BULGARIA 2018

Bulgaria was the beginning of my Baltic journey.
The Rila mountain range was on my list of world power spots and the only planned area in Bulgaria - life often shows me it has an even better plan than I can possibly imagine.
There are hundreds of lakes in the Rila mountain range, but it is most known for the Seven Rila Lake area. The hike to see all seven takes about 6 hrs round trip. I happened to be there during a unusual stormy time. It was very cold during my hike, and as I got deeper in th mountains, the clouds got so thick I could only see a couple of feet in front of me. I took off my undershirt and tied it around my head to keep my ears warm. I wish I got a picture of that :)
While in Rila I met multiple people telling me that I have to see Belintash, in the Phodopi mountain range across Bulgaria - when I get the same message three or more times, I learned take heed.
I went to Belintash, and it was definitely worth the journey.
I stayed at Complex Old Times 2 in Vrata, Belintash - which was a welcomed treat. I had a very comfortable room with the abundant fruit tree garden and swimming pool views. Meals were delivered to eat outside on my veranda :)
I enjoyed the scenic walk to Belintash plateau daily, and also explored other places of interest in the area. While I was there, people kept telling me I can't leave Bulgaria without going to Rupite, where the famous blind mystic Vanga lived. When I was told about the healing Volcanic Thermal Springs, I HAD to go. This journey took me back towards Rila.
I was able to stay in a beautifully furnished apt, with a very much needed clothes washer and dryer, serene backyard, lovely hostess and family - and as soon as I arrived, Brian the Hostess son, rode bikes with me to show me where the Thermal springs were. I highly recommend if you visit Rupite, you stay at the home Vilor.
Serendipitously a Bulgarian woman I was connected with through Abadania Brazil, was coming to the area to camp, and offered to share her tent.
I told her about the two other mountain ranges I went to already, and she said she heard that Rila represents truth, Phodopi (Belintash) represents love, and the mountain range where we went hiking/camping, Pirin (rojin) represents wisdom.
I was very excited that I got to experience all three of the important and powerful mountain ranges in Bulgaria!

“It's all a series of serendipities
with no beginnings and no ends.
Such infinitesimal possibilities
Through which love transcends.”
― Ana Claudia Antunes, The Tao of Physical and Spiritual

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU

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