Presented in-person by Mariya Fogarasi

How can such a small country lay claim to having the oldest city in Europe? To supplying the world's perfume industry with 85% of its rose oil, one of the most important ingredients? To honoring two monks, Cyril and Methodius, who were born in the First Bulgarian Empire and who invented the Cyrillic alphabet in the 10th century? Bulgaria might not top the list of European travel destinations but it merits a visit at any time of year. Mountain ranges cover more than one third of the country, roughly the size of Tennessee, and each of these ranges offers a unique landscape and variety of peaks, ideal for hiking and skiing, while the "Golden Sands" on the Black Sea have lured sunbathers and sailors for generations. Festivals and customs such as the Martenitsi on March 1st, the Rose Festival in Kazanlak, or the National Folklore Festival in the Rhodope Mountains are colorful and lively, and the cuisine is delicious from the ubiquitous shopska salad to a variety of soups and stews, not to mention the famous yogurt, succulent lamb and fresh, soft white "feta" cheese. Mariya Fogarasi shares her love of this Balkan country along with a few outings to surrounding points of interest.