Wednesday 14. My husband wakes me with a "Happy Valentine's Day". I'm impressed. Maybe I'll be in for a treat today, after all it's only a few days since I presented him with a ski-weekend in Canada for his birthday!

Alas, no flowers, no chocolates. Maybe tonight? Good that I bought myself some marzipan last night at the Chocolate House! It briefly comforts me before the guilt of the unnecessary calories spoils the pleasure.

I'm supposed to be at Traditzia at 11am for a TV shoot about martenitsas. A quick glimpse out the window, damn it's snowing! I'm behind schedule now because I haven't allowed 10 minutes for shovelling the wet and heavy snow off my car. Can't find anywhere to park on Vassil Levski Boulevard. Not even the newly designated blue zones could offer me a space. I circle the block, which takes me all of 15 minutes. I am really late now. I spot a space outside Hebros Bank - I know it's for customers only - what the heck - I'm a customer. I do however politely explain to the security guy the desperation of my situation. He is unsympathetic. The producer of the TV show exchanges a few words with him and he finally gives me 15 minutes grace. That was all I needed.

Thought I might go by to see C. She's been home putting her feet up for the last few days.

Get to Nevski Square. I see a lot of police riot vans and again can't seem to see a single parking space. Then I remember vaguely hearing something on the news about protesting pensioners. Sorry C! I do a quick U-turn and head for the office with probably only minutes to spare before the roads are closed.

Grandma is out celebrating Valentine's - so she can't babysit tonight. My husband offers to collect the children from school and take them home so that I can attend the official opening of Arena di Serdica, Sofia's newest and most talked-about hotel. Talked about it should be; the construction/investment company has shown that a respect for Bulgaria's heritage will, no doubt, be rewarded in the long term. How many others would have just quickly poured concrete over the site to avoid building delays? The amphitheatre from the third century has skilfully been incorporated into the design of the hotel and we were treated to a spectacular dramatisation of historical events in Bulgaria since the amphitheatre was built, along with the excellent hospitality of the hotel.

Nope, no flowers when I got home, but at least the kids were in bed.

Thursday 15. Had to meet someone in TZUM, before going on to a reception at the Sheraton. It has been a while since I've been to TZUM and as I have some time to spare between appointments - I decide to window shop a little. As I arrive on the third floor I notice a new cafe - there is an unusually large vitrine. I go to take a closer look - and cannot believe my eyes. Inside this glass case there lies a young tiger, with the biggest, saddest eyes I have ever seen. I am in deep shock - how can something like this be allowed? A wild animal held in such a cruel and unnatural habitat, for what purpose? The entertainment of the customers? The profit of the cafe? I am disgusted and can talk about nothing else that evening. It seems that most people I have spoken to find this unacceptable.

Friday 16. Still very upset by what I saw in TZUM - I ask my office manager what she can find out about this tiger. I need to do something or know that someone is doing something about it. Thank goodness there are Bulgarians who are doing something about it although progress is slow. Thank goodness there are Bulgarians who find this totally unacceptable.
A publicity stunt from TZUM - how trashy and immature.

There is a general campaign to boycott TZUM until young Shakti has been released to a more appropriate home. That's the least I can do.

Saturday 17. Had to take our dog to the vet. She has been limping for nearly a week now and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I am not prepared for what the vet tells me could be the worst case scenario: cancer. Of course, there is still a chance that she is suffering from a trauma after having been hit by something. This could well be possible, seeing how Lala and her street gang love to chase cars. If it is a trauma, the medication should show a response fairly quickly. Although saddened, I try to remain optimistic and philosophical about the fact that at least she has had a good life till now, and that no doubt there will be another unwanted street dog to take her place.

My daughter complains that her tooth is hurting. Indeed her second tooth is already quite far out and the baby tooth still hasn't fallen out. "Can you hold on till Monday dear? Mummy really cannot manage vet and dentist in one day."

Sunday 18. Special guests for lunch today, a former boss of mine and his wife from the UK and a former Bulgarian prime minister. It's been ages since I've entertained and I have a few crisis situations with the menu but no one seems to mind. It is an informal and pleasant get together.

Back in 1985 I would have found it hard to believe that of all the people I have worked for or with in London, it would be Richard that I keep in touch with the longest or indeed that our paths would cross in Bulgaria. His wife Maggie was a campaigner for the British Conservative Party, and had been sent to Bulgaria in the early 90s to help with the transition to democratic elections. She was back revisiting old friends.

At last, I get some roses and chocolates (but they are not from my husband), my daughter's tooth falls out and the dog is nowhere to be found - so much for getting her to take antibiotics at regular intervals.

Paromita Sanatani is co-publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Sofia the insider's guide