More info.

Mountain Pearls Winter Festival
On April 3rd, 4th and 5th, this concert will be performed in the main theatre in town. No formal information about timings and prices has been published. More info [translation required].

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz
On Monday 6th, BSD’s pub quiz will take place at The Hub. It will start at 7.30pm and entry fee is 5€ per person. More info.

Easter Holiday Celebrations
The municipality's Easter holiday celebrations start with a concert in the main square at 12noon on Friday 5th. From 11am to 6pm on the 7th, 8th & 9th, there is a charity bazaar in front of the TIC. This is followed by the “bread of kneading” ceremony at the Velyanova House museum at 12 noon on the 9th, and a holiday concert on Sunday, 12th of April, at 12 noon in the town square.

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The Buzz keeps you updated, The Beehive plugs you in.

The Beehive is a monthly membership where I share more stories, information, and insights that I don’t share publicly. You also see things weeks or months before they’re published (whether in the newsletter or in the group).

Photo of the Week

How it looks up the mountain

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Before You Go…

As predicted, Amigos didn’t keep open until the 10th of April 😂 I thought they wouldn’t. Unfortunately, some people didn’t heed my advice to go last weekend and missed out on seeing the band (Step-by-Step) one last time.

Most other places that only open for winter will be wrapping up soon (if they haven’t closed already).

There will be an end-of-season party at The Hub on Sunday 12th of April (from 5pm), with a BBQ Feast (burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and more) and copious amounts of alcohol. So if you’re up for celebrating with other people (and you’re in Bansko), it’s definitely a place to go in two weeks time.

Two more weekends left of the winter season, and the conditions are great. If you’re on the mountain, be conscious that new snowfall and warmer temperatures can be an ideal time for avalanches.

See you next week…


Nick Sanders
Publisher, Bansko Buzz

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