Maiden Cliff

An early spring sunny Sunday morning and a phone call from friends with an offer for a mountain walk in our favorite Rhodope Mountain. This time the suggestion is for a place, called Maiden Cliff. The legend tells of a girl who jumped from this rock (and this is where comes the name of the rock) to avoid becoming a victim of the Turks. There are several places in Bulgaria that have the same name and the common between them is exactly this legend. So if you ever happen to be in a place, called Maiden Cliff, you’d know where it comes from.

After a quick research in internet how to get there and some rapidly prepared sandwiched we were already on the road. Our first destination and departure point was the village of Hrabrino, 15 km southwest of Plovdiv. We were supposed to walk about an hour and we read that we have to follow the white-yellow marking and the signs to hut Zdravets. In the middle of the village, where we parked the car we asked the locals and they explained us better how to reach the path that will lead us to the rocks. At first sight, everything was clear.

A view to the village somewhere on the way

We were walking south, along the river, actually upstream of the river until we reached the first point that we had to decide left or right. The problem was that there was no marking and half of us have remembered right, the others - left. Following the logic we took the left path as this was the direction we had to keep – a little bit to the east and up. But after that we lost the marking. Anyway, we were sure this is the correct path and we followed it for a long time. In about 40 minutes walking, and after a long time we have already lost the path, we saw the chapel we were told it’s on our way. When we finally reached it through some bushes and branches on our way, we realized that we have taken the wrong path. Luckily, following the direction, we managed to find the place. 

In front of the chapel "St. Virgin Mary"

Close to the chapel there is a fountain with cold mountain water and here our both guides exclaimed in one voice: “We’ve been here!” They were so surprised to realize it!  They explained that a friend of theirs took them to the same place a month ago and the departure point was not Hrabrino village but Izvor village, they just didn’t remember the rock name... And there, at the chapel both ways connect in one. At the beginning they felt a little bit screwed up but the place really worth it to be seen, so soon they were happy again.

Taking the path right of the fountain, keeping south west direction and following a cart road, in about 5-10 minutes we reached the rocks. 
And here it came the view, the freedom feeling, the peace, the greatness…In silence we just stood watching and deep breathing. The sun and the wind contributed to the majestic feeling. The river passes down forming wonderful canyon. In late spring probably would be greener and even more beautiful, well, we can always come back. So spectacular views that it was hard to decide which pictures to share (more pictures at the end of the itinerary).

In about an hour resting and collecting moments we went on our way back, this time we took the right path, which by the way seemed to be steeper than our invented path. But the way is going down along the river, all the time and from time to time appeared beautiful landscapes.

Here are some tips for the tourists:

Starting from Hrabrino - go upstream of the river, the direction is south west. There is a marking white-yellow and signs to hut Zdravets. In the beginning you go along a cart road. In about 5 minutes you reach a point where the way goes left and right, take the right way by the river and in 3-4 meters you’ll see the marking again. If you take the left one, you’ll lose the marking immediately. After some 200-300 meters you’ll see a yellow-orange fence and just before it, the path goes left. Then you can’t miss it if you follow the marking. The way to the chapel is steep but it’s not impossible even for kids or old people. After the chapel you take the cart road on the right and soon the rocks appear. The whole way takes about 45-60 minutes.

Starting from Izvor (Izvor is located about 4-5 km east of Hrabrino) – you park in the center, where there is only a square and the famous building from the past communist time that used to be a shop, restaurant and hotel together, the so-called “HoReMag”. Go up the street that passes by the building and maybe you can ask the locals, but the tip here is that your way passes by the cemetery which is above the village. Our friends told us that it’s about 20 minutes walking and the way is very easy. You’ll see the chapel on your right and you should continue straight to reach the cliffs.

If you happen to make this journey, don't hesitate to ask me for more details.
And the rest of the photos:

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.

Byala Cherkva - a little piece of heaven in the Rhodope Mountain

If I was not born and grown up in Plovdiv, I wouldn't probably have heard about Byala Cherkva (meaning White Church). It is not very popular resort not only for foreigners but for Bulgarians too. I believe I'm lucky to be born here, so close to the lovely Rhodopes.
Together with Studenets and Zdravets resort (or chatel Zdravets or Zdravets hut) it is a popular destination for Plovdiv people to escape from the big city in the weekend.

View from the hill above Byala Cherkva

Location
Byala Cherkva is located 1600m altitude and about 36 km south from Plovdiv. From the ring road of Plovdiv you can either take the road to Markovo or Belashtitsa. Both ways gets together at Galabovo village. The resort is at the end of the road.
You better go by car as buses are running only to Zdravets(7.50am and 2.30pm from Rhodopi bus station). If you go by bus you need to walk then about 2-2.5 hours. The walk is pleasant but it takes time and really depends on your plans.

Accommodation
The resort is really strange when we're talking about accommodation as there is no such. Well, there is something like a hut but I have no idea what the conditions are inside. Last time we were there we saw a group of people in the yard,drinking coffee but the hut didn't look good. There are more hotels and rest houses in Zdravets and Studenets. Two of the options are hotel Transing or Eco hotel Zdravets.
Camping is a wonderful decision for accommodation. Be prepared with warm clothes as in the night it is getting really cold - could reach 5-6 degrees in July.

What to do
This is the best part when we forget about the other things. In winter in Byala Cherkva you can enjoy skiing. There is a ski slope 1100m length. It is seperated on 2 parts and is suitable for both - beginners and advanced skiers. Also there is a 300m ski slope for kids. A ski run is working up to April.

Herb mashterka (thymus)

In summer time the main activity is hiking. And it is a real pleasure. You can collect herbs,blackberries and blueberries or just enjoy the sun. The weather is great - about 10-15 degrees less than the hotness in the city.
Byala Cherkva is a cross of hiking routes going to the nearby villages through the mountain - Sitovo, Lilkovo, Boykovo, Kosovo. One of the routes to Persenk peak(a beautiful Rhodope peak) is going through the resort and it is panoramic most of the time. It takes about 4.5 hours to Peresnk hut and 1.5 hours more to reach the peak. Amazing views are discovered to the whole mountain - you can see some of the villages on the main road Plovdiv - Smolyan and even Snejanka peak with its tower nearby Pamporovo resort.

Just at the end of the road you could find stables Stela. They offer horse riding routes through the mountain. And I think they offer also accomodation but you have to contact them and ask. The stables are situated just next to the monastery St.St. Peter and Paul, the highest  monastary in Bulgaria. The church is recovered but the other buildings are still under constuction.

The stables, photo by: Stables Stella

If you happen to stay in Plovdiv don't miss to do a day trip to Byala Cherkva. You'll be fascinated of the mountain beauty, I promise.
Enjoy some of the stunning views:

Pavelsko village

The bike crash

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

photo by: dsmcommutercomer.wordpress.com 

The only Internet connection we had was in the Library. Unfortunately it was not close to our home but it was for free and we had bikes! So one day on our way back ( I was with Stanimir - one of my roommates) we were driving along the highway and suddenly I felt something hit my bike and I found myself lying on the highway. Yeah, it sounds terrible and it was! The only thing I thought about was: "I have to go back to the sidewalk". I was so lucky there were no cars on the road! Then I saw 5-6 people coming toward me asking me how I felt and if I needed to go to a hospital. I heard myself telling that I was OK. And I thought I was but I was scared.
What have happened? - While we were riding our bikes we have been about to cross a little street where 2 cars have been waiting to include in the highway. But exactly at the moment I have stepped with my bike on the street, the driver has driven off and has hit my front wheel. Those people were probably more scared than me, they were begging me to drive me to the hospital but I refused, I really didn't feel hurt.

They finally left and we stood there for 10 more minutes, I just needed to stop shaking. Then I realised that my bike was broken( luckily they repaired it later). We went to the nearest supermarket to buy some food and at the exit I felt my arm was hurting me a lot. I couldn't go home by pushing my bike. I decided to ask somebody to give me a ride( I was surprised how giving a ride to somebody you don't know was so normal there). There was a little truck at the parking, I simply waited to the driver and asked him to take me home explaining him what have happened to me. Stanimir went home alone as there was no place for his bike and I got on the truck with mine. During the ride my arm started to hurt me more and more and the man offered me to take me to the hospital. This time I agreed, I just wanted to take my insurance and also to take somebody with me. The first guy I saw at home was Jacek. I told him what had happened and he came with us. 

On the way to the hospital we officially met with our driver, his name was Darnell. He was so surprised to know that we were from Eastern Europe, that we were students on work and travel program (what is that???). On the other side he told us he was working in a telephone company, had a family and 2 kids. We had a nice conversation and I was feeling better. In the hospital we had to wait for maybe 2 hours until I was examined by a doctor. Happily there was nothing to worry about except that I had a big bruise on my bottom and I couldn't go to the beach in the next 10 days.

Garden party with Darnell and some of my roommates

When we left the hospital I finally could think and realise the whole situation. I was amazed of what that guy did for me. Darnell spent 4 hours in the evening to help to an unknown girl! I had to thank him somehow so I invited him with his family to the restaurant I worked for dinner. This was the least I could do for him. I'm glad we became friends and although we parted not very well at the end of the summer(it is another story) I will always appreciate what he did for me.

Thanks Darnell and I'm sorry.

To be continued

Part III of my North Myrtle Beach experience

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

Two weeks after my arrival we were still living in the same house as in the beginning. The owner of the place also owned 10-12 more houses on the same street along the beach. Nothing bad, except that there were plenty of cockroaches and the rent was high ($75 per week was not a good price for those conditions). So Vessi and I decided to look for another place. We cooperated with some of our neighbours and they also told other people and finally we found a new house. It was not far from the previous one, there were 3 big bedrooms,a kitchen and a living room. But it was not furnished at all (only kitchen appliances). Everybody was sleeping in sleeping bags, on inflatable beds, even there were lucky people that found normal beds on a garden sale(or was it just on the garbage?).The new apartment was not so comfortable but it was clean and cheap($ 100 per month).

The party house

Andrew and Victor in Big Tuna

The only problem was that we were living 15 people from Bulgaria, Poland, Belarus and Slovakia. Well, it was not a problem for us but for our neighbours and for our landlord becuase of the parties. Every evening we were standing at the veranda or in the garden drinking beers. It was my favourite part after work - tired but in a good company. Sometimes there were just quiet conversation but other times it was noisy with loud music and more people. I remember once our neighbours called the Police and we had to stop the party. But it was better that way than to let their huge evil dogs in the yard.

We also liked going to the nearest club (The Big Tuna) and playing pool. It was kind of a  problem for me as I didn't have 21 and I was not allowed to drink alcohol in the bars and even I was not allowed to enter in some of them. Luckily most of my friends were not underaged and they could buy me beers. The bar was located at the beach so very often we just sat there enjoying the evenings by the ocean.

Hardee's, photo by: blog.thegourmez.com 

I really felt good living this way - working 4 days a week(only 25 hours), having fun with people, going to the beach but it was time to look for a second job. I had taken a loan from a friend to do this journey and it was time to think of earning enough money to give it back. It was not easy at all, I was going from shop to shop,from hotel to hotel, from restaurant to restaurant hoping to work whatever they had for me. I was filling out applications every day but with no result. Finally, around the beginning of July I started working in Hardee's (a fast food restaurant). My job was to take the sandwiches from the shelves and sell them to the costumers. It was totally not easy as I thought in the beginning. I was standing all day on my feet (from 8.00 to 14.00) but it was not so bad comparing to the mistreatment of my colleagues toward me. I couldn't believe that people could treat me so bad - shouting at me with no reason, being rude. As I told you I had been working in restaurants with people and never  had such situations before.

One morning I woke up at 9.00. We'd had a big party the previous night and I overslept for work. I was so pissed off to myself for not hearing the alarm clock and I had to decide how to excuse for being late. I jumped in some clothes and on my way to the bathroom I said to myself: "Wait a minute, you are already late for more than an hour, so you could be late for 10 more minutes". Then I made a coffee and sat outside in the garden. I thought: "Why should I go there again? They'll always be jerks! I need a better job and this is the perfect moment to quit and start looking for another one". So I called them and told them that I was sorry but my employer wanted me to work in the morning therefore it would be impossible to work for them in the same time. And that was it - I was again with my 25 working hours per week but I didn't feel miserable anymore.

To be continued

The story continues - memories of North Myrtle Beach,SC

USA.SC.North Myrtle Beach.Work and Travel Program. 20 y.o. girl. Great experience.(Go to part I)

This is how the To-go menu looked like

In the next morning I jumped on my new bike and Vessi took me to the restaurant were I was supposed to work and spend the next few months. We were probably 15 people, the last training group of all 40-50 foreigners that had come to work there. The fisrt day they took us to obtain SSN which was totally needed to work in USA. The rest part of the day we spent in learning about Joe's Crab Shack (the restaurant's name, that was serving mainly seafood and of course - crabs). I'm not going to bother you with the training lessons anymore, even I don't remember much of them.


When we were done with the lessons I went to the bike stand and what a surprise - my bike was missing! Yes, there were 3-4 bikes at the stand but not mine. I couldn't believe it, I had spent $60 the previous day and now it was gone. I went back to the restaurant and told one of the managers. She called the Police and they came in few minutes. Maybe this is the time to say that I hadn't locked it - yes, I hadn't bought that locker and somebody had decided to take it. I knew it was my fault but how could I suppose it was possible to happen in America! Oh, yes, it was possible, and I'm glad I realise it in the beginning. The policeman was very kind to me, I wrote down my testimony and he even took me home by the Police car. He told me that it was almost impossible to find my bike as there were so many bikes like mine and it wasn't marked or had any signs. He promised to call me if there was anything new about it and he even offered me to come the next morning and take me to work. I didn't know what to say - was the Police always that kind in the USA or maybe he just saw a silly girl in need or probably he liked me? Anyway, the next morning he took me to the restaurant and I never saw him again.

The Police in NMB,SC, photo by: steve-stevespolicecarhobby.blogspot.com 

The next few days I was studing the menu, the rules of working and I was trying to know better my new colleagues. I also had a new bike (the same as my previous one but already with locker). Vessi met me with other Bulgarian guys that were already working in the restaurant - Donyo and Asya and also with some other people that were living on our street. All of them were from Eastern Europe and everybody had come to live the American dream for the summer.

Joe's Crab Shack used to be of Landry's group up to 2006 

A week passed and we had to start real working. The first thing our managers had to decide was who of us were going to work as waiters and who were about to take other duties in the restaurant. For that reason they made us work with the best waiters in the restaurant. I worked with Brandon. He seemed to be a nice guy and he was telling me different stories all the time. He was talking and talking and I was smiling and laughing all the time although in the beginning I didn't understand much of what he was saying( I had a good English but not so much and also American accent was totally new for me). At the end of the day I noticed that he was talking to one of the managers and later I saw my name in the waiter's schedule. Thanks to Brandon and my abilities of course (I had worked as a waitress in Bulgaria for 2 years till that moment) I was already a waitress in Joe's.


To be continued