Central European Scenes which we never wish to forget: Three trips during 2018 through 2019.

Not an easy life. The completion of the Chairski hike, Bulgaria...and we meet these women.
Jen returns from a peak as we head down to Balea Lake, Romania.
Image has stuck in our minds since the day. (See text below).

As much as we don't wish to acknowledge it, often when things are relegated to the back of the mind, one tends to forget them. While it's unlikely we'll forget experiences, usually because they required much effort, often with risk, to accomplish, on many occasions, places visited are superseded with fresh ones. Thereafter, they can easily be forgotten. From time-to-time, we'll explore a region via photographs on file and are usually amazed at seeing stunning places visited. How did we forget about that and what about this one? 

  I have been known to think every place visited is fantastic. While that might be a little exaggerated, it's probably close to the truth. I have no hesitation in stating that Central Europe is one such region. Growing up while it was hidden from us behind this big, ol' Iron Curtain' created a mystique. Having visited many countries in that locale (more than once) and wishing to return, emphasizes our positive attitude to the region. Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria for starters are magnificent places to visit for the mountain climbs, hiking and feel of the countries. Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Poland and Romania provided much joy, too. 

  We met a number of people who emigrated after the curtain was raised and were on vacation visiting family. A little like we have done with regard to South African visits except someone stole the country's curtains. In fact, we met a woman who had fled and crossed over from East Berlin. She now spends time in Romania when not in her adopted country, Canada. It was a privilege. 

  Anyway, it's impossible to select the best pictures in a short while so we put together a few that hopefully, give a reasonable indication of the scenes of only a few Central European countries. 

 I think the opening and third photographs epitomize the old Eastern Bloc, certainly as my imagination envisages it.

Bystra ski resort above the village, Slovakia.
Chopok Peak trail, Slovakia.

Koprovsky Peak, Slovakia with Poland behind. (One of us stands to the right of 'show-off' on the peak.)
A view from near the peak on Koprovsky.
Jen on way to Matterhorn, Bulgaria.

7 Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. All 7 lakes can only be viewed in their entirety from this position.
Gela, Bulgaria
En route to Dumbier Peak, Slovakia.
Bezbog, Bulgaria.

Krakow, Poland.
Kutelo Ridge, Bulgaria.
Soko Banja, Serbia.
Lake Oso, Poland.
Sedlo Ostravo Popranska, Slovakia.
Czarny Falls, Poland.
Polejan Peak.
Jen goes vertical on via ferrata, Bulgaria.

Rhodope, Bulgaria. 

  A single Rila Lake.
Approaching Mount Vihren Peak.
Joining Jen on via ferrata.
Cabana Asa, Romania.
A tough hike somewhere in Croatia.
Plitvika, Croatia.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey