Bulgaria Ski discussion board

All,

Just back from Bansko, had a great time, but a few worrying signs, if you don't want it to change take heed:

Touts at restaurants - tell them you will not eat there because they are touting
The Lion pub and huge Union Jack - nice to have variety, but not 'England'
Stella Beer - Thanks I can get that at home, ask for the local brew, it's nectar

Prices:
Always remember the average Bulgarian earns £100 per month,
For Ski lifts etc prices are high but OK - company have to pay Dopplemeyer in Euros
Beer 5 leve at the ski station, 3 leve at the Lion pub, 1.2 level in local Mehana
Go a bit of the beaten track, more chance of putting money into the local economy.
When you tip taxis, restaurants etc remember 10-15% don't flash your cash, the locals don't want you to do this as it will put up the prices for everyone.
Don't keep telling everyone there how cheap it is, it isn't for locals, and most of the extra cash is only finding its way to the few.

99% of Bulgarians are fantastic people, but watch this scam. I had a waiter tell me all about how he works for peanuts, moving between sunny beach and Bansko, and how sees his wife and children for 2 mths of the year. Next night I saw him in a nice restaurant with two ladies, spending freely.

There is small cynical group of workers (made so by our compatriates) from Sunny Beach who will use every trick in the book to separate you from your money.

I know this sounds a bit up front, not intended, I just scared because I've seen some fantastic destinations ruined as the resorts have developed to cater for what they think we want.

BanskoBoy