I am one of those people who don't have any memories of the distant past of their existence, and I only have fragments and small pieces of a broken mirror. I remember some things, but not enough to make a story out of them.
Possibly, it's the beginning of a terrible disease I don't want to name, or just carelessness, or a brain making selections without taking me into account.
In this case, I must appeal to memories supported by evidence. The biggest supporters and deliverers of evidence, grandparents and parents, are dead, so only the photographs remain.
Those photos still exist, but not many. A fire in the mid-90s consumed my house and all the (tangible) memories I had of my childhood, adolescence, and a significant part of my youth.
Even if my memories of the period before the fire are precarious, I now realize that the memories of the period after the fire are entirely consistent... and that, primarily because of the help of what I call my "external memory," the photographs!
The sea is my great passion. The memories of the sea are the most "burning" for me, and now I would like to share, briefly and in the essential parts, the first vacation in Balchik, for which I have the proof of the photos.
Balchik 2015, early fall.
As time has passed, I have come to realize that one of the reasons I am in this world is to talk about a place that is not in my country but where I like to travel as often as possible. Balchik, Bulgaria, Black Sea coast!
I've written hundreds of times about this small town and wonderful place, but I missed the opportunity to see so many other areas that are perhaps more attractive.
Indeed, it would be tedious to read the repeated stories and, especially, the repeated images from this place if many people were reading, but as I know that doesn't happen, I dare once again.
I was attracted to this small, uncrowded bay and resort. The lack of big beaches and entertainment places pushes the young and energetic to other areas.
I was continually delighted by the antiquity of some sights and the possibility of staying, walking around, and visiting a former royal residence with strong links to my country's history.
Queen Marie of Romania chose Balchik for the royal family's summer residence in a time and history that allowed it between the two world wars.
The sea, almost forgot the sea, is, after all, the main reason. The Black Sea is not black at all, except when it's angry. Otherwise, it's blue and green and silver!
The almost Mediterranean vegetation, abundant and invasive, is another reason I want to be there, and in winter, I only think about the momentum of the next trip.
The old town, small and almost deserted, with its cobbled and sloping streets, satisfies my need for silence and melancholy, for reference to the essential questions of existence, without finding the answers.
Gastronomy is another reason. I like Balkan and Bulgarian cuisine. I want to eat food specific to the place, and I admit it is delicious. Even the beer...
Visiting this place almost every year has allowed me to see and document the changes made during that time. I had the idea to write a blog about how some areas have changed, but I have to search through hundreds of photos, and I'm a bit lazy right now.
Our favorite terrace doesn't exist now; that is to say, it exists, but it has been modernized and is no longer the old owner. Unfortunately, it has lost its charm for us. This was where we first ate when we arrived in Balchik, almost many years ago, nearly 30.
This beautiful Mediterranean-inspired space was demolished last fall. Slowly but surely, the old buildings are replaced by new, modern, less beautiful restaurants and hotels.
The memories of ten years ago cannot fail to include those of us who travel so fondly to Balchik. How young we were, haha, we had just crossed the 60-year-old border.
My wife, melancholic, as always, and the wall that evokes the relentless passage of time, and me, 10 kg heavier and a little drunk. Just an appearance and impression, I only drink in the afternoon... and then it wasn't.
Memories from ten years ago. It seems like yesterday or a long time ago, but I don't even remember. Thanks on this occasion for my photos, which helped me once again!
