Love Thy Neighbour: the Bulgarian Summer Experience. Part 2 - Ceramic Factory and Cape Kaliakra

                   

      The day trip we took to Cape Kaliakra and Balchik deserves 2 separate entries, because it was in itself an enchanting experience. Even with the (probably) 40 degrees outside, I still recommend it. 

          First of all, how can you go on these day trips? In Golden Sands, all accross the resort, there are several small tourism agencies organizing various day trips - apart from this one, we had options such as Nesebar, Varna, Albena, Bulgarian country side, or even Istanbul. And we chose Kaliakra and Balchik. It cost us 30 leva for the trip plus other 17 for the entrance to touristic attractions, which would mean roughly 20 euros. 

          The funniest part is that we were told we'd have an English speaking guide, which was true... only partially. Because on the bus, we were the only 'outsiders' in a group of Russian tourists, with Russian speaking guide. Fantastic! That means I also got to practice my listening skills in Russian, and also make very basic conversation with the ladies sitting next to me.  However, when it came to important organizational information, I was not confident enough in what I understood, and I always had to ask twice, or ask for written timetables to be shown to me. But in the end, we did have an English speaking guide once we got to our touristic attractions. 
      Our first stop was at a small ceramic factory on the way. It is a small and pretty house with a garden, which adds an extra joy to the visit. Creating ceramic objects is another traditional craft common to Bulgaria and Romania. We had the chance to watch how colour is prepared, how objects are molded by hand, and later painted. And of course, stroll around the shop, admiring everything that could be done with painted ceramics, in an explosion of colours, shapes and motifs. 

            

       
      Next, we headed towards Cape Kaliakra, and up till that point I was not yet aware of what I am about to advise you now. Please beware of the fact that you will travel around midday and early afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest. Wear light and comfortable clothes, as well as comfortable shoes, because you will walk a lot, and go up and down hills and stairs. A hat, lots of water and sun protecting cream will also help. There is not much vegetation on Cape Kaliakra, or trees to keep shadow. Only the breeze can refresh a bit, but not as much as you would need.    

              

                  

     Cape Kaliakra is like a narrow peninsula and natural reservation, but also military base, situated in the north of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is distinguished by vertical cliffs, raising about 70 meters above the sea, remains of the ancient fortress with its museum, and, last but not least, a magnificent view, which apparently it is also a famous spot for observing dolphins, but we were not lucky enough.        

               

             In spite of everything, the landscape is worth all the frying under the sun, as it really gives you the feeling of being on top of the world. And also gives you a complusive need to jump directly into the sea from that height, and refresh yourself once and for all! :D 
              Also, be prepared to hear lots of mysteries and legend linked to the place. What is the meaning of the statue greeting you at the entrance? What happened there during the Russian-Turkish war in the 18th century? What is the legend of the 40 maidens? I will let you find out!

         

     

          The third ans last portion of my Bulgarian trip will be about Balchick - a territory moved back and forth from Bulgaria to Romania, and which is the ideal place to relax. Stay tuned!