Saturday 31 January 2015

Kalendar Persekolahan dan Cuti Penggal 2015

Malaysia School Holiday Calendar for 2015.

I bukan murid sekolah tapi selalu tertanya-tanya bila cuti sekolah. So untuk memudahkan saya membuat rujukan, gigih I cari kalendar ni. Harap sama-sama dapat manfaat.

kalender kuda 2015 


SENARAI PERINCIAN CUTI TAHUN 2015

  TarikhHari  Cuti Perayaan/ SambutanNegeri Terlibat
1 JanKhamisTahun Baru 2015Semua negeri kecuali Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu
03 JanSabtuMaulidur Rasul
14 JanRabuKeputeraan YDB N. SembilanNegeri Sembilan
18 JanAhadKeputeraan Sultan KedahKedah
01 FebAhadHari Wilayah PersekutuanKuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya
03 FebSelasaHari ThaipusamKuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Selangor
19 FebKhamisTahun Baru Cina
20 FebJumaatTahun Baru Cina
04 MacRabuUlang Tahun Pertabalan Sultan TerengganuTerengganu
03 AprilJumaatGood FridaySabah & Sarawak
15 AprilRabuHari Melaka Bandaraya BersejarahMelaka
26 AprilAhadKeputeraan Sultan TerengganuTerengganu
01 MeiJumaatHari Pekerja
03 MeiAhadHari Wesak
07 MeiKhamisHari HolPahang
16 MeiSabtuIsrak dan MikrajKedah, Negeri Sembilan & Perlis
17 MeiAhadKeputeraan Raja PerlisPerlis
30 MeiSabtuHari Kaamatan (Pesta Menuai)Sabah & Labuan
31 MeiAhadHari Kaamatan (Pesta Menuai)Sabah & Labuan
01 JunIsninPerayaan Hari Gawai DayakSarawak
02 JunSelasaPerayaan Hari Gawai DayakSarawak
06 JunSabtuKeputeraan YDP Agong
18 JunKhamisAwal RamadanJohor, Kedah, Melaka
04 JulaiSabtuNuzul Al-QuranKelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan
07 JulaiSelasaUlang Tahun Pengisytiharan Tapak Warisan DuniaPulau Pinang
11 JulaiSabtuHarijadi YDP Pulau PinangPulau Pinang
17 JulaiJumaatHari Raya Puasa/ Aidilfitri
18 JulaiSabtuHari Raya Puasa/ Aidilfitri
31 OgosIsninHari Kebangsaan/ Merdeka
12 SeptSabtuHarijadi YDP SarawakSarawak
16 SeptRabuHari Malaysia
24 SeptKhamisHari Raya Korban/ Haji/ Aidiladha
25 SeptJumaatHari Raya Korban/ Haji/ AidiladhaKelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis
03 OktSabtuHarijadi YDP SabahSabah
09 OktJumaatHarijadi YDP MelakaMelaka
14 OktRabuAwal Muharram
24 OktSabtuKeputeraan Sultan PahangPahang
10 NovSelasaHari DeepavaliKecuali Sarawak
11 NovRabuKeputeraan Sultan KelantanKelantan
12 NovKhamisKeputeraan Sultan KelantanKelantan
18 NovRabuHari Hol Almarhum Sultan IskandarJohor
22 NovAhadKeputeraan Sultan JohorJohor
27 NovJumaatKeputeraan Sultan PerakPerak
11 DisJumaatKeputeraan Sultan SelangorSelangor
24 DisKhamisMaulidur Rasul
25 DisJumaatHari Krismas
Petunjuk Warna

Cuti Umum

Cuti Negeri

KALENDER TAKWIM TARIKH CUTI SEKOLAH 2015 DAN JADUAL PENGGAL PERSEKOLAHAN SELURUH NEGERI
Bahagian pengurusan sekolah harian dan maklumat Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia telah menerbitkan perincian takwim persekolahan bagi sesi tahun 2015 menerusi portal rasmi KPM http://www.moe.gov.my
Takwim tersebut dibahagikan kepada dua kumpulan A dan B mengikut sekolah-sekolah di seluruh negeri di Malaysia
Sila rujuk: Perincian Takwim Persekolahan Tahun 2015

Thursday 29 January 2015

USA WEST COAST (HalfBoard)



Travel Agent : POTO Travel.

Hmmmm.... kinda interested ......



Check link POTO TRAVEL



Hari 01 : Kuala Lumpur - Hong Kong - Los Angeles
  • Berkumpul di KLIA untuk menaiki penerbangan ke Los Angeles
  • Transit di Hong Kong
  • Meneruskan penerbangan ke Los Angeles
  • Tiba di Los Angeles
  • Lawatan separuh hari di sekitar bandar Los Angeles
  • Dihantar ke hotel
  • Makan malam di restoran tempatan
  Hari 02 : LA - Universal Studios Hollywood - LA (SP)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Lawatan sepanjang hari di Universal Studios Hollywood yang merupakan studio filem yang terkenal dan tertua di Hollywood
  • Aktiviti bebas
  • Dihantar ke hotel dan bermalam di Los Angeles
  Hari 03 : LA - Disneyland California - LA (SP)
  • Sarapan pagi 
  • Bersuka ria di Disneyland California, pengembaraan dunia imaginasi anda seisi keluarga 
  • Kembali ke hotel
  • Aktiviti bebas
  • Bermalam di Los Angeles
  Hari 04 : Los Angeles (SP/MT)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Lawatan sekitar bandar Los Angeles & membeli - belah di Citadel Premium Outlets
  • Kembali ke hotel dan bermalam di Los Angeles
   Hari 05 : Los Angeles - Flagstaff (SP/MT/MM)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Daftar keluar hotel dan meneruskan perjalanan ke Flagstuff, iaitu sebuah bandar yang terletak di utara Arizona yang mempunyai sektor pelancongan yang kukuh kerana berdekatan dengan Grand Canyon National Park
  • Dibawa ke hotel untuk daftar masuk
  • Aktiviti bebas dan bermalam di Flagstaff 
  Hari 06 : Flagstaff - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas (SP/MT)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Daftar keluar hotel dan menyaksikan keindahan alam semulajadi di Grand Canyon West Rim
  • Meneruskan perjalanan ke Las Vegas 
  • Aktiviti bebas dan bermalam di Las Vegas
 Hari 07 : Las Vegas (SP/MT)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Lawatan ringkas di sekitar bandar Las Vegas
  • Berhenti bergambar di Hoover Dam
  • Singgah di Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden
  • Membeli - belah di Premium Outlet : yang merupakan salah satu premium outlet yang terkenal di Las Vegas dimana mempunyai 150 gedung kedai yang menawarkan barangan berjenama.
  • Kembali ke hotel dan aktiviti bebas
  • Bermalam di Las Vegas
 Hari 08 : Las Vegas - Fresno (SP/MT)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Daftar keluar hotel dan bertolak ke Fresno
  • Singgah membeli - belah di Primm Valley Outlet : yang terletak diantara Las Vegas dan Fresno yang turut menawarkan barangan berjenama dan terkenal
  • Tiba di Fresno dan daftar masuk hotel
  • Aktiviti bebas dan bermalam di Fresno
 Hari 09 : Fresno - San Francisco (SP)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Daftar keluar hotel dan bertolak ke San Franscisco
  • Singgah di Monterey untuk lawatan ke 17 Miles Drive
  • Meneruskan perjalanan ke San Francisco 
  • Tiba di San Francisco dan daftar masuk hotel
  • Aktiviti bebas dan bermalam San Francisco
  Hari 10 : San Francisco (SP)
  • Sarapan pagi
  • Daftar keluar hotel 
  • Lawatan ringkas di sekitar Bandar San Francisco iaitu pusat kewangan dan kebudayaan terkemuka utara California
  • Makan tengahari 
  • Lawatan ke Fisherman Wharf
  • Makan malam
  • Peserta akan dihantar ke lapangan terbang untuk penerbangan pulang ke kuala lumpur
 Hari 11 : San Fransisco - Hong Kong
  • Menaiki penerbangan ke hong kong
  • Transit di Hong Kong
  • Meneruskan penerbangan pulang ke Kuala Lumpur
  • Selamat tiba di Kuala Lumpur

XOXO: Calling Calling hi hi hi

MATTA FAIR 2015

Will be held from March 13-15
  • Attractive Destinations offers on discounted price
  • Booking during MATTA FAIR benefits
Dubai USA Scandanavian        

KUALA LUMPUR: Those looking for affordable vacations in 2015 are in luck, as the MATTA Fair will once again be held at the Putra World Trade Centre in March next year.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agent (MATTA) vice-president of ground transportation Jayakumar S. Sinnadurai said this time around, visitors would have additional choices in travel packages.
“We plan to have 120 different exhibitors at the fair,” he said, adding that this was made possible as the fair would be placing a cap on the number of booths an individual exhibitor could register for.
“This is to allow smaller players to join in the MATTA Fair. Accommodating more exhibitors will benefit both travel companies and consumers,” Jayakumar, who is also the organising chairperson for the coming exhibition, told a press conference yesterday.
He added that the fair would continue with its Malaysia, My Dream Destination contest to promote tourism in Malaysia.
“Contestants are required to record a video and tell us their dream destination in Malaysia and why we should send them there,” Jayakumar said.
Winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to their desired destination.
The fair will be held from March 13-15 and is expected to attract 100,000 visitors.
The three-day event will be open to the public from 10am to 9pm and is expected to generate RM150mil in sales.
 See you there.

Lists Of Countries (And Capital City) Of The World


In Alphabetical Order.

1 Kabul Capital City of
2 - Capital City of
3  Tirana Capital City of
4  Algiers Capital City of
5  Pago Pago Capital City of
6  Vella Capital City of
7 Luanda Capital City of
8  The Valley Capital City of
9  - Capital City of
10 St John's Capital City of
11 Buenos Aires Capital City of
12 Yerevan Capital City of
13  Orenjestad Capital City of
14  - Capital City of
15  Canberra Capital City of
16  Vienna Capital City of
17  Baku Capital City of
18  Nassau Capital City of
19  Manama Capital City of
20  Dhaka Capital City of
21  Bridgetown Capital City of
22  -  Capital City of
23  Minsk Capital City of
24  Brussels Capital City of
25  Belmopan Capital City of
26  Porto-Novo Capital City of
27  Hamilton. Capital City of
28  Thimphu Capital City of
29  La Paz Capital City of
30  Sarajevo Capital City of
31  Gaborone. Capital City of
32  - Capital City of
33  Brasília Capital City of
34  Diego Garcia  Capital City of
35  Road Town Capital City of
36  Bandar Seri Begawan Capital City of
37  Sofia Capital City of
38  Ouagadougou Capital City of
39  Yangon  Capital City of
40  Bujumbura  Capital City of
41  Phnom Penh Capital City of
42  Yaoundé Capital City of
43  Ottawa Capital City of
44  Praia Capital City of
45  George Town Capital City of
46 Bangui Capital City of
47  N'Djamena Capital City of
48  Santiago  Capital City of
49  Beijing Capital City of
50  Flying Fish Cove  Capital City of
51  - Capital City of
52  West Island Capital City of
53  Bogotá Capital City of
54  Moroni Capital City of
55  Kinshasa Capital City of
56  Brazzaville Capital City of
57  Avarua Capital City of
58  - Capital City of
59  San José  Capital City of
60  Yamoussoukro Capital City of
61  Zagreb Capital City of
62  Havana Capital City of
63  Nicosia Capital City of
64  Prague Capital City of
65  Copenhagen Capital City of
66  - Capital City of
67  Djibouti Capital City of
68  Roseau Capital City of
69  Santo Domingo Capital City of
70  Quito Capital City of
71  Cairo Capital City of
72  San Salvador Capital City of
73   Malabo Capital City of
74  Asmara  Capital City of
75  Tallinn Capital City of
76  Addis Ababa Capital City of
77  - Capital City of
78  Stanley Capital City of
79  Tórshavn Capital City of
80  Suva Capital City of
81  Helsink Capital City of
82  Paris Capital City of
83  Cayenne Capital City of
84  Papeete Capital City of
85 Martin-de-Viviès  Capital City of
86  Libreville Capital City of
87  Banjul Capital City of
88  - Capital City of
89  Tbilis Capital City of
90  Berlin Capital City of
91  Accra Capital City of
92  Gibraltar  Capital City of
93  Madagascar still claims dominion over the islands - Capital City of
94  Athens Capital City of
95  Nuuk Capital City of
96  St. George's Capital City of
97  Basse-Terre Capital City of
98  Hagåtña Capital City of
99  Guatemala City Capital City of
100  St Peter Port Capital City of
101  Conakry Capital City of
102  Bissau Capital City of
103  Georgetown Capital City of
104  Port-au-Prince Capital City of
105  - Capital City of
106  Vatican City Capital City of
107  Tegucigalpa Capital City of
108  Hong Kong Capital City of
109  Budapest Capital City of
110  Reykjavík Capital City of
111  New Delhi Capital City of
112  Jakarta Capital City of
113   Tehran Capital City of
114  Baghdad Capital City of
115  Dublin Capital City of
116  Douglas, Isle of Man Capital City of
117  Jerusalem  Capital City of
118  Rome  Capital City of
119  - Capital City of
120  - (Legend says that the island was first discovered by an Irish monk named Brendan in the 6th century. Upon returning to Ireland from one of his trips he reported being close to a black island. He reported that the island was on fire and that he could hear a horrible sound. He felt that he had discovered the entrance to Hell) Capital City of
121  Tokyo Capital City of
122 Saint Helier  Capital City of
123  Amman Capital City of
124  (Claim by Madagascar) Capital City of
125 Astana Capital City of
126  Nairobi Capital City of
127 South Tarawa  Capital City of
128  Pyongyang Capital City of
129  Seoul Capital City of
130  Kuwait City Capital City of
131  Bishkek Capital City of
132  Vientiane Capital City of
133  Riga Capital City of
134  Beirut Capital City of
135  Maseru Capital City of
136  Monrovia Capital City of
137  Tripoli Capital City of
138  Vaduz Capital City of
139  Vilnius Capital City of
140  Luxembourg Capital City of
141  Macao Capital City of
142  Skopje Capital City of
143  Antananarivo Capital City of
144  Lilongwe Capital City of
145  Kuala Lumpur Capital City of
146  Malé Capital City of
147  Bamako Capital City of
148  Valletta Capital City of
149  Uliga Capital City of
150 Fort-de-France  Capital City of
151  Nouakchott Capital City of
152  Port Louis Capital City of
153  Mamoudzou Capital City of
154  Mexico City Capital City of
155  Palikir Capital City of
156  Chişinău Capital City of
157  Monaco Capital City of
158  Ulan Bator Capital City of
159  Plymouth Capital City of
160  Rabat Capital City of
161  Maputo Capital City of
162  Windhoek Capital City of
163 Naren Capital City of
164  - Capital City of
165 Katmandu  Capital City of
166  Amsterdam Capital City of
167  Willemstad  Capital City of
168  Nouméa Capital City of
169  Wellington Capital City of
170  Managua Capital City of
171  Niamey Capital City of
172  Abuja Capital City of
173  Alofi Capital City of
174  Kingston Capital City of
175  Saipan Capital City of
176  Oslo Capital City of
177  Muscat Capital City of
178  Islamabad Capital City of
179  Koror Capital City of
180  Panama City Capital City of
181  Port Moresby Capital City of
182  - Capital City of
183  Asunción Capital City of
184  Lima Capital City of
185  Manila Capital City of
186  Adams Town Capital City of
187  Warsaw Capital City of
188  Lisbon Capital City of
189  San Juan Capital City of
190  Doha Capital City of
191  Saint -Dennis Capital City of
192  Bucharest Capital City of
193  Moscow Capital City of
194  Kigali Capital City of
195  Jamestown Capital City of
196  Basseterre Capital City of
197  Kastries Capital City of
198  Saint Pierre
199 Kingstown Capital City of
200 Apia  Capital City of
201  San Marino Capital City of
202  São Tomé Capital City of
203  Riyadh Capital City of
204  Dakar Capital City of
205  Belgrade Capital City of
206  Victoria Capital City of
207  Free Town Capital City of
208  Singapur Capital City of
209  Bratislava Capital City of
210  Ljubljana Capital City of
211  Honiara Capital City of
212  Mogadishu Capital City of
213  Cape Town Capital City of
214  Grytviken Capital City of
215 Madrid Capital City of
216  - Capital City of
217  Colombo Capital City of
218  Khartoum Capital City of
219  Paramaribo Capital City of
220  Longyearbyen Capital City of
221  Mbabane Capital City of
222  Stockholm Capital City of
223  Berne Capital City of
224  Damascus Capital City of
225  Taipei Capital City of
226  Dushanbe Capital City of
227  Dodoma Capital City of
228  Bangkok Capital City of
229  Dili Capital City of
230  Lome' Capital City of
231  - Capital City of
232  Nuku'alofa Capital City of
233  Port of Spain Capital City of
234  - Capital City of
235  Tunis Capital City of
236  Ankara Capital City of
237  Ashgabat Capital City of
238  Cockburn Town Capital City of
239  Vaiaku Capital City of
240  Kampala Capital City of
241  Kiev Capital City of
242  Abu Dhabi Capital City of
243 London Capital City of
244  Washington Capital City of
245  Montevideo Capital City of
246  Tashkent Capital City of
247 Port Vila Capital City of
248 Caracas Capital City of
249 Hanoi Capital City of
250  Charlotte Amalie Capital City of
251 - Capital City of
252  Mata Utu Capital City of
253  Juruselam Capital City of
254  El - Alaiun Capital City of
255  Sana'a Capital City of
256  Lusaka Capital City o
257  Harare  Capital City of

Wednesday 28 January 2015

Blissful Santorini And My Dreams Luxury Suite Hotel

Recommended.

Nefeli Suite not the best but good enough.

Dreams Luxury Suite Hotel

Situated at the highest point of the Caldera, Dreams Luxury Suites offer a combination of privacy, elegance and breathtaking views overlooking Santorini, the Aegean Sea and the beautiful sunset.

This unique accommodation is comprised of just 4 suites, originally built more than 100 years ago. Recently renovated, they have kept their traditional style and charm, whilst featuring modern and luxurious amenities.

Each suite is designed in the Cycladic style and includes its own private terrace, complete with a swimming pool or hot tub, overlooking the stunning Caldera and Aegean Sea. The small number of suites ensures a high quality of service and privacy.

*If you want to relax in Santorini. But make sure to book in advance. For now, most room and suite are fully booked till December.

 


 


 


 


 


Decorated in Aegean hues, this suite comprises of a panoramic patio with an outdoor heated hot tub overlooking the sea, just for 2. Romantically lit by lanterns, it is the ideal place to sip a glass of chilled sparkling wine as the day slips into night and the sunset colours fill the sky.

Nefeli houses a domed living room with a built-in sofa bed, fully-equipped kitchen and a bedroom with a queen-size bed. The spacious bathroom features jewelled tones of blue accented by gold. It is 55 m² and can accomodate up to 3 people.

Room facilities: Balcony, Patio, Telephone, Radio, DVD Player, CD Player, Video, Satellite Channels, Safety Deposit Box, Air Conditioning, Hot Tub, Desk, Seating Area, Heating, Shower, Hairdryer, Bathrobe, Spa Bath, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Bath or Shower, Tea/Coffee Maker, Minibar, Kitchenette, Refrigerator, Kitchen, Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock
 
Room size: 55 m²


ONCE IN A WHILE 
let me live the life that i dream of



 RELAX RELAX RELAX
REJUVENATE

Tuesday 27 January 2015

Life Is So Beautiful

I hope you live a life that you’re proud of.


Everybody has a story to tell. But no matter what card ~ life has dealt you with :

Think. 
Life is a journey.
 No matter how hard it is
Or how cruel and unfair life has dealt on you


 Life is so beautiful. If you choose it to be.


 Happiness is a choice derived from the path of life that you've chosen. 
It's within you.


This world is so beautiful. So colourful.



There’s so much to do. So much to see. And we’re so young (note ~ I'm not counting the candles on your birthday cake). What a waste life would be if we didn’t follow our hearts and do whatever makes us happy? What a waste life would be if we didn’t even feel alive, or risk anything because of our fears, or didn’t see the world we live in?





 This world is so beautiful. 











JUST RELAX


OR BE ADVENTUROUS


OR GO TO THE BEACH

Nexus Karambunai Golf and Country Club Kota Kinabalu

OR FORGET ABOUT DIET



Whoever is reading this, I hope you follow your bliss. I hope you follow your goosebumps. I hope you follow your wanderlust. I hope you follow your dreams. Even if that means not having a degree to frame onto your wall, or a steady fat paycheck, or a nice big house, or pretty expensive things. 

Because when you’re on your deathbed you’re not going to think about the degrees you acquired, and how much money made and spent. You’re going to think about the people you love, all the beautiful places you went to, and your dreams that came alive.

Gain the courage to follow whatever makes you feel the most alive and never stop chasing your dreams. 


 So don't let anyone hold the pen, when you wrote about your lives.
 



 Gain the courage to follow whatever makes you feel the most alive 
and never stop chasing your dreams.






I've chosen mine.

There was nowhere to go but everywhere
So just keep on rolling under the stars

Beach: Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah (The Tip Of Borneo)

Beach: Nexus Karambunai Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Again and again and again. 
I hope you live a life that you’re proud of.

Friday 23 January 2015

Destination: Bulgaria

Where To Next?

About Bulgaria

Capital : Sofia
Ethnic Groups : Bulgarian 76.9%, Turkish 8%, Roma 4.4%, other 0.7% (including Russian, Armenian, and Vlach), other (unknown) 10% (2011 est.)
Languages : Bulgarian (official) 76.8%, Turkish 8.2%, Roma 3.8%, other 0.7%, unspecified 10.5% (2011 est.)
Religions : Eastern Orthodox, Islam
Time Zone : GMT +2  (DST - GMT +3)
Country Phone Code : 359
Currency : Bulgarian Leva, BGN
Visa : Not required for Malaysia and Singapore passport holders (up to 90 days)
Geographic Location :
It lies in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. Bulgaria is strategically located near Turkish Straits making it the control point of key land routes connecting Europe to Middle East and Asia.
Date Visited : Planning to visit in April 2015
Total Expenses : To be updated
Route Of Travel : Maybe Sofia --> Varna --> Veliko Tarnovo  (To be updated)

Trivia : A nod of the head means no and a shake of the head means yes. Tipping up to 10 to 12 percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.

Overview

Bulgaria, which is officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria, is located in the Balkans in southeastern Europe. The country is made up of 28 regions and is home to over eight million people, most of who speak Bulgarian and practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The National Holiday is March 3rd, marking the day Bulgaria was liberated from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 1992. The area is rich with over 600 mineral springs and home to several rivers, such as the Danube, and lakes that are surrounded by curative mineral mud.

Activities & Attractions

There are several sites within Bulgaria that are on the UNESCO list of landmarks. One of these sights is a grave. Believed to have been created in the 4th century BC, these beautiful murals in the burial chamber of a Thracian tomb are considered artistic treasures. The Kazanlak Tomb and the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari have beautiful artwork decorated in them.

The Madara Horseman is a figure cut into the Madara rocks of the Provadiisko Plateau. This is art dating back to the Middle Ages and it's believed to be the only one of its kind in Europe. There are many monasteries in Bulgaria. The Ivanovo Rock Churches are considered a prime example of Bulgarian medieval art.
The area is famous for its spas that are known for their curative mineral waters coming from one of the hundreds of springs in Bulgaria. You can visit one of many sights for cultural tourism and various museums, including one designed to preserve the local architecture. You can also view the Vulchitrun Gold Treasure, a set of golden vessels, which was probably meant to be used in sacred rituals, that was unearthed in 1924. There is also the Rouse Treasure, a 900-grade silver treasure in Borovo that was unearthed in 1974.

Lodging

Travelers have a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to lodging in Bangladesh. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, offers fine hotels for those who want all the amenities and budget-friendly accommodations for those who don't. You can find bed & breakfast inns starting at about $70 per night, and for the truly budget conscious who don't mind sleeping dormitory style with up to seven other people in the same room, you can stay in a Sofia hotel for about $13 per night. For single private rooms with a shared bathroom, the cost is about $45 per night per person.

Transportation

The major air hub is the Sofia's Vrazhdebna Airport. Two more international airports are in Varna and Bourgas. Rental cars, taxis, buses, and railways are all used to get from Sarajevo to other cities, as well as inner city travel. You also have water transport in Bulgaria, but they are quite expensive.


Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and its largest city. Founded thousands of years ago, today the city continues to develop as the country’s cultural and economic center. At present, the city has a population of 1,250,000. 

Sofia is located in the western part of the country, on The Sofia Plain and on the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha. The city’s average altitude is 550 meters above sea level, the climate is moderate and continental, characterized by cold winters and relatively cool summers. The average temperature in January is 1 degree below zero Centigrade, and the average July temperature is 20 degrees Centigrade.

The city is located at a strategic crossroads. The route from Western Europe to Istanbul passes through Sofia via Beograd and Skopje, then through Plovdiv to Turkey. Sofia also connects The Near East and The Middle East, lying between the banks of The Danube and the shores of The White Sea on the one hand, and between The Black Sea and The Adriatic on the other.

Sofia is relatively close to the capitals of most Balkan countries: Ankara is 1,012 km; Athens is 837 km; Beograd is 374 km; Bucharest is 395 km; Zagreb is 762 km; Ljubljana is 897 km; Sarajevo is 549 km; Skopje is 239 km; Tirana is 553 km.

Three freeways begin in Sofia: Trakia, Lyulin, and Hemus. The Sofia Airport provides travelers with convenient connections to all major European cities, and from the central train station and bus station passengers can reach every destination in the country.

Sofia has been settled for many millennia. In honor of its hot springs, in the 8th century BCE the Thracian tribes settled here gave the city its first name – Serdika or Serdonpolis.In the 1st century BCE, Serdika was captured by the Romans, who transformed it into a Roman city. During the reign of Emperor Marcus Ulpius Trajan (reign 98-117 CE), the city took his name, Ulpia Serdika, and became the administrative center of the region. Serdika was the favorite city of Constantine the Great (reign 306-337), who said “Serdika is my Rome.” In roughly 175, massive fortified walls, with four watchtowers were built to protect the city , and a second outer fortified wall was added during the 5th-6th centuries. The city’s flourished for a second time under Justinian the Great (reign 527-565). At the beginning of the 9th century, the Bulgarian Han Krum (reign 803-814) invaded Serdika. The city became an inseparable part of The First Bulgarian Empire (7th-9th centuries) under Han Omurtag (reign 814-831). At this time the city was renamed Sredets (The Center), because of its central strategic location. From 1018-1094, Sredets was under Byzantine rule, but still remained an important strategic, economic, and cultural center. During the time of The Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1393), Sredets took on the appearance of a large Medieval city – its narrow, crowded streets witnessed the construction of more and more small churches and monasteries, which later became Sofia’s Holy Mountain. The city gained its present name at the end of the 14th century, in honor of the city’s major symbol, The Saint Sofia Basilica.

In 1382, the city fell to the Ottomans. It was liberated five centuries later, in 1878, and on April 3, 1879 it was declared the capital of the newly-liberated Bulgarian nation.

Sofia preserves many valuable monuments to its long and storied past. Visitors exploring the city’s streets can see remnants of The Eastern Gate from the days when Sofia was Serdika and Sredets, dating from the 2nd-4th centuries CE. These remains are exhibited in the underpass connecting the Presidential Palace and The Ministerial Council, surrounded by shops selling traditional Bulgarian souvenirs and rosewater.

The Saint Sofia Basilica, founded during the reign of Justinian (reign 527-565), is one of the oldest churches in the capital. It was the city’s major church during the Middle Ages, and under the Ottomans it was used as a mosque. Very close to Saint Sofia is The Memorial Church Saint Alexander Nevsky, now one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. This church was built in 1912, and was designed by the Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Its bell tower rises to a height of 53 meters, and houses 53 bells, the heaviest weighing 10 tons. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sofia, the church can hold roughly 5,000 people, and on important Christian holidays it is filled with believers. In the church’s crypt, there is an exhibit of Orthodox Christian art. Directly across from the church is The National Gallery of Art, which often exhibits works by world-famous artists.

The oldest church in Sofia is the Saint George Rotunda. It is thought that the church was built in the 6th century, during the reign of Constantine the Great. In the rotunda’s immediate proximity, in the underpass leading to the Serdika metro station, is The Saint.

Petka Samardzhiyska Church, built in the 11th century. Another Christian monument in the region is the Saint Joseph Catholic Cathedral. While walking in the area, visitors will also see the Banya Bashi Mosque, built in the 16th century. Not far from the mosque is a synagogue, which houses a museum. There is hardly another city in all of Europe that has so many noteworthy Christian, Islamic, and Jewish monuments so close together. In the immediate vicinity, other historical remains are preserved, such as the municipal baths, the marketplace, and The Holy Sunday Church. Adjacent to this church is the Theological Seminary, which houses The National Historical and Archeological Museum. Other points of interest in the city include The Lion Bridge, The Eagle Bridge, The Russian Monument, and the monument to Vasil Levski (a Bulgarian revolutionary hero who gave has life in the struggle to free Bulgaria from the Ottomans in the 19th century).

In the midst of the city’s religious landmarks, directly across from The Presidential Palace, is The National Archeological Museum, which has in its collection some of the most valuable treasures discovered in Bulgaria.

Masterpieces of Bulgarian painting are on display at The National Art Gallery, located in what was formerly the Bulgarian Royal Palace. The National Museum of Ethnography is also located here, and The Museum of Natural History is a very short distance away, with exhibits of plants and animals that are very valuable, and even some that can no longer be seen in the wild. Right in front of this museum if The Saint Nikolai Church, which is an architectural landmark. The Parliament Building, Monument to the Liberator (in honor of the Russian Tsar Alexander II, who was instrumental in freeing Bulgaria from Ottoman rule), and the campus of Sofia University “Saint Kliment Ohradski” are three more of the city’s major symbols. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia is The Ivan Vazov National Theater.

On the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha, in the Boyana District, is located The National Museum of History, with its collection from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum has one of the largest collections anywhere, with over 700,000 items of cultural importance. Close to the museum is The Boyana Church, one of the Bulgarian monuments that is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

There are many more capitals in the city, such as The Polytechnical Museum, The Museum of Anthropology, and The Sports Museum. Since it is the nation’s capital, Sofia constantly plays host to important cultural and musical events, conferences, and sports competitions. The National Palace of Culture, the city’s football stadiums, and the city’s large halls are venues for concerts and performances by famous individuals and groups.

During the months of May and June, The Palace of Culture will welcome performers participating in the festival “Sofia Music Weeks.” The capital’s many theaters and galleries offer a wide range of interesting exhibits and shows.

The city is a preferred destination for international congresses, and there are a great many halls and centers offering possibilites for every need. For example, one of the city’s most popular venues for business forums and trade fairs is The National Palace of Culture.

Sofia is also home to Bulgaria’s most prestigious and larges educational institutions – universities, colleges, and middle schools that offer solidly-grounded, up-to-date instruction in such disciplines as Architecture, Medicine, The Humanities, Engineering, Music and Choreography, and Fine Arts.

Near Sofia, in the Vitosha, Lozen, and Stara Planina (Central Balkan) Mountains, over the centuries so many monasteries have been founded that they came to be known as Sofia’s Holy Mountains. They can be considered as a single complex, and played an important role in preserving the Bulgarian spiritual heritage during the centuries of Ottoman occupation. Still standing are The Dragalevski, Lozen, Germanski, Kremikovski, Cherepishki, and Osenovlashki Monasteries, among others.

Opportunities for sport and recreation in the capital are many and varied – outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, modern gymnasiums and sports halls, and parks. The city’s stadiums draw thousands of fans for matches between major football teams.

Sofia’s parks are a favorite place for rest and recreation. Borisov Park is right in the center of the city, and South Park is next to the National Palace of Culture. There are two golf courses within an hour’s drive of the city, in the city of Ihtiman and the village of Ravno Polye, both offering excellent facilities to play and practice this sport that is becoming more and more popular in Bulgaria. During the winter, the ski resort on Mount Vitosha is a favorite with skiers and snowboarders alike, and during the summer it is a favorite place for hikers and picnickers. Mount Vitosha borders on The Vitosha Natural Park, which is the oldest nature reserve on the Balkan Peninsula. The species of flora in the park are particularly rich and varied. Ten of the peaks in the Vitosha Range are over 2,000 meters; the highest is Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), in the center of the park, at 2,290 meters. Since Mount Vitosha is a preferred destination for the capital’s residents, its fields and paths are alive with nature lovers. For more information about the park, please contact the Vitosha Nature Preservation Information Center, located roughly 1 km from the Dragolevtsi Quarter, close to the Dragolevtsi Monastery.

There are two ski centers on Mount Vitosha to accommodate visitors to this very popular sports destination. They are Aleko and Konyarnika. Aleko is at an altitude of 1,800 meters, and its slopes face north. It also has facilities for night skiing. The Konyarnika Center is 1,507 meters high. There are a total of 29 km of ski runs on Vitosha, and the longest is 5 km. The maximum vertical dro is 780 meters. The slopes are suitable for both experienced skiers beginners.

The Sofia Zoological Garden in the southern part of the city is the country’s larges zoo. It is a favorite place for a day’s outing for young and old alike.

Sofia offers many places for its children to play. The parks are equipped with safe, modern, playground equipment, and there are both children’s playgrounds and indoor recreational facilities for children.

Like every big city, Sofia has something for every taste. There are a great many luxury hotels, including those that are part of international hotel chains. There is also a wide variety of hostels and smaller family guesthouses. There are a multitude of discotheques, restaurants, bars, piano bars, folk clubs, taverns, soda fountains, fast food outlets and many other kinds of entertainment.

Sofia and the immediate vicinity also boast a great many spa complexes. The hot springs at Bankya, a nearby resort offer wonderful facilities for rest, recreation, and wellness. There are ten spa centers within the capital’s city limits offering peace and relaxation, along with therapeutic and beauty treatments.

One of Sofia’s favorite spots for both visitors and residents is Vitosha Boulevard. Here thee are shops carrying world-famous brands, and since it s a pedestrian zone, it a very pleasant place for strolling and relaxation. In general, the capital is a shoppers delight, since Sofia is still one of the major crossroads on the Balkan Peninsula for trade of all kinds

The city’s annual celebration is observed on September 17, in honor of the martyrdom of Saint Sofia and her three daughters Vyara (Faith), Nadezhda (Hope), and Lyubov (Love).

Point of my interest:

Rila Monastery ~ located in the southwestern Rila Mountains, about 120km from Sofia which is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is even depicted on the back of the 1 RON bank note, issued in 1999.

<b>Rila Monastery</b>
Rila Monastery

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National Palace Of Culture

 Varna ~ The Sea Capital Of Bulgaria

Varna’s origins back to almost five millennia, but it wasn’t until seafaring Greeks founded a colony here in 585 BC that the town became a port. The modern city is both a shipyard and port for incoming freighters and the navy, and a riviera town visited by tourists of every nationality.
It’s a cosmopolitan place and a nice one to scroll through: Baroque, turn-of-the-century and contemporary architecture pleasantly blended with shady promenades and a handsome seaside garden.



Some Facts About The City of Varna

Near the port of Varna, the oldest gold treasure in the world (dated from 4,500 BC) was found In 1972; an ancient necropolis with 280 tombs and 3,010 golden objects were found weighing over 6 kg altogether. According to experts it is the oldest processed gold ever found in Europe.

Today Varna is the largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast and is the main port for both naval and commercial shipping. Because it is a close neighbor to the popular coastal resorts of Golden Sands, St. Constantine & Helena, and Albena, Varna has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Varna is also the host city of numerous prestigious cultural events.

The city lies in the Bay of Varna, nestled in a deep valley between the Frengen Plateau and the Avren Plateau. Varna is over 11 km long, while its width, including newly erected residential quarters, is nearly 9km. The city’s structure resembles an amphitheatre as it follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. It is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and groves.

During occupation by Turkish forces in the last decades of the 14th century, Varna preserved its significance as a port and trade center. As Bulgaria fell under the Ottoman yoke, the only bearers of the Bulgarian cultural tradition remained within the folklore, the people’s festivities, and the church paintings.

In 1881, after the liberation, the mayor of Varna Mihail Koloni brought up the question about a modern public park. His offer was at first scoffed by the local municipal councilors but a fund for the project was granted. Soon the park enlarged to 26 decares, 130 trees were planted, paths were cleared and ”towards nightfall alleys thronged by a long train of gentlemen and dressed-up ladies”.

Varna lies on the same latitude of the famous Atlantic resorts Bayonne and Biarritz in France, on a large, flat and high terrace on the northwestern most curve of the bay which juts some 7 km inland.


Quick Link :

Sofia Metro Website

Sofia Showing Station

Infofact By Sedunia Travel

to be continued..... 

Happy Friday to all.