Seattle Times: Bulgaria Is 'Underappreciated and Ripe for a Visit'

With a million people, Bulgaria's capital Sofia is "delightfully livable, with fine architecture, lush parks and plenty of history," according to an article in the Seattle Times.

"Sofia may be poor compared to London, Paris or Berlin, but you wouldn't know it strolling its vibrant boulevards," writes Rick Steves, who spent "lots of time exploring Bulgaria and its capital Sofia" in his student days.

"Because of its strategic position just north of Greece and Turkey, Bulgaria sits on layers of history. From ancient Greeks and Romans to fearsome Slavic warriors, and from Ottoman pashas to Cold War communists, each group left its mark."

"With glittering treasures from ancient tombs and decrepit monuments to a difficult 20th century, it's a surprising land."

Some "surprising oddities" of Sofia are also pointed out, including "natural springs" and "an actual yellow brick road".

The story is available here.