Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of Eastern Europe’s least densely populated nations and one of its poorest.the only country in Europe that has had more citizens leave looking for a better life elsewhere is Syria so that speaks to the issues that this country has..  The people that we met were all fiercely patriotic and loved sharing the stories of their homeland.  We learned so much about what it was like to live under communist rule and the hardships that ensued when the rule changed.  It is certainly not black and white and they could see some benefits to both sides.

We visited Veliko Tărnovo which is one of Bulgaria’s ancient capitals where after tasting some traditional Bulgarian liquor we visited a couple of old churches.  At one we were treated to a choral presentation and at the other an explanation of how religion was practiced during Saxon times.

We also visited the port city of Vidin where we visited the Baba Vida Fortress which was built in Medieval times and is very well preserved.  A highlight was a visit to  the Belogradchik Fortress which is built on the top of a rock formation which have eroded into fantastic formations.  The climb to the top awarded us with fantastic panoramic views.  The ride to the Fortress was an hour each way but taking different routes we wound through farmland and tiny villages which was really interesting.  One of the outstanding features in Bulgaria was the numerous very large factories standing empty and in disrepair.  These were all active during the communist regime but were no longer sustainable with the fall of communism.  They are everywhere in the country.  Just as an example of salaries a doctor in Bulgaria makes 400 Euro a month.  No wonder they have a very large brain drain.

Choral group inside an ancient church.  The sound was amazing 

This church was built to look like a barn so Christians could worship without any repercussions 

Traditional in Bulgaria to be offered bread dipped in spice as you enter a place to dine

Veliko Tărnovo with the fortress in the background 

Very colourful market street

The fortress 

This par of Bulgaria is definitely rebounding 

In the villages lots of people were just sitting outside near the street

Ruins of the Jewish temple in Vidin. Most all Jewish people were removed from Bulgaria in WWII

Baba Vidin Fortress

The people themselves call these commie condos as they were built during the communist era to house workers

Empty factories were everywhere 

Belogradchik

An ancient window

Not the first donkey and cart we came upon

Nice background for wedding photos

Beautiful climb to the top of the fortress

Steps steep at times but the views were more than worth it

Rock formations were fabulous 

City sat nestled in the rocks



Entertaining group of young dancers