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Bulgaria Trip
May 2014
Bulgaria
SOFIA is the capital of Bulgaria
The country has a shrinking population
and is very heavily polluted. It has the
lowest living standards in Europe.
We were not in Sofia; but, in the areas where
we were, conditions were rather desperate.
The streets were not paved, nor were many
roads. The buildings are falling apart and
appear very gloomy….brown, grey,
dark colors. However, there is one
saving grace….beautiful fields of roses.
Bulgaria boasts sublime beaches, lovely churches, winter sport opportunities, to name a few. Although it is not regularly visited compared to other European nations, it has a wide range of activities for a traveler.
ARBANASSI is an historical village of Bulgarian heritage. There are 80 houses, five churches and two monasteries. It is set up as an open-art museum. The Church of the Archangels has a group of singing priests….and they did so for us….great voices!
VELIKO TARNOVO (cultural center) was a former Bulgarian capitol. In the 12th century, the village flourished. There is a fortress atop Zarevez Hill with quite a view.
VIDIN, Bulgaria is the poorest city in all of Europe….
No paved streets, style-less architecture. The faceless misery of communism is pervasive…..but there are beautiful roses! We visited Baba Vida medieval fortress….two walls and four towers. In the Middle Ages, it was the city’s main defense.
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Bulgaria Photo Gallery
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