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.

A short trip to Athens

Before my visit to Athens I didn’t know what to expect but I knew it will be wonderful experience. And it was, now, when I hear Athens I see wide boulevards, clothing shops and of course – the Acropolis.

View from the Acropolis

Monastiraki market, photo by Cosmicadventure

After whole night traveling I arrived at my mom’s house and we spent all they enjoying the time together. The next day I was ready to walk around the huge city. And of course the first stop was the Acropolis. I was surprised not only of the ancient ruins but also of the city view too. It is better go there early in the morning when the sun is not so strong. On the hill where is the Pantheon temple are situated also the temple of Athens and the theater of Dionysus. In the past there used to be a statue of Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice and skill, which is named after the city today. The walk in the ancient history was great but I was pleased to move in another epoch - Monastiraki market in the foot of the Acropolis. It is a must see place for visit although it is very crowded, especially on Sunday when it’s full of tourists and the locals are also out for shopping. Maybe is better to go around again in the morning during the week when the crowd is still sleeping. Anyway we had a great time around the variety of shops – from local crafts through books and souvenirs till all type of clothes. Prices are different but you can always bargain to reach the price you’d ready to pay.

The Parliament at Syntagma Square, by Cosmicadventure

From the ancient times through the Ages we finally found ourselves at Syntagma square - the main and most central square in Athens (Btw it is named after the constitution of Greece). It is the most modern center of the capital and even the zero point of Greece. The square is popular for meetings of the Athenians and guests of the city. It is ideal place for taking a rest with a cup of coffee which was actually what we did after so much walking. Recently, most of the famous Greek protests take place ar the square. There is situated also the building of the Parliament, built in 19 century to be a Palace. Guard’s changing is something I saw the day before and it impressed me a lot especially because of the guard’s costumes and the tassels of the shoes. Another famous square in Athens we passed by was Omonia. It is located in the shopping are of the capital with a huge number of stores and cafes. Omonia is mainly famous as the square of immigrants. Lots of people from Eastern Europe are looking for their luck and work in Athens and Omonia is a great point to meet each other, chat on their own language, buy newspapers on their language or send gifts to their families as there are some transport companies located at the square.

A favourite boulevard, by Cosmicadventure

A park in Kifissia

On the next day we spend almost a whole day in Kifissia - is one of the richest neighbourhoods in Athens. There are wonderful houses built in a modern style, beautiful parks and gardens. The main square in the area was crowded the whole day mainly with young people spending their free time by meeting friends and having beers. Kifissia is the right place for shopping luxury and expensive clothes. Is not that such shops are missing in the capital center but this is where rich people go. Just be careful what time you’re planning to go shopping anywhere in Greece  - all the shops have very special working hours: from 9 to 19 with 3 hours break , they don’t work on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at all and of course Sunday is day off. The first day of my stay (Sunday), one of my shoes was broken and we passed through a shop where the owner was arranging the shoes. I kindly asked to buy shoes and he refused me. I had to show him my problem, beg him and finally he agreed to sell me a pair of shoes. It really amazed me but I guess people just have principals.

the amazing octopus

The last evening we went out to say goodbye to my mom and she took me to a nice restaurant where I tried for the first time grilled octopus and I loved it. Of course we ended with a glass of ouzo as it wouldn’t have been a typical dinner without it. I left again with the pleasant sense that I’ll be back (although my mom is not living there anymore). Actually I visited it again but it was a business trip and I didn’t have much time to walk around.

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.

Where the Danube leaves Bulgaria

Exactly 375 km before the Danube flows into the Black sea the river is no longer a border between Bulgaria and Romania but it goes straight north into Romanian lands. There, on the right coast of the river is situated Silistra - an ancient Bulgarian city. 

Originating as a Thracian settlement later conquered by the Romans and survived as an important medieval Bulgarian fortress - ancient ruins, a Roman tomb with frescoes kept, fortress and museum keep the history of this region.And if you're interested in learning more about the city I have some recommendations for places to visit:

View to the city from the nearest hill

Medjidi tabia fortress

This is the most preserved fortress from the Turkish times. It has been an important part of the fortifying system of the city. It was built in 1841-1853 by 300 Bulgarians.In 1847 г. it was visited by sultan Abul Medjit who was really surprise and interested by the fortress and that's why it is named on him - Medjidi tabia. The fortress also takes part in the Krim war started in 1853 in Silistra.It is located at the Southern side of the city. Medjidi tabia is working every day only for one euro entrance fee.

Medjidi tabia fortress from outside

Historical museum

Of course there is no historical city without a historical museum. Inside you can enjoy an archeological exposition with valuable monuments that were found from different times - unique exponents from Roman period and a column of khan Omurtag. The museum is cituated in the center of the city but unfortunately it is not working on Sunday and Monday.

The art gallery

Some of the Roman remains and the Romanian coast on the left

Take a walk along the river in the beautiful park

Danube park is my favorite place in the city. It is a great decision to escape from the hot weather in summer. You can walk along its alleys or just sit and admire the Quiet White Danube.

Wooden train for kids

And the gorgeous river

When you finish with the city you can just leave it and go straight to the Beosphere Preserve of Sreberna.

The preserve spreads Srebarna lake and the territory around(18km west of Silistra). The most interesting plants there are water-lily, rush, reed, etc - more than 130 types, some of them endangered of disappearing. The bird world here in incredibly rich,there are such rare and worth kinds of birds – pelicans, stag of a fallow deer, herons, ibises, wild ducks and geese, etc. There could be seen also – otters, tortoises, lake crabs, etc. In the museum nearby you can enjoy watching the birds in details using the two telescopes. An echo path is going around the lake – a 2 days walk will be the best to see everything around although a day trip is also a good option.
There are regular buses from Silistra's bustation.

Srebarna lake

In the region

If you are looking for accomodation around,  I'd advise you to stay in some of the river villages. Of course choosing a hotel in Silistra is a good idea too but booking a room in guesthouse will touch you even more to the incredible nature around the Danube. My suggestion is for village Vetren, only 5 km far from Srebarna, on the river coast. Here is a list of few hotels and guesthouses and this is the house where we spent one night. The website is is Bulgarian but you'll easily find the pictures and contacts. You can go for a walk around the beautiful village and have a fresh fish even just besides the river. The village was so quiet and calm and it took me far away from the busy and dusty city to this little land of paradise.

Fishing boats at Vetren coast

Our guesthouse