My wish to visit the Rhodopes came true at last. This is how it happened: I had met Mariana and Stefan in Germany and I was still in touch with them when they came back to Bulgaria. So, I dropped in to see them in Stara Zagora for one weekend.

The first night Mariana made a meal for us and we celebrated at her place. The following day we set off for the Rhodopes together with Mariana and Stefan. From Plovdiv, we continued our journey to the so-called Chudni Mostove, The Wonderful Bridges. We are talking about something that was created by nature in the very heart of the Rhodopes. The rocks are in the shape of bridges. In my opinion, one can get dizzy if travelling by car and it’s impossible to get to them by bus.

From left to right: I, Mariana, Stefan and Pensho 

Our next stop was the monastery of Bachkovo. This is the second most significant monastery in Bulgaria after the monastery of Rila. As interesting as it is, I definitely like more the monastery of Rila.

On our way back to Stara Zagora we also visited the Castle of Assenovgrad.

Then, we headed back to Stara Zagora. We stopped by in a village to have dinner. I enjoyed the most delicious pork stew in my life. At Mariana’s place, I met her son, her sister and niece. I went back to Slanchev Briag by bus the following day.

All in all, the weekend was a perfect mix of immersing into the real life of the Bulgarians and an entertaining excursion in the wonderful nature of Bulgaria. And, of course, meetings with friends.