The reconciliation comes as a second method of improving translation quality of clinical trial texts. The reconciled text is one of the preferred versions of the two previously translated forward versions or a combination of both to clearly indicate a third version that best reflects the source meaning of text and unifies both versions in one. After reconciliation comes to the back translation process that aims at catching missing parts, deviation of meaning, wrong terminology and ambiguous understanding of words and phrases in clinical trial questionnaires.

BT mainly checks translation for accuracy, which is an important step in the linguistic validation process. The back translation should be performed by a third translator different from the ones who did the initial forward translations. The translator who was not previously involved in the translation of the original version translates the text in the opposite direction. He translates the text in a more literal way to make sure he catches the meaning as close as possible.

No doubt the BT is not fully equivalent to the source text but the linguistic validation consultant and project manager will pay special attention to nuances of meaning of the words and if they are applicable in the given context. In this way, any ambiguities or missing parts will be easily caught if they have become elusive in the first part of the translation process, i.e. the initial forward translations. This is extremely important when we strive to take into account the tiny details especially when it comes to text in the clinical trial industry where each error may cost somebody’s life. Also, clients want to be 100% sure there are no translation errors in the clinical trial text when this concerns patients’ health and wellbeing.

When choosing a translation company clients need to ask if BT and reconciliation will be covered by the linguistic validation process just to make sure in advance that any misunderstandings or ambiguities in text will be caught in time to avoid any serious consequences afterwards. Very often when even only one word is mistranslated throughout the whole text, this can ruin huge projects which inevitably lead to the loss of great time and money. By using both reconciliation and back translation client will be on the safe side and will feel secure that the translation quality is high enough to cover all safety standards in terms of the linguistic part of the project.

Contact us for more information on how we can help you with your translation needs today!

Usually, people who are not a part of the translation industry are not familiar with the differences between translation and interpreting and would need some clarification by a professional before deciding what they do need in terms of linguistic services.

Both high-quality translation and interpreting require many years of excellent education, substantial experience and constant development in the linguistic field to become well-established professionals in their sphere of employment. Translation is the process of written reproduction of the source text which aims at creating a written version that best corresponds to the original meaning. Translation takes much more time to find out the proper words that reflect the source meaning as close as possible and create a well-structured text that makes sense to the target audience in question. Apart from translation, the typing process is also time-consuming and has to be considered when the client is giving their deadline to the translation company to complete the job with the required quality. A client should be also aware of the fact to provide reference company materials so linguists would stick to their coined terminology and keep consistency with the tone of voice of their company brand. High-quality translations are performed by professional translation software in accordance with the linguistic knowledge and competence of the translator.

The interpreting part is the one that covers the oral transmission of the text; it is often very dynamic and exhausting for the brain. It usually requires preliminary preparation of the linguist to get familiar with the text for interpreting so the client should be informed about this requirement in advance in order to provide all needed materials in time. Interpreting is mainly divided into simultaneous and consecutive depending on the type of organised event and the linguistic needs of the audience. Simultaneous interpreting is usually preferred at big forums where many people are involved and this type of oral transmission is performed from an interpreting booth where the interpreter is provided with the necessary sound and audio equipment to transfer the message orally to a large group of people. The consecutive form of interpreting is usually recommended for smaller groups of people, informal gatherings, factory and hospital visits, audits, etc. where the need of sound and audio equipment is not a priority and usually not needed.

Whether translation or interpreting, all professional linguists should not be merely fluent in their source language, they have to possess wide knowledge and linguistic background in their target language as well to do their job in a professional and reliable way for their client.

No matter the circumstances, having precise translations that take into account local culture will attract more clients and give them confidence in doing business with you. However, how can you be sure that you have reached the right translation company, which would transfer the right message to your target audience?

Here are some tips that could save you time and life before starting collaboration:

• What is the best way to communicate with you efficiently: email, phone, etc.? How can we reach you when the matter is urgent?
• What kind of translators do you work with? Do they translate into their mother tongue only?
• Do they have the relevant qualifications and experience in the industry we are focused on?
• Do you use proofreaders and/or editors? Do you charge additionally?
• How do you guarantee translation quality?
• Do you use other professional consultants if needed such as doctors, researchers, etc?
• What kind of professional translation software do you use?
• Do you need any reference materials so this would keep our brand’s tone of voice and consistency?
• What is your competitive advantage? Why should we use your services and not the services of your competitors?
• What language pairs do your work with?
• Can you offer other language pairs if needed?
• How do you keep confidentiality? How can you guarantee that our company materials will not be disclosed to third parties?
• Are you able to strictly follow clear instructions by client?
• What is your quote based on? Source or target text?
• How can we confirm the order?
• What is your usual delivery turnaround time?
• How can we cancel an order if we have already confirmed it?
• What if there is a delay of the order?
• How can we make a complaint about translation or proofreading quality?
• What are your payment terms? What interest do you charge if there is a delay of payment?

Make sure you ask as many questions as possible before you make your final decision on the translation company you will collaborate it. It is always a good thing to speak directly or arrange a phone call or two before deciding on how to proceed.

Please fill out the enquiry form for more information on how we can help you with your translation needs today.

Starting with one of the largest networks of office and co-working spaces around the world DropDesk  – almost 5000 locations in 660 cities across 40 countries is quite impressive. DropDesk provides a threefold service – not only super flexible conditions for renting out office and meeting spaces but also support for serviced office providers as well as Optix – a specially developed plug-and-play tool for workplace management solutions, suitable for serviced commercial spaces, venue chains, and coworking spaces. Optix is a cloud-based system that manages all operational aspects of running a shared or serviced office venue. Being vastly spread mainly around the United States and Australia DropDesk provides a wide choice of serviced office and co-working locations around the main European countries as well – France, Germany, Italy or Spain – you name it. A good thing about DropDesk is also that the locations are not concentrated in the capitals only, so you and your team can explore a new country without compensating with the productivity and efficiency of your work.

The next gem in our selection is Instant Offices. Their uniqueness hides in three main features:

#1 – they are not one of the largest but The Largest offices broking service in the whole world, listing more than 10 000 spaces.

#2 – with so many locations Instant Offices is giving the opportunity to base your team not only around Europe but also somewhere really exotic like Azerbaijan or Botswana for example and still be able to benefit from a full stack office service, featuring all necessities.

#3 – they are really proud with their team and there is a reason for that. Instant Offices recruits exceptional staff of professionals that will make everything possible to assure a high-end service so you and your company can focus peacefully on your tasks and prioritise accordingly.

One more of the Big Ones is eOffice – they are concentrated mainly around Europe but feature locations on other continents as well. In the total their portfolio lists more than 250 offices across 60 countries and 120 cities. Their main target group are start-ups and innovation companies but you can still opt to work with them even if your company doesn’t fall into this criteria. What distinguishes eOffice the most is the option to customize the space you are renting out so it could reflect your brand values and radiate the inspirational mood you want your team to work in. Another interesting feature is the eOffice card – a simple tool assuring a priority treatment and benefits up to 8% discount on meeting spaces.

Another representative in the list with a global scope is SpaceWorks. Started in Amsterdam the network now reaches over 19 countries in all parts of the world and aims to offer cosy and inspirational atmosphere. The SpaceWorks’ team is dedicated to please you and your team by any means – not just assuring comfortable interior and all needed facilities but they’ve reached to extend by offering coffee served by a professional barista – how would one resist that? SpaceWorks is putting a great value on ideas, development and growth and targets progressive companies and teams, so they can make sure a strong community is build up and the good mood, collaboration and support are well spread across all the spaces they manage.

Our #5 is somehow different – DesksNear.me is a web platform that plays as a meeting point for companies with excessive office that are willing to rent out some of the space and other companies or individuals that are looking for an office space to rent. Their geographical scope is quite wide as well and covers various cities in Unites States, India, Europe and so on. To list your space in DesksNear.me is free of charge and also provides the opportunity to set selection criteria to the people you would like to attract in the community inhabiting your office space. The options to rent a space are really diverse – ranging from a single desk to a full serviced office or just a meeting room, to an executive suite or a public space. DesksNear.me allows anyone to list or book a space in thousands of cities worldwide quick and easy.

We’ve reserved the last spot in this selection for another unique platform – BuroClub. They have 25 year experience offering office spaces to entrepreneurs and start ups and what makes them stand out is the fact that they invest into building business centres from scratch. BuroClub have established 95 business centres in France, Belgium, Algeria, Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland and Portugal – all of them providing flexible conditions and complete equipment, assuring you have everything you need in the very moment you need it – virtual office, meeting rooms, video conferencing as well as outsourced secretarial service. The cherry on the top is that they provide multi-location service with a single contract, making it a convenient choice by many multi-national companies as well.

The current list is far from being complete. Having in mind that he shared working spaces industry is growing by a minute, the offering is becoming more and more diverse and complex, aiming to answer the bigger and more sophisticated demand.

Regus can help you in basically every occasion – whether you need a desk, wi-fi and printer just for an hour or two, a day office or private office for the years to come or a virtual office – Regus offers it all. The pricing is as flexible as the options they provide – from rate per person per hour to monthly fees – you have the freedom to choose the payment mode which is the most convenient and matching your cash flow plan. And this isn’t all – Regus provides a wide variety of lounges, conference rooms and meeting rooms, training and seminar halls as well as rooms for videoconferencing. Their mission is to provide office spaces to everyone – from freelancers to multinational companies – everyone is welcome and can enjoy working conveniently and with ease.

Progressive start up atmosphere driven by a culture of innovations and novelty – this is what makes Eoffice stand out as a preferred office space service provider. They cover an extremely wide scope of locations – more than 200, situated in more than 40 cities across more than 60 countries. One of the main reasons for Eoffice’s success is the excessive network of independent partners around the globe which assure maintaining consistent standards at each of the office spaces which they operate. Eoffice stands on three simple pillars to provide its high level services and those are: 1. flexible and cost-efficient renting packages ranging from just a “hot desk” to a proper conference room, videoconferencing and corporate event halls; 2. inspiring atmosphere of collaboration and growth so a strong community of like-minded people can be built; 3. high-tech solutions which include not only the super-necessary-super-fast wi-fi and broadband internet connection but also video conferencing equipment, voice-mail and AV systems with surround sound and all of that available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

If you are fond of something a little more luxurious, then definitely have a look at Sterling Serviced Offices. Their office spaces are specially chosen at prestigious locations around the city – from the very centre to a proper business district you can select a classy interior and surroundings. Sterling Serviced Offices puts a lot of effort into building the right atmosphere and hosting alike people “under one roof” and this isn’t at all determined by the company’s size – there you can find small, medium and large multinational companies, presented by professional and experienced teams. All locations offered by Sterling Serviced Offices are available immediately, meaning that you and your team can move right away without the unnecessary negotiations and other hustle. Each of the offices is fully equipped with cutting edge furniture and technology, even the secretary and security services are covered up, and so your business can be fully functioning from day one.

All those fast-pace changes of times we live in – sometimes good, sometimes not so good – are creating a vast ocean of potential services and what the office management service providers are doing is simply arranging an environment where you can focus completely on your business without the unnecessary troubles of coping with issues aside of your main scope of operation. All this makes the contemporary office a wonderful place for creating better and more positive changes not only in the way we work and create but generally in the world.

For other co-working spaces in Sofia and across Bulgaria, please visit https://www.nntranslations.com/where-to-work-from-when-in-sofia/ and https://www.nntranslations.com/co-working-spaces-across-bulgaria/

Whether you’ve already been around for some time, whether you’re just arriving or still planning a journey to the Bulgarian capital, in the bellow lines you’ll find some useful information for getting around and most importantly – which are the coolest spots to work from.

Sofia is changing a lot in the last few years and is becoming more and more attractive for digital nomads, creatives and freelancers. The relatively easy and not so costly start up procedure is also an attractive point for entrepreneurs from other countries. The city’s convenience, diversity and relatively low prices, combined with its modern look and atmosphere are making it a preferred destination comparing to other European capitals. The most attractive point, of course is the incredibly close proximity to Vitosha Mountain – just a 20 minute drive can transfer you to well-maintained slopes for ski, snowboard or kite, picturesque trekking routes, luscious forests and fresh springs.

The co-working and shared spaces in Sofia are very popular with the great event calendar which basically each of them offers – from seminars and workshops to exhibitions, degustation, parties and whatever else the minds of their managers can come up with. The co-working culture is quickly infecting a lot of people and the crowds inhabiting them are often not only from the digital or start up sphere but also marketers, finance consultants, artists, etc. The co-working spots in Sofia can be divided generally into two groups based on the jobs of their inhabitants and the ambience of each space – we call them roughly Arty and Geeky.

Starting with the Arty spots we can’t skip one of the first co-workings in town – SOHO or Sofia Holistic Co-working Company is not a simple working place, it’s more like a social club and a cosy home. The “green house” as people usually call it is very often a venue for live concerts, bazars and regular exhibitions. Despite the necessary amenities, SOHO also offers yoga and classical ballet classes. The team managing the space is great and very charming – especially the two ginger pals – the Golden retrievers Roya and Indie.

Another co-working space occupying a whole house is Cosmos Co-working Camp. The three-story house located in the very centre of the city is actually a cultural monument and as such it shines with incredible architecture and very beautiful interior. What is special about Cosmos is first – the bar in the basement and second the theatre performances that are taking place there once in a while. In terms of renting conditions Cosmos is offering flexible options for “hot desk” hourly fees, as well as the standard fixed single or team desks which could be rented on a monthly basis.

The newest addition in the Arty category is CoShare Hive – as the name suggests the philosophy and inspiration behind the Hive comes from the bees and the intricate structure they maintain in their hives. The vision of the CoShare’s founders is to not only run a regular co-working space and community but to create a “functioning ecosystem of interconnected elements” in the face of likeminded people and professionals. As the majority of co-working spots around the city, CoShare functions as a shared office space and an event venue, but they don’t finish here. In house there are also the Little Habana – a coffee and lunch (they offer three types of lunch menu by the way) area during the day to a buzzing networking centre in the evening – that loft is a hot spot for making new contacts under the rhythm of live music and the support of “bottomless drinks” as the founders explain; A peer to peer platform supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups with preparation for their pitch; A virtual office for foreign companies providing multilingual secretary and concierge services; and finally an art venue, providing young artists with the opportunity to exhibit and present their works for free, without any commission or rental charges. CoShare has one little disadvantage though (or may be not really) – it’s situated a bit far from the city, but…. right in the foot of Vitosha Mountain, offering a quiet atmosphere and a splendid view.

The last stop in the Arty co-working scene of Sofia is Malkite 5 or “The Little 5” in English – named after one of the most famous junctions in town.  Again a high ceiling house that is a cultural monument, Malkite 5 distinguishes itself with its spirit and attitude towards work, life and sharing. The inhabitants of Malkite 5 are mainly creatives dedicated to the many forms of design. The space is really cosy and convenient, offering 25 working spots, meeting and conference room and fully furnished kitchen – even though there are plenty of nice little restaurants and bakeries around. Of course Malkite 5 has its event program as all the rest, but the gatherings which occur here are quite different in style – from renown guest speakers of the art and design world to a thematic soirees and seasonal meet ups. Malkite 5 is a charming little pearl, cuddled between the small streets of central Sofia.

The first signs we’ve shifted to the Geeky quarter are the industrial interiors, the spacious shared areas and the huge amount of IT geeks.

Our tour will start at the pioneer of co-working in Bulgaria – Beta house. After several renovations and reshuffling of the spaces, Beta house is now even more functional and suitable for different purposes co-working zone – 2 open spaces, a Lab, 2 conference rooms, event hall and of course the famous beta café. They recently announced a changed pricing policy as well, developed by taking into consideration what best works for their inhabitants and guests. Old but definitely gold, Beta house continues to shine with high rank events and their diverse community.

What could geeks do without gaming – luckily this isn’t missing in Sofia as well. If you and your team are into gaming – 1 Hub is definitely your place. Functioning as an idea incubator and a meeting point of IT specialists, entrepreneurs and creatives 1 Hub offers its unique atmosphere and hype. Open co-working space, 6 team rooms, 2 conference rooms – one for 200 and one for 150 people, a kitchen and all that topped up with a game bar + transfer services and a shared company vehicle . 1 Hub is a home for professionals from various fields of the IT industry, as well as for the biggest Bulgarian IT academy.

A witty, colourful and super high tech – that is CowOrKing by Puzl. Situated in a whole floor of an old fridge factory, furnished really comfortably in a contemporary industrial style, CowOrKing is offering spacious shared co-working spaces, dedicated offices and event room, as well as chill-out area and kitchen. The surroundings provide a supermarket, gym and yoga studio, parking lot, restaurants and even a recording studio in case you suddenly feel like singing. The team of CowOrKing is very dedicated to make its inhabitants feel special, that’s why they are running a partnership program, aiming to provide preferences and benefits to its community, which by the way consists not only of IT companies and start-ups, but also of investors, accelerators and venture capitalists.

The last and freshest of the emblematic co-working spaces in Sofia is Work & Share. State of the art interior, ultra-modern and comfortable, equipped with 6 conference rooms, several phone booths for peaceful calls, printing area, chill out and entertainment area, showers, kitchens, bike storage and other benefits make Work & Share suitable for freelancers and start-ups but also for corporate teams. As Work & Share is very very new, it hosted one event only so far – part of the Innovation Explorer programme, so it will be interesting to see how their event calendar will further develop.

Our co-working compilation will be incomplete without the S*Bar – not a typical co-working space but a must try if you are in the IT sector. S*Bar functions as a meeting hub for IT professionals, entrepreneurs and digital creators and is also a home for the Singularity University in Bulgaria. “S* is for Social, Special and Standing out” as its founder Cyril Simon states. Despite being mainly a bar S* offers meeting room, phone booths and chill out area which makes it a pretty comfortable coffice.

In case you get ‘lost’ at any stage of the search for the perfect working spot and need to check some features and details do refer to Apt.19 or Coworker – both platforms are offering up to date information for each co-working in Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, so you could easily compare, check where exactly your preferred space is on the map and make the right decision.

Vibrant spirit, unique atmosphere, amazing night life, huge diversity of entertainment and outdoor activities – Sofia is definitely one of the top notch cities of Europe. So look no further, Sofia offers everything necessary for a world class innovations, career development, meeting interesting people and most importantly having fun – all this at affordable price.

For other co-working spaces across Bulgaria, please visit https://www.nntranslations.com/co-working-spaces-across-bulgaria/

Here is a selection of the best spots around.

Zheleznitsa (Blagoevgrad province)

Our first stop is Co-mad. Situated in the south-west of Bulgaria, in the beautiful Rila Mountain, less than 1 and a half hours drive from Sofia. Co-mad is the ultimate co-working and co-living space in the nature which provides not only the must haves like fast speed wifi connection, super modern interior, lots of day light and cosy accommodation but also various options for outdoor activities like trekking, rafting, horseback riding as well as the chance to visit some of the most popular landmarks like the Rila Monastery and the Stob pyramids. Co-mad offers flexible renting options varying from 1 day events to 3 day co-working for a team of up to 21 people and weekend co-working packages. Mad or no, working in the nature will not only increase your productivity but will also assure some quality fun for you and your team.

Bansko

Going on the same route there is another great co-working and co-living spot a bit north from Co-mad in the Balkan Ski capital Bansko. Co-working Bansko is a gathering spot for all those workaholics who are also crazy about winter sports and activities. Situated in the midst of one of the best winter resorts Co-working Bansko is the right space for your winter workation. It offers great working conditions combined with something very-very important – great community of like-minded people. The team behind this co-working space is truly dedicated to not only provide a desk or an office but bring its guests together through the various events and activities they organize. So the next time you are torn between the tight deadlines and the pulling power of the ski and snow-board slopes the solution is Co-working Bansko.

The nature has its charm and power but it’s not suitable for everyone, so here are some options for those of you who prefer the city crowd and concrete base instead of trees.

Plovdiv

We move to the centre of Bulgaria and its cultural capital Plovdiv. A city with incredibly rich history, beautiful architecture and a large amount of art and cultural events topped up with buzzing and dynamic atmosphere.

The co-working space fully matching the spirit of Plovdiv is BizLabs. Built in the oldest print house in Bulgaria founded in 1857, BizLabs aims to provide space and establish communities which share the passion of creativity and productivity, bridging between the local and global companies and tying the relationship of business and technology. At BizLabs you’ll find modern and beautiful co-working space shared by people focused on innovating and doing their job with love and creating better and better solutions. If you feel like one of them, choose from the various renting options which BizLabs offers: flexible or fixed single or multi desk; conference room with video equipment or event room hosting up to 20 people.

Fresh and bright Limacon stands out with its inspirational power and willingness to unite people who share their vision – start up enthusiasts, marketers, entrepreneurs and all other tech savvy guys and girls. Their rich event calendar overflows with discussions, presentations, workshops and trainings and despite the regular co-working offers you can also benefit from the human capital, event and CSR management services which they offer. Book your spot at Limacon and enjoy free parking, cosy open space, fully equipped kitchen and that’s not all – they serve even breakfast!

Plovdiv offers also a bit more conventional space which of course doesn’t lag behind in terms of convenience and value for money. Achiever’s Business Centre has everything you need: comfortable desks and chairs, fast speed internet as well as conference and event rooms at affordable prices.

Another gem in the crown of Plovdiv is Otsreshta. it’s not a standard office space rather a cosy charming café very close to the city centre where you can work peacefully, commune with your team and clients as well as enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a couple of beers and learn a lot about sustainability and what the organizations of the future will look like.  Otsreshta characterizes with friendly atmosphere, reliable wifi connection, quiet during the day and serving a variety of art events, exhibitions and trainings in the evenings. If you manage to pass by Plovdiv, jump in Otsreshta.

Burgas

Moving straight east from Plovdiv and after exactly 2 and a half hours drive you’ll end up right on the Black Sea coast and the city of Burgas. One of the most economically developed cities in Bulgaria, with the best summer parties in the nearby resorts. Sadly, life isn’t only about partying so here is the best co-working space in town – BurgasLab. It is the Burgas haker space, IT club and an NGO all at once. Their goal is to develop and unite the IT community in the town by organizing various events and provide an open and convenient meeting and a co-work space. BurgasLab is spacious and flexible space, where you could not only get a desk but bring a topic or spend a day for skill sharing and learning of new IT hacks and tricks.

Varna

The Black Sea coast is a charming area to explore, with diverse relief and flora together with sand dunes, relaxed beaches, refreshing waves and adventurous rocks. Another couple of hours drive up north from Burgas will take you to Varna, the pearl of the Black Sea. Similar to Plovdiv, Varna offers historically and culturally rich experience, various landmarks and monuments, plenty of entertainment and art options, plus one of the most emblematic theatre (VIA Fest) and film (Love is Folly) festivals. Of course, like the other locations, Varna has what to show in terms of co-working spaces. One of the most renowned is Beehive. This co-working space provides variety of options for renting a single or double desk, team desk for up to 4 people or one of the 3 meeting and conference rooms. Beehive offers also free tea, coffee and water as well as the option to get a premium subscription and benefit from a fixed desk and unlimited access to all Beehive events.

Open work space, single desks and team tables, plus huge lounge room, conference room and events hall – all of these are available at StartUP Center Varna. The majority of their residents are start-ups, but the community of like-minded people is enriched with digital nomads, designers, consultants and other professionals. StartUP Center is located in the very centre of the city, in a walking distance from the Sea Garden and the beach, the railway station is just around the corner and there are also few museums at close proximity.

Ruse

It’s time to leave the sea now and head to Ruse. Situated right on the border with Romania and the beautiful Danube River, Ruse is a picturesque town, often called by the locals the little Vienna due to its similar architecture. Key part of the Roman Empire during Emperor Vespasian (60-70 CR), the door of Bulgaria to the world in the 18^th and 19^th century and a home of the legendary Orient Express. Ruse’s glory has vanished during the years passed, but its entrepreneurial spirit is still alive and you’d be able to best feel it at StartUp Factory – the co-working which aims at developing the city’s IT community and entrepreneurial eco system as well as to bring people together and unite them around common goals and shared visions. StartUp Factory offers 120 sq.m. of space and 10 working spots, plus support for your projects, access to talent and shared resources as well as a creative atmosphere and friendly community.

Alone or with your team, on a tight budget and schedule or free to move around, Bulgaria and it’s co-working spaces is a great value-for-money choice, promising great experience, as well as lots of new friends and ideas.

Hotels

Advantages:

That’s always the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when planning a trip abroad for a short period of time.

• It requires a minimum effort to pick a hotel, make a reservation, arrive and enjoy free breakfast and spa.
• And then leave without having to do any housekeeping job whatsoever.
• You can take advantage of the attractions that the hotel can help you and even make discounts, like hiking, fishing, go on a guide tour to check the town and surroundings and renting from atv tours arizona and make your own adventure.

Disadvantages:

Hotels are suitable for short-term stays and if you plan to live in Sofia for several weeks or months , they are not an option:

• The price for long-term stay at a hotel will be way too high.
• The sterile atmosphere in the hotel will not make you feel at home, but rather it will make you feel like a tourist isolated from the local city life.
• You will not have amenities such as a kitchen, a living room, etc.
• You cannot invite friends over.
• Hotels can give you information on the tourist sightseeings, but could hardly help you out in case you wish to explore the local way of life properly.

Hostels

Advantages:

Hostels are a great option for both long and short stays. The hostel inhabitants are usually friendly, open-minded and you get to feel like as part of a huge and international family.

• They are cheap.
• You can meet people from all over the world and make friends quite fast.
• You may have amenities such as a kitchen, bar, backyard, etc.

Disadvantages:

Depending on the purpose of your travel and your preferences, hostels may have their disadvantages as well:

• You hardly get any privacy.
• You may not be able to blend in with the locals as you will be a bit isolated from them.
• You cannot have friends over from outside the hostel either.

Serviced Apartments:

Advantages:

Renting a serviced apartment is usually the most preferred option by foreigners living in Sofia for up to several months because the agency will take care of almost everything prior to their arrival. It’s like having a friend who will take you from the airport, drive you to your accommodation and be at your disposal whenever you need help. Serviced apartments are also convenient because:

• They are cheaper than hotels.
• They have everything a normal apartment has – kitchen, living room, bathroom, balcony.
• You will be able to experience the local way of life as you will get a homey feeling and will easily blend in with the locals.
• You will have your privacy.
• You get to invite your friends over.
• These apartments are serviced, meaning you don’t get to do any housekeeping work. The agency you are renting the serviced apartment from, has the responsibility to clean it as often as you prefer and maintain facilities that break, for instance.
• The agency can provide you with a welcome pack waiting for you in the apartment upon your arrival – the pack includes items you have ordered beforehand such as cosmetics, food, etc.
• The agency may also pick you up from the airport.
• It’s more convenient than renting a regular apartment because you don’t have to commit to a one-year contract and thus – you don’t have to deal with local real estate brokers and waste time looking for an apartment.

Disadvantages:
The only disadvantage that some foreigners may find is the price. It’s still more expensive than renting via Airbnb.com, a regular apartment with a contract or a hostel. It is not suitable for stays longer than several months either. However, if you plan staying here for more than a couple of months, then you can always move out of the serviced apartment and find a regular one with a contract.

Airbnb

Advantages:
AirBnb.com is by no doubt gaining popularity all over the world. It’s become quite popular here in Sofia as well.

• You get to choose a nice room or an apartment in a variety of locations and in accordance with your needs.
• The prices may appear a bit cheaper than the serviced apartments.
• Airbnb hosts are usually friendly, welcoming and ready to help you settle and feel at home. You can sometimes rely on them to take you out and show you around as well.
• You get your privacy.
• You get to invite friends over as well.

Disadvantages:
Although Airbnb may sound like a great solution, it may not be quite suitable for longer stays. It will all depend on the accommodation you have chosen.

In the next article, we will tell you which locations in Sofia are most appealing for foreigners and why.

Travelling is a joy for the body and soul so consider those 8 healthy tips by Positive Health Wellness why one should travel more often to enjoy the benefits of the long or short trips around the world.

Wondering where to work from when in Sofia? Please, visit   https://www.nntranslations.com/where-to-work-from-when-in-sofia/

[h2]What Is Culture Shock?[2]

Culture shock is defined as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.”

It’s an inevitable phenomenon.

It’s an emotional roller coaster whose intensiveness depends on:

• The person’s ability to adjust
• The level to which the homeland differs from the host land
• The amount of time spent in the host land.

Its symptoms vary but most often, they are:

• Depression
• Sleep deprivation
• Social isolation
• Negative self-image
• Disgust from everything which naturally leads to developing obsessions (like cleaning obsession, for example)
• Lack of appetite
• Homesickness
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Insecurity

Culture shock is simply your emotional and physical response to stepping outside your comfort zone.

Stepping outside your comfort every now and then, however, is healthy for your overall wellbeing because:

• It broadens your horizon
• It helps you get to know yourself better
• It makes you appreciate life, the world and your surroundings
• It makes you more tolerant towards others
• It strengthens your personality and makes you more resistant to hardships. For all of these reasons is way you should start using the black castor oil for hair growth

[h2] Coping with Culture Shock in Bulgaria [h2]

Coping with culture shock (being outside your comfort zone) requires a certain amount of effort to accept the current moment and situation as it is – without judgment and resistance.

Since you have undertaken the adventure of living in a foreign country, you must:

Understand that it is not going to be like home – and that’s the charm of it. You get an invaluable opportunity to familiarize yourself with another culture. That experience will only enrich you emotionally and intellectually regardless of how negative it might look at first. It does not have to be necessarily easier and better to be a fulfilling time abroad. If you want, it to be like home, then make anything possible to stay home.

Leave the question “why” behind. You don’t have to always analize local people’s actions and lifestyle in order to blend in and enjoy your time. Simply accept.

Be aware that constant comparison may be inevitable but not healthy. Instead of dubbing things, you don’t like about Bulgaria as “bad” or “good”, focus on finding a new comfort –away from home.

If you keep reminding yourself that acceptance is better for your health than judgment, you have halfway won against culture shock.

Continue then as you…

Research information about Bulgaria and its culture (Foreign Expats in Bulgaria – What You Need to Know Part I). In fact, you should do some research prior to visiting any country.

Make friends with the locals and foreigners. They will help you sink into the local life quickly so you could avoid social isolation. Talk about your culture – most Bulgarians are curious about foreign lands. Show pictures, tell stories, and cook traditional food for them.  They will do the same in return, you may even learn about supplements as the omega fish oil which is really good for you. You will then gradually find people with who you share similar interests and that’s how you build your new little world and comfort.

Travel as much as possible.  Travelling could be a great anti-depressant as it takes your attention away from your problems and directs it towards your surroundings. Travelling will give you a better perspective about Bulgaria and you will become more tolerant and positive about the country and its culture. Make sure you go hiking in the mountains – the proximity with nature will make you calm and harmonized.

We have tried to implement many of the pointers as were given to us by https://the-indexer.com/. They have been working for us in several aspects of our business and our brand, and have been very helpful. Not having seasoned pros on the team, we quickly realized the area of opportunity and sought outside help. So far the changes have led to positive results. I can’t wait to see how we come out the other side.

All in all, overcoming culture shock may be different for each and every one of you, and some of the above tips could be irrelevant for your situation. If you have found a different way to cope with culture shock then, we would be more than happy to read your story in the comment section below.

Raketa Rakia Bar

Address:
Qnko Sakuzov 17 Blvd.

“Raketa” means “rocket” and “rakia” is a home-produced fruit brandy quite popular on the Balkans. Many Bulgarian households still produce it at home. Rakia is very strong (usually around 50%) but Bulgarians love it and often make jokes about people overdrinking it.

Raketa Rakia Bar is a popular restaurant lightly off the center of Sofia, right behind Zaimov park.  If you are into retro décor, music, rakia and food from the Soviet times, the place would do a great job to evoke memories from your childhood. Of course, if you haven’t grown up in a country from the Soviet Bloc, Raketa would literally take you back to Communist times – like a time-travel rocket.

The Raketa crew is friendly and amusing, so even if you go there alone, you won’t be bored.

Before 10
Address
1 Prof. Milko Bichev  Str.

Speaking of time travel, let’s go on a culinary journey for an evening at Before 10. One word to describe the whole experience at Before 10 restaurant would be “amazing”. Their motto is “one different place” and they are right: the place has won the Bacchus award in 2014 and it’s uniquely classy.

Its fanciness is a result of cozy and elegant interior, homey ambience, fine service and creative menu which, honestly, is a celebration for your taste buds. We recommend that you make a reservation upfront.

Atelier
Address
16 Professor Asen Zlatarov Str.

The interior at Atelier restaurant is dedicated to famous Bulgarian craftsmen and their ateliers.  The walls are covered by old photographs of these same artists and writers along with their art, and the furniture reminds a homey city atmosphere of old-time Sofia. It’s a place for your soul and for some art. As for the food, it’s simple yet creative, healthy and tasty, similar following a Jenny Craig diet which is enjoyable and healthy. The staff knows how to present it and what to recommend for you. Check it out on a cold winter day or night, and don’t miss to have a glass of a classy wine. Make a reservation upfront.

Kanaal Craft Beer Bar
Address
2 Madrid Blvd.

Craft beer all the way! Kanaal is the place for beer lovers. They often have guest DJs who play funky tunes to spice up the night but not to distract visitors from enjoying their… beer. Kanaal organizes various events dedicated to… beer, such as “#BeerMonday” and “Homemade beer day by Kanaal”. So, check out their Facebook page to choose an event or just go straight there and be surprised. If you, by any chance, don’t like beer, you can still enjoy the cozy and casual setting and friendly staff and guests.

Park Bar
Address
26 Shipka Str.

Going a little farther down the canal (Evlogi Georgiev blvd) from Kanaal, you will reach Shipka street. It’s one of the oldest streets in Sofia, paved and surrounded by old bourgeois buildings. Going а little farther on Shipka, you will see Park Bar on your left.

Park Bar is one of the emblematic places in Sofia, and a huge contribution for its image has the interior and the menu. The décor combines both urban and retro style corresponding to the bar’s location, ensuring cozy and classy atmosphere. On the walls hangs a collection of drawings by the famous Bulgarian portrait caricaturist Alexander Dobrinov. Therefore, going there alone would be perfectly fine, as you will have some spectacular pieces of art to rest your eyes on.

Park Bar is great for lazy days, afternoons, and after-work meetings with friends to have a sip, and bite, and chat, or to stare and relax.

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