Vratsa

It was dark when we arrived at Vratsa. We found a very nice hotel - Hotel Hemus and I turned in immediately.
The effects of my encounter with the local raki ensured me of a good nights sleep.
Amazingly I awoke as fresh as a daisy, with no hangover and with my vision and brain function restored to normal. Armed with my camera I emerged early from the hotel and set out to explore.
Vratsa is said to be the most picturesque town in Bulgaria. Situated in North Western Bulgaria on the northern edge of the mountain chain, the Vrachanski Balkan, the area boasts a rich nature, history and culture. This March morning, however, Vratsa was shrouded with a cold mist and the visibility was poor. Through the mist, I could make out the cliffs that seemed to overhang the town. In the centre of the town square stands a statue celebrating the poet and revolutionary - Hristo Botev whilst on the hill behind the beautiful Hristo Botev tourist house overlooks the square. Within these grounds is a statue of a Russian soldier - Petlak the Cossack. The monument known as "
The Herald of Liberty" who at this place on the 9th. November1877 announced the liberation of the town by blowing his battle horn. Each Sunday the battle horn is still sounded.
From this vantage point, on a clear day one would enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the town but not on a day such as this.
Despite this, the mist lent an ethereal quality to the strange quiet of the scene; devoid of tourists at this time of the year.
Without Vratsa deserves its reputation as a place of outstanding beauty. A place that I will surely return to when time and weather permit.
Returning to my hotel, I was surprised to learn that my son had not as yet risen from his bed. After all it was 6-30am. ;no staying power that's the trouble with the younger generation.
When he finally surfaced, he looked distinctly unwell. He complained of flu like symptons. When I suggested that I would do the driving back to Varna he appeared to rally somewhat.
Seriously though, when travelling I am always armed with my spray bottle of colloidal silver. A couple of squirts around the nose and mouth before setting off on a journey, especially when flying or in close proximity to sneezy people, keeps me free of colds and other nasties.
A couple more photographs of Vratsa before I leave. This journey served to reinforce my feelings of good fortune that I had discovered this great country and its lovely people.