Spread the love

Let’s shortly summarize – what is Bulgaria known for worldwide:

– With its history and cultural monuments – Plovdiv is the oldest existing city today in Europe, the oldest processed gold in the world was discovered near Varna (5000 BC), and only Italy and Greece have more antiques in their museums;

– With heavenly natural beauty – in an area of approximately 110,000 square kilometers (way smaller than the state of Illinois) are situated some of the highest peaks in Europe, the beautiful Black Sea, fertile fields and gardens, where everything found in temperate zone can grow, including the Bulgarian rose, which has become a symbol of Bulgaria – and the sweet scented oils derived from it;

– With its abundant mineral water – the number of hot mineral springs in Bulgaria is second only to Iceland;

– With its yogurt – unsurpassed in quality because of the bacterium bulgaricus, which is found naturally only in Bulgaria

– With dance, with songs and with the voices of performers – starting with Valya Balkanska, whose song is currently flying through space with Voyager hoping to come across other civilizations, then we get to the opera singers- Boris Christoff, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Ghena Dimitrova, Raina Kabaivanska, Stefka Evstatieva … The list is very long and we will stop it at Vesselina Kasarova, even though right behind her are numerous young talents – it is not by chance that it was in our land that the ancient Orpheus was born and lived.

We can talk about the treasures of Bulgaria for much longer, but now for Valentine’s Day, as a gift to the Bulgarian women, we want to remind them that they are some of the most beautiful in the world. This is not just a compliment but simply the truth – Bulgaria has always been glorified with its talented, hardworking and beautiful women. (It is true that there are few blondes, but this is understandable as the person with the highest IQ in the world organization for the intelligent MENSA is the Bulgarian – Daniela Simidchieva)

Dear Bulgarian ladies, as a special for Valentine’s Day, the editors of www.Eurochicago.com decided to seek interviews from some of the most beautiful women in the world. And because we are not in Bulgaria, we set a more difficult task for ourselves: to find beautiful ladies outside its borders. Our only condition was that they have Bulgarian roots.

In three separate parts under the same title, we will present our interviews with three of the most beautiful women in the world and their Bulgarian mothers. You’ll learn many interesting things about them, including what they do, what their favorite Bulgarian holidays are, what they want for Valentine’s Day, and what they want to wish to the Bulgarian people.

We already presented you with our interview with Alice Panikian – Miss Universe Canada 2006 and 6th place finisher in Miss Universe 2006, today the same questions will be answered by Ksenia Shipilova.

Interview with Ksenia Shipilova

The present holder of the Miss Russia Pageant, represented Russia at the Miss World 2009 contest in Johannesburg (South Africa), runner-up in the Miss Russia 2009 beauty pageant

The interview in Bulgarian. Coming soon – the interview in Russian

What is your most memorable moment from the competitions?

Ksenia: Perhaps it will seem strange, but the most interesting thing for me was walking on the safaris. It is simply unforgettable, when two or three meters away from me are walking cheetahs, elephants, giraffes…

Please tell us a little about yourself, what were you doing before the pageant?

I am a second year student at a Ivanovo State Textile Academy, and I have two majors. My first is Tourism in the department of Design and Cultural Services. I am also studying in the Economics department, majoring in Economics and Management. I’m fond of youth politics and in 2006 I was the president of the youth government under the administration of the city Кohma. I also play table tennis.

Did your life change after the contest, what will you be doing now?

Naturally, life has changed, but my interests remained the same. I did not forsake anything. But to everything, which I was engaged until now, I have now added modeling.

What advice would you give the thousands of girls, who wish that they were in your place?

Of course, be confident and not afraid to participate in such endeavors as modeling and beauty contests.

What role did your Bulgarian mother play in your successes?

My mother played a very important role in my career. She did not let me forget who I am, even for a moment, always returning me to reality, and school (laughs). But at the same time my mother spurred me to self-improvement, she also helped me develop, and still provides me with great support. Mom will not let me be lazy, she always made me go to even the most insignificant events with the words „This is your responsibility.“ Because of all this I am very grateful.

Have you been to Bulgaria and what does Bulgaria mean to you?

No, I have not ever been in Bulgaria, but because I have Bulgarian roots, of course, I consider it a close, native country.

What do your friends know about Bulgaria and what do they associate it with?

I do not know how well my friends know Bulgaria, but I think that they associate it with me (laughs).

Do you have anything from Bulgaria in your home, like a souvenir or memory from Bulgaria?

I have perfumes „Bulgarian Rose”, but unfortunately, no souvenirs.

Do you use Bulgarian cooking recipes? If so, what is your favorite one?

Sure! I love roasted peppers, my mother and I prepare them at home almost every week.

Are you familiar with some of the Bulgarian traditions and do you celebrate Bulgarian holidays?

I like holidays on March 1 and March 8, when if possible, I give to martenichki to my friends.

What are your future plans and dreams? What do you hope to accomplish?

Now I plan to take up the study, as I missed much because of the pageant. I will probably continue modeling. I hope I am never satisfied with what I achieve, never stop going. Because it is really easy to “lose your head” due to your success, and lose everything you have achieved. We must all constantly seek and achieve new heights.

Is there anything you would like to tell the Bulgarian people and Bulgaria?

I wish success and prosperity to all of you.

What are you expecting for the upcoming Valentine’s Day?

I expect a good time. I don’t need anything more than that.

A question for the mom : What is the most special and strong quality in your daughter?

Nina Ivanovna: Her diligence and hard work

Do you have other children? Were they in the shadows of their sibling during the competition? Please tell us something about them.

No, she wasn’t left in the shadows. My older daughter Cvetolina (23 yrs old) is a very bright personality. She is a fifth year university student, and just like Ksenia she also models for magazines, and takes part in the community.

To the mom and daughter: Would you be willing to come visit us in Chicago? What about in Bulgaria?

For Chicago, we do not have time right now, but we would gladly accept an invitation to visit Bulgaria.

Questions by Dimitar Stamatov