January 24, 2017

The best of 2016


A new year is a blank slate. An opportunity to wipe away all that negativity and start fresh, while bringing with us the happiness and lessons we’ve picked up along the way.
This is a wonderful time to sit quietly and reflect on the year that now stands in our past while looking hopefully and lovingly toward the future ahead.

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In May my boyfriend and I celebrated the fact that we have spent two years together and still love each other like never before.


Also in May we visited the Belogradchik Rocks, which are a group of strange shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. They are known also as the Belogradchik Fortress, because it incorporates the rocks as part of its natural defense. The fortress has existed since Roman times. In 1st – 3rd century AD the Romans built roads in the new provinces of the empire on the Balkan peninsula, as well as fortresses to guard them.


During the summer of 2016 I attended my second.. 


and third Moto Fest, which were really cool.


In the end of June, it was time for our first summer get away to Greece. This time we chose more secluded place than last year to get that much needed rest - Possidi, Kassandra, Halkidiki. The village is really small with just a couple of hotels and taverns, but it is quite dreamy as well - turquoise blue water, beautiful sand beaches, peace and quite. Not to mention the most picturesque lighthouse and the almost 2 km long beach near it.. I haven't seen anything like that ever before.. We visited it a couple of times during our stay, always at sunset, and I don't think I have ever seen more perfect sunset than this one.


In August we finally went to see The Seven Rila Lakes, whish is something I've been waiting for a really long time. The hike is not easy, but it is definitely worth it in the end.
When you hike the Seven Rila Lakes you pass by each one of them from the lowest to the highest one. That’s what makes the hike so unique – you start with one, then two, three of them and when you get to the last one – The Tear, you can see all seven of them in unique harmony with the mountain.


In September we made another little get away to Greece. This time we ended in Kavala since we have missed it a lot. The weather was not quite what we have expected to be, but we still had a great time.


In October my boyfriend and I went to Veliko Tarnovo to celebrate my 26th birthday. (Actually, this was our second trip to Veliko Tarnovo this year. We visited it in March as well for the celebration of the Bulgaria's National Holiday.)
I think Veliko Tarnovo wins for one of the prettiest cities we’ve visited. Everything from the cobblestone streets, to the historical architecture, the zigzagging river and beautiful parks, it’s amazing that it’s taken us this long to visit. It’s an incredible town, with so much to offer, filled with amazing people, fantastic restaurants and pubs, lots of opportunity and surrounded by at least a dozen places to visit just a short drive away. I love that  
with each changing season, it becomes a different place and we are seriously thinking of visiting it again some time soon. 


Also, that was one of the best birthdays ever.


Lastly, it’s fun to write down some memories – whether big or small. Places I saw… people I met… situations that had me dying of laughter. These are the things that infuse joy into each and every day. These are the moments that we string together to create a life filled with happiness.

“I’m beginning to recognise that real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead but something small, numerous and already here. The smile of someone you love. A decent breakfast. The warm sunset. Your little everyday joys all lined up in a row.”

- Beau Taplin // L i t t l e  E v e r y d a y  J o y s


Whether your year was full of big changes, or small changes, or good ones, or not so good, it’s always best to look back with a smile. Be proud of your accomplishments, and look at hardships as both opportunities and learning experiences.  

I hope you have all had a wonderful, weird, exciting, enlightening 2016, and that 2017 brings you more peace, ease, joy and fun than you have experienced thus far.


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