Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Varna and the Black Sea Coast

“Europe’s new funky-town”

Варна, България – Varna, Bulgria

16-17 May 2019

Varna drapes around Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast and the lovely Gulf of Varna. Originally called Odessos and an important Thracian seaside port, Varna has been a major economic and cultural center for over 3000 years. Lots of history, mild temperatures, ancient Roman ruins, turquoise seas, and the oldest gold treasure in the world – the walled city of Varna sounds like my kind of destination.

Pam and I take the train from Stara Zagora to Varna. The countryside is mostly flat and agricultural. The train is mostly dirty and slow. However, by afternoon we are dipping our toes into the Black Sea.

What is special about Varna? For one, it’s ancient history. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Стара Загора, България – Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

14-15 May 2019

Stara Zagora, meaning the old region beyond the Balkan mountains, was settled by Thracians sometime between the 5-4th century BC. The city itself was founded by Phillip II of Macedon in 342 BC. The city grew to its largest radius under Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) and became the second most important city in the Roman province with such auspicious visitors and Caracalla, Septimius Severus and Diocletian. As a result of the Gothic War 376-382, the city was destroyed but rebuilt by Justinian. In 1208 the Bulgarians defeated the Latin Empire, kicked their Roman butts out and established their own homeland. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Exploring Bulgaria – Thracians and Bulgarian Roses

13 May 2019

I am being fed, pampered, clothed, fed, entertained, and fed with real Bulgarian hospitality. Mila, Vladimir and daughter Pam are spoiling me to the max. Today, they guide me to several fascinating sites of very early Bulgarian history. Americans learn next to nothing about this region of the world. We are missing out on the fascinating early beginnings of Man and his evolution and survival.

(more…)

By Pat, ago

Exploring Bulgarian History

12 May 2019

Driving in, around, over and through the striking landscape of steep cliffs and the very green Balkan Mountains, I am surrounded by the lush flora and fauna of the Bulgarka Nature Park. The mountain range forms the watershed between the Black and Aegean seas. Shipka Pass, at 3820 ft., marks the border between Stara Zagora and Gabrovo province. During the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-1878, the pass was the locale for a series of historic battles fought between the Russians, aided by Bulgarian volunteers, and the Ottoman Empire. With Russian assistance, these battles led to the independence of Bulgaria, an event Bulgarians have never forgotten. Today, my cousins will share this part of their history with me. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Bulgaria – Finding My Roots

София, България – Sofia, Bulgaria

History and DNA Cousins  –  9-11 May 2019

One should question who we are even if we think we know the answer. We soon become part of the globe and its history. Unraveling a shared past brings us closer together. 

I last visited Bulgaria in September of 2016. I fell in love with Sofia and Plovdiv, all of Bulgaria for that matter. I did not know at the time that one of my closest DNA cousins is Bulgarian. Primal Instinct, subconscious reaction? It is exciting to be revisiting Bulgaria and meeting my cousins. (more…)

By Pat, ago

NOLA – Mardi Gras 2019

28 February – 10 March 2019

It is impossible to accurately describe Mardi Gras unless you have experienced it with a local.

Mardi Gras is not what I have seen on TV over the years. Well, it probably looks like that down in the renowned French Quarter among the tourists and drunks, but Mardi Gras is definitely not like that in other areas of the city. It still is a crazy experience but not ridiculously crazy. 

How did I see Mardi Gras? 

(more…)
By Pat, ago

No Guarantee One Will Like Travel

January 12, 2562 BE

There is no guarantee that someone will like travel.

When I moved to California 50 years ago, I had never been west of Des Moines. I had no idea what to expect other than it was my decision and my new job. So, if it was a bad decision, I could just move back? Probably it would have not been that easy.

When I first traveled in 1972, some 84 countries and seven continents ago, I had no clue what to expect. I had never traveled out of the country, let alone on my own. In both cases, I made the right decisions for myself and have never regretted the adventures.

Last Christmas, I gave my niece, Mikaela, the gift of travel. “Anywhere you want to go,” I said to this novice, 15-year-old potential tourist. I was hoping for something easy, familiar, comfortable. She chose Thailand. Thailand? Are you sure? Yes, she was and thus, Christmas of 2018 we traveled to Thailand. It was full of surprises for the both of us.

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By Pat, ago