On a short trip, I found a connection between some pots, some stones, and some cats.
Considering that all of these are photogenic, I photographed them and after looking at them more carefully, I decided to show them here, in a slightly forced photo essay. It was forced but self-sustaining, in my opinion. It's up to your opinion to give the verdict.
I love ceramic pots, I love the fired clay color and shape, a shape inspired by the shape of ancient amphorae.
I admit that the connection of these pots to cats is not too obvious and I will reveal later what I think they have in common.
The connection between stones and cats is much more obvious. Have you seen the cat?
We saw the sea in winter. It was an old wish of mine that has been fulfilled, at the beginning of the new year and almost in the middle of winter.
So what could be the connection between pots, stones, and cats? In this case, to which I refer this connection is made by the sea! But not just any sea, it's a winter sea. Even if winter no longer resembles winter, it is more like a spring.
I am now revealing where I took these photos. It's a place where even the stones on the shore are carved. Balchik, in Bulgaria.
Everything I've written so far has just been an introduction.
Cats in Balchik
Pots and stones were just an excuse to get to... cats!
Balchik is our favorite city on the Black Sea. We have been coming here for decades, every summer. We have noticed the presence of cats around the hotels, restaurants, terraces, and promenades. Cats without owners, living on their own and fed mostly by tourists. I always wondered how they survive in winter, when there are no tourists and most hotels are closed.
I was afraid to think about the answer to that question. Well, it wasn't as bad as I feared. I saw many cats now sitting on the boardwalks or near the now-closed terraces. Most of them looked very good. The explanation is that people are coming to feed them.
In such pleasant weather, it's easier, I still think if winter was harsher, many of the cats probably wouldn't have much to eat.
I noticed something else. Almost more than food, cats seem to crave the presence of humans even more. Everywhere I've seen humans, I've seen at least one cat standing nearby.
I noticed something else. Almost more than food, cats seem to crave the presence of humans even more. Everywhere I've seen humans, I've seen at least one cat standing nearby.
Before I invite you to look at the cats of Balchik, I'll put a sweet song about a black cat.
A suite of a few photos that look the same, but aren't. The constant movement of the cats, their speed and agility. We've probably reached the place where they get their food... which hasn't come yet!
Our house was all dogs. Only dogs that weren't friends with cats. That's why we couldn't go near cats. We don't know cats.
My wife thinks she doesn't love cats. That's because cats are smarter than dogs and my wife can't forgive that.
If at home the cats stay away because of the dogs, here it's the other way around, the dogs don't dare to come near...
I have proof that cats are smart. My wife is about to be easily won over by this cat who knows how to get close to people.
A few clay pots, a few stones, and lots of cats.
Who brought it all together?
The sea, of course!
