2017 has been one of the best years of my life. I’ve gone through so much personal growth and change, developing new skills and embracing an inner confidence that should have surfaced a long time ago, but sometimes you need that spark to set you free. My release came in the form of my better half, the supremely talented, unique, beautiful, funny and incredible Diva. Our journey together thus far has taken me to new destinations across the globe that are simply breathtaking to behold, many of which are nestled within Bulgaria, one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Accompanying my partner to her gigs has allowed me to be spoilt; I have been exposed to some of the best scenery, architecture, and culture imaginable across much of Bulgaria, and I feel so lucky to have shared these experiences.
Of course, with today’s modern phones it’s easy to capture some pretty nice photos (if I do say so myself) so I want to share with you some of my most memorable collections in the hope that it inspires you to chase your dreams and see the world. You never know what’s around the corner, so take every moment while you can.
We’ll start from the beginning and with Varna, a beachside destination that is rapidly gaining popularity, and rightly so, it’s beaches are idyllic, the locals are charming and welcoming and the city literally has it all.
Varna pier – the view from one of the city’s top restaurants; Captain Cook.
Just outside of Varna is a strange natural phenomenon; the only desert in all of Bulgaria. The Stone Forest is a great place to visit, especially at dusk.
Beautiful scenery
Varna is not too far away from the notorious Sunny Beach (which is completely empty during off season) and on the road trip down the winding mountain roads, you can stop and capture some true scenic beauty.
The seaside resort in all its glory.
Also within close proximity is the ancient city of Nesebar, which features stunning architecture that highlights more of Bulgaria’s cultural beauty.
Heading further away, Sandanski provided the backdrop for an incredible few days. The BG Music Festival was a chance for Diva to show her talent with her incredible song, Inside Your Soul. The venue was spectacular, during the day and even more jaw-dropping when it was filled to capacity later on in the evening for the performance. Needless to say, I was exceptionally proud at that moment and even more so when the song won two awards the following night
Bulgaria provides stunning sunsets on all of our road trips.
The stadium, situated in a gorgeous park
Nature meets habitat
Scenic Sandanski
On the drive back, Sofia was a destination that made for a great pit-stop location. The capital is impressive, having one of the most incredible churches I’ve ever seen as well as some great historical monuments.
Another glorious sunset
The capital is striking in its beauty
One of the most amazing ornate and well-decorated churches inside I have ever seen
A powerful statue that stands proud.
Back to Varna and there were more views and wonder to behold, on the outskirts, the city has an area where you can watch the sun descend over Varna and it’s truly a magnificent sight to behold.
The sunset
Varna at night
Another classy restaurant, which provided the setting for a rare sighting; a full red moon!
Similar in name to the previous, Kavarna is located near an amazing site; the Botanical Gardens of Balchik. During the Summer, it gets quite busy, but luckily for us, it was completely deserted around Christmas time.
The New Year celebration also brought about a new location for me; Plovdiv. Soon to be crowned the European Culture Capital, it’s so easy to see why. It is absolutely dripping with history, blending modern amenities with ancient structures.
Another glorious sunset en route
That concludes my love letter to Bulgaria’s stunning and well-kept secrets. Its landscape is one that can be treasured for centuries to come and as one of the oldest nations on the planet, you really feel the powerful history coursing through its body as you explore each new area.
