Thursday, 09 February 2012

News


Schengen Zone Expansion with Bulgaria and Romania Blocked

22 September | Two Balkan countries' hopes to join the passport-free travel area of the European Union died out, after Finland and Netherlands blocked the expansion of the Schengen zone today. At... Full Story



Serbia
Belgrade to Host Retro Car Show

15 September 2011 | The next edition of Concours d'Elegance, the Balkan yearly retro car show, will take place on the 16th of September in Belgrade. One of its highlights are expected to be several of the cars of former Yugoslavia's leader Josip... Full Story


Bulgaria
Bulgaria Presents its Green Cheese to Europe

15 September 2011 | Two unique Bulgarian cheeses will be presented this week at the Slow Food Cheese Forum in Bra, Piemonte. Full Story


Greece
Greek Wine Amongst the Top 25 in the World

14 September | The Greek Argyros Estate French Oak Fermented Assyrtiko 2010 is amongst the 25 best-rated wines in the world by the Decanter wine magazine. Described as “Quite restrained nose, sweet and spicy with a juicy citric palate.
Full Story


Turkey
Turkish Airlines Connects Macedonia to Europe on Low Fares

14 September 2011 | Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines launched this month a new type of promotion for its flights from the Macedonian capital, Skopje. Full Story


Bulgaria
Archeologists Discover Ottoman Mausoleum at Bulgaria's Perperikon

14 September 2011 | A sarcophagus, containing a human body was found by archeologists during their excavations at Perperikon, an ancient site in Central-South Bulgaria. The skeleton was put to lay according to Muslim traditions Full Story


Balkans
Romania, Albania and Turkey Sell “Racist Cookies”

14 September 2011 | Black Man chocolate flavoured cookies, which were spotted on sale in Romania, Albania and Turkey this week, triggered heated discussions on Internet. Their shape of “a man with braids, a wide nose and big lips” was seen as an... Full Story


Croatia
Dubrovnik Hotel Awarded Best in Europe

12 September 2011 | The Dubrovnik Palace Hotel in Croatia received World Travel Award as the best resort hotel in Europe, leaving behind thousands of posh hotels in Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, Italy, Monaco.
Full Story


Albania
Albania Improves Competitiveness Ranking

12 September 2011 | The ranking of Albania has improved significantly this year in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. After taking 88th position last year, the Balkan country jumped 10 places upwards, ranking as 78th. Full Story


Bulgaria
Sailing in the Black Sea Older than Previously Thought

12 September 2011 | Bulgarian archeologists discovered ancient anchors near Sozopol in the Black Sea. They dated the findings at XV-XVII BC, proving that ships were operating in this closed sea centuries earlier than it was thought until now. Full Story




Epicure


Turkey
Izmir Gourmet: Food is in the Air

Food is literally everywhere in Izmir.

The first stop a traveller would usually make, is Passaport – the vivid promenade along the seaside, which has turned into a landmark with its black and white pavement.
Full Story



Curiosity Chest


Romania
Electric Candle Is Fine, Online Blessing - Not

Sound blasters and electric candles, that are switched on by dropping a coin, have long infested Christian churches around the world. Yet virtual prayers and blessings remain controversial practice to religious communities. Lately the dispute surfaced in the Balkans.
Full Story



Useful Reads


Greece
In Sfakia: Passing Time in the Wilds of Crete (2008) | By Peter Trudgill

Crete has long been acknowledged as one of the most singular and unique parts of Greece. Its people keep a fierce hold on their traditions, customs and history. Practically a country of its own, this vast island looms over all others in Greece. Nevertheless, as In Sfakia author Peter Trudgill aptly notes in his preface, “some parts of Crete are more special than others, and Sfakia, on the remote south coast, is certainly one of those.” Full Story




Music


Macedonia
Macedonia: Esma Redžepova's Passion for Humanity

"A Gypsy from the city of Skopje", as she calls herself, Esma Redžepova has more than 40 years of singing and humanitarian efforts under her belt. Full Story