I woke up rather early with a plan to experience as little tourists as possible. Somehow I don't like the crowds of people going to the same paces and partaking in obvious activities like everybody else.
So my plan was to visit one hiking trail leading on top of a cliff baring a The love swing.
Little I knew that that would not manifest in my plan. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and start from the Hiker's Hostel as last time. Being the first hostel opened in the city we should give him some credit.
It is very traditional house converting into a place able to accommodate 16 people. This time however I am almost the only guest.
The views from the terrace are awesome and motivate one to go out there and explore the nature visible in the distance.
For today's walk I have even installed maps.me as they have more detailed walking routes than google. I can highly recommend them for such purpose!
As I have mentioned earlier I wanted to avoid crowds. So I have planned to cross the river Yantra by a train bridge. And you can be certain I was the only one going there.
I had to pass a part of the city no that appealing for average tourist's eye. I do however find pleasure in finding hidden corners and somewhat empty buildings and ruins. That is in fact the real architecture. Built by bare hands and sweat of the generations before us. You could call it the people's architecture.
Ever present cats observing everything that passes by also created an interesting atmosphere...
The way down started by somewhat uninteresting left turn from the main road to the local fortress.
Only thing that caught my eye was massive wooden chairs guarding the entry to the staircase. I assume it was some artist's or sculptor's front yard. They seamlessly fitted to the surroundings and were followed by other interesting monuments...T
The staircase quickly turned into impassable bush. My face got covered by spiderwebs and my clothing was colored by blooming flowers. It was a steep descending stairs leading to the train bridge I had plan on passing.
Shortly after I got out of the jungle and entered the river bank.
River Yantra is not the cleanest of rivers. Maybe the fact that is was raining the day before added to the effect, but it seems way too brown to be inviting one for a swim. That is in fact a sad reality of most Bulgarian rivers...
This was half way to my desired cliffs with the Love swing. However I quickly realized that I made a mistake and I will not be able to proceed from where I got myself to. The path there starts indeed from the Fortress, but from totally other side and follows the cliffs visible on the photos. Once I have descended to the river it would be quite difficult to get back on the track so I had to come up with a plan B.
Why not embracing the fact that I got lost I thought. Let's see what this river has to offer.
The meander of river Yantra creates a snake like shape when seen from above, making an impression that the fortress itself is build on an island.
Baring many bridges one can choose variations of paths.
So I have made a circle around the fortress, got hungry and headed back to the hostel to recharge myself. I was disappointed by missing my desired destination on top of the cliffs and had to compensate for that fact.
After a brunch and tea brake I was headed to another rather local atraction.
Waterfall Kartala.
As for the first time, not the easiest of paths. But one can't expect tarmac leading to natural beauties. Rocky and narrow path led me towards my destination. Not only the place was full of old trees, but the views were also quite worth it. Finally I was feeling like I am on the right path.
Surroundings of the waterfall were in fact quite maintained - contrary to the rest of my walk. Little wooden steps and bridges were the guide. The waterfall itself wasn't anything of a scale but provided shade and nice wet micro climate.
Only after my second venture I felt satisfied with my content hunt and headed happily back to the Hiker's Hostel to chill in the lobby and work on my article...
All the best,
Global Local
