Pandemic holidays. Who would have imagined? However, the only thing that happens is that I was able to have a few days close to the sea. Because a year without a sea seems to me to be a lost year. I'm exaggerating a bit, there are much bigger misfortunes that can hit us and as I write this my pessimistic brain already has some sinister examples in my head!
I am trying to dispel the catastrophic images with some memories from the recently ended vacation in Balchik, Bulgaria. A small old town on the shores of a Black Sea. Like a capricious sea, as this sea is, here it's green!
Nothing is free in the world and this truth is the truest in a tourist place, with people coming to relax and have fun. The merchants do everything to bring you to their store, no matter how small it is, and to make you take the money out of your pocket. The same happens in Balchik. First they try to tickle the national pride and put the flags of three countries above all.
In the order they appear in the photo ...
Tourists in Romania are the most numerous, for two reasons.
Because it's very close, I make less than four hours from home (Bucharest) to here and because the most important tourist attraction is the Castle where Queen Maria of Romania lived.
The Romanians are not very wealthy, just a little wealthier than the Bulgarians (but not for long, I think the Bulgarians will step on us soon). Tourists who come here are middle class and can afford to spend on vacation to feel good.
Romanian tourists are appreciated because there are ... many. The more there are, the more they buy, of course!... My wife and I are one of them, only this year I bought very little ... I watched more.
Anyway, I had to buy something that would be a souvenir and, fortunately, I chose some silver earrings. We both like silver, we also did the silver wedding several years ago.
Tourist in your country, an ordinary tourist, like all of us. Many. Who has to buy souvenirs for relatives and friends. Like us!
I wondered why the Russian flag also appeared. It is known that Bulgaria, during the communist period, was in the sphere of Russian influence and there are probably many more Russian fans among the Bulgarians, especially among the old ones. Young people think they have a different opinion.
Then I understood (I think), the Russians are the best customers, buyers. The Russians are expansive and they like everything to be ... a lot. A heavenly hand for merchants, restaurant owners and hoteliers. For that it deserves a flag on the esplanade!
I saw shops with expensive jewelry and branded watches. I wondered who comes on vacation and buys such items. Now I find out ... the Russians!
I really like listening to music and I always make connections between names, places, people and music. Now the reference to the Russians reminded me of Sting and one of his old songs.
It's just a superficial connection, the context doesn't fit but I can't stop putting this song that I like enormously and keeps its topicality and hope that the world will survive the nuclear danger.
Fortunately, the Russians were not upset. I have proof here, Sting sang the song in Moscow ...
An observation I made in my travels, when we think about the habits of spending money on vacation. This photo reminded me of that and shows the reality as it is.
The difference between the desire of men and women. It can be seen that they go and look in different directions. They want different ... men want food and drink and women prefer shopping. Both attitudes are good for the city.
We chose to spend our money for the little pleasures of the holiday. Visiting the Castle and the botanical garden, to stay in the sun and in the shade and, of course, for beer and food. Cold beer, seafood and traditional Bulgarian food!
This was the story of the three flags, in my opinion and imagination.
Something about Balchik. An old city, when I say old, it means really old. Founded by Greek settlers in the fifth century BC and named Dionysopolis!
Over 2500 years old. Impressive! Of course, it had periods of glory, development but also decay. The current city does not mean who knows what but it is an important and beautiful Black Sea resort. The point of attraction is the Castle and the Botanical Garden but also the hospitality of the hosts, the low prices and the tasty food with oriental (Turkish) influences.
It is located 40 km from an important port city of Bulgaria, Varna. It can be reached by bus, car, plane (Varna airport) and on the water, here there is a small port.
The inhabitants of the city love flowers and find unique ways to display them.
It was a wonderful vacation, coming after many failures and obstacles. Near the house I could find what I like best. The sea! I hope that the batteries of our bodies, so charged, will hold us well until we overcome this global challenge and resume our normal life.
