Jen contemplating how to instruct her leg to move forward. Apparently, there is a rebellion underway.
We’ve been to Pamporovo once before, booked in for a few nights and stayed seventeen. It’s a gem tucked away in the Rhodope Mountains which border Bulgaria and Greece. We are on the Bulgarian side although the language may as well be Greek for all we understand. There’s a tranquility in the region which allows a person to absorb the surrounding beauty without any of the usual noise. This is further enhanced, we’d guess, because of the period. The region is a ski resort which means, of course, that the main action occurs during winter months. Therefore, it’s incredibly quiet and peaceful without visitors. To illustrate the point, we are staying in an apartment complex; it appears we may be the only current residents. Over the recent long weekend during which the country celebrated Independence Day, we counted 12 vehicles in the parking area—that was a rush period. There are another 3 or 4 buildings/hotels behind and to our sides which appear equally empty. Wherever we travel in Pamporovo, we notice the same look at each complex.
Besides the quietness, the atmosphere permeates an air of all is well with the world and its inhabitants, at least the few living here in this season. The air is clean, very fresh, which is supported by views we observr through the camera lenses. They are different from usual—revealing a clarity that is obvious. It makes us smile each time we get ready to ‘click’. While we may be a little odd, perhaps more than a little, we’ve come to appreciate the magnificence of the wilderness more and more on each outing while wishing to avoid the chaos of the cities, whenever possible. We’ll close this off by stating something frequently mentioned. We know that on every outing, on every hike, we will experience something new, unique and often miraculous. Perhaps it does not take much to impress us, but truth be told, having a low threshold for wonders is just fine with us. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
Jen and I have always loved the ski slopes outside of winter. They provide superb hiking opportunities, wonderful views, little foot-traffic, if any, and are always without snow. The struggles we endure upon them, particularly in this region, provide far more pleasure than any hardship suffered. In addition, in many places, even in summer, a person can purchase a cup of tea/coffee or even a meal at the summit (except Pamporovo). At times, this is a nice reward after a tough climb. Invariably, the ascents are steep and rough. After all, when in proper working order, they are covered deeply in snow. Come to think of it, we concede: We are odd.
Bulgaria is as a taxi driver said to us soon after our arrival when he dropped us off before our hotel for the first night, some hundred meters away, because a car was blocking the road: "This is typical of Bulgaria", he smiled. Some of the oddities include a large number of abandoned buildings, both in the wilds and cities. Many are partly completed structures. In Pamporovo, there are many small supermarkets saturating the area. Most advertise on the store windows that they are open 24-hours per day. Heck, we’d be happy should they open for even an hour. We’ve yet to enter one of these establishments as they are all closed—we presume for summer. It makes sense but the signage had got our hopes up on a few occasions when we required food.
We share an entrance (partly) with an hotel, a rather large structure known as The Grand Monastery. At the entry gate to the buildings is a boom and next to it sits a guard. While we appreciate security as much as the next person, especially having a history in South Africa and now the United States, it sure seems strange to have the service during this exceptionally quiet period. Whenever we look through our windows, (we have picture windows in the bedroom and lounge—aren’t we spoiled!), we record the status of the boom arm and traffic flow. Often the arm is in the upright position which means traffic may flow into the parking area without any form of security check. Once we observe such laxity, whether a vehicle has passed through at all on the day, Jen or I will dash to our entrance door and ensure it’s double-locked. One cannot be too careful. We fear for the times when we are out on the trails and that 'arm' is not doing its job.
Never thought I could be so struck by the beauty of wild grass or maybe, it's the wild woman or should it be, 'Woman of the Wild'.
Moving to the next ski slope (two across from the above), we head down the last segment, the fourth one. Our residence is about 250 meters to the right of the village. The national flag is outstanding in this environment.
Never thought this gentle woman would spend so much time struggling in the bush.
Homeward bound, no railway available.
On the top sits an army base. Loved the contrast of colors of the two hills.
Bulgarian First Division chase after Lazarow, Second Division, multiplied by one.
The hills are alive, without music, but strike a note/s with their own charm.
Cheers,
Moving to the next ski slope (two across from the above), we head down the last segment, the fourth one. Our residence is about 250 meters to the right of the village. The national flag is outstanding in this environment.
Never thought this gentle woman would spend so much time struggling in the bush.
Homeward bound, no railway available.
On the top sits an army base. Loved the contrast of colors of the two hills.
Bulgarian First Division chase after Lazarow, Second Division, multiplied by one.
The hills are alive, without music, but strike a note/s with their own charm.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
No comments:
Post a Comment