Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Aug 2 

We decided not to see Pleven and took an all-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi. 

views from the ship

top deck

We had a peaceful drive through the farmlands & small villages. 

many waiting to board the ferry

long line up of trucks to board the ferry

for the only tour of the trip, we took the front seats

this guy held up the bus for quite a long time - it moved very slowly (some guy on the tour had just asked "where is all the farm equipment?")

We stopped for a break in this lovely restaurant that was set up for a wedding that night. They had out a choice of drinks and pastries. They also had some shots of honey plum brandy. A few people liked it and bought some. 

the entry and waiting area

the lower level (there were two)

we were given free time to wander the gardens

the garden area

seating outside as well

view from across the street

we caught back up to this guy

We then continued to Arbanasi a village in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality. 

walking tour started

vendors outside of the Bishopric Nativity Church

the artist's works were of the church's interior

the Bishopric Nativity Church

small cemetery

While the church doesn't look like much from the outside, the second you step inside its WOW. There was not a spec of space that wasn't beautifully painted in intricate frescoes. It seemed every story from the bible was depicted. The chapel is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The narthex is a genealogical tree of Jesus Christ with the twelve ancient philosophers. Each room was devoted to a different theme. A local guide took us through and explained most of them. Walls and ceiling had been laboriously cleaned and restored. No photos were allowed, but I don't think it could have captured the beauty of this small unassuming church that is now a museum rather than a place of worship. I bought a magnet from the artist to have a memory of it. 

this photo is from their website Църква Рождество Арбанаси - Велико Търново - Църква Рождество Арбанаси / Arbanasi Nativity Church

our walking tour continued

our guide was pointing out the various Cyrillic letters - She couldn't find one and Greg told her it was in the last row fourth from right

we stopped to visit a museum - used to be a local merchant house

family bed

newlyweds got a small bed until they moved to the family bed

pantry

indoor bathroom

outside of the museum

Bulgarian Salad

kind of a stew/casserole - very tasty

they performed for us

outdoor seating

After lunch we had free time for shopping. The area is known for Damascus rose products, locally made from the essence of roses. 

back in the bus - arrival in Veliko Tarnovo Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town built around Tsarevets Hill

we stopped at the Tsarevets Fortress 

Samovodska Charshia, a traditional street with handicrafts for a walking tour - this was our meeting point

I would return to buy a couple pair of earrings

we ditched the tour since the guide was going to take the entire time to showcase certain vendors - of course we got gelato

views from the hotel where we met back up with the tour

back in the bus for the ride to Ruse where the ship was waiting for us

back on the ship that evening sailing to Constanta

magnet

magnet

magnet

Honestly, quite a few of us were a bit disappointed in the tour. Many of us thought we would tour the fort since the tour said you could shop or visit the fort. There was no choice, just the photo op and shopping. The other stop also was focused on shopping. It was a 3-magnet and 2 pairs of earrings day. Ha ha. None-the-less it was a fantastic day with beautiful scenery and great food & entertainment. Oddly, the church visit was a highlight as we have seen many. 

For larger photos: Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria https://photos.app.goo.gl/jjr2JnuL856eb7ar7

Tomorrow, we visit Constanta, Romania.