This weekend, somewhere not too far from where I’m staying in rural Bulgaria, a rather unusual event is quietly taking place. You won’t see posters for it around town, and it definitely isn’t listed on the local tourist calendar. In fact, unless you already know about it, you’d probably miss it entirely. It’s known as
Today is 3 March, officially the “Day of Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Dominion.” It’s a day to honor the volunteers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 and helped set their country free. I marked the occasion with a wander to the nearby village of Sredno Gradishte. My path led through sleepy
Today offered one of those travel moments that lingers long after the dust settles. In the small village of Sredno Gradishte, I noticed two young boys rummaging through a dumpster — a reminder that rural life isn’t always postcard-perfect. Not long after, their father appeared in a horse and cart, rolling in as if from
Izvorovo is the small historic village in southern Bulgaria that I currently call home (for now). Tucked into the fertile Thracian lowlands and the gentle foothills of the Sredna Gora mountains, it’s a place where rural traditions still breathe easily. Chickens outnumber cars, gardens are serious business, and the local community hall keeps cultural traditions
Three of the absolute cutest dogs have officially stolen my heart — Dad, daughter and Mum … Charlie, Ruby and Pixie. If this is the welcoming committee, I’d say the next three weeks are shaping up beautifully already. Jane flies out tonight to Egypt, with a little stopover in Turkey to keep things interesting. Some
Feeling a little tender this morning as I gaze out the plane window, waiting for the last passengers to board. Just like that, my Turkish chapter is almost closed. This journey through Turkey has been a beautiful blend of learning, understanding, joy, and deep gratitude — especially for the hospitality, which truly feels endless. Tea
Well, we squeezed in two more solid days in the field — and I’m so glad we did! There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing up muddy, rosy-cheeked, and feeling like you’ve properly earned your dinner. But today? A brisk 2 degrees, with snow-rain falling steadily from the sky as if winter wanted the final word.
Rain, rain… and now snow is predicted. Perfect timing, of course! After two solid days in the fields, I’ve been busy weeding garden beds ready for vegetables and cutting branches and suckers into neat little piles for firewood and compost. It’s honest, satisfying work — the kind where you fall into bed happily tired and
What an amazing morning spent with the wonderful ladies at the co-op! A room full of talent across all ages — some threading beads with laser focus, others knitting, painting, shaping pottery, working the loom, or cleverly transforming tired old clothes and upholstery fabric into something completely new and fabulous. It’s more than just a
One of the most memorable places I visited in Ankara was Anıtkabir, the grand resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.And when I say grand… I mean grand. This isn’t just a mausoleum — it’s a vast ceremonial complex complete with statues, sweeping courtyards, a long ceremonial road, and a museum filled