Kotooshu, fishing

We learned a couple days ago from Kotooshu's blog about Kotooshu's success at catching Tai fish.

In connection to that, we prepared a little video about Kotooshu's birthplace, Djulyunitsa, and the river where he used to go fishing as a kid!

Sofia - Rila Monastery - Boyana Church - Sofia tour

Sofia - Rila Monastery - Boyana Church - Sofia tour

On October 11th, which turned out to be a very beautiful and warm day, we took a small group of Japanese tourists over to two landmarks of Bulgaria's culture and Christian faith: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, who also appear on UNESCO’s world heritage list.

[Rila Monastery entrance]

[Rila Monastery yard]

The Rila Monastery has a very rich history (you should check out their webpage), but it should be remembered most for the fact that it played a huge role in preserving Christianity in Bulgaria during the 5 century period of Turkish domination, also in serving as a hub of knowledge and education in the beginning of the Bulgarian renaissance.

After a delicious lunch (beans soup and fried fish meals, prepared in the typical for the region way), we headed back to Sofia to visit Boyana church.

[Boyana church]

[Boyana church yard]

What Boyana church is remarkable for are the 3 layers of its building – each layer of which was built at a different period – and 2 layers of frescoes. We were not allowed to take pictures of the church’s interior, but it was amazing to see Bulgaria’s cultural and spiritual development in the medieval period, just from the noticeable differences in the two fresco layers.

Teaching in Kotooshu's Middle School

This is what happens, when you combine a long day with a hot, summer weather.



:P

Bulgaria Tour

This is a compilation of short clips and pictures we took on one of our more recent Bulgaria tours - from 6th July to 13th July.

Our route was Sofia - Belogradchik - Rila Monastery - Melnik - Bansko - Kazanlak - Plovdiv - Ribaritsa - Balvantsi - Peina - Dryanovo - Gabrovo - Etara - Sokolski Monastery.

Bulgarian Sumo Competitions

A quick recapture of two Bulgarian Sumo competitions, held in May.

11 May,Amateur Sumo Competition, Youths


14 May, 14th Bulgarian National Sumo Competition

Welcome!

Welcome to Sema Express Staff Blog!

We will try to keep you updated with pictures, videos and other media of our most recent and most exciting tours!