The snow white journey to Flam and Bergen

Some of the spectacular landscape

As I had to wake up too early in the morning, Peter was so kind to drive me to the station in Mysen so that I can take the train to Oslo (See the first part of my Norway trip). It was a working day and there were so many people in that early hour that were going to work. In 50 minutes I was already at the Oslo S and easily took my ticket to Myrdal, the place where I was supposed to take the tourist Flam train. So, with a coffee and a sandwich I got on the comfortable train. There was a group of maybe 20-30 people, dressed in ski clothes, going for some winter holiday. They were at different ages and all seemed happy and enthusiastic for what they were about to experience.
I spent most of the time looking through the window and enjoying the view. I've been told that the line Oslo-Bergen offers one of the most scenic rail journeys and I guess it's true, at least from what I have seen before. The thermometer in the train was showing the temperature outside -17/-18 degrees but it was sunny and I felt warm inside. Those few hours passed pretty fast and soon I was at Myrdal Station impatient for the next  hour trip - the one I have come for, the wonderful Flam Valley!

The sky above Myrdal

In the train I met two Brazilians on their Europe tour (they have already passed through Bulgaria and I was surprised we were talking about my home place) and we were helping each other with the pictures in the next one hour. The train was moving too slow so that we can revel the landscape and feel it. There were few stops, even they let us go out of the train at Kjosefossen waterfall which was frozen in the all shades of the white - so beautiful! We passed through numerous tunnels, winding along the way and spectacular valleys. I can only imagine how amazing it would be in the summer to see it all green and blue...We arrived at Flam, where my friend was waiting for me and we proceed to Bergen. All the way in the mountain was so beautiful again, we passed through Naeroyfjiord which is an arm of Sognefjord - the biggest one in Norway. On our way was also Vossevangen town, famous with its water but we didn't stop as we were hurrying to catch Bergen at least 2 hours before it gets dark. By the way, in Norway I drank the most delicious water ever. People there don't buy water, they drink it directly from the tap and it is more than tasty.

The touristic train

Kjosefossen waterfall

The tunnels on the way

Naeroyfjord

At the market

In Bergen, we parked in the center of the city and our first stop was the Fish Market. It used to be an open market but an year ago they have made it indoor. They say it is the biggest market in the region as Bergen used to be the most important fish producing and trading center in Norway (and still is one of the significant industries).
There was a huge variety of fish and seafood and all looked so fresh, like just caught from the sea. And of course, it didn't seem cheap at all - the prawns were 15 EUR/ half kg...but this is Norway.

Bryggen 

Just about 200 m away from the    market is the soul of Bergen, the old  warehouses Bryggen (translated from Norwegian - dock) overlooking the harbor. Their characteristic front is emblematic for the city. Once they were the center of the Hanseatic League and now they are turned into ethnographic shops and galleries and are part of the World Heritage of UNESCO.

Behind the facade they are formed like a little village with small streets, wooden buildings and interesting architecture.

Behind the beautiful facade 

Slightly behind the iconic houses begins the Old Town of Bergen. Fabulous small steep streets with white houses are crossing around it. I noticed that most of them are paved just as in my home city - Plovdiv. Interesting paintings on some house walls's diversify the visitors. Even the small table with flowers in front of one house was really charming in the sunny winter afternoon. It was so quite and it was hard to realize that I'm in the middle of the second biggest city of Norway.

It was time to take a look at the city from above. Railroad Floibanen drove us to the top of the nearby hill. We were thinking of climbing on foot but we were afraid not to miss the sun and the day so we took the funicular. It goes through the Old town and has few stops. I have no idea how people live there, it seems so sheer.
Already on the top, a spectacular view of the city oped in front of us - the harbor, fjords and the sea in the distance. For sure it was one of the best city views I've seen, just breathtaking! I didn't feel the cold weather, just feeling the sun and the freedom. Thanks again to my friend for bringing me there!
There is also a souvenir shop on the top and a cafe so that you can stay little longer and warm yourself with a cup of coffee or tea.

From the Floibanen

The day started to get down and we still had to drive few more hours to Karmoy island. On our way out of the city we stopped for the last time to see Fantoft Stave Church. The Stave Churches are characteristic wooden churches of the Vikings. In Norway there are about 25 of them reserved and in northern Europe 5-6. This one dates from 12th century but after a huge fire it was completely devastated and rebuilt in 1992. I hoped to see it from inside too but in the winter season it is closed for visitors...as I always say - next time.

Late in the evening we arrived at my friend's place tired but full of emotions during the day. A wonderful island trip was planned for the next day....

Here you can see more pictures from Bergen and Oslo and Flam Valley.

Pre-Christmas in Brasov I

Piata Sfatului, Brasov and the Christmas market early in the morning

When it comes about Christmas, people, mostly in Europe, think of visiting Prague, Paris, Vienna, Nurnberg, etc, all those places that are very famous with their Christmas markets and Christmas spirit. To live something different (and because of the great deal I found in internet) we decided to spend few days in Brasov, Romania.

Welcome to Romania, Danube bridge, connecting Bulgaria and Romania

We left Plovdiv early in the morning and proceed to Ruse where we passed the bridge over Danube and went on to Bucharest. All the way we were so careful not to miss the exit to the ring road of the city but unfortunately we did it and we entered Bucharest. At the beginning I was so disappointed because we wanted to escape from the traffic and also we were in a hurry to reach Sinaia before they close the Castle of Peles. It took us one hour to pass through the Romania capital but later we talked to some guys that had passed the city through the ring at the same time and they told us it took them 2 hours! Obviously the road is narrow at some places and there are a lot of traffic lights that stop the traffic. We were so happy we choose the "wrong" way and we managed to reach Sinaia on time. About 30 km before the wonderful resort, we entered the pass in the Carpathians and we passed through lovely little villages and resorts - they were all decorated for Christmas, only snow was missing.

On the road between Bucharest and Sinaia

Finally we found the Peles Castle. It is hidden in the mountain above the town and stays so majestic between the trees. I couldn't stop watching it. And I didn't need to as we had to park the car about 500 m far from it and we could enjoy it while approaching it.
The Castle was built by the Romanian king Carol I in the middle of  XIX century by the project of the German architect Johannes Schultz. The rooms inside are fantastic - there is a dining room, different from the breakfast one, a dance hall, play room (where there was a theater and later a cinema), even a Turkish room and so on and so on. Luxury jets from everywhere. There were 2 mirrors in one of the halls put in a frame of colourful, glass flowers and shined like diamonds. Unfortunatelly we were not allowed to take pictures. The garden is also amazing with stone statues.
Some touristic information: On entering the castle we were told to put on slippers over the shoes to protect it clean. And the entrance fee is not expensive - 20 RON (5 EUR) but is only for the first floor. If you want to visit all 3 floors the cost is 70 RON. The Castle works from 9 to 17 (last group is at 4 p.m. although we saw people entering half an hour later) and it's not working on Monday and Tuesday and it is also closed the whole November.

The gorgeous Castle

It was hard to leave the beautiful castle but it was starting to get dark and we had to move on. After about an hour we reached Bradet, the village where we stayed in the next 2 nights. The hotel was good, recently renovated, all in wood.

In the morning we jumped on the car and went directly to Brasov, 15 km far from that place. And Brasov is an amazing Transilvanian city.

View from the panorama terrace of Tampa hill

At the market

Was it because Christmas was coming or was it because of the sun but people were smiled everywhere, drivers were tolerant (as a difference from the ones in Bucharest) and the mood was high. For a day we walked around the Old City and saw some of its sightseeing. There was a Christmas market at Piata Sfatului (The council square), a big tree and they were playing Christmas music all day. We didn't miss to try vin fiert ,that delicious mulled apple wine and of course the sweet pretzels. We walked around the city walls and visited the White Tower as well as the Hunter Tower. The city walls were built in the middle of 15 century with 8 bastions and 32 towers. Some of them work as museums. The cherry of the cake that day was climbing to the highest point in Brasov - Tampa hill, where there is a spectacular view to the city from a panorama terrace, situated just next to the sign of Brasov. We climbed by the cable car that is situated just next to the Hunters Tower and a round trip ticket cost 15 RON (or about 4 EUR). People say it's a nice one hour walking up to the hill but we didn't have much time and also it was my first time in a cable car. We also had a coffee in the restaurant just next to the window watching the red roofs of the buildings.

Selling vin fiert

The north part of the city wall, on the way to the White Tower

Another interesting place for visiting is Casa Muresenilor, the family house of the famous Romanian family Muresanu that is now turned into a museum. The family has lived there for 5 generations and many of its members were in the high culture circles - musicians, politicians, newspaper editors, etc. The house is located just opposite the square. Do not miss to visit also Biserica Neagra (the Black Church) and the Romanian Orthodox church, both located at the main square. On the west side of the city's wall are both Schei gate and  Catherine gate. They are built in 13th respectively 15th century. The Saxons first established the city and the Germans were living inside, while Romanians were living out of the walls, in the Schei district and they had to pay taxes to enter.

Catherine's gate

It was enough for that long day, we left some things for the next one and went back to the hotel.

Delicious papanas

There was a Romanian folk band in the restaurant, playing folk music and it was a nice evening with a jug of red wine. Everything was fine, including the wonderful dessert that I try for the 3-d time in Romania - Papanas with cream and jam (something like donuts, you just have to try it), until the moment when we ask for the check. In the hotel offer was included the dinner, they told us we can order up to 50 lei and everything above that sum we have to pay. OK, but according the waiter we had to pay 37 lei more and according my calculations - only 10 lei. I had to ask him several times to come and explain me why. He reduced the bill twice until we reached the correct one, inventing different reasons of this "misunderstanding". It was so ugly thing - to try to lie us for 6 EUR. The next morning he came to appology but of course he didn't  confess his guilt and he said something about the computer didn't work properly. Anyway, I'm glad it was the only bad thing that happened at this trip.

On the next day, we left for a day trip out of Brasov to visit the famous Dracula Castle, Rasnov Fortress and the Ski resort Poiana Brasov.

My friend - the reindeer Rudolph

Denia - a pearl on Costa Blanca

Benvinguts, Bienvenidos, Welcome!

Just between Valencia and Alicante

Few years ago my boyfriend and I decided to leave our small country for a while and see how people live in the big World. It wasn't very difficult to choose a destination - we wanted a small town, in a warm country so we connect to a friend in Spain and he said: "Come to Denia!". Two months after that we were at his place in anticipation of many new experiences. Finding an accommodation, a job, getting used to local habits and customs was not easy but we accepted it like a challenge and it worth it.

Everyday we were out around the streets of that old city enjoying the weather, the buildings, the greenery, everything. Denia's history starts far away, hundreds of years BC and it has been ruled by Iberians, Greek, Roman, Arab and Christians and all of them have left something of their culture that still exist. A wonderful place of feeling the history is Denia Castle. Situated on the hill in the center of the city, it gives spectacular view to the Mediterranean and the mountain on the other side, as well as to the colourful rooves of the buildings.

View from the Castle

...and the yacht port

We couldn't live there for 3 months without visiting the coast (although it was autumn). I remember we were sunbathing on 1- st of November - something impossible to happen in Bulgaria. The beaches were not crowded after mid of September but the water was still warm and great for swimming. We also loved to discover the beaches by night - there were few discos that offered good music and drinks and party people. Walking by the yacht port was something I loved to do. In sunny days we just went out having a walk by the port alley and then we were sitting on a bench watching the boats, the water and dreaming of the freedom of the sea. The only think I regret we didn't do, was not going to Ibiza. Denia is the closest port to the Balearic islands (Ibiza and Minorca) and there are regular lines by Balearia ferries. We were looking for cheap tickets and finally we realised that we want to go almost for free - well...no way.

Calle Marques de Campo

As I said in the beginning our favourite activity was walking around the streets. Just under the Castle there are winding narrow streets, waited to be discovered. Going down to the center is the main street - Marques de Campo. It is a lovely street with high trees that keep it shadow - perfect in the hot weather. Marques de Campo was full of shops, cafes and restaurants where we frequently stopped to have  cafe con leche, una  caña or sangria and of course the famous tapas. Talking about restaurants I cannot miss to mention the food. I worked in a restaurant - El Comercio, which offers a wide range of Spanish and Mediterrean food and I had the chance to try many delicious meals. And my favorite is still seafood paella.

Denia is also a place where you can go shopping. It was hard for me to resist the shoes and pants everytime I entered a fashion store. Every Monday there was a market at Torrecremada parking from 9am to 2pm, where people were selling clothes, shoes, blankets, dishes, etc. Although the quality didn't seem to be perfect, prices were low and it was full of people. That market was part of Costa Blanca Markets that took place every day in different cities along the coast. In the middle of October, at the same place they built the Feria, one of those amazing places that we remember from the childhood with lots of attractions, candy-floss and shooting ranges. La fira de Tots Sants connects people from all agaes with its attractions, raffles and fast food, they all seemed so happy. It was a great place for spending the evening from 5pm untill midnight.

Thus, 3 months have passed and we had to go home. I didn't want to leave but that time(2006) Bulgaria was still not in the EU and we were not allowed to stay as much as we want. I still miss the city...Denia will be always in my thoughts and most important - it will stay in my heart.

Thessaloniki - a mixture of ancient and modern history

Thessaloniki is a big city situated in a narrow strip along the Aegean coast. It is really crowded with huge traffic. But this doesn’t make it unpleasant, on contrary – I loved to see all those people, locals and tourists, running through the streets. Arriving at the bus station we only had to inform ourselves about the bus schedule and we were ready to explore it.

Easlily my favourite place in Thessaloniki became Aristotel Square

The Arch and the Rotunda

I was impatient to go for a historical walk around the city. Our walk started form the St. Demetrius Church. St. Demetrius is the patron Saint of Thessaloniki and his relics are kept in the church. The church’s Crypt is the place where St. Demetrius was imprisoned and tortured and now it’s turned into museum. There are candles left and everybody who wants could drop a coin and light a candle for health. We went on walking and our next aim was to see the Rotunda and the Arch.  Both were built by Emperor Galerius. He constructed the Arch in honor of the victory over the Persians in 305 and a year later he built the Rotunda with the wish to be entombed there. The Rotunda has later been turned into a mosque and now is church St. George. Our way continued through the Roman remains of Galerius Palace on boulevard Dimitrios Gounari until we reached the symbol of Thessaloniki – The White Tower. It is situated at the coast of the bay. It has been used by Ottomans as a prison and fortress. Now it is a Byzantium museum. Its colour is not white but in 1890 it was whitewashed and still carries that name. There is a park around the tower with lovely flowers and trees and also the monument of Alexander the Great is situated nearby. Maybe here is the place to tell you that the city was established in 315 year B.C by the Macedonian King Cassander who named it after his wife Thessaloniki that was Alexander’s sister.

Panagia Chalkeon Church

Leoforos Nikis Boulevard and the White Tower

I guess it is enough with the history. It was already afternoon so we just sat at the quay watching the blue sea. After a little break we moved on along the coastal boulevard Leoforos Nikis. There were cafes and bars on every corner. I was impressed that on the tables outside they put a bottle of whiskey. Maybe if you sit you have to order a bottle of liqueur? It was strange because it was only 4-5pm and there wasn’t anybody at those places, it was too hot.

You want some Johny?

The clock at the main street

One of the main squares and the heart of Thessaloniki is Aristotel square. Why it’s called Aristotel? Because he has been a teacher of Alexander the Great. It is interesting that now Greek are so fond of Alexander the Macedonian having on mind that ancient Greeks even didn’t recognize him as Greek and didn’t like him! But anyway, the square is amazing – wide, specious, full with people, bars and restaurants. It’s impossible not to sit here and have a glass of ouzo. Doesn’t matter if you come here day time or night you’d love it. We passed few times for walk along the square and the titled Aristotel Boulevard. Shops and little stores are everywhere. You can buy books, clothes, shoes, jewelry. It’s not very cheap but in August they do great sales. Along the whole pedestrian zone there are benches to sit, flowers to admire and architecture that raises admiration. A great decision to get some energy in the middle of the walk is to have a gyro, roasted meat served like a sandwich, that could be found on every corner around the center. There is actually so many things you have to try in Greece but I'll talk more about their food in my next post.

buying souvenirs

my delicios gyro

Mihaniona beach

Thessaloniki is located by the coast but there is no city beach. I couldn’t believe it in the beginning but it definitely turned out to be true. The closest beach is about 20km far from the city- Mihaniona. It is a small town and perfect place for taking a sunbath and rest out of the noisy and crowded Thessaloniki. It could be reached by the city transport bus. I’m not so sure if it was 71 or 72, but when you go on the main station (it's on the railway station), just ask somebody for the beach and they will let you know (here there is some nformation about buses in Thessaloniki)

The suburbs of Thessaloniki are less busy and even could be more beautiful than the center with the houses of maximum 3-4 floor. We stayed at my uncle’s place in Diavata village– a nice small living area northwest of the city. We discovered that area and found out that it has everything – parks and markets, cafes, restaurants and shops. Some people even haven’t been in the center for months. There is a regular bus connection to Thessaloniki so transport is not a problem.

Thessaloniki became one of my favorite places for holiday, tourism and vacation all together. It is a historical city, it has its ancient and modern sightseeing. On the other hand you can stay in a hotel in the crowded center or choose a villa in the suburbs. And not on the last place – the great calm beaches that are far from the noisy city but also so close that you won’t miss the nightlife.

Few days in Alexandria, VA and Washington DC

USA.SC.North Myrtle Beach.Work and Travel Program.20 y.o. girl.Great experience.(The beginning)

Vessy and I had so many plans about our one week holiday before we go home back to Bulgaria. We thought of going to Grand Canyon and/ or Niagara Falls and travel through the states. Our plan failed because of the lack of enough money and time but luckily we still had the offer to visit our friend in Washington DC and I don't regret at all.

The Old Town of Alexandria, photo by bookinseconds.com

Our friend Annie was actually living in Alexandria, a beautiful town in Virginia, at the border with DC. We spent two days walking around its streets. The Old Town reminded me of Europe. For the first time of my stay in USA I found a place so familiar to me, the architecture of the buildings looked like ones in old European cities. King street is the main street where are located a lot of shops and restaurants. The street goes to the dock of Potomac River. There you could enjoy amazing views of the water and the coast on the other side.
You can even hire a Water Taxi or dine in a luxury ship. Alexandria is also easily connected to Washington, the yellow metro line goes straight from King Street station to the dowtown in DC and even passes through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (the town is only 5 km far from the airport). Alexandria seems an ideal place for living in the center of the Universe and in the same time far from the craziness of the District.

The Washington Monument

The next day we went out of Alexandria to visit the emblematic Washington. The first thing that impressed me was in the metro - it was really deep down the ground. We went out at Mc Pherson Square Metro Station and soon we found ourselves in front of The White House - the building that I had seen so many times on TV and on pictures, now it was standing in front of me with all its greatness. Of course it was not accessable from too close and I could admire it from the other side of the fence. We went on walking through beautiful parks and gardens and soon we reached The World War II Memorial and Lyncoln Memorial. In The National Mall (the area all around) near the river Potomac are also located lots of monuments dedicated to the memory of presidents and soldiers, participated in different wars. It is amazing how Americans cherish their great personalities.

Then passing through The Washington Monument and all the museums around, walking down the wide green alley, we reached The Capitol. We sat there, besides the lake and took a sandwich - hey, I was having a lunch where some of the most important decisions for the USA and the World are taken! Our walk continued through the FBI building and also we stopped in front of The Old Post Office, where there is a free elevator to the top of the tower. We finished our tour in one trade center near the Archives Metro Station where we took the metro back to Alexandria. Although it was only one day so long ago I will remember it for ever.

The Whire House

The Capitol

After spending one more day in Alexandria with Annie and her roommate (by the way, he cooked the best salmon I have ever tried) we had to move on to New York City and be ready to go home. We thanked to our friendly hosts and drop on the bus at Grayhound Bus Terminal in DC and only after 4 hours we were already in NYC.


To be continued