“From Macedonia to Bulgaria”

• August 28, 2020
• By Daryl
• 2 Comments

The day before leaving Macedonia, something was evident. 

The Winds Of Change were swirling. Clouds had gathered, and flashes of light consumed our eyes and the smell of ozone filled our senses. From high above, trenches of rain instantly fell. Rain drops the size of fifty cent pieces scattered the dust, fell and made mud. The whole of our path to Bulgaria was cleansed. It was quite evident the Gypsies Tail Winds were pushing us on.

We ran inside our hotel, only a few feet, but drenched we did get. Anxiously we packed up our belongings and prepared for the next day.

Our driver arrived, a professional driver whom worked for the American Embassy; smartly dressed he gathers our bags, we load up ourselves and proceed out of the city. His carriage was a black Mercedes, the mere presence demands respect and it showed on the highway. The other drivers seemed to be more responsible, as they stayed on their side of the road, more. The smooth ride was so different on roads that we knew so well, as we had driven on them days before. The drive went quickly and soon we were crossing the borders. 

Our next driver picks us up and whisk us to the airport in Sofia; the Capital. We pay for the cheapest economy vehicle they have and with a fare price. A man drives up with a Range Rover as that was all that was left. I complained, because big vehicles and small roads are even harder, but was soon delighted to find out it was an upgrade; same economy price. What a pleasure to drive vehicle, and sitting so much higher, I see so much better.

We set off to our predestined destination, only to have Our Lady of the Maps send us on the wrong direction. We stop and gathered ourselves, as we, as in Bunny, researched another destination and figured out the error almost right away. Only off course about 15 minutes, Bunny had us straight again in no time, while I took some photos.

Several industrious men were selling the most unique rocks of all sorts of shapes. A Gypsy work wagon, (I assume everything is Gypsy in the Balkans), was for sale, also. Across the street, in a residents yard was a strange-looking building which we have seen in many Baltic countries. We presume they are for chickens and this one is particularly low. Most are placed high of the ground, to keep chickens away from hungry foxes.

Off we went to an old city of lore, with Fortress with cobblestone streets and Churches amidst grand buildings. We enter the city and view a huge Fort ruin with a Cathedral in the middle on high. The streets turn to bumpy cobblestone that rock our vehicle in a fashion that makes us feel like we are in a horse drawn carriage. The streets instantly narrow with sharp turns, which make maneuvering safely, was a challenge. The buildings hang over the streets starting on the second floor, a tax saving strategy of the time. Taxes were charged by the square of the base of the buildings. 

We find a parking spot close to the Fortress ruins, because we could not find a reasonable price room to let. Seeing a church we survey the area and found the doors open. Entering we find a completely different looking interior, with a style of religious paintings in black and grays. This gave a dark and ominous feel to the surroundings.

Even the statues outside was dark an so, foreboding.

We carefully walk on uneven stones up the grand entrance to the old city walls. A white Lion stands guard holding a coat of arms. It is so impressive to be surrounded by walls so thick, even Dragons would be kept at bay. 

Foundations and knee-high walls are all that remain of the buildings, once present in there wholness, except the Cathedral. We make our way up stone stairs, catching our breath as needed. Again, the grand doors swing open to a more expressive church, sparsely furnished without seating. The paintings on the walls are of a different sort from any we have seen in the past. 

We make our way down, a much easier route, with less stops to regain our breath. We head to a nice restaurant for dinner and dessert. Then we make our way out of town, stopping to take a picture or two.

In the not so far distance, was a noble church bell tower reaching above the canopy, capped with a gold roof and cross shining in the setting sun. 

Off we ride into the sunset, to find respite, in a hotel for the night. This is a tenuous search, for many businesses think they should get more money than they are worth. We notice when we ask the price, they stumble on their words as if they are making up a price for just us.