Belgium is a country that is surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It has a compact size which makes it thperfect country to travel. The capital of Belgium is Brussels and is also known as the heart of the country.
Brussels, BelBelgium is a country that is surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It has a compact size which makes it thperfect country togium is also the headquarters for NATO. There are so many different cultural attractions for travels such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Comic Strip Museum, and one of the most popular, the Chocolate and Cocoa Museum. The Chocolate and Cocoa Museum features one of Belgium’s best known products.
The capital is not the only place to experience in Belgium. In fact there are many enchanting cities including Ghent, Liege, and Bruges which all have impressive architecture, top-rated cuisine, as well as the night life.
Bruges, Belgium has been known as the "Venice of the North" because it is one of Europe’s most magnificent and well-preserved medieval cities. One of the best parts about this amazing city is that getting to Bruges could not be any easier. You can get there by Eurostar, a ferry, or Eurotunnel, than take a drive to Bruges.
If you are into popular fashion and modern design then you will want to visit the newly reinvented Antwerp. This city in Belgium is known as being a new hotbed for fashion and design. Antwerp, Belgium has many other sights to offer visitors as well including the mountainous area of the Ardennes region all the way to the East. There are also gorgeous coastline resorts set on the Western seaboard.
Belgium is a country that is best known for its specialty products such as ubiquitous beers, delicious chocolates, beautiful lace, and of course Belgian waffles. If you visit Belgium you must stay at one of their comfortable and inviting bed and breakfasts that they are so well known for.
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Andorra
For 715 years, given by 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lasted under a unparalleled co-principality, found by French and Spanish leaders (derived from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of province retained, however the government metamorphosed into a parliamentary republic. Long detached and impoverished, mountainous Andorra accomplished considerable successfulness since World War II through its tourer industry. Numbers of immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.
The single official language is Catalan, the language of the close Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, by using which Andorra shares several cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are likewise usually spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra's long story has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of country tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.
Andorran culture is Catalan in heart, since the inborn population of Andorra is Catalan. Even so, it has given a significant and well identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.
Two writers famed in Catalonia & the domain, Michele Gazier and Ramon Villero, each came from Andorra.
Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapas and marratxa, which one survive in Sant Julia de Loria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, however is especially Catalan in character, specially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. More Andorran folk dances admit contrapas in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dancing in Escaldes-Engordany.
The single official language is Catalan, the language of the close Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, by using which Andorra shares several cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are likewise usually spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra's long story has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of country tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.
Andorran culture is Catalan in heart, since the inborn population of Andorra is Catalan. Even so, it has given a significant and well identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.
Two writers famed in Catalonia & the domain, Michele Gazier and Ramon Villero, each came from Andorra.
Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapas and marratxa, which one survive in Sant Julia de Loria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, however is especially Catalan in character, specially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. More Andorran folk dances admit contrapas in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dancing in Escaldes-Engordany.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
A Visitors Guide To Zurich Switzerland
Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland and one of the only destinations in the world that truly has something for everybody. Most of the city's residents can speak multiple languages, including Zurich Swiss travel German, English, French, and Italian. The city is well known for its banking district, luxury goods, and outstanding universities, but it also provides a vast array of athletic and cultural events. All of these elements add up to a great travel place to live, so it should travel come as no surprise that for five successive years, Zurich has been named the city with the highest quality of life in the world by consulting company William M. Mercer.
Zurich accommodates visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, or social class. Children and their families have many options to choose from, including the outstanding Zurich Toy Museum (Fortunagasse 15, 8001 Zurich), which has free admission and features over 1000 antique toys from all over Europe. Zurich is also one of the world's most queer-friendly cities, with a substantial number of bars, clubs, and cultural events-such as the Pink Apple, a gay and lesbian film festival that takes place every May-that cater to homosexual travelers.
Switzerland's rather posh reputation may give budget-minded travelers pause, but the truth is that a trip to Zurich can be just as affordable as any other European destination. There are a number of stylish and moderately-priced lodging options available to travelers, such as the small and charming Hotel Seehof (11 Seehofstrasse, 8008 Zurich, http://www.hotelseehof.cf). Each of the hotel's 20 rooms (doubles from $215 per night) is simple and elegant, featuring sleek Swiss furniture and wireless internet access. The hotel also contains its own bar and Japanese food restaurant.
One easy way to explore what Zurich has to offer is by purchasing a Zurich Card. This one or three-day pass grants you admission to 40 museums, unlimited access to the city's excellent public transportation system, and special deals at many restaurants and shops. The Zurich Card can be purchased online by e-mailing the orders and information department at contact@zw.ch. A one-day pass costs approximately $12 for adults and $8 for children, while a three-day pass runs around $24 for adults and $16 for children.
The city is home to over 50 museums, which range in focus from art to technology. One of it's most unique is the Circus Museum (Fischmarktplatz 1, 8640 Rapperswil SG). Circus arts travel have a long, proud history in Switzerland, with Knie-the Swiss National Circus-setting up shop in 1919. Zurich also provides its visitors with a huge number of restaurants offering cuisine from virtually every country in the world, including Brazil, Korea, and Lebanon. For a taste of authentic Swiss travel food, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi (Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zurich) for some of the city's best travel regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a pilgrimage to the city's most exclusive shopping district: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich).
You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you travel leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Switzerland Hotels website.
Zurich accommodates visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, or social class. Children and their families have many options to choose from, including the outstanding Zurich Toy Museum (Fortunagasse 15, 8001 Zurich), which has free admission and features over 1000 antique toys from all over Europe. Zurich is also one of the world's most queer-friendly cities, with a substantial number of bars, clubs, and cultural events-such as the Pink Apple, a gay and lesbian film festival that takes place every May-that cater to homosexual travelers.
Switzerland's rather posh reputation may give budget-minded travelers pause, but the truth is that a trip to Zurich can be just as affordable as any other European destination. There are a number of stylish and moderately-priced lodging options available to travelers, such as the small and charming Hotel Seehof (11 Seehofstrasse, 8008 Zurich, http://www.hotelseehof.cf). Each of the hotel's 20 rooms (doubles from $215 per night) is simple and elegant, featuring sleek Swiss furniture and wireless internet access. The hotel also contains its own bar and Japanese food restaurant.
One easy way to explore what Zurich has to offer is by purchasing a Zurich Card. This one or three-day pass grants you admission to 40 museums, unlimited access to the city's excellent public transportation system, and special deals at many restaurants and shops. The Zurich Card can be purchased online by e-mailing the orders and information department at contact@zw.ch. A one-day pass costs approximately $12 for adults and $8 for children, while a three-day pass runs around $24 for adults and $16 for children.
The city is home to over 50 museums, which range in focus from art to technology. One of it's most unique is the Circus Museum (Fischmarktplatz 1, 8640 Rapperswil SG). Circus arts travel have a long, proud history in Switzerland, with Knie-the Swiss National Circus-setting up shop in 1919. Zurich also provides its visitors with a huge number of restaurants offering cuisine from virtually every country in the world, including Brazil, Korea, and Lebanon. For a taste of authentic Swiss travel food, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi (Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zurich) for some of the city's best travel regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a pilgrimage to the city's most exclusive shopping district: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich).
You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you travel leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Switzerland Hotels website.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Ukrainian Brides Looking For What?
Head to the happy life.
"A good wife is a treasure, so you have to look for it"
How many times did you think to yourself that life without a family and children is not something you really enjoy, how many times did you realise that loneliness is something that scares you a lot, how many times were your cold and lonely at night in a big but empty house??? Some tough questions, but let's face it, you have not done a lot to change it. It's easy to be not happy and wait for something to happen, but it's really not the way you should act.
There is an old saying: 'A good wife is a treasure, so you have to look for it', I am sure in your professional life you are not just sitting there and waiting for things to happen, you are working hard to have a good career, so why do you think passive looking for a right girl is the way of success.
A Mordinson Introduction offers men a unique chance to meet nice looking, young and marriage minded girls from Ukraine who are in the same point of their life where they want to have a family and settle down. As you probably heard ladies from Ukraine are not only very beautiful and charming, but very intelligent. One thing that guys from abroad always notice is that ladies here take a pride in the way they dress, very elegant and classy. But of course the looks is not all, the girls are dreaming about finding the right man to create a happy family with, almost all girls have jobs, but they all say family is going to be their main priority in life after they get married. In Ukraine it's not a tradition to have baby-sitters to take care of children while parents are away at work, most of mothers stay at home full time to take care of the kids. Of course when children go to school, women may have a part time job.
Feministic ideas are not popular here at all, a lady will be pleased to get your attention. Ukrainian women are very feminine and they want to be appreciated.
Every girl who you see at our web site is personally interwied in our office in Kharkov, we make sure that she has serious intention to get married if she finds the right man, we also check their documents to see how old is a lady, if she has been married before, we check if she has children too. All that is to make sure that only serious and honest ladies join A Mordinson Introduction.
We invite you to visit our web site and look at the girls from the Gallery, after you choose the girl/s who you liked most of all, please send the list to us to our e-mail, also include the introduction letter for the girls and your picture. Your letter will be translated into Russian, printed and delievered to the ladies you chose along with your photograph. Ladies who are interested in you will write back and soon you will get their answers. Sending a lady the introduction letter and receiving her reply is absolutely FREE!
"A good wife is a treasure, so you have to look for it"
How many times did you think to yourself that life without a family and children is not something you really enjoy, how many times did you realise that loneliness is something that scares you a lot, how many times were your cold and lonely at night in a big but empty house??? Some tough questions, but let's face it, you have not done a lot to change it. It's easy to be not happy and wait for something to happen, but it's really not the way you should act.
There is an old saying: 'A good wife is a treasure, so you have to look for it', I am sure in your professional life you are not just sitting there and waiting for things to happen, you are working hard to have a good career, so why do you think passive looking for a right girl is the way of success.
A Mordinson Introduction offers men a unique chance to meet nice looking, young and marriage minded girls from Ukraine who are in the same point of their life where they want to have a family and settle down. As you probably heard ladies from Ukraine are not only very beautiful and charming, but very intelligent. One thing that guys from abroad always notice is that ladies here take a pride in the way they dress, very elegant and classy. But of course the looks is not all, the girls are dreaming about finding the right man to create a happy family with, almost all girls have jobs, but they all say family is going to be their main priority in life after they get married. In Ukraine it's not a tradition to have baby-sitters to take care of children while parents are away at work, most of mothers stay at home full time to take care of the kids. Of course when children go to school, women may have a part time job.
Feministic ideas are not popular here at all, a lady will be pleased to get your attention. Ukrainian women are very feminine and they want to be appreciated.
Every girl who you see at our web site is personally interwied in our office in Kharkov, we make sure that she has serious intention to get married if she finds the right man, we also check their documents to see how old is a lady, if she has been married before, we check if she has children too. All that is to make sure that only serious and honest ladies join A Mordinson Introduction.
We invite you to visit our web site and look at the girls from the Gallery, after you choose the girl/s who you liked most of all, please send the list to us to our e-mail, also include the introduction letter for the girls and your picture. Your letter will be translated into Russian, printed and delievered to the ladies you chose along with your photograph. Ladies who are interested in you will write back and soon you will get their answers. Sending a lady the introduction letter and receiving her reply is absolutely FREE!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Second Golden Age
By 1185 the power of the Byzantine Empire again waned because of external conflicts. The noble brothers Asen and Peter led a revolt that forced Byzantine recognition of an autonomous Bulgarian state. Centered at Turnovo (present-day Veliko Turnovo), this state became the Second Bulgarian Empire. Like the First Bulgarian Empire, the second expanded at the expense of a preoccupied Byzantine Empire. In 1202 Tsar Kaloian (1197-1207) concluded a final peace with Byzantium that gave Bulgaria full independence. Kaloian also drove the Magyars from Bulgarian territory and in 1204 concluded a treaty with Rome that consolidated Bulgaria's western border by recognizing the authority of the pope. By the middle of the thirteenth century, Bulgaria again ruled from the Black Sea to the Adriatic. Access to the sea greatly increased commerce, especially with the Italian Peninsula. Turnovo became the center of Bulgarian culture, which enjoyed a second golden age.
The final phase of Bulgaria's second Balkan dominance was the reign of Kaloian's successor, Ivan Asen II (1218-41). In this period, culture continued to flourish, but political instability again threatened. After the death of Ivan Asen II, internal and external political strife intensified. Sensing weakness, the Tatars began sixty years of raids in 1241, the Byzantines retook parts of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and the Magyars again advanced. From 1257 until 1277, aristocratic factions fought for control of the Bulgarian throne. Heavy taxation by feudal landlords caused their peasants to revolt in 1277 and enthrone the "swineherd tsar" Ivailo. After 1300 Tatar control ended, and a new period of expansion followed under Mikhail Shishman (1323-1330) and Ivan Aleksandur (1331-1370). As before, however, military and commercial success paralleled internal disorder; the social chaos of the previous century continued to erode the power of Bulgarian leaders. Meanwhile, Serbia had risen as a formidable rival in the Balkans, and the Ottoman Turks had advanced to the Aegean coast. In the late fourteenth century, Bulgaria was weakened by the division of its military defenses between the two perceived threats.
The final phase of Bulgaria's second Balkan dominance was the reign of Kaloian's successor, Ivan Asen II (1218-41). In this period, culture continued to flourish, but political instability again threatened. After the death of Ivan Asen II, internal and external political strife intensified. Sensing weakness, the Tatars began sixty years of raids in 1241, the Byzantines retook parts of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and the Magyars again advanced. From 1257 until 1277, aristocratic factions fought for control of the Bulgarian throne. Heavy taxation by feudal landlords caused their peasants to revolt in 1277 and enthrone the "swineherd tsar" Ivailo. After 1300 Tatar control ended, and a new period of expansion followed under Mikhail Shishman (1323-1330) and Ivan Aleksandur (1331-1370). As before, however, military and commercial success paralleled internal disorder; the social chaos of the previous century continued to erode the power of Bulgarian leaders. Meanwhile, Serbia had risen as a formidable rival in the Balkans, and the Ottoman Turks had advanced to the Aegean coast. In the late fourteenth century, Bulgaria was weakened by the division of its military defenses between the two perceived threats.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Romantic France Home Page
It is very rare that one will come across a more scintillating country on earth than France. Countless times attempts have been made to define it, but even today words fail when one recollects the seductive elegance of the boulevards, the radiance of its night life, the endearing architecture, and not the least, the style and mood of its world famous cafes. The stunningly beautiful attractions in France are so fascinating that it is difficult to figure out which one should be included as a stop in the itinerary.
One will surely be simply amazed by the magnificence of the French Alps. Here one can ski for weeks without ever feeling the need to retrace ones tracks. You can gaze in absolute awe at the mythical Mont Blanc. People particularly prefer to visit the French Alps in summer than during the winter season. This is the time when the ice and snow have melted and one can see the beautiful hills and blossoming meadows and just inhale the pure mountain air.
The marvelous French Riviera is an attraction worth viewing and taking in the beauty. A must visit for tourists to Monaco, France is the Oceanographic Museum. The building which has been built on the cliffs and its aquarium and museum are all just stupendous. After enjoying the sights in the morning, people generally head towards the restaurant on the terrace for lunch. It is said that a person who has not visited Paris once in his lifetime has missed out on something. The architecture and landscapes are world famous. The most famous landmark of Paris France, however, is the Eiffel Tower. The chateaus, the perfume houses and the wineries of France all combine to make it perhaps, the most loved destination of the world.
One will surely be simply amazed by the magnificence of the French Alps. Here one can ski for weeks without ever feeling the need to retrace ones tracks. You can gaze in absolute awe at the mythical Mont Blanc. People particularly prefer to visit the French Alps in summer than during the winter season. This is the time when the ice and snow have melted and one can see the beautiful hills and blossoming meadows and just inhale the pure mountain air.
The marvelous French Riviera is an attraction worth viewing and taking in the beauty. A must visit for tourists to Monaco, France is the Oceanographic Museum. The building which has been built on the cliffs and its aquarium and museum are all just stupendous. After enjoying the sights in the morning, people generally head towards the restaurant on the terrace for lunch. It is said that a person who has not visited Paris once in his lifetime has missed out on something. The architecture and landscapes are world famous. The most famous landmark of Paris France, however, is the Eiffel Tower. The chateaus, the perfume houses and the wineries of France all combine to make it perhaps, the most loved destination of the world.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
France - Paris and Nice
From beaches to the alps, France has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we take a look at Paris and the beach city of Nice.
Paris
It is hard to know where to start when discussing Paris. Take a boat down the Seine River and you will pass Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so many other notable spots it is easy to get overwhelmed. The city is simply that dramatic.
Long considered the most glamorous city in Europe, Paris has a little of everything. For the romantic, one can visit the haunts of famous writers, historical sites of just about every nature and the Moulin Rouge.
On the other hand, art lovers can spend weeks visiting the 100 plus museums in the city with, of course, the Louvre being the crown jewel. Personally, I found the Rodin Museum just as interesting, particularly since there was a much smaller crowd.
Perhaps the best way to experience Paris is just to wander around. Yes, take a few days to visit the notable tourist traps…err, destinations. Once you get tired of standing in crowds, walk out of your hotel and just keep on going. You will find little neighborhoods with eccentric characteristics to make you smile. As you plod along, real cafes and gathering places will become apparent. Make sure you visit them as the locals in these neighborhoods are very friendly and funny.
Nice
Nice is a small beach city just to the east of Cannes in the south of France. It is an odd mix of old world charm and beach culture. In and of itself, there is nothing particular about Nice when compared to Cannes with the exception of the prices. They are significantly cheaper and you get pretty much the same thing.
One extremely positive thing about Nice is the launching factor. Nice is close to everything and a natural launching point to go practically anywhere in the general region. You can hop on a train to the east and be in Monaco in 15 minutes. You can take a 20 minute minivan trip inland to learn how to make cheese and soap. Thankfully, this isn’t the same location.
France is a diverse country with a rich history. It can be easy to overdose on the volume of things to see, but you can’t do much worse than just walking out your door and exploring. Remember, those boots were made for walking.
From beaches to the alps, France has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we take a look at Paris and the beach city of Nice.
Paris
It is hard to know where to start when discussing Paris. Take a boat down the Seine River and you will pass Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so many other notable spots it is easy to get overwhelmed. The city is simply that dramatic.
Long considered the most glamorous city in Europe, Paris has a little of everything. For the romantic, one can visit the haunts of famous writers, historical sites of just about every nature and the Moulin Rouge.
On the other hand, art lovers can spend weeks visiting the 100 plus museums in the city with, of course, the Louvre being the crown jewel. Personally, I found the Rodin Museum just as interesting, particularly since there was a much smaller crowd.
Perhaps the best way to experience Paris is just to wander around. Yes, take a few days to visit the notable tourist traps…err, destinations. Once you get tired of standing in crowds, walk out of your hotel and just keep on going. You will find little neighborhoods with eccentric characteristics to make you smile. As you plod along, real cafes and gathering places will become apparent. Make sure you visit them as the locals in these neighborhoods are very friendly and funny.
Nice
Nice is a small beach city just to the east of Cannes in the south of France. It is an odd mix of old world charm and beach culture. In and of itself, there is nothing particular about Nice when compared to Cannes with the exception of the prices. They are significantly cheaper and you get pretty much the same thing.
One extremely positive thing about Nice is the launching factor. Nice is close to everything and a natural launching point to go practically anywhere in the general region. You can hop on a train to the east and be in Monaco in 15 minutes. You can take a 20 minute minivan trip inland to learn how to make cheese and soap. Thankfully, this isn’t the same location.
France is a diverse country with a rich history. It can be easy to overdose on the volume of things to see, but you can’t do much worse than just walking out your door and exploring. Remember, those boots were made for walking.
From beaches to the alps, France has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we take a look at Paris and the beach city of Nice.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Bulgaria - A Big-Small Treasure
One can describe many things as big-small. Actually, big-small is something small that has the characteristics of something much bigger than itself. And with that in mind, I come to think of Bulgaria. I am sure that many of you who read this have heard of this country and will ask "Why is Bulgaria a big-small" Well, I will try to explain.
Bulgaria covers a total territory of 111 000sq/km - that is why it is small. But I am sure you have no idea of how many beautiful things there are in this small area - and here comes the big part.
Bulgaria is a country with a long history, full of ups and downs and critical events. The country's culture has been influences by many other nationalities and that is why Bulgaria has now many important historical places. One such place is Etara. It is an open-air museum, but seems more like a whole town, still capturing the traditional spirit and architecture of the Bulgarian national revival. The people there still practice the old Bulgarian crafts, including pottery. Etara is like a place out of time, where the past is still alive. Another such place is the village Arbanassi. It is an old settlement and holds some ancient monasteries. One of them is the St. Nikola monastery that was built during the Assen dynasty - there still can be seen preserved wall decorations and icons dating back to 1716. Near Arbanassi is the town of Veliko Turnovo, where you will be amazed by the great fortress Tsarevets, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It still is a mighty settlement and there even is a "Sound and Light" show in the evenings. An amazing place is the Madara Horseman - a picture, carved into the stone during the 8th century with dimensions, which equal these of a real horseman. It still looks breath-taking and is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Some other historical places include the Rila Monastery, Pliska (first capital of Bulgaria), the Troyan Monastery and many more.
Bulgaria has also a gorgeous nature. There are many places to go and admire the beautiful landscape. First of all, there are many mountains in the country. Rila Mountain is a wonderful place - there is the highest peak on the peninsula - Mousala (2925m). You can also visit the Seven Rila Lakes, many huts and ski tracks. Another mountain is Pirin - the most fascinating one in Bulgaria, also part of the World Heritage List. There are many nature reserves in Bulgaria and one of them is Srebarna which houses nearly 100 different bird species, most of which endangered. Actually, I don't need to list any more natural places worth visiting, because when you go to the surroundings of almost every town in Bulgaria, you will find something incredible to look at.
As far as culture is concerned, the best places to visit are the bigger towns - Varna, Burgas, Veliko Turnovo and of course the capital Sofia. Sofia can be compared to many European capitals - it is a large city with many people and numerous places to go if you are a culture-lover or just enjoy the nightlife.
With all this I hope that even some of you will agree with me that the little country Bulgaria holds so many interesting and marvelous things that it can be easily called big-small.
Bulgaria covers a total territory of 111 000sq/km - that is why it is small. But I am sure you have no idea of how many beautiful things there are in this small area - and here comes the big part.
Bulgaria is a country with a long history, full of ups and downs and critical events. The country's culture has been influences by many other nationalities and that is why Bulgaria has now many important historical places. One such place is Etara. It is an open-air museum, but seems more like a whole town, still capturing the traditional spirit and architecture of the Bulgarian national revival. The people there still practice the old Bulgarian crafts, including pottery. Etara is like a place out of time, where the past is still alive. Another such place is the village Arbanassi. It is an old settlement and holds some ancient monasteries. One of them is the St. Nikola monastery that was built during the Assen dynasty - there still can be seen preserved wall decorations and icons dating back to 1716. Near Arbanassi is the town of Veliko Turnovo, where you will be amazed by the great fortress Tsarevets, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It still is a mighty settlement and there even is a "Sound and Light" show in the evenings. An amazing place is the Madara Horseman - a picture, carved into the stone during the 8th century with dimensions, which equal these of a real horseman. It still looks breath-taking and is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Some other historical places include the Rila Monastery, Pliska (first capital of Bulgaria), the Troyan Monastery and many more.
Bulgaria has also a gorgeous nature. There are many places to go and admire the beautiful landscape. First of all, there are many mountains in the country. Rila Mountain is a wonderful place - there is the highest peak on the peninsula - Mousala (2925m). You can also visit the Seven Rila Lakes, many huts and ski tracks. Another mountain is Pirin - the most fascinating one in Bulgaria, also part of the World Heritage List. There are many nature reserves in Bulgaria and one of them is Srebarna which houses nearly 100 different bird species, most of which endangered. Actually, I don't need to list any more natural places worth visiting, because when you go to the surroundings of almost every town in Bulgaria, you will find something incredible to look at.
As far as culture is concerned, the best places to visit are the bigger towns - Varna, Burgas, Veliko Turnovo and of course the capital Sofia. Sofia can be compared to many European capitals - it is a large city with many people and numerous places to go if you are a culture-lover or just enjoy the nightlife.
With all this I hope that even some of you will agree with me that the little country Bulgaria holds so many interesting and marvelous things that it can be easily called big-small.
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