AMERICAN CORNER AT SOFIA LIBRARY
A music-filled ceremony inaugurated the US embassy’s American corner at Sofia Library on April 23, which is also International Day of the Book. Conceived during Laura Bush’s visit to Bulgaria in June 2007 when she met with first lady Zorka Purvanova, the American corner is now an entire hall filled with American books for children and adults. It is open to all. At the ceremony, US ambassador John Beyrle and Sofia mayor Boiko Borissov thanked all the supporters who made the centre possible. Among those at the event were Sofia Library director Georgi Belchev and Sofia Regional Governor Todor Modev. Borissov said about the space, which was formerly a lunch counter of sorts: ‘Many libraries have been turned into discotheques or bars; here, we’ve turned a tavern into a library.’

Photos: MAGDALENA RAHN

BELGIAN CULINARY WEEK AT THE HILTON
A range of Belgian beers, chocolates and Belgium-inspired hors d’oeuvres delighted guests at a cocktail for the April 21 opening of the third Belgian Culinary Week at the Hilton Hotel. Organised by the Belgian embassy in Bulgaria and the Belgium Bulgaria Luxembour Business Club (BBL), the fest, which ended on April 27, saw guests like the art collective Adamava and students and the director of SIMA hospitality school in Aarschot. Belgian ambassador Philippe Beke, BBL president Johan De Smet-Van Damme, along with Nadia Maneva of GreenCat Gallery, opened the event.

Photos: MAGDALENA RAHN