Lazarow World-Hike-About: 69.26 Bulgaria, Bansko: Muratovo Lake, Banderitsa Gate and around.

Jen reaches the lake after an hour and now heads beyond, up and over.

That's the beyond and on the way up.

Two people walking through a place and observe different sights, likely have different perspectives and therefore derive alternate meaning. This could result in anything, even the most ridiculous conclusions in which an observer of the two might wonder which planets they reside upon or specifically, through where the heck did they just stroll? By now the reader is thoroughly confused and is likely to move away to something that appears rational...continues at end.

Well, that's on the way down.

I think in about 50 years time, we might tire of the colors...than again, we might wish to extend the date...considerably.

Hmm! A bit of contrast.

Jen approaching the lake.

Surely that's not our destination.

Soothing, if nothing else.

The proverbial slippery slope.

There she goes: The energizer bunny.

Strutting out on the other side of the mountain.

Another view of the lake.

The boulders and rocks are amazing. Can you imagine the size and strength of the trucks required to cart these boulders around when setting up the Planet.

Is it left or right to return?

I believe we have walked through a number of places and derived completely different perspectives from others performing a similar routine. Of course, this is not a right-or-wrong answer, just a different one. Let's take a walk through Pokhara, Nepal. A typical Westerner, especially on a maiden stroll, might notice that the pavements (sidewalks) are messy, full of potholes, uneven and usually dirty. Dogs sleep on them, kids play on them, pedestrians move along, cyclists ride upon them, sometimes a car will cross them or stop for a couple of hours, cows use them, on occasion a horse might arrive, too, all during a typical day. The shops adjoining them are small, tightly fitted and stocked, often with the proprietor trying to induce the passers-by to visit inside for a bargain. Restauranteurs might place a menu under your nose, maybe enabling the person to smell the quality of the cuisine from an earlier spillage.

The kids play outside the folks' shops, usually in school uniform before school begins or after returning. The baby-sitters are granny and grandpa, aunties and uncles, all in the so-called family. The more often one passes by, the more familiar one becomes, which is often the prelude to the commencement of a relationship. So much better should one spend money. It's so tempting to purchase candy for the kids but that is frowned upon but still done and expected.

The traffic can be horrific at times, mainly if you are used to western roads. The occasional stop-signs and infrequent traffic lights are 'not mandatory' to obey. They appear to be more of a suggestion, at times, a hint. Driving into a busy intersection appears impossible but once a person gets the hang of it, it's quite easy. One drives directly into the oncoming traffic and can expect such traffic to allow you into the main stream. The idea is to be polite but bold.

This is only a brief introduction. There are so many other features, nuances and local customs that would take a long time to explain and understand. Frequently, much takes place with religious customs occurring around, holidays in which the dress code is smart. Anyway, let's move ahead.

The atmosphere is very different from what one might expect. It's low key, not ostentatious, simple but much has local meaning. As an observer, one seems to fit in by not necessarily partaking, but rather being absorbed. It is a simple life, a meaningful one where people about you are important. It is not about what you have but rather what one does...what one contributes to the informal community in non-material gifts. It lifts the strain, stress of modern life from one's shoulders. Ridding one of a vehicle is a nice start. Put out the hand and a taxi will halt immediately. Look out for a bus, jump on and go to the end of the line or anywhere between. People know you are a visitor or stranger and will talk with you. They will inquire of your history; they will provide advice and suggestions.

When one adds the various facets together, it's as if a burden has been lifted and the shoulders are lighter. One steps forward and absorbs the sights, sweats as we walk the paths and trails, enjoying the strange but fascinating atmosphere. Should you be hungry or thirsty, someone will invite you into their home for tea. While these are not features one necessarily seeks, the spirit and love behind it is uplifting; it elevates society which seems to relegate the 'rat-race'. Should one have a reasonable amount of wealth, the cost of living is almost negligible allowing one to enjoy the material benefits as well spreading around some of it.

It is very special to immerse oneself into a society, not having to compete for a place, not utilizing wealth as a measure of success. More accurately, the level of peace, comfort, tranquility and friends are a better measure of success. So, when a person walks down the street, along a pavement, in the wilderness, one feels comfort, an attachment, a sense of belonging, while all the time one is immersed in a sense of adventure. It's a joining of the excitement and challenge of adventure with the calmness of belonging or at least feeling comfortable with oneself. There is no finite set of rules or markers to adhere to; rather, something within finds a relationship to hold onto and rise to a state of tranquility even amongst the chaos surrounding us.

So what's the point of all this. Difficult to answer. Try this.

The above may be the rational aspect of an answer, an observation. Almost like a checklist of what a place must have/possess to meet one's desires for fulfillment (Although on the face of it, it seems the antithesis of one's desires).

The emotional or metaphysical answer is that the soul, or maybe the mind, walks/moves about and derives a comfort from the atmosphere, the surroundings, the people and the happenings. One finds comfort, amusement, a sense of being at home of having arrived. It feels good and despite all the odd aspects, the dirt and chaos, there is a feeling that permeates causing a person to have a spring in the step, a smile on the face and happiness within. Perhaps the short but unsatisfactory conclusion is that one cannot define what one is seeking. Rather when immersed in it, one will know what one has found.

Always take a moment or two to reflect.