Berlin

 

Capital, I say! July 31 - August 09 2024

This trip has almost happened for several years. Generally it’s around Christmas time…. that’s a tough one. 

Madrid – Sofia: Sights, Sounds, Surprising

Just as we left, I saw a Magnolia bud on the little tree at the entrance. Such joy.At Madrid, I came across the nicest airport and security personnel. One even carrying my cameras to a table for me to stop stressing about getting it all in without holding the line up. Madrid you surprise me. […]

Sofia: History abounds

Being in the midst of artefacts from the 3rd century. Old stuff was all around and it teemed with history and so much beauty. State vs church. Walking until our feet refused to move. Spanish in Bulgaria… the siesta has to be used. Paying to shoot in an Orthodox church. Just in time to witness a baptism… […]

Sofia – Stob – Rila – Separeva Bana

A rode diverged in the woods and we ended up on a 30 minute hike. The pyramids of Stob were calling. Tired, dehydrated, it took all my will to get up there. Loved it. The gorgeous, overfilled monastery of Rila. The faith of the people. The reverence. The murmurred prayers. Little kids running around and […]

Separeva Bana – Rila lakes – Plovdiv: Beauty, Adventure, Awe

A drive through the most picturesque mountains to get to the cable car. My First cable lift. Loved it. When it went on and on and on, I felt like it was never going to end…. geez. The beautiful lakes of Rila. Absolutely breathtaking!  An overambitious hike in the wrong kind of shoes. So many […]

Plovdiv: History, Felt, Life

The owner who introduced himself and was kindness personified.A 2000 year old theatre. Being surrounded by history.Wool shopping.The other receptionist making us welcome.Lunch guests. Three little kittens.A felting crash course and a great purchase. The girl was so helpful.A town that seemed sleepy during the day, came to life in an unexpected way. Such a […]

Plovdiv: History, Colour, Art

A slow start to the day.More places to explore.Seeing so many beautiful places.Bulgaria’s history, Ottoman’s tyranny. So much we don’t know.Abstract art that won me over.Gorgeous use of colour that filled my head with ideas. Love that there is so much art everywhere! People willing to explain things to the tourists.An artist who blew my mind. […]

Plovdiv – Black Sea Coast – Nessebar: Sea, Lady, Simple

A beautiful old town. I could walk it forever.Fairy lights, sea breeze and the smell of food being barbecuedA beautiful sunsetWatching the city lights reflecting in the water from the terraza of the roomSurprising an old lady by showing up to buy her fibreart. She only took cash and I had none on me. She […]

Nessebar – Sozopol: Care, Gourmet, Kittens

Old town beauties. Love when an effort is made to restore old glory.Found perfect gifts… none to sell them though.Eggs… those huge, red eggs… what were they? Pity I couldn't find anyone to ask. I think they had something to do with Easter. A gorgeous town. Sotzopol.Little kittens all over town.A waitress who did her best […]

Sozopol – Veleka – Sozopol

Veleka River. Quiet, Gentle, Beautiful. Unfortunately the boat trip didn’t pan out and kayaking was out of the question, but I still loved the time spent on the river's edge. The gorgeous beach of Veleka. Quiet, Gentle, Beautiful.The feeling of cold, salty water buffeting me.Witnessing a beach wedding.A snake on the windscreen.A drive through such crazy […]

Sozopol – Kazanlak (Vally of the Roses) – Shipka – Tryanva

A windy, wet start to the day. Water against the rocks creating such drama.Stopping for a coffee and meeting 2 little girls and their mum. Beautiful blue and hazel eyes.They also introduced us to their 3 little kittens. Such joy.The little girl with wool acting as tresses in her hair just so that she could […]

Tryanva – Tryanva: So much to love

Caves inhabited by the NeanderthalsA camel, llama, goat, donkey, ram and other animals at lunchVegetarian dishes winning all the way. Potato croquetas with mushroom, yoghurt and pumpkin seeds. Texture, taste, experience … win.A house made by teacher and student. The student won and won the girl too. Carved daisies in the ceilings for her.A thundershower […]

Tryanva – Etara – Tryanva

A chilly morning in the middle of the woods … and what awaits us is the artesian village of Etara.The lovely little village of Etara where culture is kept alive. Such places should be created everywhere. Met so many wonderful artists.Learned to dye wool with natural products. Made a few samples too.She crocheted me a […]

Tryanva – Veliko Tarnovo

Waze taking us through crazy old old town. Tiny roads that made me think we would be stuck there forever. A lovely lunch in a lovely little restaurantA wine tasting session while strolling the streets. Such windy, lovely roads. Dinner … hmmm…A panoramic view of the town.Sharing the hotel with the president and his entourage. Sound and light […]

Veliko Tarnovo – Oreshak: History, Art, Jesuits

A leather bag I love and can use.An early morning walk through history. The best thing is that no one was around. Veliko Tarnovo is such a gorgeous town. Got the scare of my life when my camera strap gave up and my camera landed lens down. Glad it is still working despite the lens being […]

Oreshak – Sofia: Love and Hate

A white socked black cat that pranced across the streetLittle things to like– Traffic lights with countdowns.– Kittens everywhere.– The smell of jam everywhere we go.– Art. So much of it. Such beauty to behold.– The Illuminati symbol in all churches.Some things I didn’t– That wee bit abruptness.– Being called a Nazi or stupid for […]