We had Unification Day earlier in the month, now we have, in theory, a four day holiday celebrating Bulgarian Independence. Bulgarians have had to work the previous two Saturdays to make up for this extended holiday however I was to discover that most shops and service outlets remained open because they need the income. Indeed the low wage economy took this post in a direction which I had not intended when I set out this morning. The Varna website was sadly lacking in information so I went down into the town centre in search of parades or events to mark the occasion. I was either in the wrong place at the right time or the right place at the wrong time. Inevitably I found myself in the Sea Garden as this is where many of the monuments are. The sun was shining with a temperature in the low to mid 20s, a pleasant day to stroll around and the same thought had occurred to most of the population here in Varna. Those not working that is. Instead of a photo album of parades and other formal events I enjoyed the activities around me giving rise to an album of enjoyment in simple family activities and the company of friends. Inevitably I would later be drawn in the direction of the sea.
Unification joined the north and south of the country in 1885, Independence Day celebrates the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Bulgaria had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1396. In the late nineteenth century, a growing tide of nationalism had been spreading across Europe, which had been threatening the break up of the western parts of the Ottoman Empire. In April 1876, uprisings in other parts of the Ottoman Empire spread to Bulgaria. The suppression of the revolts by the Ottomans was horrific and when the atrocities were made public to the West and Russia, international condemnation was widespread. In 1877, Russia formally declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The conflict eventually resulted in the creation of a Bulgarian principality within the Ottoman Empire, albeit with reduced land. Following a war with Serbia, the principality extended its area in the region and on 22 September 1908, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria declared Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. In 1944, the Bulgarian monarchy was overthrown and Bulgaria became a republic with close links to the Soviet Bloc. The communist party lost control when the Soviet Union collapsed with free elections taking place in 1990. It wasn't until 1998, when the Bulgarian Independence Day was reinstated by the Bulgarian Parliament.
The first things I noticed on arrival in the Sea Garden were the bare flower beds. Do not despair amongst the crowds enjoying the park a team of gardeners hard at work. The beds will soon be bright with seasonal flowers once again. Buskers performed around the park, all are skilled musicians who's harmonies blend in to the overall ambience of the day. I have tried to capture the peace and the excitement too. Some electing to sit or stroll, some taking their dog for a walk. Children and adults on a myriad means of transport.
A game of football with dad or friends. The fairgrounds would draw in the children for a treat. Mum and dad with a pushchair. Do we still enjoy such simple pleasures in England these days, we used to when I was young. Then came TV, cars and the internet. I hope that you will find as much joy in viewing the photographs as I did taking them.
View my "Independence Day" photo album
Eventually I found myself heading down towards the beach, it is the end of the season. The hustle and bustle of May and June preparing the bars clubs and restaurants seems to be for such a short time of reward. I wondered why the season was so short until it was pointed out to me that, whilst daytime temperatures are still high, evening quickly cool down. Most of the buildings here along the beaches are open to the sea. The seagulls inhabit the once crowded beach. A deserted lifeguard station, he was still on duty but topping up his suntan on the deserted beach.
How about this for a delicious lunch. "Morski Rai" or "Sea Paradise", known locally as "the Paradise", remains open all year around. If it is meat that you are after they only have a small selection. Seafood is their forte. As I approached I actually caught Joy, the owner, sitting chatting and looking relaxed. A well earned break. They pack a lot of customers in during the two month season. Many establishments are open from between 08:00 - 10:00 hours in the morning to 01:00 - 04:00 the following morning. Normally two shifts of staff but the owner always needs to keep a sharp eye on things.
My day ended at a concert at the University of Economics. The Helsinki Baroque Trio,
Aapo Hakkinen - harpsichord
Dimitre Marinkev - traverso flute
Dora Asterstad - Baroque violin, performed as part of the 90th Music Festival which draws to a close on Saturday. I shall write more about this in another post. 5 Leva gave rise to two hours of entertainment and a standing ovation from the audience.
The programme;
Vivaldi - Sonata in D major for flute, violin and harpsichord.
Fr. Benda - Sonata IV in A minor for violin and harpsichord.
J.S. Bach - Fantasia in C minor for harpsichord.
F. Richter - Sonata VI in G minor for flute and harpsichord.
J.S. Bach - Sonata in C major for flute and harpsichord.
C. Ph. Em. Bach - Sonata in G major for flute, violin and harpsichord.
Until next time...
(I have adopted a new approach with captions on the photographs so if anyone wants an unblemished copy an email request through my profile should do it. Good idea or not let me know.)
The first things I noticed on arrival in the Sea Garden were the bare flower beds. Do not despair amongst the crowds enjoying the park a team of gardeners hard at work. The beds will soon be bright with seasonal flowers once again. Buskers performed around the park, all are skilled musicians who's harmonies blend in to the overall ambience of the day. I have tried to capture the peace and the excitement too. Some electing to sit or stroll, some taking their dog for a walk. Children and adults on a myriad means of transport.
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