THE job of courier is one that is new to Bulgaria and people still confuse it with that of mail deliverer.

The word "courier", for some, still has associations with people proceeding to deliver documents on official or diplomatic business.

But 24-year-old courier Ivailo Kurtsov, who is originally from Bourgas, sees his job in a very specific way.

Having been in the job for more than nine months, he sees it as a hands-on way of earning a living, that is fortunately free of monotony.

He qualified in mathematics and information technologies, and when he first moved to Sofia, found it hard to cope with not having a job.

His burden was eased when he was hired by New Express, which he describes as a very friendly work environment, with understanding colleagues.

He does not feel he would enjoy a nine to five job sitting behind a desk.

For him, being a courier means a healthy lifestyle, because the work is so active - and, he believes, from day one it has kept him fit and attractive.

In his time on the job, he has worn out several pairs of shoes. And he has got to know all the streets of Sofia. He says he covers about 60 km a day.

The upside, for him, is that he has hardly ever fallen ill, simply because his job keeps him fit and healthy.

He is the best guide to every street, when not to try to cross them, and which alternative routes to choose. He knows when traffic lights are out of order, and knows the traffic patterns in each part of the city.

Speaking of traffic lights, Ivailo said he always avoids the intersection of Gurko Street and Levski Boulevard, because it is so difficult to cross on a bicycle. He says he is invisible to people travelling in heavier vehicles.

"You learn to take care of yourself."

"I knew what the job a courier requires, and I was very much drawn to the idea of riding a bicycle all day long."

Smiling, he says that this was the sole reason for him agreeing to take over deliveries in the centre of Sofia, a very large area.

Sofia looks very dirty from the bicycle and at the same time is so interesting, he says. Riding around and enjoying the mushrooming of restaurants and new shops is not the only fascination, according to Ivailo.

He adds that meeting so many different people is one of the main challenges in being a courier. He has had a handful of strange cases of deliveries, which he now laughs about. He recalls an ostrich egg he had to deliver from a place in the centre to a customer.

"I had to ride the bicycle with one hand and hold the egg with the other, which was scary and testing," he said. "The egg could not fit in the bag because it is breakable," Ivailo says. The egg reached its recipient in an impeccable condition.

Among rare deliveries, his favourites include the bouquets of flowers and love letters between sweethearts.

"People in love are nice to deliver to"

"I would just take a parcel or flowers and would be called to get back because something in the letter was missing," Ivailo says.

There have been memorable occasions when the senders get the recipient's address wrong - leading to much confusion among who receive surprise love-gifts.

Much to his bewilderment were deliveries of live carps on Saint Nicholas Day - December 6, when it is traditional to each the fish.

He finds all the customers very interesting people.

"I know many well, and they know me too." He even calls many of them friends.

To him, it is not what is in the delivery bag that is important, it is the people that he meets daily, and how the movement of the day has been.

"The client, who has given you something to deliver, is important above all," Ivailo says.

He has never been scolded for bringing a delivery with a delay.

"The girls in the office most of the time take the blame because people prefer not to show their dissatisfaction to the couriers," he said.

The toughest time and high season for couriers is Christmas, contrary to expectations that Saint Valentines Day would be the really busy time of the year.

At the end of the year, post cards and company parties keep Ivailo and his colleagues in the branch busy from morning till late.

But while these days often are long, being so busy makes the hours slip by unnoticed.