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
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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. […]
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… […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
