This is one of my favorite exhibitions so far. Reviews on Facebook and on the internet may not be that good but I guess that this is because most of the visitors have forgotten what it feels like being a child. This was the time when you were able to walk among the dinosaurs without even questioning what on Earth are they doing here?! Most of the mums and dads truly enjoyed their visit and if I see a hater comment left by any of them … well, let’s say that I will post their picture on Facebook with the definition of ‘ liar’ right next to the image. (#notkiddishatall)
The Lost Worlds exhibition presents some of the dinosaur aspects from our planet’s history. From their skeletons, footprints to the glimpses of their appearance and the way they sounded. It’s great that it does not show us the smell. Honestly, I am not sure if I am prepared for that.
Ok, let’s start with a game. This will help you imagine what the feeling was like being at the exhibition. Close your eyes and imagine a rainforest. But a massive one. With large, heavy trees. Leaves everywhere! Heavy, humid air. Scent of green grass, brimstone up in the mountain and seaweed mixed with iodine at the beach shores. Sun is somewhere up in the sky or moon is shining with a bright, pearl white shine. It’s bigger because the distance to Earth. I am talking about is millions of years ago. It was closer to our planet, back then. When dinosaurs walked all over the Earth. The only living creatures we can still see from those times are … cockroaches. No joke. Okay, open your eyes and continue reading because it’s getting ridiculous.
At the exhibition, you will have the opportunity to see replica of dinosaur eggs, … touch them secretly, dino skulls, skeleton and robots looking so much like a dinosaur that it can hardly be true. My cousin and I tried a different type of tactics and went after work that day. Got one of the last groups of visitors. This does not mean you should do the same but it’s less crowdy and it can offer more time for pictures with the dino-robots. I am serious. Photo and video is allowed, for sure. Working hours are from 13:00 to 21:00 during the week and 10:00-21:00 during weekends. What’s so good is that no closing date has been announced yet. So, feel free to visit as soon as possible. Or wait for September. Why not?
Many parents took their children because this exhibition is at the kids playground in Sofia Ring Mall. The mall website is also advertising this one as a child friendly event. Despite the fact I have hardly found the English information boards and sand pit of bones at the end as child friendly, I will agree to that add.
Tickets are purchased and paid at the kids playground entrance (10lv. Per ‘child’ and free for explorers under the age of 2) and you will be asked to follow the dino-steps to the exhibition entrance. The entrance itself looks just like a stargate which will transfer you to the dinosaur dimension.
I was probably the only sci-fi geek that evening. Took as many pictures from different angles of that gate. As many of you already know, … just a few of them were good enough. After the veil, your interaction with the dinosaurs will begin. Your guides will tell you about the footprints and dino-bones and right after that they will invite you to meet and greet the dinosaurs. All of them are robots. Or maybe not. Feel free to share which one of them looked just like a real dinosaur. I have already got a clue but I will keep it as a surprise. Spoilers in the comments ?
The very first robots are simple and as far as I saw, they were grass-feeders. I do mean it. The predators are not so popular and not-that-child-friendly, I guess. However, you don’t expect to see Godzilla at the entrance, do ya? You should definitely take food with you and don’t feed the animals. It’s pointless. There’s enough plastic grass and trees around them.
As mentioned above, the information boards are in English but in case you’re a patriot, don’t worry, your guides will give you the whole information in Bulgarian. They do speak English but they’re feeling comfortable in Bulgarian.
You will meet snakes and other smaller creatures in the improvised jungle but don’t worry, most of them don’t bite. I even kissed a lemur. These guys are cute. I am keeping that photo for myself while you can enjoy the images below along with the videos.
This one is from the predators section where one of the Jurassic Park fellas greeted the visitors.
Here’s another one from the other section of same exhibition.
Final but not less important - my grandmother refusing to accept I am not hungry … dinosaur edition.
At the end of my walk, I have noticed that the exit also looks like a magical path to the human reality. I guess that’s because we had to return from Jurassic Park safe and with sober minds. My disappointment was massive because of the fact that I could not ride a Nessy monster but may be next time.
In the spirit of good presentation, I will give you some directions to the Sofia Ring Mall – exhibition is at the ground level, first hall on the right after accessing the main entrance of the mall.
For bus access:
‘Bistrishko Shose’ stop for buses 111 and 123 or take the Sofia Ring Mall bus from Business Park stop at the Business Park station. The Sofia Ring Mall bus is free for all visitors at Ring Mall. That’s the one I prefer, despite the fact it mainly operates every 30 minutes. However, you’re saving some coins for coffee or a doughnut at the mall.
Park your Tardis on the roof. Entrances, exhibition and the whole mall are wheelchair friendly and what I really adore is the fact at this mall being extremely friendly. I am serious. People there have sense of humor and defo have hospitality. Especially at the kids playground.
Now that you’re aware of the dinosaurs around Sofia Ring Mall feel free to visit, share your experience and I can’t wait to hear if you saw the two dinosaurs at the -1 Level of the same mall. What was your reaction to them?
