Have you ever wondered where to spend a summer romantic getaway near Varna? – I’ve found the perfect place for you – Topola Skies Resort! As my boyfriend and I live in Varna, we don’t […]
Summer romantic getaway in Topola Skies Resort near Varna
Thrilling adventures with Rafting Centre Drina-Tara in Bosnia
Every year I go on adventure and try something new. For two consecutive years, I went on a rafting adventure in Bulgaria and heard by coincidence that the best rafting on the Balkans is the one on Tara river.
First six months of 2023 retrospective: experiences and travels
The time has come to make a retrospective of the first six months of 2023 listing all the experiences I accumulated and enjoyed.
10 essentials that every traveller must have
People who love travelling usually do not possess a lot of items, however, they are the ones for whom you wander every time about what to buy them for their birthdays and special occasions. My friends and I, we are serious travel addicts and that is why I decided to list down 10 essentials that every wanderlust must have. The list can be enriched and used for ideas for presents for globetrotters.
My best travel escapes and experiences in 2022!
2022 started in the best way it could have started with a sunrise party on the beach, a hike in the mountains, a greeting of the golden hour and a party on the main city square in Varna. With such a fresh beginning of the year, I could not have imagined 2022 otherwise than full of great travel escapes and amazing experiences throughout the year.
Nature, authentic crafts, and delicious food in Troyan and the region
Sofia and Varna in Bulgaria are among the most popular travel budget destinations. However, if you are curious ? to visit Bulgaria off the beaten path and wondering where to go, I would like to give you a hint: explore mind-blowing nature, authentic craftsmanship, and delicious food in Troyan and the region.
My ultimate Bucket list for 2022 that I commit to follow
way…so I decided not to do any bucket lists for one year and to go with the flow. Well, actually that was not a bad idea as everything well totally spontaneously and totally surprisingly well. However, I felt the need to do some sort of action plan with a timeframe and a budget, and that is how the idea of building up my ultimate Bucket list for 2022 that I commit to follow was born.
Top activities to not miss out in Edirne, Turkey for one weekend
dirne in Turkey is a city famous for cheap shopping and for the chef-d’oeuvre of Mimar Sinan – Selimiye Camii. However, I am ready to buster that myth and give you a nice list of top activities not to miss out in Edirne outside of shopping. Here are my recommendations on how to spend a great weekend in Edirne, Turkey, and the top activities not to miss out.
10 must-see beaches and activities to try in Lefkada Greece
a in Greece for my 37th birthday and I decided to say “YES” to the adventure. Here is my list of the 10 must-see beaches and activities to try in Lefkada, Greece.
How to spend a girly weekend escape in Varna, Bulgaria
Varna is getting more and more popular among tourists and is a great destination for a weekend escape. At the occasion of International Women Day, I’ve decided to dedicate a blog post to all the female travellers who are seeking to spend a cool girly weekend escape in a sunny place.
Chasing the most beautiful moments of the second half of 2021
At the beginning of summer 2021, I decided to spend the summer in Varna, on the beach, having cocktails and fun with my friends…Ask and you will be given as wise people say…..Here is my summary of how I was chasing the most beautiful moments of the second half of 2021…
Wrap up of the first six months of 2021 – exciting places and experiences in Bulgaria
The first six months of 2021 have been extremely exciting and it’s time to wrap up the best moments and to share with you all the places I visited and the experiences I lived.
My moodboard: my favourite things and experiences in life
My moodboard is a list of my favorite things in life, like, clothes, hobbies, places, food, aroma, and many many others. I read an article called “moodboard” and decided to write a personalized post about my favorite things in life and my taste.
12 best cities in Bulgaria to visit in every season
No doubts you heard about Bulgarian golden sands beaches and great ski resorts near Bulgarian capital – Sofia. But guess what? Bulgaria is a country you can easily explore every season and I am going to list 12 sightseeing activities you can enjoy every single month.
Travel romance movies shot at bucket list locations
At the occasion of Saint Valentine’s day, I would like to list 10 of the best romance movies shot at amazing bucket list locations. Some of the travel romance movies I’ve selected are based on books that I am going to mention for all the book lovers as well. However, if you already have met your travel mate and you share the same passion for movies and travelling, just get yourself comfortable and enjoy my list.
Museum of Glass and Submarine “Slava” in Beloslav
2021 has arrived and it’s time to hit the road again. I made a list of few places near Varna that I would like to visit this year and I started with the first one – the Museum of Glass and Submarine “Slava” (which means “glory” in Bulgarian) in Beloslav near Varna, Bulgaria. Both museums are located close to each in the little town of Beloslav in Varna region.
The best moments of the second part of 2020
As per the tradition, it’s time to recap on the best moments of the second part of 2020. The second part of 2020 was full of unplanned trips, amazing sceneries, great life lessons and hard work on my blog.
20 places visited in Bulgaria in 2020
In 2020, I visited 20 amazing places in Bulgaria. Continue to read my selection of 20 places visited in Bulgaria in 2020!
Merry Christmas and Happy New 2021!
It’s been a year for me with a lot of travelling in Bulgaria and a lot of personal challenges. However, I am grateful for all the sceneries I’ve seen, for all the people I’ve meet and for all the lessons I’ve learned so far!
Interesting facts about The Palace of Euxinograd
It’s always a good idea to spend a day like a tourist in Varna (where I live) and to discover places you’ve never been to before. Summer 2020 brought me to the Palace of Euxinograd and I was delighted to spend a day in Bulgarian Versailles. Euxinograd is a former royal summer residence and is one of the few well-preserved buildings that remind us of the Bulgarian royal family. Residence Euxinograd has gained popularity among the public since it opened its doors and gardens to visitors a few years ago.It’s always a good idea to spend a day like a tourist in Varna (where I live) and to discover places you’ve never been to before. Summer 2020 brought me to the Palace of Euxinograd and I was delighted to spend a day in Bulgarian Versailles. Euxinograd is a former royal summer residence and is one of the few well-preserved buildings that remind us of the Bulgarian royal family. Residence Euxinograd has gained popularity among the public since it opened its doors and gardens to visitors a few years ago.
Four movies that describe the best “Russian soul”
Are you fascinated by Russia? I am definitely in love with Russia. Born in Western Siberia, in the city of Surgut, and raised by a Russian mother I am always in owe by this immense and diverse country. However, before talking about the country Russia as a destination, there is something intangible called “Russian soul”. This is something Russian people are born with and they cultivate their whole life. As half Russian, I am proud to announce that I have it myself too.
First six months of 2020 breakdown – life updates month by month
I did not have any vacation at the end of 2019, so 2020 came at a blink of an eye for me. I had to go back to work on the 2.01.2020, so we drove back to Varna very early in the morninng. What has happened during first six months of 2020 – let’s breakdown the year month by month and check on my life updates.
What to offer as a present to a friend who loves travelling?
What to offer as a present to a friend who loves travelling is a question that resonates over and over again when it comes to my friends’ birthdays. People who collect moments and not things are difficult to be surprised especially when you want to offer them a practical travel present. As a result, inspired by all the presents for travellers I’ve already got, I decided to make a post about what to offer as a present to a traveller. I called my selection “The world is mine”. Keep reading to know why?
Summer season 2020 grand opening – Tsarevo and the region
While I was wondering where to make a grand opening of the summer season 2020, The Place found me itself. The owner of Hotel Zebra in Tsarevo invited me to visit Tsarevo and the region and to stay in her hotel. Therefore, summer season 2020 was officially opened in Hotel Zebra Tsarevo.
Things to do to immerse yourself in festive Montreal
I have to describe Montreal in one word I would say “festive”. I was in Montreal for a training and I spent 3 weeks there. My brightest memory, however, is of how we immersed ourselves in the festive atmosphere of the city. There are festivals and things to do in Montreal every day, especially in the summer. Here is my list of things to do to immerse yourself in festive Montreal.
A day trip to Quebec city from Montreal – what not to miss out
A day trip to Quebec City from Montreal is a must-do when in Montreal. It does not take long and you will be enchanted by the French spirit and the vivid colours of the Capital of Quebec Provence. I made a list of a few things not to miss out to do and see while in Quebec City.
20 interesting attractions in Varna and the region
Varna is one of the oldest cities in the world and is the Black Sea capital of Bulgaria. There is an airport and many low-cost airlines provide direct flights to Varna, especially in the summer. To make it easy, I selected 20 interesting attractions to visit in Varna and the region. As a bonus, I listed a few amazing places to eat and taste the local cuisine.
Hiking the heavenly beautiful 7 Rila Lakes in Bulgaria
The time has come to put in writing one of the best trips in my life – from Sofia to Sofia hiking through the heavenly beautiful Rila 7 Lakes, tasting wine in Melnik and hang out in Blagoevgrad. I made the 7 Rila Lakes trip just before moving to the Netherlands to remind me how beautiful Bulgaria is. I treated myself to a unique hiking experience exploring the 7 Rila Lakes and the great scenery you can admire from the Melnik cliffs.
Five movies with Will Smith that are worth watching on Netflix
In a time of physical distancing and staying at home, all of us, we have enough time to watch movies. I am sure that movies nights are exploding and you cannot be more thankful to have Netflix at home right now. I love Netflix and the whole idea of choosing what I want to watch, when I want to watch it and to be able to stop and continue whenever I want to. At some point it became hard to find “the movie”, but, fortunatelly there are new releases all the time. Thus, I selected five amazing movies with Will Smith, that are really worth watching.
My bucket list and things to do before you die
I am a big fan of all kind of Bucket lists, books about challenges to tick and you name it. Thus, I also have a lot of notebooks where I write down things to do, goals to achieve, places to visit before I die. Most of all, these tools motivate me and make me happy every time I tick one of the things I’ve written down. However, one of the best “things to try” tools for me remains the book ”203 Challenges – travel the world and explore your inner self” by Maria Angelova and Ivalina Nenova. This is a pocket, travel size book that can be your travel mate on the road. It will boost you to go out and explore the world by just opening it on a random page.
Fresh ideas to reinvent your wardrobe with accessories
I am not a fashion victim and I don’t follow the trends but the accessories, especially the necklaces, are my secret weapon to embellish every boring outfit. I am fond of the Scandinavian style – white shirts and T-shirts, black turtlenecks, unicolour outfits, and my ”signature spice” that I add to this ”basic colour dish” are the necklaces. When I am travelling I enjoy checking small design shops and local handmade markets and buy unique accessories to reinvent my wardrobe.
Souvenirs – memories to bring back home from your next trip
Do you bring souvenirs from your travels or you make pictures and prefer to capture the moments in your mind? Magnets were very popular at some point, but the problem is that they are almost ”useless”….That’s why, if I find something nice and original while I travel, I buy it to remind me of the city or the country I’ve visited. Here is my selection of souvenirs that I brought home from some of my trips.
My favourite international dishes from around the world
I love to collect new tastes. When I am travelling I always look for places to try local dishes. I am also a big fan of the idea to bring some recipes from my favourite dishes from around the globe home rather than magnets.
How to plan a 4-days breathtaking itinerary to Iceland
Dreaming how to escape your hectic city life for a few days? Wanderling among breathtaking Icelandic landscapes might be your next travel plan. Iceland has been on my Bucket list for a while and I am thrilled to share with you my 4-days breathtaking itinerary for an unforgettable stay in the country of volcanoes!
Book review “Happy People Read and Drink Coffee” by Agnes Martin-Lugand
I believe grief is inevitable for anyone and we will all experience it one day or another. Agnès meets it totally unexpectedly and looses her beloved husband Colin and their daughter Clara in a car accident. She could not accept life without them.
In search of Thracian sanctuaries and stone mushrooms
As there was no snow in Varna this winter, I decided to go to the Rhodopes to enjoy the snow in search of Thracian sanctuaries and Stone Mushrooms. The route included the Historical Museum of Kardzhali – Thracian sanctuaries Harman Kaya and Tatul – Zlatograd – The Stone Mushrooms close to Beli Plast village and Haskovo.
Istanbul – City-magnet where you will always want to come back
Istanbul is for sure a must-see city not only once in a lifetime, but many many many times afterwards. Despite the fact that Istanbul is located just in 500km from Varna, I’ve never been there. In November I decided that the time has come for me to see Istanbul and for Istanbul to see me ):
Constanta city walk – Old Casino, Mosque Carol I and Mamaia hidden park
Constanta was on my list for a while and last November I finally decided to hit the road and visit this charming Romanian city.
Book club – second edition
I am so happy and grateful to finally make it!!!! Book club – the second edition just happened. It took me so long to organize it and I am proud to say “I made it”!
Five books for real-world explorers
The five books I am going to list below will keep you reading all night long without stopping for a second. All these five books for real world explorers are very interesting and will give you more insight into countries that are not so popular among global trotters.
19 unforgettable places that I visited in 2019
The year 2019 was very generous in terms of travelling. I am grateful that I could make it to 10 countries visited with way more beautiful cities, beaches, landscapes, natural wonders and you name it.
What experiences did the second six months of 2019 bring into my life?
It’s been almost 2 months that I haven’t written in my blog and I am excited to restart with new fresh ideas. Well, it’s already February, however, I would like to go back and list what experiences did the second six months of 2019 bring into my life?
Well, it’s already February, but still, I would like to go back and list some nice memories of the second six months of 2019.
Belgian fairy tale with a taste of waffles, chocolate, and beer
Belgium is a tiny, young European country, situated between The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg what makes it multicultural and multilingual as French and Flemish are the official languages. Although, Belgian biggest cities have a lot to offer in terms of attractions, chocolate, and beer. Belgium is proud to produce more than 1000 beer brands and 600,000 tons of chocolate every year!!! That’s what I am calling achievements!!! I selected 4 Belgium cities to visit on my Belgian fairy tale itinerary with a taste of waffles, chocolate and beer.
The oldest lighthouse in Bulgaria, Shabla lakes and the sea
The only thing I knew about Shabla before visiting it was that the oldest lighthouse in Bulgaria is located there. For me, the Shabla Lighthouse was the guardian of the Black Sea and the easternmost point of our homeland. We headed to Shabla spontaneously as the weather was very warm for October and that what we actually discovered there – the oldest lighthouse in Bulgaria, Shabla lakes and the Sea!
City walk in Dobrich Old Town
There is one city in Bulgaria which is, according to me, very underrated. However, in my opinion, every place has its hidden gems if we are looking for them. This is the reason why I decided to head to Dobrich and to prove that there is a lot to see in the capital of the Dobrudzha region. Follow me on my city walk in Dobrich Old Town.
Nestled in the Pirin mountain – a city walk in Blagoevgrad
Blagoevgrad reminds me of my last trip in Bulgaria before starting my new life in the Netherlands. With a French friend of mine, we visited the Rila Monastery, hiked the 7 Rila Lakes, made a stop in Melnik for some more hike and wine and ended our trip in Blagoevgrad where she lived back at this time. That why I can’t wait to go on a city walk in Blagoevgrad – the city that is nestled in the Pirin mountain.
Hidden paths for one weekend in Bulgaria
en we came back to Bulgaria, I decided to travel more in my homeland and I take every opportunity to accomplish my goal. Last weekend, I headed on an organized trip to Prohodna cave and Krushuna waterfalls, but on our way, I learned there will be more surprises than I expected!!! We actually visited 7 gorgeous spots!!! Keep reading….
Minimalism or a more sustainable way of living
The first time I implemented Minimalism in my life was when we started furnishing our old house – white walls, clean design, Scandinavian furniture. While moving into our dream house I realized that the less you own, the less stuff you have to pack and take care of.
4 days itinerary in the city of Gaudi
I was so excited to visit Barcelona – the City of the genius Gaudi, so I prepared my 4-days itinerary meticulously. My boarding passes printed out, my Airbnb booked in the heart of the city, all my entrance tickets for all the sights I wanted to see prepared, I headed to the City of Gaudi – Barcelona with a 4 days itinerary.
France is always a good idea – 5 French cities to visit outside of Paris
I speak French, I love French culture, language and literature and I lived in France for a while. Wherever you go in France you will have an amazing experience no matter if you like sightseeing, food or just having a great time with friends. Here is my selection of 5 French cities to visit outside of Paris as France is always a good idea for a city escape. I am sure anyone and everyone will enjoy these 5 French cities to visit outside of Paris no matter the purpose of the trip.
Three books about love in time of war
It’s a pure coincidence that I was reading simultaneously three books at the same time which depicts stories about love in the time of war. ”My children” by Guzel Yakhina followed ”Zuleikha opens her eyes”, the first book I’ve read by the same author. ”The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris ”found me” after my visit to the concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau and I was captivated by all the details I saw with my eyes there. The third book about lovve in time of war is the Bulgarian novel ”The Peach Thief” by Emilian Stanev.
5 Places to visit on the Black Sea Coast for the beach and something else
Summer is about to come and I am in a hurry to share with you these 5 Places to visit on the Black Sea Coast for the beach and something else.
Czech wedding in Hradec nad Moravici Castle
I was invited to a wedding of a Czech friend of mine this summer. The wedding was planned to take place in Hradec nad Moravici – a castle nearby Opava (Eastern Czech Republic). So, I decided to accept the invitation, booked few days in Prague, found a hotel in between Opava and Hradec nad Moravici and bought a nice dress for the occasion and got ready for a Czech wedding in Hradec nad Moravici.
10 things to do to enjoy Prague at the fullest
Prague was not on my list, but I was invited to a wedding in Opava (Eastern Czech Republic), so had to pass by Prague. I decided not to document myself in advance on what to do and where to go as there are tons of guides written about Prague and to discover the city at my pace. The only museum I really wanted to visit was the Museum of Communism.
The magic of Zheravna
Whoever you ask about Zheravna Festival of the National Costume, will tell you ”Zheravna is magic”. Zheravna is magic because everybody wears a traditional Bulgarian ”nosia” and the usage of contemporary objects like plastic bottles and electronic devices is strictly forbidden. In addition, everything is authentic – the costumes, the music, the dances, the food and the joy of gathering together. Let’s immerse ourselves in the magic of Zheravna.
Hidden gems in Amsterdam
Every time I visited Amsterdam, I fell in love with this vibrant city over and over again. I couldn’t get enough of it. Every time I went there, I discovered a new part of this magnet for wanderlusts like me. So, I would like to share with you my favourite hidden gems in Amsterdam out of the beaten path.
Five things I always take with me when I travel
Travelling is vital to me. I love discovering places and things I haven’t seen before. I usually travel low cost and light and bring with me the minimum needed. To make my trip more comfortable and cosy I take these five things with me when I travel.
Documentaries about five influential women of our time
I started to watch autobiographical documentaries on Netflix after I saw the movie about the iconic singer of our time – Whitney Houston ”Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017)”. I love her voice and was curious to see the person behind that monumental voice. I decided to continue and watched the movies ”The Story of Diana”, ”Gaga: Five foot two” and, ”Maya Angelou and Still I Rise (2016)” and was inspired to smile, to work hard, to listen carefully, to love deeply and to use words as these women did.
How to spend an amazing summer in Varna
Summer in Varna is in marine colours – blue sky, blue water, jazz and blues, endless hours on the beach and promenade with a boat.
This year I decided to live the summer at the fullest. Here are some tips on how to have a great time in Varna in the summer.
Three great movies about three rap superstars of the 90s
When I was in high school it was a trend to listen to rap music, especially Cypress Hill, 2PAC, Notorious B.I.G, Dr DRE and you name it. My favourite one was 2PAC and I still have some of his albums on cassette records. I am not going to reveal that my husband has a collection of his albums. This era has gone, but these rap superstars are legends and their music is timeless. For those who miss this time, I would like to recommend you three great movies about three rap superstars of the 90s – 2PAC, Notorious BIG and Dr DRE.
Bulgarian Summer Refreshing Dishes
The best season to visit Bulgaria is with no doubts the summer. An abundance of fruit and vegetables, endless beaches, bars, festivals, good vibes and the blue sky. Thus, food is one of the must-try things I would recommend to anyone who visits Bulgaria to not miss out. Also, Bulgarian food is seasonal, traditional, local and super delicious. Here is my selection of Bulgarian summer refreshing dishes absolutely to try in Bulgaria.
Books that will fuel you with wanderlust
I love reading. While I am travelling I always take a book with me. Very often I read books about people and places that just fuel me with wanderlust. I would like to share with you my last list of books that will definitely make you look for a purpose while you head to your next destination.
10 essential eating and drinking experiences in Krakow, Poland
I love trying local food and all kind of different dishes and drinks I never tried before. I’ve been eating outside almost every evening during my stay in Krakow and tried a number of dishes and local drinks I highly recommend you not miss out while in Krakow.
First six months of 2019 – what new adventures did I enjoy?
Year 2019 is a period of big changes and a new beginning for me. I moved back to Bulgaria, opened a new page in my life, started a new job in a completely different field and met new people.
What pleasure to seek in Krakow, Poland?
I went for three weeks to Krakow for business and this time I decided to go out of the bitten path and explore the city differently. No museums, no cathedrals, no galleries and monuments, just the city and the pleasures it offers.
Wanna explore the world differently? – these five movies will boost you up
Travel is not only about the places you visit and souvenirs you bring back home. It’s also a pursuit of a bigger purpose and meaning. Very often, one travels to seek an answer to an important question, to find ”The truth” or to re-gain ”the appetite for life” as Elizabeth Gilbert says in her best-selling novel ”Eat, pry, love”. I selected 5 great movies that will make you wanna explore the world differently and boost you up.
Do you remember your childhood?
The spring is the best season in Bulgaria (at least for me) and there are many public holidays at this period of the year. That why, me and my husband, we decided to visit the region where he grew up and to see his former house, the woods he played with his friends back at the days and to immerse ourselves in his childhood for a weekend. We combined the trip with a stay in the mountains at a country house with relatives of ours.
Discover Koprivshtitsa – travel back in time and explore Bulgarian Revival
Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria is an emblematic town for the Bulgarians because back at the days it was the centre of the Bulgarian Revival. Also, the Liberation of the country from the Ottoman empire started there. The town is located in 1.5 hours drive from Sofia and as locals say ”The summer lasts only 3 days there; if you get drunk you might miss it”. So what to discover in Koprivshtitsa and how to travel back in time and explore Bulgarian Revival?
Discover Bulgaria and try these 10 typical Bulgarian experiences
I realized that when I am travelling, I am not only looking for sights to see but also experiences to collect and local and drinks food to taste to celebrate my travel. I haven’t travel as much as I would love to in Bulgaria, but I selected 10 typical Bulgarian experiences to try in the country of Kukeri and Roses.
Souvenirs to bring from your first trip to Bulgaria
I never check what to visit in a place I am about to travel, but I always know what I am going to bring as a souvenir from there. Magnets, postcards, and other little souvenirs are dust-collectors for me, that why I always check out typical local products like shirts or T-shirts with traditional embroidery, for example, skin products or cookbooks. I bought a shirt with typical Belarusian embroidery when I visited Minsk and babouches from Dubai – things that I can use in my daily life.
Yoga retreat in Yagodina village in the heart of the Rhodopes mountains
I always wanted to go on a Yoga retreat and imagined the perfect Yoga retreat in the heart of Mother Nature. I also wanted to visit the mystical mountains of Rhodopes, where all the legends about Orpheus are kept alive thanks to the collective memory of the local people
Mind-blowing canyon of Petra, baptism in Jordan river and Israel itinerary
When I booked my trip to Jordan and Israel I DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THESE TWO COUNTRIES! I was sure my trip is going to be horrible and boring and I would be disappointed about signing up for an organized trip. Guess what? None of the above. Visiting the mind-blowing canyon of Petra, having a baptism in Jordan river and exploring Terrae Sanctae itinerary was amazingly rich in experiences and super fun.
Would you like a dessert? – what to order in Bulgaria
I am sure that while travelling you try to eat local like me and you allow yourself a delicious and calloricious dessert when visiting the local restaurants and cafes. That why I would like to give you some ideas on what to order for dessert when you are in Bulgaria.
Chase the evil in Kukerlandia 2019 festival, Bulgaria
Visit a Kukeri festival was a must-do on my bucket list for years and I was very disappointed that I missed Surva festival in Pernik this year. But as everything happens at the right moment, one day I saw an advertisement for a day trip from Varna to Kukerlandia 2019. Here we go, I signed up and took the road to chase the evil in Kukerlandia 2019!v
Bulgarian breakfast – a real feast for the eyes and the palate
When I travel I always book accommodation with breakfast included in order not to waste time in the morning. I would recommend you to do so but not in Bulgaria. Why? Because if you book a hotel in Bulgaria with a continental breakfast included you will miss out a big and an important part of discovering the country – the Bulgarian breakfast. If you book a guesthouse in the mountains or the villages you will be offered a homemade breakfast/ and food every day, but this is only valid in the small family owned guesthouses. However, if you prefer to book a room in a luxurious hotel, don’t ask for breakfast, otherwise, your experience won’t be authentic and you won’t have the chance to taste Bulgarian pastries. If you visit Bulgaria for the first time (and not only!!!) have a breakfast from the local bakeries (закуÑвални). In order to introduce you to the Bulgarian breakfast, I’ve chosen five different Bulgarian typical pastries full of calories and easy to find almost everywhere that you absolutely should try.
Soak in a hot spring, eat the biggest ”mekitza” in the world and have a ride in the Rhodope Narrow Gauge in Bansko region
This year we decided to go on a winter vacation to Bansko, Bulgaria. Bansko is one of the most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria located 150 km from Sofia and literally at the foot of the Pirin National Park. As we are not really into winter sports, my review will only cover things you can do, eat and see outside of the ski slopes ):
European road trip – from Nuremberg to Castelul de Lut in Romania
I haven’t updated my blog for two weeks, but for a reason – we decided to move back to Bulgaria and we were busy selling stuff, packing stuff and moving stuff back to our place in Bulgaria. As we had to take our car with us, we decided to make a little European tour through Nurnberg, Vienna, Budapest, and Castelul de Lut in Valea Zanelor in Romania.
Weekend destinations: 4 cities to visit in Germany
What do you think about when you hear ”Let’s go to Germany!” Berlin at the first place, Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, Heidelberg, Burg Eltz – all these places are great and are worth to be visited at least once in a lifetime, but as I live in the Netherlands and Germany is just around the corner, I would like to share with you some weekend destinations – 4 cities to visit in Germany.
Movies nights with five great actresses
It’s wintertime and it’s the best time of the year to catch up with some nice movies. I’ve been thinking about writing a post about my movies nights with five great actresses! Do you like Marion Cotillard, Audrey Tautou, Diane Keaton and Kate Winslet?
My top 15 experiences of 2018!
Year 2018 was amazing and it’s coming to an end. It’s time to look at the whole year and to think about my top 15 experiences of 2018!
When the Frenchie in me is reading book selection
I speak French and decided to make a when Frenchie in me is reading book selection. I worked in Alliance francaise in Varna, Bulgaria in the past and there was a big library with plenty of classic and modern French and Francophone literature. As Alliance francaise organized a lot of cultural events, we also invited many famous writers and authors to be our guests and make workshops around their books. I met some of the people mentioned below like Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt and Frederic Beigbeder in person and had copies of their books autographed specially for me! What an honour!
3 books that stand out of my list – ”Eat, pray, love”, ”The Virgin Way”and ”How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”
I love reading and I always have a book in my bag just in case. However, three books stand out of my list not because they are classics or bestsellers, they certainly are, but because there is so much wisdom, hidden answers and concentrated knowledge on some interesting (at least for me) topics like depression and happiness, leadership and business, peace of mind and good will.
How to make the best of Christmas and enjoy the holiday season
The Christmas season is in his pick and end of the year is around the corner. It’s time to relax, enjoy family time and think about our loved ones! Here is my selection of tips on how to make the best of Christmas and enjoy the holiday season.
5 Netflix documentaries about core values in life
I love cosy nights as I love Netflix. Therefore, I selected 5 Netflix documentaries about core values in life that are worth watching.
Detailed review of the second part of 2018 from July to December
I am very excited when I make a detailed review of a past period as it makes me think about all the new experiences and the journey I’ve walked through. Thus, I’ve done so many nice things from January to June 2018 and accomplished goals I’ve been chasing for a while. Now it’s time to turn back and review in details all the beautiful moments I had from July to December 2018.
The Winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck
The Winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck is the first and the only Steinbeck’s book I read so far. Before immersing myself into sharing my impression of this book, I would like to say some words on how I was recommended the book and why I started reading it…
My house is my fortress – the home of my dreams!
Having your own home is a very important milestone of a lifetime for a lot of people. Many prefer not to have anything in order not to attach to things, others put their heart and […]
Let’s celebrate Christmas a la Dutch
Winter season in Western Europe is celebrated with Christmas markets, ice skating, Gluhwein and Oliebollen. The best of the Christmas season in the Netherlands, however, is not the eve of 24th of December as this day is specially reserved for a traditional family dinner but the arrival of Sinterklaas before the 5th of December! Let’s celebrate Christmas a la Dutch!
Squirrels in Hyde Park, tea and how to escape the rain in London
This is not my first time in London, but this time I saw it from a different perspective. A colleague of mine had the idea to spend a few days in London and enjoy the squirrels in Hyde Park, have an afternoon tea and escape the rainy weather in London.
Let’s talk about Dutch food
Dutch cheese is an absolute must-try when you visit the country of the tulips, especially on the city food markets. There is a massive variety of young and old cheese; cheese with spices, lavender, weed and so on and so on. And wherever you go, you will be able to try for free the cheese of your choice before proceeding on the purchase. Cheese is also one of the best souvenirs you can bring back home from your trip! Give it a try!
Breathtaking must-try Dutch experiences in the Netherlands
I lived in the Netherlands for almost 5 years and had the opportunity to visit and see a lot of places in the country of the tulips. Here is my list of some breathtaking must-try Dutch experiences to have in the Netherlands.
My first book club: 5 ladies, 5 books and one tiramisu
I am a big fan of all sort of ”Book challenges”, ”Read-the-world lists” and ”Absolutely must-read lists” and one day while listing different ”pins” on Pinterest in the train, I got the idea to host a Bookclub at my place and invite one representative of a different country which literature and classics I don’t really know and never heard of. I work in an international company and have colleagues from all around the globe, so having books from the four corners of the world was not an issue at all ):
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery book review
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery is one of the most intellectual, funniest and brilliant books I’ve ever read! The book is a bestseller and it’s translated into many languages for a reason! A movie based on the book has been also released.
Life updates: January till June 2018 how did this year go so far
Time just flies and when I think about what I’ve done this year, not much is coming straight to my mind…That why I decided to write down all my life updates from January to June 2018.
Oresund Bridge – between Copenhagen and Malmo
When I was little I had a correspondent from Copenhagen, Denmark with whom we’ve been in touch for a while and he was telling me a lot about Copenhagen in his letters. That’s how Copenhagen popped up on my bucket list ):
Boat trip in Giethoorn – enjoy the Dutch Venice for a day
As challenge 57 from the book ”203 challenges – Travel the World. Explore your Inner Self” says ”Go for a gondola ride in Venice or for a boat trip in little France – Strasburg, in Giethoorn – the Dutch Venice for a day or in Saint Petersburg – Russia”, I decided to accept the challenge and took the road for a boat trip in Giethoorn and enjoy the Dutch Venice for a day.
34 life-changing lessons I learned for 34 years
Last Monday was my birthday. I turned 34! I am no longer in my early thirties nor am I in my late thirties. I am just 34 years old, I love reading, writing, travelling, eating, meeting with friends, cooking, exercising (that’s new), laughing, people with a sense of humour, people who don’t take themselves seriously (what’s the point?) and I cannot live without keeping my notebook of wisdom alive every day! To celebrate my birthday, I decided to write down 34 life-changing lessons I learned for 34 years!
Depression – a journey to change and turn your life upside down
Some people would think ” well, quite pretentious to write about depression and explain it to others”, others would say ” I experienced exactly the same”. First, I would like to say that I am not a doctor, I am not a scientist, I am not a psychotherapist, I am not a psychologist. I am a person who did suffer from depression more than once but hope the last time will remain my last time. I decided to write and share my experience of depression inspired by the book of Matt Haig ”Reasons to stay alive”.
A culinary adventure in Bulgaria: what absolutely not miss out to try
Food is one of the best ways to discover a country and its culture. It’s also a great way to reunite people from different horizons and break the ice between them. I think that one of the best things about Bulgaria is that wherever you go – to the seaside, to the mountains, to the Rose Valley, to the villages or the big cities, you will find seasonal food for all the tastes (vegetarian, vegan, meat lovers). Bulgarian dishes are simple and seasonal thanks to the climate and the abundance of fruit and vegetables.
Rose Festival and Valley of the Thracian Kings itinerary
One of the things I wanted to tick in my Bucket list was to visit the Rose Valley (in Kazanlak, Bulgaria) and to participate in all the festivities around the Rose Festival. And finally, this year the time has come to take the road. I was targeting the Rose Valley, but the more I was digging what to do and where to go in the region, the more places I was adding to my list…At the end, and to my surprise, I saw much more than I expected and realized that it’s a very ambitious task to explore the region in only one long weekend! Make yourself comfortable and continue reading my Rose Festival and Valley of the Thracian Kings itinerary!
Summer breeze in Messembria: 5 reasons to visit Nessebar this summer
A visit to Nessebar in Bulgaria during the summer is like bliss for the soul and the eye. If you want to feel the summer breeze in ancient Messembria, here are my ultimate 5 reasons to visit Nessebar.
The ancient city of Pliska, the Rider of Madara and Bolata Cove round trip
I have a Bucket list (general) and a list of all the places I would like to visit in Bulgaria. During summer 2018 I managed to make a round trip in Varna region and to tick the ancient city of Pliska, the Rider of Madara and Bolata Cove. Two of these sites are located not far away from Varna – the first spot is the first capital of Bulgaria – the ancient city of Pliska (located in 80 km western of Varna) and the second place is one of the most photogenic beaches in Bulgaria – Bolata cove (80 km north of Varna). Continue to read my round trip in Varna region review and check the ancient city of Pliska, the Rider of Madara and Bolata Cove.
Go hipster and enjoy Hamburg’s vibes for 4 days!
I am not going to write a travel guide about what to see, visit and eat in Hamburg, Germany, as I would like to inspire you to go hipster and enjoy Hamburg’s vibes for 4 days yourself!
Sun, cypresses, and wine tasting in Romantique Firenze
I am a big fan of the Italian language and really really hope to learn it one day. I was looking for a budget escape in Italy…I started with Rome, but found it way too expensive for a long weekend, then Venice, but could not find a good deal and decided to head to Pisa and Florence. Who hasn’t seen ”Under the Tuscan sun” and hasn’t dreamt of sun, cypresses, and wine tasting in Romantique Firenze?
Tulip fields in Hillegom, the Netherlands
Since I live in the Netherlands I was always wondering if the Tulip fields really exist and if they are reachable by car or public transport or you can only admire them on the beautiful pictures.
The Circle by Dave Eggers book review
Have you ever thought what’s going to happen if our world becomes more connected and more transparent than right now? With the web, social media, drones and all kind of ratings, our lives can be exposed and shown every single minute and every single step can be commented, liked or disliked. That’s what Mae Holland experiences in “The Circle” by Dave Eggers.
10 and more Minsk tourist attractions to visit
I just came back from my trip to Minsk in Belarus and can’t wait to share my top 10 reasons to visit Minsk. You would be surprised how many things you can do and see in the Belarusian capital.
Legend of the First Kuker Warrior by Dimitar Petrov
Recently I read the article ”22 Ambassadors Recommend the One Book to Read Before Visiting Their Country”, the list being very interesting and offering interesting books from countries like Azerbaijan and Bhutan among others. So I was thinking ”Which book would I recommend to somebody planning to visit Bulgaria?”. There are emblematic Bulgarian classics translated worldwide, but a big part of them talk about Bulgaria under the Ottoman occupation which is an interesting part of Bulgarian history and past, but it’s not really a suitable reading for somebody looking to discover Bulgarian traditions, beauty, and culture as a tourist.
Best quotes from ”40 Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak
It took me a few months to read and re-read ”40 Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak. To make notes of all the words of wisdom I found applicable to me, to my life, to my experiences and values. I keep the notebook with me and scroll it regularly. I would like to share with you the best quotes from “40 Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.
The Great Bulgarian Wall – Fortress of Ovech and Shashkanite Rock Monastery near Provadia, Bulgaria
I’ve never heard of the Fortress of Ovech, neither the Shashkanite Rock Monastery near Provadia in Bulgaria, or the Great Bulgarian wall as I call it until I started seeing great pictures on social media. That’s the reason why I decided to visit these places and was overwhelmed by The Fortress of Ovech and Shashkanite Rock Monastery near Provadia. It looks as mind-blowing as in all the photos I’ve ever seen no matter the camera and the photographer!
Book review ”The subtle art of not giving a fuck” by Mark Manson
My intention with this book review is to put black on white a concise review of what did I learn out from ”The subtle art of not giving a fuck” by Mark Manson. Not to mention that I read it twice in one go, outlined sentences and excerpts I think can be useful. However, what did I learn and what lessons am I willing to apply in my everyday life?
Book review of ”Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes” by Guzel Yakhina
Have anybody ever thought that life in a Gulag in Siberia could be much better than in your own home with your own family? Sounds unimaginable, but the novel ”Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes” by Guzel Yakhina describes how Zuleikha’s reality changes for the better when she is brought far away from her homeland the Tatar village of Ulbash. Continue to read my book review of ”Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes” by Guzel Yakhina, one of the best contemporary novels I’ve read so far.
Destination Rotterdam, the most modern city in the Netherlands
The first time I visited Rotterdam it amazed me. It’s spacious, modern, exciting, hosting the biggest port in Europe, Rotterdam is often compared to Dubai because of its modern architecture and skyscrapers. The second biggest city in the Netherlands has a lot to offer in terms of how to spend unforgettable time in Rotterdam!
10 reasons to explore a Dutch food market
Wondering what else to do while in the Netherlands apart from all the main tourist attractions? Want to experience a local atmosphere with delicious food and buy presents for your family and friends they will absolutely love? I selected 10 reasons to explore Dutch a food market in the Nethelrands. Moreover, visiting a Dutch food market is your chance to experience a unique immersion in Dutch culture, food and ambiance!
Tick all ”203 Challenges – travel the world and explore your inner self”
Last summer I was looking for travel books to buy and my eyes crossed an interesting title ”203 challenges – Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self”. I opened the book and started to turn the pages. I was intrigued straight away and after 2 minutes I was seating at the coffee corner of the bookstore reading all the 203 challenges. That’s what I am calling love at first sight! “203 Travel Challenges” is an amazing book full of inspiration, ideas and challenges that will urge you to call your friends and embark on an unforgettable adventure. This book is not only for people who are all the time on the road but also for everyone who is willing to explore one’s inner adventurous self.
Doing all kind of Christmas stuff – things to do at home
Having Christmas holidays is the perfect time to relax, eat well and enjoy the cosiness of home. Here is my recipe for a perfect Christmas hygge at home that you can practice doing all kind of Christmas stuff.
5 things to do in Zeeland, the Netherlands out of the season
Have you ever heard about Zeeland in the Netherlands? Do you have an idea where it is on the map? It looks like Zeeland is a well-known region located between The Netherlands and Belgium where people go on vacation during the summer period ??? Even though it’s in the middle of nowhere and nobody knows about that, it looks like I could select 5 authentic things to do in Zeeland, the Netherlands out of the season. The region has his beauty and charm and a lot to offer for one’s curious eyes and soul.
10 incredible experiences to absolutely not miss out in Thailand
Wanna be on ”The Beach”? After the movie ”The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio tourism in Thailand and its emerald beaches has just exploded. I just came back from my trip and can’t wait to offer you my selection of 10 incredible experiences to absolutely not miss out in Thailand.
How did the end of the year 2017 go – October to December review
This short review is a continuation of ”Is it possible for you to accomplish a goal every month?” article and this is the perfect opportunity for me to share how did the end of the 2017 (from October to December) go for me.
Skip the German Christmas markets and visit Dickens Festival in Deventer, the Netherlands
One of the things I absolutely wanted to do this year was to skip the German Christmas markets and visit the Dickens Festival in Deventer, in the Netherlands.
Read a quote every day
Quote are powerful messages and very often they cross our eyes or our eyes cross them at the very right moment. That happened to me while I was procrastinating to start my blog. One day I just read the following quote: “Start now. Where you are and with fear and pain. With doubt, hands shaking and the voice trembling. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just… start.â€
― Ijeoma Umebinyuo
Waiting for Dracula in Romania
The time has come to write a review of my trip to Romania. I wanted to go on a trip with my mother and an organized trip to Romania sounded like the perfect option. So, in May, we were waiting for Dracula in Romania.
Five movies that will urge you to travel
In the first article If movies were cities or countries, I would visit these places first, I wrote about movies and places I already visited. In five movies that will urge you to travel, I am going to write about places that are still on my bucket list.
Movies about the Great Masters of la Haute Couture
It’s autumn, the wheater is getting colder and colder and it’s time for movie nights. Today, I would like to offer you a selection of movies about the Great Masters of the Haute Couture. I am not so much into fashion, but the creative world behind the podiums has always impressed me. For me, fashion is more than clothes – it’s about art, history, colourful vision, hard work, precision and great dedication.
Movies about beautiful, strong and inspiring women
There are loads of brilliant movies about beautiful, strong and inspiring women. However, I would like to share with you, dear reader, five of the best movies with main female characters that marked me profoundly and showed me how strong women around the globe can be.
Little rituals for a cosy life
Happiness is really in the little pleasures of life. And everyone has his/ her little rituals that make one feels happy and fulfilled. Going to the gym, reading or just spending time with friends or beloved ones have a huge impact on our well being.
If movies were cities or countries, I would visit these places first
Are you wondering what to do on a Sunday afternoon? Check my selection of movies that I would visit if they were cities or countries and get inspired where to head next!
Is it possible for you to accomplish a goal every month?
I haven’t updated my Bucket list column for a while and took the time to investigate among my friends if they can accomplish a goal every month. “Wow, that’s kinda tough”, a lot of them said…A month goes so fast…”What do you mean to achieve a goal every month”? What kind of goals? So instead of giving me enough insight of yes or no to achieve a goal every month, everybody was bombarding me with questions????
Three great books “Time of Violence”, “War and Peace” and “I am Malala”
I am fluent in four languages and I would like to introduce you to a three great books review of “Time of Violence” by Anton Donchev, “War and Peace” by Tolstoy and “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai. I cannot imagine my life without reading, it’s just vital. I read everything that crosses my way from serious world literature to summer holidays novels. No favourite style or authors just the curiosity to explore a whole new world in one of the languages I master.
Rebuild yourself or how to handle your own bullshit?
Self-development, positive thinking books, movies, podcasts, coaches and all kind of gurus and tips are blooming nowadays. A lot of people even go further and quit their jobs and lives and decide to run away to find themselves….. Feeling bad or anxious is baned and considered as something that one should not talk about and just avoid the subject. But the reality is that not everything and every day is roses and unicorns. I do not pretend to know all about it, not at all, I even struggle to take care of myself sometimes, but in order to find the best possible way to handle my own shit, I am going to put in writing all my thoughts on how to re-build yourself and how to handle your own bullshit. Am I on the right path or all I am saying is a complete bullshit…It’s up to you to decide…
The answer to the question “How to achieve your goals”?
Hi there!!!! I am very into goals setting, goals achieving, goals writing and so on. It all started in 2014 when I moved to the Netherlands and had a lot of time to read, think, look for a new job and learn English….During this period I bought a notebook that I still keep and where I write recipes, tips for how to find a job, or just noted quotes of the books I was reading.
Three Dutch cities other than Amsterdam worth visiting – Amersfoort, Gorinchem and Den Bosch
You’ve already been to Amsterdam and are wondering what else you can do in the Netherlands apart from Zaanse Schans and Volendam? I suggest to get out of the crowd and check the connections to these three Dutch cities other than Amsterdam and worth visiting for one day: Amersfoort, Gorinchem and s’Hertogenbosch.
Paris, je t’aime – itinerary for one Parisian weekend
Paris is the city of love, to find love, to fall in love or just to be there with your beloved ones. I travelled to Paris many times and every time is like I am for the first time there. There are many books, movies, songs, paintings inspired by the sublime city of Paris. Making an itinerary for a Parisian weekend is easy nowadays as It’s the must-do destination for everyone once in a lifetime.
Things to do and discover in Silistra – the apricot paradise of Bulgaria
Despite the low-cost airlines’ invasion, Bulgaria remains quite unexplored, especially the Northeastern region. I currently live in the Netherlands, but originally come from Silistra – a small city on the Danube river. Northeastern Bulgaria or as I call it, the apricot paradise has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, food, and tips to have a good time. And it’s definitely out of the beaten tourist path.
Local and authentic festivals in Bulgaria – which one to visit?
Bulgaria is a must-visit country for every festival addicts. No matter when, no matter where, there will be a festival or а local feast for sure. Thus, I am going to make an ultimate guide to local and authentic festivals in Bulgaria to make yur choice which one to visit easier!
Canals in Utrecht, what else?
Everybody knows Amsterdam, everybody wants to be there at least once, this is an absolute must-see-place-before-I-die in every bucket list. However, there is another place in the Netherlands as beautiful as Amsterdam and as vibrant as the Dutch capital. And…. this is Utrecht with its unique canals.