I have tried before. This will be my final attempt.

On 13 September 2016 I shall be 60 and shall have retired. So there will be a piano party at my place the weekend following (I think the Saturday is 17th but am not certain).

Anybody and everybody is welcome.

How does one get to where you are from here?

I suggested that we could fly to Damascus and walk, but that would certainly limit the ability to carry appropriate attire. Is there a combination of air and surface that you recommend?

Malkin, you had me go to my map resources.

Why do you bring up Damascus?
Istanbul maybe, but I would think there are plenty of flights to Sofia from other parts of Europe.

Where in Bulgaria? Easy to reach from other capitals?

Gradishte is equidistant from Sofia and the black sea airports. So you choose.

From either the trains are easy to Levski. Then it is <5 miles to Gradishte.

OK.....I have some research to do!

Um... I just posted in another forum that you should host a party in Bulgaria before I saw this! There's a meet-up in Milan in July. I haven't had a holiday for so long... I'm going to see if I can work a 3 month tour of Europe into my next year's schedule, and if so I'd love to help you celebrate your 60th! I'll keep you posted. Cheers :-)

Anyone want to co-fly from sweden?

Cathryn,

2 separate events:

September 2016, the weekend after the 13th is the autumn ball, which will celebrate my birthday. That will be black tie and if anybody would like an invitation, please PM me.

July 2017, piano party. Informal party which will coincide with the national Bulgarian folk music festival, held in the village. A relaxed get together of various musicians with an emphasis on piano, of course.

Accomodation at my house is limited to about 10, depending on couples, siblings etc.

Hey, missed the post above. But it's good news! Traveling in July is much easier for us than September!

Hi Philip, how much notice do you need for you b'day gathering? I probably won't know if I can make it until about a week beforehand. Will def be at the July party next year though.

Well the birthday ball came and went. Hangover ditto.

It was quite well received by those who attended.

The prize for playing "Happy Birthday" went to the guy who played it on the drums, mainly because he was doing so with a broken foot which showed dedication.

Well, that sounds like a good time was had by all.

Happy birthday and congrats on inaugurating the ball room!

It will never be finished! On Monday the builder is due to come and work on the roof, which will make me rest easier at night. Strangley despite the cracked tiles rain never gets in, but snow melt probably would!

Of course, no house is ever "finished" but I have one great advantage in not having a wife to find jobs that "need" to be done.

Next organised party will be a Burns night around 25 January. Anybody play bagpipes?