Bulgaria is located on the Black Sea, north of Greece and south of Romania.  The Danube River runs west to east along most of the northern border.  It turns north, into Romania, at our town, Silistra.  The region that we lived in, “Dobrudzha”, was once a part of Romania.  Many of our students’ grandparents speak Romanian because they lived in the region when it was part of Romania.  Across the river from our town is a Romanian town, Kalerash. Our region is mostly flat, with some rolling hills.  In the summer, the fields are filled with corn and striking sunflower fields.  In the south, are the many mountain ranges and the bulk of Bulgaria’s beauty.  Many monasteries are hidden in the mountains.  On the western side of the country is the capital, Sofia.  On the Black Sea is the center of Bulgarian summer tourism, Varna.  Up and down the Black Sea coast are numerous towns and villages, some of which are incredibly beautiful.  The country is roughly the size of our home state, Ohio.  Even the landscape of the northeastern region is comparable to central Ohio.  It’s six hours by bus to Sofia from Silistra and twelve hours by nigh train.  We actually prefer the night train to the bus.

We benefited from Bulgaria’s location in Europe.   This country is an international crossroad.  During our first spirng we were able to visit our neighbors in the south in Greece and during our first summer we took the train north and went to visit Romania, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.  We also visited Turkey. 

Before coming to Bulgaria, we’re ashamed to admit that we didn’t know exactly where it was on the map and apparently I was not alone.  Many people would get Bulgaria confused with Bolivia and think we were going to South America.  I have a feeling we will be educating quite a few Americans as to where exactly Bulgaria is located upon returning to the states and I think we will be happy to do so.  Bulgaria, although it is hidden and sometimes overshadowed by its neighbors, should not be overlooked.  There are definitely some beautiful to sights to take in.