I left you working out the blog (sorry, hope it was a little bit of fun though!!) up until Tuesday night when we had a massive thunder and lightening storm that lasted for hours. We stood under the roof overhang with a glass of wine and watched the valley light up with fork lightening. Sadly I could not capture it on film, I will have to work out the settings on my decent SLR camera one day.
Wednesday is spent preparing for Samantha's arrival. We give the guest accommodation a last clean through and prepare a welcome basket for her of a few Bulgarian treats including walnuts, olives, beer, rakia (Bulgarian brandy) etc. We plan to spend an evening around the clay oven eating, as much as possible a Bulgarian themed buffet. We have a selection of olives, sareena (feta type cheese), banista (filo pastry whirl filled with cheese and spinach), Pamela's beetroot burgers and chilli bean balls and small peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables. Also a selection of breads and Bulgarian cheeses (a real luxury as cheese is so expensive here).
Thursday is the start of a four day holiday in Bulgaria to celebrate Independence following the end of Ottoman rule in 1887. There were many famous battles around our village and our street is even named after the day of independence. There is a large monument at the top of our road dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the battles so we hoped there would be a big celebration. Unfortunately as Samantha arrives today we have to go to Ruse to collect her so will miss the celebrations here. The plus side was that we got to see the celebrations in Ruse.
Soldier in traditional uniform
Flowers, mainly red and yellow carnations are placed on the monument in Ruse square
No matter where in the world, bikers will always be there to honour their soldiers
The ceremony was lovely but we had to breakaway as Samantha had arrived. The weather was gorgeous so we headed to a restaurant we know and spent the afternoon catching up and eating. When we got home we had a few beers in the courtyard with cheese and biscuits and postponed the buffet until tomorrow. Or so we thought!
Friday we awoke to the heaviest rain we have experienced since being here. Sorry Samantha (then again she bought it with her!!). It was torrential and according to the forecast was set in for the day. We had a leisurely breakfast, can't remember the last time we had to eat indoors :(, before deciding to head out for the day anyway. So off we went to Ivanovo which is a 13th church hewn out of rocks and is very close to our village. Although being nearly 30 years old Samantha was admitted as a child!!
Incredible how crisp the colours still are. Easily as impressive as the wall paintings we have seen in Egypt
Samantha climbs in pouring rain up slippery rocks. Just because....
Pamela was terrified Samantha would fall so had to walk away. Samantha then managed to slip over just as she got back down to the foot of the rocks! It was so funny.
just walking in the rain.....
Ivanovo was a lovely place to visit and we will definitely go again. We then headed off into Ruse for a bit of retail therapy and then for a meal. But by the time we got home we were ready for a hot meal so we had homemade vegetarian Moussaka (at least it was sort of traditional - minus the meat). A great evening though just spent chatting over a beverage or two or three. Pamela and Samantha stayed up until gone three in the morning then wondered why they were exhausted the next day!
Saturday and the weather picks up a bit so off to Cherven we go . Again Samantha gets admitted at child rate (thank goodness Pamela or I were not admitted at OAP rate or there may have been another revolution out here!!) we never paid before as it was out of season but is really cheap anyway. We spend a few hours exploring the ruins of the 13th century medieval town before heading home for our buffet in the sun at last. Whilst I light the clay oven and prepare the buffet Sam and Pam go for a walk around the village and pick up some more wine.
Buffet starts in the sun, normal service has been resumed weatherwise
Moody picture of 13th century ruins in Cherven
Pamela and Samantha
Samantha plays with Maizi and Marple
Sunday is Mothers day and already time for Samantha to go back to the UK. It has gone in a flash and there is still so much to show her but we have all had a great time. It is another fine day so we have Mothers day breakfast in the courtyard. After which we run Samantha back into Ruse to get the Taxi, we use a couple of guys who are great, they speak English and will give you a history lesson during your journey. After Samantha is collected we go and collect yet more materials for jobs to be done. The weather today is absolutely gorgeous, sorry Samantha. Next time hopefully the weather will be hotter for you!
Mothers day breakfast.
One thing we did do Sunday night was finalise the plan for the guests sun lounger / chill area. The sundeck idea has been dismissed due to construction and maintenance costs and we will now grass the whole area but have a chill-out lounge with hammocks and swing chairs. The next blog will show you how far we are with it already...........
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