*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
There are many places in Bulgaria which can make you feel small. Assen’s Fortress is stunning! Vertiginous! The Historical Assen’s Fortress rises on a lonely marble rock above the Asenovgrad – Smolyan road.
First touch with Assen’s FortressLove the view from here!
Assen’s Fortress is a symbol of Rodopi mountain. It is part of the Golden Bulgarian Period when Bulgaria was on 3 seas – Black Sea; Ionian Sea; Aegean Sea. One of the most powerful Bulgarian kings – Tsar Ivan Asen II left entire historical epoch, to which everyone who decided to take a tour of Assen’s Fortress will inevitably be touched.
Assen’s Fortress will give you a clear idea of the medieval defensive system and the construction peculiarities of the fortification facilities. This Bulgarian proud is a must to see when traveling to Bulgaria and visiting Rodopi mountain!
I had a great extraordinary “visit” there. I was so happy to welcome our friends who were getting married! I am the Maid of Honor and the Best Man is my boyfriend.
Our friends are getting married! So proud of them! Aren’t they amazing!
The Bulgarian tradition states that the Best Man and the Maid of Honor welcome all guests of the wedding and together with the groom start the great adventure “Bulgarian wedding”. They should go and “steal” the bride.
We arranged to welcome all guests at Assen’s Fortress! It was an amazing experience. We were dressed in traditional Bulgarian clothes as a surprise.
Traditional Bulgarian clothes from Rodopi mountain
The traditions keep the spirit of each culture alive!
One of the most important guests at the wedding is with fur and a big heart!
At this very special day. Dressed in this beautiful traditional dress. At this massive Fortress. With so much Bulgarian spirit in the air. I felt so proud! Proud to be Bulgarian!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
Norway is a Scandinavian country and it is very intriguing for all travelers. Just before traveling to Norway, you should be prepared in advance for some Vikings habits and a way of life! Of course, it is totally worth to travel to Norway, to explore the mountains, to enjoy the Fjords! I write down for you 13 simple rules for Norway. Enjoy!
Breathtaking view from Bergen! Second biggest city in Norway.
Rule 1: Don’t need to wave and say “hello” to Norwegians. Greetings are considered fake gestures. They rarely greet each other at work.
Art on the street. Fairy tales are alive.
Rule 2: You are not from there and you will feel it at every step. But that’s fine. You will get used with it in a couple of days.
Nice view in Bergen. Colorful trees.
Rule 3: The summertime is during May, June, July. It doesn’t mean it will be hot. Some summer days can be easily turned into cold winter days. Pack your luggage smart. The Viking country is cold and green.
Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle in Bergen.It is so green and fresh in Norway!
Rule 4: Everyone goes to the Fjords and/ or in the mountain. All you have to experience.
Rule 5: Don’t tell to locals that the Fjords are cool but you’ve seen cooler things. It is a National proud. The Fjord tours is the most touristic adventure in Norway. People from all over the world come here because of that. And the good advertising of it, of course.
Fjord tour
The emotions are always calm with this beautiful view.
Rule 6: It is hard to buy any kind of alcohol after 6 pm. There are strict restrictions. The wine should be bought only from e specialized shops till 6 pm again. In the bars and restaurants they can serve you alcohol till late hour but it is quite expensive.
KINN PILS – National Norwegian beer
Rule 7: Norway it is not on a budget destination. So enjoy it a lot!
Rule 8:The Norwegian kitchen is absolutely delicious. Fresh fish and seafood! A must try when you are there.
jubel – cheers in Norwegian
Rule 9: Take with you your credit card. Some of the services can be paid only by credit card and they are automated. For example in the parks, the WC should be paid only with credit card.
Rule 10:In the late hours of the night you will notice the Vikings have bad drunkenness. Be careful. Go out with friends, especially for the ladies! But they have nice clubs and the music is cool.
Rule 11:During the summer, you will enjoy the white nights. Extremely long days. I managed to be in Norway when it didn’t go dark at all for a week. You feel super energized and can spend many hours outside having fun and walking. During the winter it will be cold as hell and dark.
3 am in the morningWhen the day is long, you have time enough to stay on the top of the mountain and just chilling!
Rule 12: Tromso, in Norway, is considered as the best point to watch the Northern lights. They have to be seen during the winter.
Rule 13:Norwegians like trolls, boats, submarines, biking, fish, beer, snow, rain, nature, The North Sea. Don’t ask why. It is just because they are born Vikings.
TrollswolfMy friend -the white bear!Even from the picture, you can see the clean air.
Biking is one of the most popular activities in Norway!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
I didn’t travel the whole of Norway but Bergen is my best staying! It is an amazing city with World Heritage colorful wooden houses which are part of the UNESCO list. I’ve spent about a month in Bergen. I have experienced Fjords tour in the North Sea with a lot of snow and it was really cold and windy. Before my living from Bergen in June, it was summer already and I climbed on the top of the mountain nearby with shorts and short sleeves. The temperature during my stay varies from 5 to 30 degrees… But even on the north, the climate is warm because of The Gulf Stream. For Norway, you will need warm clothes no matter the season!
During the summer you will have plenty of time to walk around as it is the time of the white nights.
Sometimes I needed to go to the gym at 1 am because it was hard for me to sleep. But this is me, don’t worry. In the hotels, they have really cool curtains and you will never see the white nights through them. I stayed in Augustin Hotel. It is well priced but it has sweet rooms, perfect location close to the city center and close to nice areas to walk around the North Sea. The gym is ok and they have a really cool Winebar & Kitchen restaurant Altona! It is a really interesting place as they kept the very old architecture from the past, they serve nice wines and the food is extremely delicious!
The Norwegian kitchen is a must to try. On the Fishmarket in Bergen, you can eat the fresh seafood, they have plenty of different kinds of fishes. I tasted the food there and every time was a joyful moment!
Well, it is time to have some fun around Bergen! I will love to share what I managed to visit and what impressed me in this North pearl of Norway. Let’s go through my Top 10:
1. Bryggen – since 1979 has been on the UNESCO list for World Cultural Heritage sites. Why? Because of the beautiful old wooden houses – a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the Vågen harbor in Bergen. The houses are really old and even wooden they were protected from burning during the years. The area is magnificent, there are small shops with handmade stuff, Christmas shops and nice coffees and restaurants.
2. Fløyen – the closest mountain where you can get on the top and see the city from really cool perspective! There are a funicular and a cable car which can take you to the top for about 15-20 minutes. The price if you want to go up by funicular/ cable car is 270 NOK (28 EUR) for adults and 160 (17 EUR) NOK for children. I went there on a hot sunny day and I preferred to walk up. It takes me about 2 hours to reach the top and to go back. Personally, I found this way more enjoyable as on every corner there is a nice view, I can walk and breathe the fresh air of the mountain. I experienced the beautiful neighborhood on my way. It is up to you how you will reach the top, but it is totally worth it because of the view! Simply breathtaking! 3. St. John’s Church
4. Bergen Cathedral – There have been 5 fires here.
5. Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle. The locals go there for swimming and outdoor activities during the weekends. They play volleyball, do jogging and running, walking with dogs. It’s perfect for a picnic and relaxing.
6. The Akvariet – I missed this aquarium because I have experienced many others but for people who are new to this kind of attractions that can be a lot of fun!
7. Fjords tours – The Fjords are the biggest attraction in Norway. There are many opportunities and you will be able to see the longest Fjord, the widest… the deepest. Bergen is in a unique situation halfway between the two biggest fjords in Western Norway – The Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The Fjords in this region have been inscribed on UNESCO’s famous World Heritage List. Norwegian people say: “when you are in Norway you have 2 options – to go in the sea or to go to the mountain.” The Fjord tour combines both and it is a really cool experience. The prices of the Fjords’ tour varies from 1600 NOK to 2000 NOK per person for a day.
8. Bergen on foot – walking through the narrow streets and alleyways can be a lot of fun! The narrow idyllic streets are so romantic and sometimes with beautiful views of the North Sea. A great mix of residential houses, small shops, and cafes create a lovely relaxed urban atmosphere.
Bergen is a lovely city with musical and cultural events running all year and you can check what’s on the calendar next.
9. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains. Whenever you have a chance to get to one of them, it will be a lucky day! The freshness of the mountain is one of the best things I have experienced in Norway. Never ever feel the air in this way.
Now you are ready to go to Bergen! Enjoy and remember to take your credit card because sometimes this is the only option to pay here. A lot of services are automated in Norway and allow you to pay only by card. Including bathroom services.
Norway is an expensive country to be visited and never can be on a budget. Plan to spend money on your joyful moments there. And be happy!
Kisses!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
I was traveling for a whole day to reach my final destination Floro in Norway. And this was just the beginning of exploring the culture of the Vikings living in Norway!
Floro, Norway!
My route: Sofia ( Bulgaria) – Vienna ( Austria) – Oslo ( Norway) – Bergen (Norway) – Floro (Norway).
I reached Floro from Bergen by boat. And this was so cool because I could see some of the very popular and beautiful Fjords in Norway. They are really nice, it’s true! When possible try to travel by boat while in Norway because these Norwegian Fjords are quite beautiful and impressive.
Floro. Beautiful small town on the North Sea. Traveling to Floro can be organized with a flight from Oslo or Bergen. Another option is to get a boat to Floro. If you are in a hurry, you can take the fast boat. If you want to spend some more hours in the water, take the touristic boat. Taking some of the touristic tours will mean deeper exploration of many Fjords and amazing breathtaking mountain views.
The White House in the middle of the North Sea. On my way to Bergen from Floro!
It is not a rumor that the standard it’s high compared with many other European countries. The prices of the hotels are almost one and the same no matter of how north or east you are in Norway and the lowest fares in a good hotel can vary from 120 EUR to even 200 EUR per night. In the summer they get higher because of the high season. The high season is April, May, June when it is expected the weather to be a little more friendly and with more sun. During this period many cruises are organized for people all over the world and Norway is really full of tourists. The white nights are also happening during these months and I really like them!
Midnight in Floro during the summer!
One of the charming things about Floro is that this town is really local town, no tourists and really calm even during the high season.
Everything in Norway is well priced. In the stores, in the restaurants. Norway it’s not on a budget destination. But of course, the quality of almost everything is good. The food is delicious. They have really warm clothes and accessories. Plenty of Christmas ornaments and the traditional trolls figures everywhere.
Good news: The drinking water is free in Norway! It is fresh and super cool! And clean! And you can drink from the tap with no worries! It’s even recommended!
Cold, clean and beautiful. North Sea.
How about the weather? Yes, it is cold. And the local people are a bit cold especially at the beginning of a new conversation. But if you spent some time with the Norwegians, some of them can be nice.
Floro! The town is not a touristic place and the local people are not used to see many foreigners around. In the stores, they don’t have many touristic magnets and stuff and it is hard to make a gift from here.
Recommended hotels in Floro: Comfort Hotel & Quality Hotel. I stayed in Comfort Hotel and I can say it was fine for me, the gym is outside the hotel but it is a big one, the breakfast is super, it is clean and the relaxing area is nice. It is close to the center, close to supermarkets, close to restaurants. Quality hotel is just 5 minutes from Comfort Hotel.
What to see and what to do in Floro? Floro has incredibly beautiful nature! The nightlife is not something you can come for. It is a really calm city. Of course, there are small and big restaurants with beautiful views of the North Sea, also there are some pubs where you can taste local beer. The food is extremely delicious and you can taste different fishes and seafood. Be prepared to spend about 20 to 45 EUR per dish or even more if you gonna eat in a restaurant. A glass of wine is about 10 EUR and the beer almost the same.
Regular view from office building in FloroAnother usual view from office building in FloroFeeling part of National Geografic!
The harbor is something every town in Norway should have. In Floro, the harbor area is quite nice. Many boats are coming and going and they bring the vitality of the town.
Floro’s Harbor
There is a town football team and you can watch some of their games. I had the chance to be a part of one. It is a good way to experience the Vikings’ spirit! I don’t watch football but I did enjoy the football game in Floro. Next, to the stadium, there is a beautiful path in the forest and of course I had a walk there. The air is so fresh, the trees so big, the forest was really impressive and massive. Everything is so green! It gives me the sense of freedom.
Watching the Vikings football game
Floro’s forestI feel so small!
There are so many lakes in the city and there are areas where you can sit around them and have a lunch with champagne. You can even have your dinner outside in nature. You know in the summer the sun doesn’t go down or it goes but really lately. So the too many light hours give you more time to be outside on the mountain or in the North Sea.
If you wanna go on a beach, that’s not a problem. There is a nice sandy area, a barbeque can be organized there. It is called Sørstrand Folkepark. It is close to the airport but hidden in nature. In a good weather you can get some ten here and even go in the water, locals said. But that’s more for the locals. I felt cold all the time being in Floro and the wind is cold. Around this sandy beach area, there are some historical monuments from the Second World War. These German Bunkers are many in this area and there are some more in the Forest Area of Floro as well. If you like history, this can be something to explore.
Hiking is a very popular activity and there are organized hikes for tourists but you can also rent a bike yourself. I got a bike from my hotel Comfort Hotel for free, so you better check your hotel options first. It is a really nice experience. You are passing mountains and North Sea views are just wonderful. The vast mountain area is called Flora districtand offers good walking and hiking experience. On the south/ east side of Svanøy, there are many signposted footpaths and hiking paths. You better be in warm clothes!
Biking in Flora District
I strongly recommend doing the Brandsøyåsen Hiking. This is the highest peak in the Flora mountain area. It is reachable from Floro town. I can say it was a little extreme to reach this top, it was rainy and even some snow but the sun came up when I was at the top and the view took my breath.
Norway is a really different experience from any other European countries. It is the touch of the nature that gives you the sense of the powerful energy around. It is once in a lifetime experience to explore the culture, The North Sea, The Ocean, The Fjords, the beautiful forest in Norway.
Floro is just the start of one Norwegian adventure. I spent almost a month in Norway, so I am really excited to share more of what I’ve learned from the Vikings. Stay with me on the road!
Kisses!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
It’s been a great weekend spent in the nature of Mineralni bani village (region Haskovo, Bulgaria) and I am going to share more about it. With pleasure! The spring shows its beauty on every step, the views are just breathtaking… the green warm of the forest gently touches your senses…
ATV adventure with Moto Squirrels
I experienced an amazing ATV adventure with Мото Катерици/ Moto Squirrels(click on the name for Facebook). I got so much adrenaline and these guys from Moto Squirrels showed me so amazing paths in the forest. The start: Горно Брястово/ Gorno Bryastovo (in Minerlni bani village). My very first impression at the start: peak Garvanica, or called by the locals the hill “horn” because of its shape. It is an old Thracian terrain close to Mineralni bani village. The hill keeps secrets from the past and the human touch is stamped in the stones. Can be notices even nowadays.
Time for photos. Shtrak! 🙂
Before I even realize what is about to happen I am on the whirl of a cool Kawasaki Brute Force 300 (2018) and the route is unbelievable! I feel the off-road passion in my blood and the wind blows my hair about . All the stress is gone with the wind. I feel so relaxed and I truly enjoy the moment! Moto Squirrels gave me professional equipment and I feel comfortable with it and at the same time protected. The equipment protects the upper body, back, arms, shoulders; I have helmet and glasses, and the mud splashes are not a problem at all.
cof
cof
Share the adventure with a friend!
The route starts a little extremely and we cross a mountain river. Then we speed up and I can feel the power of the ATV machine. WoW! The road is wonderful, green, mud splashes, emotions, birds’ songs, incredible views, sun. We pass a green lake with beautiful tree in front. We have stops for relaxing, taking pictures and just enjoying the nature. Then we pass the area called Юртите/ Yurtite. There is а stone fountain with fresh water. Later on the road, I got the courage to switch with my boyfriend and to take the ride. I push the throttle gently and the joy is in my blood. Off-road emotion! Our guide was super cool and the whole experience was really exciting!
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5835.
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5831.
Kawasaki Brute Force 300, 2018My turn now!
We are on the way back, a little tired and with big smiles. These two hours adventure were awesome! Special thanks to Moto Squirrels and our guide. We promised to ourselves to come again for a ride.
Me, myself and I posing…
We had a delicious dinner in a local restourant in Mineralni bani village and suddenly we fell asleep. Amazing weekend in Mineralni bani ( Haskovo).
Perfect equipment!
If you are passionate about off-road adventures and want to get some adrenaline emotions, to discover new places and enjoy the beauty of the Rodopi mountain – I strongly recommend you ATV adventure with Moto Squirrels.
Special thanks to Мото Катерици and to the spring because it’s so beautiful!
За мен е удоволствие да споделя един невероятен уикенд сред природата на Хасковските Минерални бани! Тук пролетта разлиства красоти на всяка крачка и погледът се спира на безброй места… докато неусетно зелената топлина на гората нежно ме прегръща…
Започваме АТВ разходката с Мото Катерици!
Изживях невероятно двучасово АТВ приключение с Мото Катерици (кликни на името за Facebook), които ми вдигнаха адреналина и ме преведоха през невероятен маршрут. Стартът: Горно Брястово, Минерални бани. Отсреща се намира връх Гарваница, хълмът рогче, който е стара тракийска местност в Минерални бани. Този хълм пази тайни от минали времена и човешката намеса по камъните се е запечатала и до днес.
Kратка почика и снимки 🙂
Докато се усетя съм понесена от страхотно АТВ Kawasaki Brute Force 300 (2018 година) и маршрутът е невероятен! Изпитвам силни офроуд емоции и вятърът разпилява косите ми и отнася натрупания стрес и умора. Чувствам се лека и истински се забавлявам. Да вдигнеш адреналина всъщност е толкова релаксиращо! Мото Катерици ни предоставиха страхотна професионална екипировка, с която се чувствахме сигурни и спокойни! Екипировката изцяло предпазва горната част на тялото, гърба, ръцете, раменете; имаме каски и очила и пръските кал не са никакъв пролем!
cof
cof
Страхотно е, че може да споделиш приключението с приятел!
Маршрутът ни започва екстремно и преминаваме местност с приятен наклон. След това пресичаме рекичка и се озоваваме на път, където може да увеличим скоростта и да усетим мощта на АТВ-то! WoW! Пътят е прекрасен, зелен, с пръски кал, емоции, песен на птички и невероятни гледки. Минаваме язовирче с красиво дърво отпред, разцъфнало от пролетна прегръдка. Правим паузи и почивки и снимаме, за да запечатаме тези адреналинови емоции. Стигаме до местността “Юртите” и правим освежаваща пауза. Наблизо има каменна чешма и може да се разхладим. Продължаваме разходката с АТВ и пътят е равен. Досега се возех, но вече имам куража и да се разменя и да покарам АТВ-то. Натискам леко газта и удоволствието веднага ме изпълва. Офроуд емоции! Водачът ни беше супер и беше предвидил спирки, където ни предложи да се разменим и да покарам и аз. Толкова е вълнуващо!
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5831.
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5835.
Връщаме се приятно изморени от това двучасово изживяване и благодарим на нашия водач за страхотната АТВ разходка. Обещаваме си да повторим скоро!
След като хапнахме и пооспокоихме страстите, се оказа, че сме се изморили доста и заслужено поспахме! Невероятен уикенд в Хасковските Минерални бани!
Ако искате и вие да вдигнете адреналина, да съчетаете разходка до ново място, да се освежите из Родопи планина – горещо препоръчвам АТВ разходката, която ние направихме! Благодарим на екипа Мото Катерици и на пролетта за красотата в гората!
In the Central Rodopi mountain, there is a small village called Levochevo. When entering the village there is a sign “Welcome in a piece of Paradise”. We are driving slowly in a really tiny road between some cows. It smells of the village and the beautiful nature prepares you for gorgeous views.
Cows on the roadMany cows welcome you!Welcome to Levochevo
I am making jokes that this is the “Bulgarian Tivoli” ( Tivoli is an Italian cute city) because it really has these small cobblestone streets and the food is so delicious. Every house keeps the old traditional look and at the same time the modern way of living. The oldest houses dated from 1876. Some of the houses have names – traditional Bulgarian names. It is so nice to see how the Bulgarian spirit has been kept for years here in Levochevo, in the heart of Rodopi mountain.
House “Rada”
The biggest Festival in Levochevo is during the traditional Bulgarian celebration of “Илинден”. During this Festival the whole village is on the main square and everyone is dancing the Bulgarian traditional dance horo.
The views are simply fantastic as the village Levochevo is on a high hill and when you look down you see a big part of Rodopi mountain, many different shades of green color! It is so relaxing, there is no rush and you are infected by this calmness immediately.
Rodopi mountain
Chepelare – my favorite choice for skiing resort in Bulgaria, is around 14 km away from Levochevo town. The trip to both destinations Chepelare and Levochevo can be combined. Chepelare is an amazing winter destination in Bulgaria. The ski slopes are long, wide and beautiful. There are slopes for everyone – from amateurs to professionals. The Rodopi mountain loves all her guests and shows its majesty every day.
Mechi ChalOn the slope of Mechi Chal!Mechi Chal – just amazing!Sunset at Mechi Chal, Chepelare
The traditional food of Rodopi mountain is something you can’t resist. Definitely try “пататник“, “родопски клин“, “марудници“, “качамак“, “агнешко чеверме“, “салата от смилянски фасул“, “телешко“, Bulgarian yogurt (кисело мляко), “сарми“, “къпана баница“. This just the begining of a legendary kitchen!
Traditional Bulgarian salad; Traditional pumpkin pastry called “Тиквеник”; Traditional potato specialty called “Пататник”.Traditional specialty with chiken, beef and pork plus “сърмички”! Delicious! Called Капама!Traditional banitsa with rice called Родопски клин! Fantastic!
Enjoy skiing, enjoy Bulgaria, enjoy Rodopi mountain, enjoy the incredible food and yes – the winter is blessing season!
I have been living in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, for 7 years and I love the rhythm of this dynamic city. My hometown is Mineralni Bani, Haskovo city region. A small village in the beautiful South Bulgaria where all people are warm and smiley. My home is here, my parents live here, many of my dreams start here. Here everyone and every place give me love and support.
Beautiful hometown village Mineralni Bani
I love being here, in Mineralni Bani, for the weekend. It is so relaxing and the nature is so beautiful. I love the old village houses, the smell of my hometown is amazing! When I am here, I always get 2 kilos because the food is incredibly delicious and I overeat with pleasure. Our house is a big courtyard where my mum takes care of bio vegetables and fruits. We have wooden barbeque and green areas. My favorite is the cherry tree in front of the house!
Homemade Buns
Village Mineralni bani is an autonomous municipality. The sport and folklore are very well developed here. The men’s football team and the women’s handball team glorify the small resort village. I have been training handball for 12 years in my teenage years here.
The national resort village of Mineralni Bani welcomes you.
You can visit the site of Mineralni Bani here. There are many tourists and many of them use the healing water of the mineral springs. The mineral water is unique with its composition. There are 14 gushing springs in the resort Mineralni Bani.
More about the chemical composition of the healing mineral water in the National Resort Mineralni bani find here.
There are many nice hotels, family houses, and rooms where the tourists of the village can enjoy the relaxing and authentic energy of Mineralni Bani. They can enjoy the delicious homemade food. The hotels have full spa packages, indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pools are an amazing experience during the winter when the snow is around the pool but you are sitting in the hot mineral water enjoying the snowflakes on your cheeks.
Pool summer party Ecopath in Mineralni Bani
In the small resort center, there is a public bath with mineral water at really affordable prices. You can check the priceshere.
The nature of my hometown Mineralni bani is typical for the East Rodopi mountain. The highest peak is Aida – a great place for a walk and relax. The forest welcomes you to explore Rodopi mountain.
The Thracians have lived here and stamped the region with their traditions and energy. The local people know the old traditions.
The Romans have lived also here and there is a Roman Fortress “Holy Spirit” as a heritage.
Roman Fortress “Holy Spirit”
Walking around the center of Mineralni Bani village, you should not miss the giant footprint of Virgin Marry. The stone phenomenon can be visited in this region – Orlova Skala, Probitiyat kamak, Drenaka.
The Terrarium in the resort Mineralni Bani is also a great attraction. All information on animal species, prices, contacts – here.
Terrarium Mineralni Bani
Mineralni Bani village welcomes thousands of kids every year during the Festival of the Mineral water, big celebrity for the whole town. The kids from Europe, Turkey, and even Brasil perform traditional dances and songs and show their talent during this Festival.
I had the pleasure to meet someone whose trips around the world are a pure inspiration to me and to all who love new adventures. I had the opportunity to take an interview with Vania Oushatova, co-founder of HR Recruitment Agency BrightPoint.
with the Incas
Vania has visited 6 continents and 45 countries! Let the journey with Vania begins now.
Vanya shares with a smile how she applied for a visa to the Netherlands in 2006 and took her bachelor degree in the Netherlands. This is a big challenge as Bulgaria is not yet in the European Union. After her bachelor, she decided to do her master in Barcelona. Then, she found the perfect internship for her in Barcelona. Taking her education abroad, she traveled a lot in both Netherlands and Spain and she became an independent young lady.
Vania has a sister and her sister has participated in Youth Exchange in Sydney, Australia. This, of course, is a great opportunity for the whole family to travel to Australia and enjoy the Australian beauties in a month! Australia – a dream destination for many people! Vania continues with the temptations and shares her travel to Fiji and New Zealand! New Zealand is on my bucket list and I am so excited listening Vania’s story about my dream!
After graduating, Vania returns back to Bulgaria and starts a job where the trips don’t stop. She lived 6 months in Budapest (Hungary), 3 months in Milan (Italy), 6 months in Kiev (Ukraine), 2 months in the United States. She travels to North Carolina, South Carolina, Boston, Washington, New York. Vania knows the USA from her past trips to New York, California, Las Vegas.
I: How it is to be on a business trip?
Vanya: I don’t have time for tours and if I don’t live in a place for a while, I have only the weekends to explore the cities where I am staying.
I: Vania, which destination is closest to your heart?
Vanya: Barcelona! I love it because of the incredible architecture, the beautiful buildings, the dynamic life. I love the food and the drinks.
Me: What is your favorite food?
Vanya: I love the Italian food and I eat pasta regularly.
Vania shares “Fifty percent of the trip is the immersion.” She loves to immerse into the energy of the cities and the people, usually trying new food, drinks, new places.
Costa Rica
Next destination is the Latin atmosphere of Cuba where Vanya is fascinated how people have fun. The salsa clubs are really cool and the music starts at 9 am!
Cuba!
I: Which are the most exotic destinations you have ever been?
Together with Vanya we are traveling to South Asia, the day-long party in Thailand, the poor towns in Cambodia, the crazy driving in Vietnam; Malaysia.
Bolivia!ChinaPeru
Me: Where did you drive around the world?
Vanya: In the United States and Europe.
I: How do you organize your trips usually?
Vany says she is using the services of G Adventures, a Canadian agency. This type of traveling is charming because you meet people from around the world and become friends with them. Exchange ideas, experiences, and inspiration. Vania is still in touch with some of her friends from her trips. Before some weeks she had guests from Australia. She took them to Rila Monastery and showed Sofia city. Australia is one of the places where she wants to come back.
Me: Okay, how many more destinations are on your list?
Vanya: China, Safari in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Cambodia; Peru – Bolivia – Chile; Mexico – Belize – Gwamatella – Costa Rica – Panama. Cuba, Dominican Republic… The Kukulcan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world.
Machu Picchu – Peru
We are talking about some of the most memorable moments. Vania has been staying with the Mayan foster family. They are very warm and good people. They speak their own dialect but they have been able to understand Spanish. They live in poverty and happiness. She has seen a lot of poverty and misery in Cambodia and Tanzania. In Tanzania during a safari, their camp was attacked by a wild elephant and the leaders have lit torches to chase it. In Tanzania, the elephants are quite dangerous, not like in Thailand – friendly. She watched how a lion attacked a zebra. She is amazed by the number of the street dogs in Central America; the beautiful greenery in Costa Rica. Belize is the most sparsely populated country in Central America. The population is the descendants of African slaves, Mayans, European settlers and mixed marriages.
Costa RicaCosta RicaMoroccoChile – the Atacama Desert
I: Is there any food that you have tried and cannot bear?
Vanya: I have a healthy stomach and I didn’t have any bad experience.
She says she was disappointed with the Chinese food on the streets but the Chinese tea is really good, in Mexico – the local food is strongly recommended. From Gwamatella and Costa Rica, she recommends the coffee.
I: What are your hobbies besides this passion to travel?
Vanya: I regularly practice yoga and fitness, 2 or 3 times a week. I love walking and reading books.
BrightPoint has a major focus now. I’m glad we’re two partners, and when I’m traveling I’m relaxed.
I: What are your travel plans for 2018?
Vania: During the spring I am going to Japan for about 2 weeks. I will travel around Europe. At the end of the year, I will go on a different continent than Europe again but I didn’t decide yet where.
I: Which is your favorite place in Bulgaria?
Vania: Last summer I was in a really cool place nearby Sofia – Cob Camp. The food is so delicious, all guests have dinner together on a big table and you can meet nice people. Just the perfect place for relaxing weekend.
Cob Camp
I: I think I didn’t know another person who has been traveling more than you! Wow!
Vania: My sister has to do some more destinations to reach my list. But she tells me she is younger than me and one day she will have a bigger list of destinations.
Let’s travel and be in a competition with ourselves only!
Имах страхотна среща! Намерих човек, чиито пътешествия са вдъхновение за мен и за всички, които обичат нови приключения. Имах възможносттта да взема интервю от Ваня Ушатова, съосновател на агенция за подбор на персонала БрайтПойнт.
Ваня е посетила 6 континента и 45 държави! Нека пътешествието с Ваня започне сега.
Мексико Чичен Ица – едно от чудесата на света!
Ваня споделя с усмивка как през 2006 г. кандидадства за виза за Холандия и заминава да учи там бакалавър, като за времето си е истинско предизвикателство, още повече , че не сме още и в ЕС. След бакалавъра заминава да учи магистратура в Барселона и започва стаж там. Това са самостоялни години, в които Ваня израства и пътешества из цяла Холандия и Испания.
Споделя ми, че има сестра и тъкмо по време на завършването на магистратурата си, нейната сестра заминава за обмен в Сидни, Австралия. Това разбира се е страхотна възможност цялото семейство да пътуват до там и да обикалят месец красотите на Австралия! Сбъдната мечта и желание на много хора!
Ваня продължава с изкушенията и споделя нейното пътуване до Фиджи и Нова Зенландия! Нова Зенландия е в списъка ми с чакащи дестинация и жадно поглъщам споделеното.
С маите!
Продължаваме да чоплим из историите и тя разказва как се връща след това в България и започва работа, чрез която пътуванията не спират. Живяла е 6 месеца в Будапеща (Унгария), 3 месеца в Милано (Италия) , 6 месеца в Киев (Украйна), 2 месеца в Щатите. Пътува до Северна Каролина, Южна Каролина, Бостън, Вашингтон, Ню Йорк. И преди е пътувала до там и е посетила Ню Йорк, Лас Вегас, Калифорния.
Аз: Какво е усещането да пътуваш по работа?
Ваня: Нямаш много време за обиколки и ако не живееш на дадено място, остават само уикендите, за да разгледаш.
Аз: Кажи ми коя от твоите многобройни дестинации е най-близо до сърцето ти.
Ваня: Барселона! Обичам я заради архитектурата, красивите сгради, динамиката и животът, който кипи там. Обичам храната и напитките.
Аз: Коя е най-любимата ти храна?
Ваня: Обичам италианската кухня и ям паста по три, четири пъти на седмица.
Ваня споделя, че докато пътува не пропуска да опитва нови храни, напитки, да се потапя в града, защото само така може да усетиш атмосферата на мястото. „Петдесет процента от пътуването е това потапяне“.
И така се потапяме в латино атмосферата на Куба, където Ваня е очарована как хората се забавляват, какви страхотни салса клубове има и как музиката започва да ехти от 9 часа сутринта!
Куба!
Аз: Кои са най-екзотините ти дестинации?
Ваня ме превежда през Югоизточна Азия, денонощния купон в Тайланд, бедните градчета в Камбоджа, лудото движение във Виетнам; Малайзия.
Тайланд
Аз: Като спомена за кофти движение, къде си шофирала по света?
Ваня: В Щатите и Европа.
Аз: Как организираш пътуванията си?
Ваня споделя, че използва услугите на G Adventures, канадска агенция. Организираното пътуване е чаровно, защото срещаш хора от цял свят и се сприятеляваш с тях. Обменяте идеи, опит и вдъхновения. А след това дори с част от тях Ваня се е срещала и поддържат връзка. Наскоро изпраща и гости от Австралия. Завела ги е до Рилски манастрир и са се разхождали в София. Австралия е едно от местата, където Ваня си пожелава да се върне.
Аз: Добре, какво остана от твоя лист с дестинации?
Ваня: Китай, сафари в Танзания, Занзибар, Камбоджа; Перу – Боливия – Чили; Мексико – Белиз – Гваматела – Коста Рика – Панама. Още Куба, Доминиканската република… Пирамидата Кукулкан в Чичен Ица, едно от чудесата на света!
Лама в ПеруБоливия!Доминиканската РепубликаСафари в Танзания
Тук Ваня поема дъх след изброяването…
Говорим за едни от силните й впечатление по света. Ваня е гостувала при приемно семейство на маите. Описва ги като много топли и добри хора. Те говоря собствен диалект, но са успели да се разберат на испански. Живеят в бедност и щастливо. Видяла е много бедност и мизерия в Камбоджа и Танзания. В Танзания по време на сафари лагерът им е бил нападнат от див слон и добре, че водачите са запалили факли да го прогонят. В Танзания слоновете са доста опасни, не като в Тайланд – приятелски настроени. Наблюдавала е как лъвица напада зебра. Разказва за множеството бездомни кучета в Централна Америка; прелестната зеленина в Коста Рика. Белиз е най-рядко населената страна в Централна Америка. Населението са потомци на африкански роби, маи, европейски заселници и на смесени бракове.
Коста Рика!Гваматела!
Аз: Има ли храна, която си опитвала и не ти понася?
Ваня: Имам здрав стомах и няма такава.
Споделя, че е била разочарована от китайската храна по улицата и няма нищо общо с вкуса, който ние наричаме китайска храна. За компенсация в Китай хвали чая, в Мексико – храната. От Гваматела и Коста Рика препоръчва да се опитва кафето и дори тя си е взела за България.
Аз: Какви са хобитата ти освен тази страст пътуването?
Ваня: Редовно ходя на йога и фитнес, по 2 или 3 пъти на седмица. Обичам да се разхождам и уикендите не се задържам в София. Не обичам да се задържам на едно място. Обичам да чета книги от различни жанрове.
От 2 години основен фокус разбира се е БрайтПойнт. Радвам се, че сме двама партньори и когато пътувам съм спокойна.
Аз: Какво си намислила за тази година? Какви дестинации ще посетиш?
Ваня: През пролетта пътувам за Япония за около 2 седмици. Имам и няколко европейски пътувания. Към края на годината отново ще организирам нещо извън Европа, но още не съм решила.
Аз: Кое е любимото ти място в България?
Ваня: Миналото лято бях на едно страхотно място близо до София – Коб Кемп. Храната е невероятно вкусна, всички гости се хранят на голяма маса заедно и можете да се запознаете. Зелено и релаксиращо е. Перфектно място за уикенд.
Коб кемп в България. Близо до София.
Аз: Мисля, че не познавам човек, който да е пътувал повече от теб. Много се радвам, че те познавам и почерпих много вдъхновения от срещата ни.
Ваня: Сестра ми е пътувала малко по-малко от мен засега, но е 3 години по-малка. Заканва ми се, че ще ме подмине един ден.
Китайската стена!
… Нека и ние се включим в надпреварата и да посетим възможно най-много места по света!
3. St. John’s Church
5. Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle. The locals go there for swimming and outdoor activities during the weekends. They play volleyball, do jogging and running, walking with dogs. It’s perfect for a picnic and relaxing.
