Category: My blog
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Bulgaria – Roses and Trains 2025
Velingrad -day 8 train to Bansko and back A workout then breakfast ( fruit and a very small pancake) and we were ready to go on our train adventure. The section of the Rhodope Railway we rode takes about 3 hours each way. It’s state owned and is a functioning mode of transport for ordinary…
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Bulgaria – Roses and Trains 2025
Plovdiv/Velingrad day 7 We were packed up and out by 9.30am in order to complete our exploration of Plovdiv. First stop, the singing fountain. Bulgaria is generous when it comes to providing public spaces. Everywhere, however humble, has a well maintained park and Plovdiv is no exception. Everywhere we walked, it seemed that we were…
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Bulgaria – Roses and Trains 2025
Day 6 – Plovdiv A much quieter night was had thank goodness. I decided to research the insanity that is the Bulgarian school prom and it really is madness. Families take out loans in order to pay for their children’s party, clothes and hire cars. It holds more importance than a wedding. Bonkers. Anyway, nothing…
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Bulgaria- Roses and Trains 2025
Day 5 – Plovdiv It was noisy last night but we managed to get through it with ear plugs and the white noise machine. When we asked reception if there was going to be a party tonight they said two! A wedding and a prom. Here’s a tip for you – don’t come to Bulgaria…
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Bulgaria- Roses and Trains 2025
Day 4 – Stara Zagora wanderings /Plovdiv This morning we decided to walk around SZ to see the main sights before we headed off to Plovdiv. As today and Monday is a national holiday to celebrate the invention of the Slavic alphabet (invented by Cyril) we expected to see lots of people around. On our…
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Bulgaria – Roses and Trains 2025
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…
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Bulgaria- Roses and Trains 2025
Day 2 – Rose Valley Today we were on the hunt for the famous Bulgarian roses. They are grown in the valley between Stara Zagora and Kazanlak and in the past have been a huge source of income due to the price of the rose oil made from them. It’s around now that they bloom…
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Bulgaria – Roses and Trains 2025
Day 1 – Stara Zagora Another week in Bulgaria beckons. This time to explore a couple of things that caught our eye last time we visited, namely Rose Valley and a train journey into the mountains. Due to a very busy week, my packing resembles a teenager’s cocktail made from the contents of his…
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Australia and Vietnam Revisited 2025 – postscript
Oma passed away today. It was a privilege being part of Oma’s 100th birthday celebrations with all her family in Adelaide. Oma, you inspired so much love and caring during your life. Time for a rest now. ❤️
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Australia and Vietnam Revisited 2025 -cat Ba/Hanoi
We spent our last full day in Cat Ba making use of the hotel facilities and wandering about in a leisurely manner. A welcome relief before hitting the chaos that is Hanoi. Should you decide to visit Cat Ba at this time of year I would definitely recommend the Flamingo. Go for a sea front…
Middle-aged flash packers 