Travel, life, loves and laughs.
I have escaped the resort today and find myself in Kolymvari, a small seaside town west of Chania. As inviting as the sea looks, however, I am in search of Gonia Monastery, just outside of town.
After a fortifying morning coffee, I take the short walk from the tiny harbour up a cicada lined road.… Read the rest
This small homemade operation is run out of Polemarhi in the foothills of Crete’s Maleme region. Out on the Little Fun Train for the afternoon, we have already discovered the villages of Kolymvari, Marathokefala and Vouves. Each with their own version of charm and slice of history, from monasteries and saints to millennia old olive trees, the traditions here are rich and varied.… Read the rest
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
Melnik is known for its wine and Bulgarians love their meat. So Mexaha Melnik seems the perfect combination. A Mexaha is a local, traditional Bulgarian bistro or restaurant. You can find them in cities and scattered throughout the countryside.… 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
