That doesn't happen every day, although it's no big deal. It's just a walk taken in a place over three hundred kilometers from home. By the sea. Feeling the sea in everything. What could be more pleasant?
The beginning of summer sometimes comes with the joy of seeing the sea again. The beginning of summer comes for us, namely my wife, a friend, and me, with the now usual trip, a short trip, to the Black Sea.
The Black Sea also caresses a small part of eastern-southern Romania, but much more it leans against Bulgaria, Romania's southern neighbor. Me, because I like the warmer climate and am closer to the Mediterranean, I usually go to the sea only in Bulgaria. That's only in the last 30 years. Before, I was also very satisfied with the Romanian coast and very unhappy that I could not go beyond the borders of the country. Now I can, I could go anywhere but... my wallet doesn't allow it.
I choose Bulgaria for several reasons, such:
- it is (still) cheaper than in Romania
- the sea is more pleasant and beautiful than in Romania
- the distance is only 100 km longer...
My favorite place is called Balchik. A small town with a small seaside resort...
A place more for rest, relaxation, walking and less for noisy fun, sitting at the beach and bathing in the sea. That's because there are few small beaches...
... but even those keen on these usual seaside holiday activities can be satisfied.
It is a popular place, especially for those with children and the elderly. I fall into both categories, although my child has not been going to the sea with me for a long time...
It's a perfect place for a walk, a good place for good food (if you know how to look), a good place for good coffee (if you know how to look), a good place for a good drink (but I don't care anymore, because I'm not allowed anymore).
Mostly, the best is for walking. A long walk, several kilometers long, along the seashore is the place of choice for tourists. Although there are the same places to see, we never get bored and repeat the same route at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, when the sun is softer and the sea breeze caresses!
It is, of course, obvious that I am writing this for 's #WednesdayWalk but also as a short and, I hope, informative and useful travel blog, in the hope that some readers will be curious to see this place.
Walking in Balchik has a special charm for us, even if it can be considered boring, having limits on one side, where the hotels are...
... but I can play with the reflections in the windows, thus avoiding doing what I don't like and don't do well. Selfie! Neither my face nor my body helps me.
Then on the other side is the sea! What more could I want? The sea has a great quality... it is never the same, it is always changing...
The big attraction of the small town of Balchik is called the Castle and Gardens of Queen Mary of Romania. A place that reserves a future post. Now some pictures from the outside of the fabulous gardens!
The Mediterranean climate can be felt here. The specific flowers testify to this. Lavender is, I think, an emblem.
Bulgaria is a major producer of lavender and lavender oil. I love looking at these flowers before they become... oil!
All this and much, much more can be admired during the most ordinary walk. The sea, first of all... but also the stones! I think he is a bohemian and restless artist who has worked with many of the stones that border both the sea and the promenade.
This has been a ride that keeps repeating, I almost said it keeps repeating forever. Unfortunately, it doesn't.
I hope to get to Balchik a few more times!
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