Tagged With "Balkan"

Hi, I agree entirely, this monastery is very well worth visiting. I don't think you mentioned the cross inside with exquisitely carved very tiny figures all over it. I heard much of it was carved with a needle and Rila went blind while doing it. Whether I was told the truth or not, it is an amazing example of dedication, patience and devotion to your task ).

The striped pattern an archways remind me of what you see in the Mezquita in Cordoba, Spain. In Cordoba, the earlier portions get their color from different colors of stone, and the later ones were painted. Which way is it at Rila? Thanks for the view!

I had never heard of this place before. It's beautiful. I do hope that one day I will be able to visit it. Thanks for sharing these great photos.

A nice introduction to Bulgaria! Like many Americans, I've never really thought of visiting Bulgaria, and have mainly traveled in other parts of Europe, but not the Balkans. And after reading your blog I'm thinking...why didn't I think of this? and when will I go? I'm looking forward to learning more about your country from your blogs!

Thanks for telling us! I've been to Bulgaria a few times and was unaware of so much. I need to go back! Bulgarians really appreciate travelers. For budget travelers wanting to experience Europe, it really is a great country to spend some time and stay within budget.

LOL @ coz HuffPost says so. I just did the Baltics, I need to do the Balkans next. I worked with a Bulgarian guy in Boston and for years he would passionately talk about his country. Since then I have always wanted to visit and after reading this you've definitely encouraged me to hurry up and get there! I'd like to go before the mass tourists do

Thank you very much for this introduction to your very interesting country, Travelling Buzz! Like PHeymont said, we in the Americas need to take a closer look at this region. I don't like to travel to Europe during the months of July and August as it's just too busy. When would be a good time to visit Bulgaria? Weather doesn't have to be perfectly warm, I don't mind wearing a jacket. Is it a Mediterranean climate? Also, is there a good guidebook or reference you'd recommend?

I'm glad you liked the article. I would be more than happy if the post make you visit the country. @DrFublefinger I believe the best time to come to Bulgaria is september-october from the weather perspective, but if you want to see the charm the blooming trees give to the city, you should come in the spring. The summer is really, really (I mean really) hot and dry! The country lies between the strongly contrastic continental and Mediterranean climate zones, so it has an unusually variable...

You sold me. Bulgaria is now on my travel wish list. Thanks.

Great article. Thank you. Would like to go.

What a fascinating destination! Thanks so much for sharing this unique place with us.

Thanks for a fascinating look...and especially for adding to my sense of the breadth and depth of Islamic involvement in what we so often think of as a European culture based on Christian/Jewish roots alone. My recent visits in southern France, Spain and the Greek islands have been reminders of how much more diverse our roots are than, possibly, even our present!

Great piece on a country been wanting to see for some time!Are there any precautions for eating the food or for the drinking water in Albania?

Originally Posted by My Thatched Hut: Great article. Thank you. Would like to go. Thank you. It is a great destination, combining history, beautiful surroundings, friendly people and tasty food. Feel free to read my other post from Albania on www.travellinn.net to plan a full round trip.

Originally Posted by PHeymont: Thanks for a fascinating look...and especially for adding to my sense of the breadth and depth of Islamic involvement in what we so often think of as a European culture based on Christian/Jewish roots alone. My recent visits in southern France, Spain and the Greek islands have been reminders of how much more diverse our roots are than, possibly, even our present! Thanks. I think it is important to know a bit about the places you visit, to understand the...

Originally Posted by Travel Rob: Great piece on a country been wanting to see for some time!Are there any precautions for eating the food or for the drinking water in Albania? Thanks! Regarding food, I basically like to try everything I have never eaten before. That meant quite a few things in Albania, without being sick. The tap water is said not to be the best so I mostly bought bottled, but I have been drinking water in taps along the road coming down from the mountains without any problems.

Eurail has enhanced its offerings for the new year with some new passes and some upgrades to existing ones. One of the best bits for families: children 4-11 now trvel free if accompanied by a pass-holding adult.   Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro...

One  hundred years ago, July 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, a young Serb nationalist shot and killed Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, which then ruled Bosnia and quite a few other places now independent . Their goal was an...

Cruising the Adriatic Sea, Barry Barford leaves Croatia behind and enters Montenegrin waters.

Excellent article and beautiful photos! What cruise line were you siling with?

Thank you, Marilyn, for your generous comments. It wasn't a cruise line as such, just a local company - Kompas Travel - that operates a small, 36-passenger ship on the Adriatic. I'll include a photo of the ship in my next blog post.

Last summer in Paris, we visited an exhibit at the Institute du Monde Arabe, featuring cars and artifacts of the Orient Express and its mystique. A significant part of the exhibit, given the venue, focused on the exotic spell it had for Europeans.

The old town of Gjirokastra is one of the best-preserved examples of an Ottoman-style town in the Balkans.  The town is packed with sights, and I recommend to do as we did; buy a map with the main sights.

If you still haven't decided to visit Bulgaria after my 7 reasons to do so , this may be the right inspiration to come here.  Rila Monastery is the most gorgeous, peaceful and authentic place in Bulgaria I've been so far.

I'm honored to introduce you my charming and full of history home country - Bulgaria!   Bulgaria  is small but charming country in Southeast Europe. It is a European, Balkan, Black Sea and Danube country.