Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Well I've done my best to resist coming on but can hold back no longer. Got some ribbing on Hols about the amount of time I spend on here from Fellow compatriots - they must be peeping else they wouldn't know would they.

We had a great time. Weather freezing on arrival -32 odd up the top when we arrived last Saturday but fortunately warmed up and snowed Sunday morning. Had a couple of lovely sunny days so come home looking healthy - except Alister who's split his lip and banged his head!! (Whilst on the subject of banged heads - use the Rila pool with great care!! The floor is very, very slippery and he went a real cropper and was only walking)

Sunday morning was absolute chaos and the holiday campanys need to sort their act out and have some sort of rota system or something as people were queing outside for hours to get their gear from the Rila Depot. Didn't affect us as we got all our stuff from the Albena Ski School. Apparently good quality skis - which may account for why I could stop this year!! Unfortunately the Albena instructors were "sub contracted" for want of a better word, to Borosport as they didn't have enough instructors to cover the classes.

I skied with the children and Simon went with our friend Krassi. Our instructor, Nic had very limited English which was difficult from a social point of view although his instruction was good. If we had gone any other week then we would have stayed completely with the Albena school. The staff in Albena were very helpful and always helped me get the children ready which was better than the service we got from the Gondola Depot last year.

Borovets was very busy and far more children in resort this year than last. Queues for the Gondola were very long first thing in the morning. Apparently 40% more people in resort on last years figures and as the hotels were all full this time last year this I assume is because there are more people in each room, ie families.

We stayed at the Alpin Hotel which was very nicely appointed. Breakfast good and a choice freshly cooked rather than a buffet. Their new chalets are very nice, we were in an appartment within the hotel. Towels changed daily and bins emptied etc. One downside was there was a rather large group staying there who were rather inconsiderate when coming in at night, allowing their kids to charge up and down the stairs. The children were also sharing rooms and making more noise than my 24 cubs on the first night of camp!

We were on a B&B basis and therefore ate out other evenings. The Avalanche was a great find, friendly staff and good food at excellent prices. Right on the slope outside the Rila which meant the adults could parake in the odd hot wine or chocolate brandy whist watching the kids bumboard!! Franco's is as good as ever - try the Flying Jacob my favourite.

Went to Peters Bar on Monday and met Phil Cross, Lisa and Robyn - very nice to put faces to these board characters!! More about him another day. I've thought of a couple of good names for him but I'll let him tell you which one he goes for!! Didn't meet Russell unfortunately - forgot to get my BulgariaSki badges out of the room safe before going but no one in there who fitted his description!

My mate Andy met Alfie Romeo at Gatwick and I was introduced to him and another Phil during the week. Looking forward to seeing what they have they have to say.

Despite Borovets being busy we all had a wonderful time. It was great being recognised from last year by lots of instructors and restaurant owners. Alister and Rosie made George's (Red Lion) week by wearing the newspaper hats he had made for them last year!!

Anyway I'm rambling on so will sign off now.

Before I go:

Pete how is your new addition and what did you decide to call her??

Ellie

Apologies for any typograhical errors.

Good morning all,
Having just woken up, with half empty suitcases all over the place, it looks like the SAS have been using our flat for training purposes !!!!.
My eyes are still like a new puppy, so I'll keep it brief for now.
We have had a FANTASTIC time !!!.
Firstly, and most importantly my girlfriend Lisa and I are now engaged. I asked her to marry me at the top of the skidoo ride. I can't think of many more beautiful places to make a proposal. Thankfully she did me the honour of accepting.
We have made a lot of new friends, and we we're lucky enough to meet Ellie and her charming family.
Borovets is still as charming as ever, and we will be returning many times I'm sure. Lisa and Robyn have realised why I have been raving about our skiing holiday for a whole year, and in fact are watching the video now !!
I'm going to sign off for now, and will post a full report with something like 200 photos as soon as we get chance.

Dobar den to you all

Phil (new nickname coming soon) Lisa, Robyn