Varna
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We rehearsed and performed in Varna, the second largest city in Bulgaria. We had a fair amount of free time here, so we got to walk and shop and see the sights. One day it rained, so I paid six leva (about $4) for a Hawaiian shirt made in Thailand. Figure that out. But it was dry, so hey...I also found a thrift store that sold clothes by the kilogram. I got a red leather jacket for $14. Varna was beautiful. There was artistry everywhere, in the buildings, the sculptures, in the flowerbeds and the shop windows. There was a pedestrian mall that was at least a couple of miles long. This fountain was near the aquarium end of it, and the cathedral was at the other end. Everywhere in between there were points of interest.
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We went to the Archeological Museum one day. They had on display the "oldest gold in the world." This exhibit is from an excavation of a burial ground that has at least three types of graves--some like this one, some with the body curled in a fetal position, and some that seem ceremonial or symbolic, with no body, but all the jewels and weapons, as if the person had been lost at sea or in battle. I asked our tour guide if it would be okay to take non-flash pictures, and she looked around before whispering, "just don't get caught." |
| The historical sights were fascinating, but it was also cool to just walk along the streets. The buildings there don't look like ours. It was a very strange blend of old and modern. This street housed a photo shop and a software store. |  |
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After our last rehearsal, one of our new Bulgarian friends took us to her favorite pub. It was below street level, and I had to duck my 5'4" self to get off the bottom step and through the door at the same time. It was small and barren and smelly and smoky and we had a fabulous time just sitting and talking and enjoying the company. |
| There was a lawyer's office across the street, and I just don't see that many round buildings in America, so here it is. |  |
