Greetings, travelers!
It is a rainy day today so I indulge myself in melancholy and memories from past voyages to some impressive destinations.
Do you wonder why I put that title to my story today?
I recalled and was inspired by a lovely entertaining music video by Ödland called "Après avoir décroché les étoiles". Here you will see the place that I am about to present to you below in a funny way, so take those few minutes and enjoy it here:
Did you know this place already? This flying saucer and the mountain peak where it has been built both go under the name "Buzludzha". By the way, I was surprised to see that I am the first Bulgarian to have put a story here on the platform about this controversial place.
So, have we taken down the stars?
My feelings about this place are mixed, as a man who has lived under both of the forms of governance called "Communism" and "Capitalism". I will not follow the political thread of thoughts today but I can clearly see why the communists back then, few decades ago, had dropped that concrete and steel "thing" with the huge red star on top of one of the highest mountain peaks in Stara Planina mountain, very close to the geometrical center of Bulgaria. They just used to demonstrate they are above everything and everyone. Even put them above Nature. However, it is obvious Nature always prevails. I don't have to prove that as my photos speak clearly enough!
My focus today will be on the beauty of the surrounding area and the scenery moments I've been presented with at this late April evening. It was a trip that I shared with few friends of mine, also passionate about photography and travel. I am so grateful to have had that opportunity as probably I would not dare to go up there alone, by myself, in such weather conditions. I recall we drove to the nearby parking with two cars, mine is a four-wheel drive and the other one, well, we had to give it lots of pushes on the road covered with snow and ice! :) So, my friendly advice, if it is white around, don't go there with a normal car!
There are two roads leading there, one from the valley, near the town of Kazanlak and the other one is a 12 kilometers mountain curvy road from the nearby also very famous mountain peak called Shipka, with a memorial that is one of the most important places with regards to the Bulgarian history. Another friendly advice - don't take the mountain road. It isn't maintained properly and you risk to brake your vehicle and I am sure any road assistance here would be very expensive.
The view from the peak are simply breathtaking. In all the possible directions. I was really blessed with the views that late afternoon and evening. It was very cloudy, the Sun was going down and the clouds were "jumping" around the sky, moved quickly by the freezing winds. Sometimes, only within a minute I was enjoyed totally different natural pictures, it was like being in the middle of a picturesque giant play!
So freezing cold, that my friends were looking like aliens :)
See above how awesome is the Sun, peeking behind the clouds and the back of my friend :)
Only the strongest survived! :)
That's why it is important to me to bring my camera when I travel. I couldn't make such photos with a phone, that's for sure!
The aliens, preparing to jump the flying saucer and then take off:
Until the last year, when a security detail was placed here, generally to stop intrusions, the place was a magnet to the graffiti artists. I suspect it is still covered in graffiti as it would be too expensive to be cleaned. Recently I saw on the news there is an international conservation team sponsored by the EU having the task to "seal" some of the wall decorations inside. So there are plans in motion to preserve the place.
Due to the strong winds, the hills around have many wind turbines "planted". It makes the area look a bit more modern yet it still keeps its harshness!
Looking back down, to the long-suffering SUV, LOL!
Enjoying more of the breathtaking views from the peak.
The town of Kazanlak:
Koprinka dam:
... and this poor lonely plant that has drown tilted... because of the same strong winds:
That's true! This place really exists. If you ask me, in my humble opinion this "monument" should not be fully restored. It has to be preserved exactly in the shape it is today. Somehow, "frozen" in time. With the beautify of its self-devastation and the modern touch of the common concept for the Balkans "I don't give a shit about anything". Just as a reminder that we, humans, must not put ourselves on top of anything...
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Have a great day, stay safe, stay strong and let your muse be always on your shoulder!