Plovdiv. Bulgaria’s finest?

    Bears and other beauties.

    Last week we left you at the Dancing Bears Sanctuary, high in the Rila Mountains above Belista and about to start one of the great drives of our lives.

    Cute. Cuddly. Deadly. Dancing Bear. Belista.

    It’s a slow start. The first few kms were on a track, and when the tarmac started there wasn’t enough room to pass oncoming vehicles for miles.

    The scenery feels Austrian.

    Meadows deep in flowers. Black barns. Pretty cows. 

    The one village is typical, all side roads are just dust tracks, houses look abandoned, the only shop is hard to identify as such, but we’re getting used to it now.

    Barns of the world. Belitsa. Bulgaria.

    Route 84.

    We’re on route 84. It is stunning.

    The rail line runs along the road for some of the distance, then disappears into very long tunnels.

    All the way the road cuts through dense broadleaf forest. The cliffs of the gorge soar either side.

    It’s cooler. The soft greens are calming. There’s a river alongside. Springs gush from the hills. 

    There’s hardly another vehicle on the road.

    It descends for much of the 100kms until finally turning onto the A1.

    Then bang.

    All change.

    This is the ridiculously straight road between the capital, Sofia, and the second city Plovdiv. Suddenly it’s hot, busy, there are “no horse and cart” signs. There are horses and carts.

    We fill with fuel. The cheapest I have bought in years. 82p per litre – last year in Italy we saw diesel at over £2 a litre. Yet the poverty of the poor is such here that they’re driven to demonstrate against these fuel prices.

    PLF in Plovdiv.

    Travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor had been here in 1934 and loved the town despite being less than positive about much of Bulgaria. I suspected that things might have changed a little in 90 years. I was keen that we find out for ourselves.

    Entering Plovdiv.

    We have been to most of the big eastern European cities in the van, and nearly every one has been a challenge. Vilnius takes the trophy for being the hardest.

    Minty had arranged our parking but the map to the space showed many tight switchbacks. We decided to ditch ArchieVan and cover the last bit on foot to ensure it was possible.

    Fifteen minutes later ArchieVan was shaking over the wild cobbles of Plovdiv’s old town, pulling up at the gatehouse, having our documents checked, and being waved into the inner sanctum. The oldest part of the old town is only accessible to residents, and those lucky enough to stay at one of the few lovely hotels within. We were the latter.

    The Hotel Hebros had a space reserved for the beast. Right outside.

    ArchieVan at the Hebros. Under our window.

    Hotel Hebros.

    We’d both searched for a place to stay in the city and both landed on the Hebros.

    The c19th building is an architectural treasure in a city of interesting buildings.

    It was our first special stay since Bucharest last September, although that was just an AirBnB. This was to be our first hotel of the trip – and it didn’t let us down.

    Mrs Collins will receive you now. Ante-room at the Hebros.

    The old trader’s house is rich with wood panelling and period furniture. Our room had the most outrageous ceiling and cornicing. 

    “Could we have a bedroom with a bath on a pedestal?” “Of course.”

    That’ll do nicely. Room 9. The Hebros.

    Their restaurant was closed, but that forced us out to explore more.

    The wifi was just about good enough to stream Nick Cave’s solo performance at Alexander Palace*.

    My man. Alone at The Palace.

    Down the years.

    Plovdiv was ruled by the Thracians. Phillip of Macedon took it from them and called it Phillipopolis, well, why not? He was the father of Alexander The Great. The Romans took his well built fortress and made it into a military and cultural centre. Some of their recently discovered ruins are the best Roman remains in Europe. 

    The Huns and Goths wrecked much of the place as was their wont, but the Byzantines set about putting that right. In 1385 the Turkish took control and unlike most places under their power Plovdiv continued to thrive as a trade centre.

    It was the last important city ceded by the Turks to the Bulgarian state in 1885. 500 years under Turkish rule. 

    What are we creating today that might last 500 years?

    The elegant buildings of the old town. Plovdiv. Bulgaria.

    Nebet Tepe.

    We dug straight into history at Nebet Tepe. 

    It’s Turkish for Watch Tower, it’s the site of the original fortress and the name of the highest of the seven hills of Plovdiv. 

    I don’t remember learning much there…

    Ah! It’s also the name of the bar with the best view in town and that’s where we headed.

    We drank Rakia. We drank beer. We ate like kings. We spent like paupers.

    Nebet Tepe. It’s ex-Soviet. Tower blocks are essential.

    Kapana.

    Real life happens in Kapana. It’s the artists’ quarter. It’s where the cool bars are. And the beautiful people come in their droves.

    We haven’t seen the beautiful people in a long time. Perhaps since Athens. And here they are immaculately dressed.

    There are so many boutique shops selling most individual clothing, and so many willowy women wearing truly exquisite items that are approaching haute couture in everything but price.

    Model streets. Kapana.

    There’s a row of shops that all sell sparkly long dresses – nothing else.

    Several shops sell only tulle skirts, immodestly flaring from the waist.

    Curiously there are also many knitting and knitwear shops.

    Galleries. Galleries on every corner. Exciting antique and bric-a-brac dealers. 

    Street art.

    Street art. Plovdiv.

    Public art. 

    Public art. Chariot.

    Fountains. The Soviets loved fountains.

    Sculptures.

    Street sculpture. Milyo.

    It’s hard to photograph but this particular sculpture stopped me. Called The Witness it’s a memorial to all those who disappeared, were murdered, tortured, often all three, during the communist era.

    The Bulgarian approach to their assets is inspirational. The Roman theatre isn’t just an archaeological feature. It’s a venue for opera, and for heavy metal. Festivals happen in the parks, in the streets, wherever there’s space.

    The forum. And the ring road.

    Bakery.

    The Kapana Bakery on ul. Yoakim Gruev looks pretty similar to any other in the town. The product though is exquisite.

    Never has a pain au raisin and a coffee tasted so good.

    Their seeded bread lasted one serving for two people.

    Minty’s almond croissant sent her to food heaven.

    Can I open an account?

    Plodiv.

    Plovdiv is small (less than 400k population), exciting, affordable, elegant, clean, hard under foot (the cobbles are mean to dogs and man). It feels safe. A subway looked much like any subway at home, except, instead of stinking of piss it smelt curiously of biscuits. 

    Subway grafiti. Don’t pee, make biscuits.

    Plovdiv is the first place we’ve been to in a while where we’d like to stay in for a few months. I hope we’ll come back so that we can visit some of the museums and galleries. Two nights is enough for orientation, but not exploration.

    Hard on paws, feet and tyres. Plovdiv cobbles.

    Rhodopes Range.

    I expected to be interested by Bulgaria.

    I didn’t expect to be writing about the country as one of the more beautiful that we have visited.

    The dusty, dilapidated, hard edge that greets you from every entry point is a perfect foil for the natural beauty of the forested mountains.

    On my first visit I passed through Montana on the western corridor route between Romania and Greece. It was the most grim place I remember. Now I know that only 10kms to the west is one of Europe’s largest forest areas, stretching way into Serbia and continuing in an arc as the Central Balkan Park almost uninterrupted to the Black Sea.

    After the plains we began to follow the Vacha River. Oh my this is beautiful. It’s dammed at three points. The largest dam, the Vacha Dam, took ten years to build and its scale is truly intimidating. The reservoir it creates is a 35km long ribbon of water, and yesterday, a Saturday, we had its beauty to ourselves, passing perhaps a dozen cars in that distance.

    The Vacha River. Dammed.

    Where there’s flat space runner beans are the crop of choice, along the lake and through the mountains. Higher, in wilding meadows, small half acre plots have been fenced off. Here potatoes are cropped, and the roadside stalls nearby have plenty.

    Most beautiful drives come at the price of a terrifying road. Here the surface is good, it’s wide enough, and it has plenty of stopping points from which to soak in the views.

    Stained glass stalls.

    Roadside stalls sell vegetables, fire water, fruit and honey.

    Melon mountains.

    Honey windows.

    Many shades of honey are arranged in towers, with the sun glinting through they rival stained glass windows.

    Devin.

    At the head of the dam the spa town of Devin deserves more time than we gave it (where doesn’t?). 

    Picture if you can an ex-Soviet town, grey is the dominant colour from settled concrete and road dust. 

    Roma lads drive their carts chariot style, standing on the back, long whip in one hand, reins in the other. The industries are logging and quarrying. Heavy transport thunders through, shaking down more dust from poorly constructed buildings. 

    Then picture slinky ladies in Hermes print chiffon gowns, slit to the waist, gliding between their resort hotels.

    Davos or Devin. Some of the characters are the same. Mostly the scene is different.

    Devin’s Gorge.

    We didn’t spend time in the town because our destination was a few miles up the Devin River where a deep gorge cuts further into the mountains.

    There are swimming pools here where the water is 36° and 39°c. We’d have liked to have tried them, but it was surprisingly expensive, especially as we’d arrived near closing time. Instead we took to nature and followed the trails for a few miles before sleeping like the dead despite thunder rolling around the hills. Even Polly wasn’t bothered.

    Gorge walk. Devin.

    Flies.

    In the morning as the sun hit the rain soaked moss steam began to rise. There’s an angle of the rising sun that perfectly lights the myriad insects of the forest and it’s a beautiful thing. 

    Critter no.1.

    Flies are unwelcome guests at our table, but without them we won’t survive long as a species. Here they are in rude health. Darters, skimmers, dragonflies, fritillaries, weavers, leaf beetles, ground beetles, dung beetles, carpenter bees, tree wasps, ground dwelling wasps, crickets and hornets (yuk!), damsel flies and migrant hawkers. And spiders. Oh those incredible engineers building webs that stretch across valleys, creatures I’d not want as neighbours, but whose skills I long to understand.

    Critter no.2.

    A passerby just congratulated me on the best office in the world. I think she’s right.

    Writing these words. At the best office in the world.

    The car park is filling up with Sunday hikers now, we’ll move on and allow them to enjoy this special place, as we weave our way on through the mountains wandering in wonder.

    Exhibition poster. Plovdiv. Bulgaria.
    Wheelchair ramp. Plovdiv. True.
    Mixed media. Plovdiv unrestored.
    Ceiling detail. At the Hebros Hotel.
    It’s surprising at first to see a mosque in a green mountain village.
    Pawsome walk this morning.
    Behind bars. My mate Minty.
    Soviet era hardware. Kromidovo. Bulgaria.

    *Nick Cave.

    You can’t have read many posts on this blog and not realised that my rock god has long been Nick Cave. 

    It’s not an easy thing to say. During my formative years Bowie was most definitely my man. I love him still. And probably play more Bowie than Cave. 

    But.

    But. When I first moved to London a friend needed some money. He needed £2000. It was a fortune back then. I can’t even remember why. But I had the sum and I leant it to him.

    The friend was from a wealthy (Italian) family, yet still he was grateful. He paid me back. 

    Much better than that, as a thank you he bought me a ticket to see Nick Cave at the Kilburn National. It must have been 1988.

    It was the fourth song that night that secured my adulation.

    My man, in a white suit, skidded on his knees and sang “Oh oh Deanna. I ain’t down here for your money. I ain’t down here for your love.”

    Thirty odd years later I can think of no better music to live to, to die to, than that of the magnificent Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

    Tonight he released the final part of his film trilogy that started as a well produced tour diary, then took him through his son’s suicide, and culminated tonight in Idiot Prayer, alone at Alexander Palace.

    I dehydrated from the tears I shed through his wondrous performance.

    I felt creative juices flooding my veins.

    I felt a love I cannot explain.

    Yet. If I saw him on the street I’d probably walk on by.

    30 years ago Kanga, my Irish Terrier, used to stand in the back of my van and howl at Nick’s verses. Today Polly doesn’t have to suffer the volume, but she certainly knows when barking is out of the question. Watching tonight’s 90 minute performance I appreciated the director of photography’s (Robbie Ryan) skill more than I ever did while making adverts. Every cast of light, every angle, the dry ice, Nick’s suit. 

    Perfect.

    Piano and tears. Nick Cave. Alone.

    Thank you for the introduction long lost Italian friend (also called Nick).

    12 Replies to “Plovdiv. Bulgaria’s finest?”

    1. Thank you Wanderers, that was a treat to wake up to. And here am I wondering if it’s wise to spark up our van and venture even as far as Dartmoor this morning.
      Take care out there.
      A

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        Morning Andi
        I hope you made it out, wherever you ended up.
        Dartmoor certainly ranks as one of my favourite places – especially if I can get within walking distance of The Horse in Mortenhampstead.
        In fact I’ve been known to spend a night or two in the village carpark after visiting that particular establishment.
        Bulgaria feels like adventure again. I have gone from being nervous of it to loving it.
        It’s good to hear from you again.

    2. Took me right back to Plovdiv that did. Wonderful city, reputedly Europes oldest continuously inhabited, and rival to Sofia for capital status at one point. When we did the walking tour we ended up on one of the hills ( part of the original fortress I guess). The guide explained that the city was built on seven hills originally but at some point in recent history they blow one up because it was in the way, of something or other.
      I know your off on your travels again soon, but Heraclea Scintica, which Phil the Macc is reputed to have had a hand in, is over at Rupite, the extinct volcano over to the south west, being excavated daily right now, if you like that kind of archaeological thing.

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        Is that Phil “name it after me or become part of the foundations”?
        We plan to build up slowly and tackle the 12kms to Rupite today and hoping that it’ll be quiet tomorrow.
        We’ll pay our respects to Baba Vanga.
        Look after yourself – you don’t look too bad in the video, you’ll pull through with a bit of porridge and care.
        Damn good meeting you and I hope it happens again (the meeting, not the hospital need).
        KC

    3. I can see now why you decided to post a separate blog on Plovdiv, such places demand more than the odd night stop as you say, but no doubt you will return. It is gratifying that the Soviets did not destroy and replace everything with their chosen style of architecture.

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        Morning Rick
        It seems that more Roman buildings are being unearthed in these parts still.
        Plovdiv’s main shopping street was built over a running track with theatre seating all around. But the head of it is now exposed and imagining the rest is as interesting as seeing it.
        KC

    4. Seems like this place has hooked you ,it reminded me a little of the villages in Chios houses very ornate but not of wood ,,at least you got to see the inside as well ,,like going back in time ,,,l love all the old furnicture hope you managed to enjoy a bit of luxury ,,take care Sandra / John

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        Hi Sandra
        Gosh you really have travelled the Greek islands. Chios looks a delight – but I had to look it up.
        The Plovdiv hotel was so nice, and it was affordable. It was a break within the travel, and we need that now and then.
        You’re right, the longer I’m in Bulgaria the more I see. I now don’t notice how dilapidated it all is, and that leaves mental space to notice other things. If the restrictions trapped us here for a few months I’d be quite happy (and so would our bank account).

    5. gillian cooper says: Reply

      Hi Kelvin,I dont usually comment on your amazing weekly blogs , but I have to say I have to say I can’t understand how you always have so much interesting facts and info about places you are currently in.
      This last blog was ,as usual,totally informative and interesting,
      Things back in the UK re Covid 19 don’t seem to be improving at the moment,probably better where you both are.
      Having said that ,looking forward to seeing you both ,when appropriate.
      Love to all three of you. Stay safe!!

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        It’s always good to get your comments Gill. I look forward to them.
        It would be a shame to travel through the wonder of the world and not learn as we go. 
        My mission for our journeys is to “wander in wonder.” I believe that if more people took the time to understand what is going on around them, to delve a little deeper into the lives of others there’d be less misunderstanding, less hatred and bigotry.
        Plovdiv was a small but fine city. Probably the only bit of Bulgaria that I’d bring you both to. Most of the country is a little too rough and ready. Although saying that, the coast was a delight last year.
        We have to come back, but now that the time is drawing near we don’t look forward to Britain, we wish we could get everyone we want to see to come to us instead.

    6. Angela und Martin says: Reply

      Hello Wanderers,
      just watching a 90 minutes report in German TV on the Bulgarian mountains (Pirin, Rila, Rodopes and the Balkan mountain range in the North). I wasn’t aware of this beautiful and impressive landscapes so far, until now Bulgaria to me is mainly known for cheap beach holidays and its trendy capital Sofia. Your blog shows that there is a lot more to explore and it made me turn on the TV…
      If you´re interested, here are the links (it’s in German, but you might like to see the pictures) :
      https://www.phoenix.de/sendungen/dokumentationen/bulgariens-bergwelten-a-1472575.html
      https://www.phoenix.de/sendungen/dokumentationen/bulgariens-bergwelten-a-1472565.html
      Stay safe and take care !
      Angela and Martin

      1. Kelvin Collins says: Reply

        Angela and Martin.
        Thank you! We’ll have a look when we next have wifi.
        Bulgaria is fascinating. It is easily the most extreme country in Europe, and has incredible beauty too.
        The first time I visited I was scared.
        The second time my interest was piqued.
        Now, the third visit has been a month long and it is magnificent.
        I’d like to spend a year here to get a full experience.
        Best wishes. Kelvin.

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