| Yambol
(Jambol) is the main town in the area, about a 35 to 45 minute drive
from Voden. The outskirts of the town is the usual drab tenement
blocks typical to most Bulgarian towns. The center of
the town is also typical of most towns and cities in Bulgaria,
i.e. Vibrant, busy, a mix of modern and traditional and very
pretty. The main shopping area is pedestrianised with plenty
of modern shops, renovated old buildings, lots of cafes,
restaurants and takeaways (traditional Bulgarian food, not
burgers!) a lovely town park and daily outdoor food market.
Bg Home services have a branch here, led by Tod. For more
information visit the resources
page.
Things to see:
There are plenty of cultural and historical monuments. You
cannot fail to be impressed by the many places of interest in the town.
Saint George church, The Turkish Mosque, The Museum, The Bezisten
to name a few. Yambol is situated on the banks of the Tundja
river (one of the longest rivers in Bulgaria). Also extremely interesting is the antiquity of
this noted Thracian town. The Christmas and The Mummer's
festivals are must see events. Other attractions in the area
are the ethnographical museum close to Yambol and the thermal and healing mineral springs in the
towns of Pravdino and Straldja - both nearby.
Yambol has excellent schools, hospitals, theatres, libraries, large main street lined with good cafes, restaurants, boutiques and other stores. It is famous for stunningly beautiful traditions
and the locals are friendly and helpful. The climate in this lovely area is
generally very mild.
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As usual, there are things happening all the time, as
Bulgarians seem to need just the smallest excuse to have a
party! Superbly dressed wedding parties walk round town
singing, chanting and blowing whistles most nights. Starting
school, finishing school, graduation, end of term, start of
term, start of holidays, end of holidays, start of weekend,
end of weekend, bank holidays, saints days are all excuses to
dress up and parade the streets. Local elections result in
massive firework displays in the town center and traditional
singing and dancing in the main square.
I can recommend a few hotels to stay in, having stayed in
them myself. They are:
The Hotel Kabile - Modern contemporary hotel in the town
center.
The Borovetz Hotel - On a hill overlooking Yambol
The Ekaterina Complex - Motel complex just outside Yambol
More information on these hotels can be found on the resources
page.
Eating out seems to be one of the main occupations and
there are a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants in the
town, all pretty cheap by UK standards. Before I first went
over, I assumed the food would be plain and boring - I was
wrong. With Greece and Turkey next door there are many
variations from both cultures, as well as Bulgaria's own
delicious traditional food.
Here are some examples:
Dublin Restaurant (no Guinness though...)
1 x Pina Colada
2 x Freshly squeezed orange juice
1 x Dish of chips
1 x Russian salad
1 x Traditional cheese starter
1 x Chicken livers and dip
1 x Breaded Chicken and salad
1 x Traditional cheese balls
1 x Mexican chicken dish - large!
1 x Chinese chicken dish - large!
1 x Bottle of Chardonnay
2 x Pancakes with banana, orange, ice cream and cream
3 x Irish coffees - large and strong!
£17.78
Kastelo Restaurant
1 x Bottle of good red wine
1 x cut up orange (?) Something got lost in translation...
2 x Pints of traditional yoghurt/milk drink
1 x Carbonara
2 x 12" pizzas
1 x Chocolate pancake
1 x Dish of almonds
3 x Cappuccino's
£13.30
As you can see, eating out is good value for money with
large portions and a nice relaxed atmosphere. At most
restaurants and cafe's they have covered tables outside which
makes a nice change and are usually very busy. Eating out
seems to be more of a social gathering. Whereas we go to the
pub, Bulgarians have more of a restaurant culture, meeting up
with friends and family to spend hours chatting and eating.
It's best to get in around 7 o clockish or earlier, before the
locals go out, otherwise you'll struggle to get a seat.
There's also nothing wrong with going to a restaurant and just
having a cup of coffee or a beer. The local larger is quite
light and tasty, but 13% proof!
If you want to cook for yourself, grocery's and fresh food
are cheap, whether it's fresh fish, meat or cheese from the
deli counter of a supermarket or small specialist shop, fresh
fruit and veg from the outdoor market or freshly baked bread
from the bakery, it's all a fraction of the cost of UK prices.
I couldn't find many photos of Yambol, which is a pity as
it's got some great sights, here are a few below:
A few photos of Yambol
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