Drinking Rakia in Veliko Tarnavo, Bulgaria

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I was not a true Bulgarian until I reached Veliko Tarnavo and developed a taste for the fine 'Rakia' (grapa)... until now I was not much of a fan, but together with my fine Swiss company... it was a whole new experience. Since returning to my grandparents' home, I cannot get used to my grandfather hiding the Rakia from me... he's not used to his grand daughter asking for seconds and thirds.... but I know his hiding place, he he!!

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Photos

The Fun Starts Here....... Cheers!
...or Nazdrave! (to health) From the left: Jeremy, me and Beat, we polished off quite a bit of Rakia that day. Very fine! As they say around here... 'One Rakia a day, keeps the Doctor away'.

Nazdrave!
Taken in the courtyard of our hotel in Arbanasi.

Veliko Tarnavo 03
Tzarevetz Fortress, where the Tzar (king) was once based during the rule of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 11th - 13th centuries.

Arbanasi 01
Hey Jerry, where's Tom ??? ha ha, got ya!

Arbanasi 06
Timber gate detail

Arbanasi 07
The horseshoe... a symbol of good luck, often hung on the front gate of a house.

Tzarevetz Hill, church interior 02
This place exists more as a museum than a church, its interior is beautifully painted by the Bulgarian artist 'Theofan Sokerov'.

Tzarevetz Hill, church interior 03
Art by 'Theofan Sokerov'

Tzarevetz Hill, church interior 04
Art by 'Theofan Sokerov'

Tzarevetz Hill, church interior 05
Art by 'Theofan Sokerov'

Comments

[Stuball]

How interesting
Who would have known that I would see this strange young Swiss man Beat in Aussie land Melbourne just a couple of weeks after you. What isn't strange is that you are drinking loads of Rakia Zoe. I'm sure you'll be drinking much grappa in Italy and plenty of beera when you get back to Australia.