Three introductory photographs to a somewhat unusual hiking experience which follows.
Jen heads up to Muratovo lake...up? The effect of autumn on a lone tree in a large region...what a treat.
Looking down on Muratovo Lake in awe.
When clouds do not get in the way, on our return from the lake.
One of our benefits from the Roman Empire
We find the more we examine situations deeply, the more chance we have of attaining an intelligent perspective. One aspect that has been of interest over the years is a fascination of the Roman Empire (RIP). While we often have a joke about why we shan't get lost on the trails, strangely enough, it occurs quite frequently. Nevertheless, we rely upon the fallback position because of this famous city. 'As all roads lead to Rome', then while we might reach a position terribly far out of our way, at least we'll eventually arrive in Rome. Capisce!
Today, we discovered something far more serious and probably unknown to most of Earth's inhabitants. We make this statement not to boast of our intimate knowledge of aspects of the world (hidden secrets), but rather to share such wisdom with our readership...more accurately, that probably should be: 'Reader'. When my Mom was alive, we were usually guaranteed one participant; now we are less certain.
Anyway, we are in Bulgaria, having departed from Bansko for Pamporovo, a ski town. Unfortunately, no one thought to hold-off on a major snowfall until we had departed from this latter location. There's no doubt the Bulgarians can be most disappointing in the manner in which they tend to take very little notice, if at all, of our requirements. Enough of that—we are clearly on our own.
Returning to the Empire, that's the Roman one, they tend to come and go, these empires. We found out about some of the influence of the Romans in Bulgaria. Under Nero, he changed focus of the Empire following his distaste of Julius Caesar who ruled just over 100 years earlier. What really got Nero's goat—not that he liked to fiddle about or was criticized severely when things became too hot in Rome—but rather because he was very aware of good health for Romans, particularly the men. It was Caesar that set what Nero considered a terrible tone when he stated for all to hear: "Let me have men about me that are fat".
Well, even a century later, Nero hated that precedent and never forgave Julius. Rather than bear an acrimonious attitude though, and do nothing about it, he began to work on a project that would help fat men. In fact, he also believed women should follow the example he intended establishing. He set sail for Bulgaria. Nobody seems to understand the reason he chose the home of the Pirin Mountains to develop a laboratory followed by a factory. It's there where it brought to fruition a very successful product. However, it wasn't until much later that he and his successors refined the product to achieve his ultimate goal.
Today, on a walk along this snow-covered area, we came across this memorable location for which Jenni and I are most grateful. One could say it all came together with quite a fizz, leaving a good taste in our mouths. We hope the latter photographs below will answer any questions, doubts or cynical attitudes a reader might have. While Nero may not have had a flare for fiddling or fire control, he sure knew how to develop a multi-century trend.
Scroll past the photograph below for the revelation:
Earlier, before we left the apartment, the sights were wonderful, but intimidating, in a fashion.
The tucked-away-laboratory and production site.
Belatedly, but fortunately, not too late for us, he developed Coke (N)ero allowing us to aim for svelte figures ('Zero is it')...while still struggling because after all, we cannot survive on love and Zero alone.
The management encourages visits: 'STOP' inside for an autumn break. Have a Zero on us. It'll cost you...hmm!...zero coins and calories.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
