Travel, life, loves and laughs.
A short way up into the hills we arrive at the traditional village of Marathokefala where time seems to stand still. Here, the pace of life takes the slow road, with many daily rituals continuing as they have done for centuries.… Read the rest
We are taking the Little Fun Train for a bit of sightseeing in Crete. What better way to get around than an open aired train that lets us see some of Cretes’ more out of the way places.… Read the rest
In the middle of charming Melnik is the Kordopulov House. We visit here on a bright, sunny spring morning after a bracing walk to the Holy Place. The town is quiet, it’s the very beginning of the season anyway but Covid has hit tourism hard and we receive an especially warm welcome as the first tourists to return since the beginning of the pandemic.… Read the rest
Atop Melnik’s picturesque cliff tops, the St. Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery is perched. Known locally as the Holy Place, this tiny monastery, referred to a a cave (speleon) was built between 1209 – 1211. Its name is also associated with the Virgin Mary of the Holy Place at the Mount Athos monastery Vatopedi.… Read the rest
Nevyastata is a scenic forest walk eco trail located in the Rhodope Mountain Range in Bulgaria’s south west.
After heading south from Plovdiv this morning, we have already explored Asen’s Fortress and the picturesque Bachkovo Monastery, plus enjoyed a hearty lunch at The Salt Spring along the bubbling Chepelare River.… Read the rest
Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery stands as a beacon of Bulgarian spiritual heritage and historical significance.
We arrive on a sparkling Spring morning after the night in Plovdiv and a quick stop on the way at Asen’s Fortress.… Read the rest
We arrive at Asen’s Fortress in Asenovgrad shortly before it opens and there is not much to see from the car park. However, from the road, the approach to the Fortress reveals an imposing stronghold dating to Thracian times (around 500 – 300BC).… Read the rest
Plovdiv is charming from the get go and given the range of things to see here, it is no wonder it was Europe’s Capital of Culture 2019. On our list of ‘must see’ items are 5 things that no trip to Plovdiv is complete without.… Read the rest
The Kapana is Bulgaria’s first ever dedicated creative district. Tucked in behind the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis it is also known as ‘The Trap’. This is a direct translation and also a colloquialism. It refers to how one can easily become lost or trapped in the streets here.… Read the rest
Plovdiv is the modern site of the ancient city of Philipopolis. It is charming from the get go and given the range of things to see here, it is no wonder it was named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2019.… Read the rest