Middle-aged flash packers

Day 3. Buzludzha monument walk

No time for a vibrating machine workout today. A hike in the Bulgarian mountains  beckoned and we wanted to start early to avoid the afternoon rain that often bubbles up in these parts. 

Sandwiches were made, rucksacks packed and it was back to Shipka. This time we took the long and winding road up to the Buzludzha monument. 

Built on the top of Buzludzha Peak, the monument was erected as a memorial to Communist achievements. It took  7 years to build and in its heyday over 2 million people visited it. Once democracy came to Bulgaria, the edifice was left to rot and in true Bulgarian style, anything of value was stripped from it. We saw it on a YouTube vlogger’s film and promised ourselves that next time we were in Bulgaria, we would visit this strange-looking ufo style building.

It’s actually very impressive in the flesh and kind of sad it’s been left to decay. I can see why of course, and in its way the neglected memorial to an outdated way of life is symbolic.

Next, the walk. The walking looked more interesting to the rear of the monument but the hike we had found started from the front of the memorial so off we went.  We mainly walked on the road as we discovered ticks on the grassy paths but as we only saw 2 cars the whole time we were out, it was no hardship. 

The views were a little spoiled by the enormous wind turbines dotted along the ridges but they proved to be very interesting to observe – and listen to. The noise from them is incredibly loud. Every now and then, they emit a groaning sound (I presume the blades move to catch the wind?) which is really freaky. If you’ve ever watched The Loop, that’s the noise. 

The turbines are huge and towered over us. S was not keen on them although it was him that noticed each one had a name! The noisiest one was called Ruth. 

With just half a mile to go, the heavens opened and we got a good soaking as well as pelted with hailstones. Never mind, the car was lovely and warm and we soon dried out. 10 miles in total, 500m ascent – not too shabby.

We were exhausted when we got back so had half an hour’s sleep before heading out for food. Stara Zagora is still buzzing and the only place we could get into was The Beer House where I had a cremated steak – the beer and vodka were good though.

Tomorrow morning we shall explore SZ in more depth before heading off to the city of Plovdiv.