Deep in the mountains of the Rilska valley, 70 miles south of Sofia, is the impressive Rila Monastery
The complex is seen as one of Bulgaria's most important architectural and cultural monuments, attracting nearly one million visitors a year.
Founded in the 10th C, by a hermit who lived in a cave forsaking all worldy goods it now bears his name "Sveti Ivan Rilski" , "The Monastery of St.John of Rila".
Still a live and working Monastery, housing circa 60 monks. A few were about on this particular day with it being a Sunday.
The main Church which was constructed in the mid 19th C was heavily patrolled by security monks, pouncing on anyone who even attempted to take a snap! So just externals I guess.
Frescos on the outer corridors
It was interesting to see the difference between the wall fresos low down compared to those high on the vaulted ceilings.
Those lowdown for the common folk who could neither read nor write depict harsh "scary" scenes of hell and eternal damnation.
Not so subliminal mind control by the Bishops and upper classes, what better way to control the mass population with lies and untruths based upon no actual evidence?
But glance up and see the land of milk and honey, this could all be yours. Do as you are told, serve us the ruling classes, starve whilst we pig out on the fat of the land. Dress in your rags whilst we wear the finest garments money can buy.
Do as you are commanded without question and you can join our imaginary friend sitting on the puffy white clouds.
In your life you just need to know the difference between good and bad.
I popped into the "kitchen museum"
Now that is either a very big spoon or a leprechaun
Looking straight up the kitchen chimney, not the stairway to heaven
Turn around young man think again, take stock of your life......
..... you are a long time dead, but if you have made your path in life I hope you enjoy it.