Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria is a nice city with some beautiful buildings, not
too big and easy to get around. We are staying close to the centre, an easy wallk to the sights, shops and markets. Everything is very cheap here compared to our prices. The markets are wonderful, as most markets are, with beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables. the tomatoes are as big as oranges and smell so sweet. We are soon to discover that fresh tomatoes and cucumber with a ricotta stle cheese is the favoured first course at most meals. Bulgarian cheese is delicious and used in abundance. A beautiful creamy yoghurt is another daily favourite, especially at breakfast.
Once we left the city of Sofia, the beautiful countryside opened up with green
valleys, plains and the Balkan mountain range as an almost constant backdrop. So our walking adventure begins with 10 women including our
lovely and very competent local guide Ani.
The last few days we have walked through some of the most beautiful meadows covered with wildflowers, picked wild strawberries and feasted on cherry and blackberry trees. We have passed by walnut trees, plum trees, apple trees, wild herbs, all growing free. Oh, and the wild roses!!
The soil is just so fertile with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Many people have a small plot and grow enough for their own family. We have stayed in a comfortable family guesthouse where glorious food was prepared for us each day and the wine was also plentiful.
Though walking uphills is not our favourite, the views at the top make it all worthwhile. Each elevated peak offers magnificent vistas of the mountains and valleys. We have passed by a herd of horses, across open fields, through shady forests, explored hidden Monastries and small villages.
There is still more to come.
- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off
Location:Bulgaria
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