Bulgaria
Bulgaria
A jewel in Eastern Europe September 10 - September 24 - 2021
Bulgaria! Now, where do I start?
It’s a country unlike other European countries I’ve visited. Right from the food to culture to people.
Sofia is gorgeous. There is so much to see and admire. The number of Italian establishments came as a surprise.
The people are still spiritual and conservative. It shows in their dressing and their regard for religious spaces.
The many monasteries, churches and other architecture have their own charm. I loved how we could be in a courtyard with hundreds of noisy people but once they walked into the church, everyone went absolutely silent.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic there were no guided visits. This is coupled with the fact that they don’t have much of their information translated. It left me asking for more.
Nessebar îs lovely, great views, bad food. A bit too touristy for me. I preferred Sozopol. Rocks and water and lovely little restaurants that served up some of the best dinners we had in Bulgaria.
The Veleka river is a short drive from there and kayaking or a boat trip to watch the wildlife should definitely make the agenda. The beach is also amazing! Getting there is a bit of a drive over not even gravel roads, but it’s worth it.
The valley of roses is divine and I’d love to revisit in May when they have their festivals.
We got lucky with the weather. Only one huge storm one evening. Sunny weather the rest of the time.
Great roads for convertible driving. Not so great roads if you are not into rallies.
Great views. Amazing hiking options. Mountains and Beaches. Accessible and not overly crowded.
Pristine water although the plastic dotting the countryside was a bit of a bummer.
Since it isn’t a densely populated country and because it’s not yet on every tourist’s list, off peak was beyond amazing.
Home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited city, they are working at restoring their architecture and promoting it. It’s quite awe inspiring to step into a space and know that Neanderthals once slept there, or Thracian rulers once walked those same paths.
Cons:
Communism left it’s mark. Ugly blocks of apartments (mostly disused) and empty villages.
The people are not impolite, but aren’t the most friendly and ready to have a conversation. I only managed to get 3 of them
Very flat bottoms. I normally don’t notice such things, but it was so absent that it made me fixate on it.
Having to pay separately to take pictures inside.
Pandemic disbelievers and vocal about it too.
Pros:
Inexpensive.
Steeped in history.
Once you start moving
Cats. Lots of them. Everywhere.
Art everywhere … and quite economical too.
White wine… loads of it
Rose oil to die for.
Old cars to marvel at.
Names like Pharis and Horizont