The not-so-usual way to seek truth

OK, it is a not-so-usual day in life, fall is my favourite season, I'm feeling refreshed, revived, reborn! Could it be a birthday approaching? In general, no. It's been a long time since birthdays stopped being really exciting and turned into "New Year's Eve" #2. Meaning, I am obliged to laugh, smile, giggle, eat and drink, and be merry. What if I don't feel like that? Everyone seems worried if not angry. They say people like that can spoil everyone's celebration. Huh...

Anyways, it is the Tarot I was going to tell you about. For some reason unknown I feel like looking into the future when the year becomes older. It's like staring at the night sky on Christmas. So, I ask my Tarot.

I have two Tarot decks. The first one is The Truth Seeker tarot (scroll down for images of the cards): http://www.janetboyer.com/Truth_Seekers_Tarot.html ; the second one I bought very recently after I was stricken by few of the images, The Universal Tarot by Giovanni Caselli: http://tarotwench.com/sharmancaselli.jpg .

When I bought the first one, I was truly amazed by the art. As important as this is, it s much more important for the cards and the owner to form a connection. This really happened and recently I was proven that my truth Seeker's Tarot is working for me. I felt like I had to read the cards one day, and I did. The question I asked was related to something that was bothering me. However, the cards I took out were all about loss and theft. I was confused as I couldn't relate them to my question. Later that day I tried again with a different question and the result was the same. Next day I lost my credit card. It was the first time that I truly realized what was quietly sleeping in the golden-yellow box.

However, I have always felt quite challenged by the Truth Seeker's Tarot. The Minor Arcana lacks images to help the reader and sometimes the overall feeling I get is controversial. Or I simply get a positive overall feeling from cards supposed to show difficult times. To solve this issue, I started looking for a deck with clear images on all cards to help me learn better. The Caselli Universal Tarot hit a nerve somewhere inside me. It was the Empress card that made me feel like someone was reading my heart (photo courtesy of http://www.oephebia.com/.

I knew this place where she is now. I know these fields, I even know where my house is, and the Mediterranean is on the left of the painting. The green massive seen on the left border is a vineyard... Is this magic? Or is it how Tarot should really work from the very beginning? I wonder.

Since I bought the deck, I have asked many questions and have made reports, and saved the readings as I usually do, so I can follow up and see if I did the reading well, or if the cards told me the truth. Somehow this deck excites me. I hope our connection will lead us all where we want to be. Do you have Tarot or would you like to try it? I would be happy to hear about your experiences. After all, it is not the future telling that made Tarot famous but the method of teaching arcane truth. And that is far more challenging for a materialistic world as ours.

Next deck I'm going to buy will be the Traveller's Tarot!

The not-so-usual way to travel

Good morning all! It was Twitter that brought this remarkable website to our attention: http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/support/ . The Art Of Nonconformity offers so much information and great articles that we actually read only half of them before deciding to feature it here. The reason we are doing so is hidden in the unusual, funny, innovative way the website looks at life and travelling. We hope you enjoy reading it too.

On our usual subject - what are your top three unusual ways to travel on a gloomy, rainy, autumn afternoon? Here are ours:
1. Trip to the backyard - for all those who have a backyard with trees and flowers, don't forget to enjoy it! We put on our rain coats and rubber boots, and went for an expedition in the backyard. It all looks so different after the rain! We looked at the drops on the petals, followed the ants searching for food, climbed our big tree and listened to the water whispering in the leaves. We got all muddy, there is hard-to-clean stuff under our nails, our child covered his face in black earth and resembles a SWAT member. Our little basket is full now with treasures: coloured leaves, dried flowers, one or two herbs that survived the cool weather, a feather left by a bird, fruits from pine trees and oaks. Our afternoon will be spend arranging a "wish board" - we will put all these treasures in an old frame, top them with glass and save them forever.
2. Trip to the park - for those who live in apartments, enjoy the park folks! It offers almost the same if you only leave the alleys and hit the small roads among the trees. We watch the birds leaving or still looking for food in the lake. The squirrels get their breakfast from our bags and come so close to us! We make photos of the branches with the rain drops and red-yellowish leaves. We investigate the hidden roads, never really knowing where we're going to find ourselves in one hour. Civilized as it looks, the park still offers secrets to the searching eye. We eat there, climbed on a tree and listening to the wood. It is a different world in the heart of the everyday world we are so bore of sometimes.
3. Trip to the gardens - you know those various gardens they make in the big cities - the manicured ones with fancy plants, either botanic gardens or just designer gardens. We found they could be a hidden spot. Fewer people go there in the fall and especially when it's wet. But this is really the time when you can inhale the aroma of the foreign petals, whisper to them your winter dreams and wishes, breathe deep the humid, enriched air around these travellers who came from all parts of the world to your city. Celebrate them for their beauty and courage. Our favourite thing to do - take some great music with us, sit under the majestic plants on the wet ground, and listen.

The most important thing: make it look like a trip! Pack your sandwiches, get the picnic basket, blankets, clothes, etc. Even a trip to the living room can be exciting on a gloomy afternoon. We are currently setting our small tent in front of the TV, I will make the food, all packed in little boxes, the movie will be shown in one hour, the blankets are to be on the floor, the little one is stuffing his backpack with toys... :) We are setting off to the living room!

Beautiful Romania

*Photo courtesy of www.viamigo.com

We continue our journey through the Balkans. A little reminder from the past - New York Times on Bulgaria: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/travel/30next.html ; on Transylvania, Romania: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/08/27/travel/27next.html?scp=7&sq=romania&st=tcse ; and on Montenegro: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/montenegro/overview.html?scp=1-sub&sq=montenegro&st=tcse .

We are heading to Romania today. A country with ancient origins like most in the region, and with not so easy past, Romania has been called by many "Beautiful Romania" while Bucharest was known in the 18th-early 19th century as the "Little Wien". A lot has changed since then but many older buildings can still be seen, especially houses of wealthy manifacturers built two-three centuries ago, hiding behind rows of plane and chestnut trees, surrounded by iron gates and fences. Look carefully.

Naturally, Transylvania is the most famous child of the country thanks to its Drakula resident. But Romania has much more to offer. If you like the seaside, go to some of the resorts - Mamaia for example, http://www.mamaia.com/ . Don't expect mad luxury or fancy hotels, many of the facilities were built during the communism and carry the marks of this architectural style but the sand is soft, the shore is beautiful, and the people are warm. Other seaside resorts to check are Eforie, Neptun, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and Mangalia. Don't forget the mineral water and mud and visit some of the numerous spas in the resorts. For more info about the seaside resorts, visit this website: http://www.infolitoral.ro/ .

Next, don't miss the fabulous castles and fortresses which best illustrate the medieval heritage of the country:

Biertan Fortified Church (part of UNESCO World Heritage) in Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Sighisora. http://www.biertan.ro/ .

Bran CastleLocation: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Brasov. http://www.bran-castle.com/

Calnic Fortified Church (part of UNESCO World Heritage). Location: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Sibiu.

Corvinesti Castle. Location: Hunedoara – Central Romania. http://www.castelulcorvinilor.ro/ .

Fagaras Fortress. Location: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large towns: Sibiu and Brasov.

Peles Castle. Location: Sinaia – Southern Romania. Nearby large towns: Brasov and Bucuresti.

There are hundreds of others, really. If you decide to visit a particular area, just send us an e-mail and we'll provide you with more names, sitghts and locations to visit.

Also, it is a must to visit the seven walled medieval towns: Bistrita, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Medias, Sebes, Sibiu, and Sighisoara. These are fantastic locations, many films have been made there, Google them for some images and to get an idea how beautiful they are!

And for even better Romanian experience, hit the road to the Painted Monasteries, an amazing sight and treasured world heritage. The monasteries are: Arbore Monastery, Humor Monastery, Moldovita Monastery, Patrauti Church, Probota Monastery, Saint George’s Church/ Saint John the New Monastery, Sucevita Monastery, Voronet Monastery (probably the most famous one). Some of the things you should know and consider if visiting the monasteries: they are easily accessible from both Suceava - with its direct airline and rail links with Bucharest, and Iasi - offering daily flights from Vienna and Bucharest. You can probably make it in one day but better plan for at least a weeknd, so you don't have to rush. Part of the beauty of these places is their silence and lack of time sense. Enjoy it.
The town of Suceava is probably the best starting point. Iasi – the largest city in eastern Romania – is located about 120 km southwest of the monasteries and could work out too.
The easiest way to visit the Painted Monasteries is by car; a 30-minute drive (or less) separates them. Car rental is available in Suceava and Iasi. Excursions and day trips are also available from Suceava and Gura Humorului.

On the wine route

It's in the fall when you will experience most of any wine producing the country. If you are thinking of enjoying late sunny afternoons and sunny crispy mornings, plan for joining the grape harvest on the Balkans. September-October are the best months for that. Bulgaria can offer you cheap (still) accommodation in the countryside and award winning wines.
As we've listed websites for you to check out before, here are some of our choices for wine degustations and grape harvesting trips in Bulgaria: http://www.todoroff-hotel.com/index.php?lang=en - Todoroff is an award winning wine producer for his red wines. http://www.rumelia.net/index_en.html - a relatively young winery but already has won awards.
http://www.magurawinery.bg/en/default.htm - now, this is something really special! Magura is a famous cave, you can read more about it if you Google the name. The winery and the tours will provide you with the unique opportunity to see both this wonder of the nature and degustate fantastic wines.
http://www.pamidovo.com/en.html - one of the older wineries, great traditions, very very beautiful area of the country!
http://www.rosevalleywinery.com/main-en.htm - another one of the unique experiences you can have - in the very heart of the Rose Valley where the famous Bulgarian Rose Oil is gathered (think Lancome!), a fantastic winery with great wines to offer. Not to miss!

And if you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to ask us!

Featuring the Balkans: Sofia, Bulgaria

Our team starts series which will feature different regions of Europe we know well. We will also point at fall activities/festivals you may enjoy. In general, September and October are great months to travel South Europe. The weather especially in September is still very warm, so don't be afraid to book a beach vacation. Locals do that and you can trust them. I don't remember the last time I've been to the beaches in August. Usually I am there in September. The water is well heated by all the hot days over the past two months, the crowds are mostly gone but there are enough tourists to create a pleasant buzz, all bars/restaurants/facilities are working, and last but not least - the deals start at this time.

We are starting with Bulgaria - a well hidden tourist destination for North American tourists but already very popular with West Europeans, many of which bought second homes there. The capital is Sofia which happens to be the home city of a member of our team, and here are her short reviews and tips for the visitors of Sofia.

If you’re planning a trip to South Europe, you must stop at Sofia and enjoy the atmosphere of a vivid capital, neither too big nor too small. Despite the fact that 1.5 million people live there, Sofia is among the European capitals that succeeded in saving their quiet Southern spirit. When I walk the streets of my old neighbourhood (Lozenetz) today, I breathe again the aroma of the lime trees in bloom, children are still playing on the street, soccer balls are flying around, birds are fed from the windows, squirrels gather food for the winter, cats are lazily stretching on the stone fences while the dogs anxiously walk around. It is the late summer and early fall when I love to go back home though. September and October are the months when a true traveller will hit the warm stone streets. The crowds are gone, the tourists are long left for home or are tanning at the Black Sea beaches. While Sofia, as most capitals, never feels really empty, the fall is a quite, comfortable time. Its bouquet of scents is the one of abundance – roasted red peppers, pumpkin with honey and walnuts, chestnuts in the open fire, lime tea and red wine.
There are four things I would say you must do in Sofia. The first one is to go and watch the Guard in front of the presidency when they change the patrol. In summer uniforms: http://images.ibox.bg/2009/07/12/karaul/430x283.jpg , http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/13717424.jpg and in winter uniforms: http://www.dnes.bg/images/photos/0025/0000025928-article.jpg
The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria is the successor of the Personal Cavalry Convoy of Knyaz Alexander I, founded in 1879, when on July 12 the guards escorted the Bulgarian Knyaz for the first time. These guys are chosen among thousands of applicants. They must be similar in every way – height, stature, age, looks, etc. They are not allowed any piercing, dyed hair or tattoes while in service. They can not wear any rings, bracelets, watches, etc. – nothing that would make the uniform look ridiculous as it is after all a copy of a centuries old uniform. They are not allowed to move any part of their body while at post in front of the presidency. They are the elite. They are not only warriors but great performers too. Even “West Point” awarded their marching with a medal for excellence. Their uniforms are made by particular tailors, specializing in this, from the best fabrics. On their hats they wear an Alexander star and real eagle feathers. Each button on their coats is made of best quality metal, each detail is handmade for the particular man and must fit ideally. The uniforms are ironed three times a day, the boots made of first class leather must be shining anytime, the feathers are to be brushed before putting the hat on – this is only the easier part of being a guard. The most difficult is the marching and parade training. The guardians make complicated figures using their marching skills and their weapons during official parades. It takes months of everyday practice to polish these performances. They also have a great orchestra which supports their marching performances.This year they celebrated 130 years since the guardians army was founded. We all love them and are proud of them, and wish them many more years of admiration from the public.
The second thing I recommend is the National Historical Museum in Boyana – a former village and present suburb of the growing city. Going there will not only allow you to see some of the most remarkable treasures of the Ancient Greek and Thracians but will also give you the opportunity to walk in Vitosha mountain – a national park too and a former volcano. The museum was moved from downtown in order to grant visitors with more space and beautiful natural surroundings. There are manicured and landscaped gardens around too as well as cafe, restaurant, souvenirs shop, etc. Here is the official website of the museum in English: http://www.historymuseum.org/?lang_id=1&PHPSESSID=c28c17b60d50b90486c5578c2a13157aa.

While in Boyana, absolutely don't miss the Boyana church - part of the UNESCO world heritage. In the church you will have the chance to see the portrait of one of the most beautiful women in Europe at the time - the Bulgarian Tarnovo queen Desislava. Tarnovo was the former capital of Bulgaria. The portrait was made by a team of unknown artists but they remained in the history as the Boyana Master. Here is the church website: http://www.boyanachurch.org/indexen.htm
Third, and one of my most favourite, visit the Alexander Nevski cathedral – an amazing church with beautiful paintings and painted glass works, and with some of the most fabulous saints icon in the Orthodox world. Often, you will have the opportunity to see there an ancient icon displayed for religious people to pray to it. Such icons rarely leave the monasteries where they are usually kept but when they do, they always are displayed at the cathedral in Sofia for at least two days. Here is the cathedral in all its glory -one of the most photographed objects in Southern Europe: http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3664/800pxalexandernevskicatzs5.jpg . Also, on this photo: http://www.eko.bg/uploads/Sofia_AN.jpg you can see that the cathedral is surrounded by the famous “yellow paved” part of Sofia. These paves have been there for centuries, they are crazy expensive but we all are glad to pay for replacement with new yellow paved stones and save this part of old Sofia as it has always been.
And last but not least, don’t miss the traditional (and I emphasize that!) Bulgarian cuisine. While you can certainly go to McDonalds, KFC, or any pizza shop on the street for many days, save one evening and enjoy supper as all South Europeans do – long and abundant. There are not that many proven good traditional restaurants in Sofia as the true Bulgarian cuisine requires longer preparation of the meals and fresh produce. One of the restaurants I recommend is “Murafeti” : http://murafeti.com/galeria.htm The website is naturally in Bulgarian but if anyone needs contact info, click on the last button or give me a shout and I’ll translate. The restaurant has live music too -authentic Bulgarian folklore which made the country worldwide known – think of movies like “Arizona Dream” or the fact that Bulgarian folklore song flies in the space aboard NASA ship to represent the Earth. Another great one (and among the oldest): http://www.vodenitzata.com/home_en.html And one more: http://www.kashtite.com/index_en.html
My advice on the menu – there are a few things you should not miss. One is the homemade fresh baked traditional Bulgarian bread (you may see pictures on the websites of the restaurants). Second, the traditional cold soup “Tarator” recipe for which I have given in this blog and which is made of natural Bulgarian yogurt (did you know that Bulgaria is indeed the country where yogurt was invented? That’s why the bacteria that makes the milk sour is called Bulgaricus). Third, the famous bean soup with mint – definitely go for it, it is absolutely fantastic! Fourth, the highly praised and much loved “Shopska Salad” – tomatoes, cucumbers, green and red bell peppers, onion, fresh parsley, olive oil and first class Bulgarian cow cheese on the top. For the main dish, choose between meat prepared on “sach” – a ceramic thick plate placed directly on the fire (be careful as it will be brought to you still cooking which is the entertaining part); vegetarian dishes like zucchini in yogurt sauce or eggplants in tomato sauce; “gjuvedze” – eggs, cheese and fresh vegetables prepared in the oven in a small individual ceramic pot, to mention just a few. For dessert, try the traditional (and healthy) yogurt based options – with wild berries, with fresh fruits and honey, or with honey and cheese. In the fall, don’t miss the stuffed pumpkin!

Some tips: Bulgarians, like many Europeans, are not going to ask you how you are immediately - they are not rude, just reserved a bit. Smiling at everyone is not common, save it for your friends. If you need any kind of help, rely on them, they will do what they can. Don't go to night clubs without the advise of a local. Avoid districts at the west and north ends of the town, keep close to downtown, south and east are save and wealthy. Be careful with thieves, especially in the crowded streets and public transportation. Otherwise, use the public transport - it is good, the subway is a great deal, clean and neat. Bulgaria is still very cheap for most foreigners - a taxi from the airport to downtown will cost you about 15-20 dollars and it's a long way. A three course meal can be found at 10 dollars. Alcohol is cheap too - do go to the store and get some Bulgarian wine, many of them are award winners and well known. If you have more questions or comments, please post them.
And welcome, we love guests! In any case, I strongly advise everyone to go to the countryside too – in any country that is where the true atmosphere is to be felt. We will continue the Featuring the Balkans series with some fall celebrations in the countryside you may want to see/attend.