Dogs

Sofia – Day and Night

/ Leya / 16 kommentarer

The symbol of the city, Sveta Sofia – Saint Sophia, stands on a 48 feet high pedestal at a big crossroads in the city centre of Sofia. The 24 feet, copper and bronze statue by the sculptor Georgi Chapkanov, was erected in 2000, and stands in a spot once occupied by a statue of Lenin, and before him, a statue of Apollon.

Sophia was considered too erotic and pagan to be referred to as a saint, and she is not even highlighted, like many other statues are. Still, she carries the symbols of power (crown), fame (wreath) and wisdom (owl). The crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate – Tyche, inspired by the old emblem of Sofia dating back to 1900.

I think I prefer this handsome gentleman in traditional uniform…He kindly let me take a photo, and I was so pleased.

A walk with more of my impressions of the city –

The main shoppingstreet is Vitosha – and you can see the Vitosha mountain at the far end
The theatre in an enchanting setting!
In the header – the gem of the city: The Alexandar Nevski Cathedral
We met this old lady walking alone along Solunska Street at night. Later we found her – and a friend of hers – sleeping in the buzzle of restaurants and people
Buying an Icon – someone?
Vitosha Street
The Russian War Monument…was best seen in the late evening light

Of course I have to finish with a gorgeous tram…at least I think it is gorgeous. Not new, emerald green, squeaking and rattling along the street – no risk being run over!

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

/ Leya / 26 kommentarer

Yesterday morning I went with Totti for our daily morning walk – but soon realized that this morning would be something special. Frosty, no wind, sun from a clear blue sky. This grey autumn, there has not been many opportunities for the two of us to really enjoy the early mornings… so, I went back after three minutes, grabbed my camera and the car keys – and off we went.

The path starts 5 minutes from my home, up in the forest. No cows today, they have been taken to the barn for the winter. Silence, but for some small birds chirping happily in the first rays of sun. Follow the path down and turn right at the bend, and you will soon see…

…your own shadow on the left side of the path, in the golden morning light.

In the corner, down to the right, the shadow of Totti is sitting down, waiting patiently for me to go on walking. And not only his shadow…himself as well…

On turning right, the sun is peeping through the old trees in the east, gently providing long shadows and turning the frost into shiny green.

Totti is enjoying the fresh air and some good rolls in the leaves. Breathing is easy – and I feel so grateful for being alive on a day like this.

As we walk down the path, I look right – and a wall of glorious trees is looking back at me. This is indeed my country.

This morning, I will remember during the long and rainy winter days to come. But now, both Totti and me are getting hungry for breakfast… having spent some refreshing, silent hours in our favorite landscape.

I hope you are returning with me – or else you will not have any breakfast!

(As usual, click for a larger view.)

Thursday’s Special: Pick a Word in November -Y2 – Fun-loving

/ Leya / 28 kommentarer

 

My pick for Paula, at Lost in Translation, is Fun-loving. I had an early morning walk in the forest today, and after a frosty night, the sun promised some lovely hours in the last autumn leaves. Who is having most fun? Totti or me?

Thursday Thoughts: Sofia – City Trees and Wildlife

/ Leya / 15 kommentarer

Sofia’s many parks offer beauty and relaxation, but also the streets and separate old houses are accompanied by trees – now in autumn clothes.

Many people in Sofia and Plovdiv care for the wild animals, birds, dogs and cats, feed them and seem to want them in their city. In one of the Sofia parks, about 5-10 dogs were lying in the grass, sleeping. Suddenly one of them heard my camera snapping and looked up. When I later uploaded the photos, I noticed his ear – he was marked. Hopefully that means the dogs are somehow supervised and taken some care of.

Finally, people also activated their own dogs and we never saw starving or badly treated animals. The conclusion is – the cats own Plovdiv, and the dogs own Sofia!

 

WPC: Waiting

/ Leya / 25 kommentarer

From Cheri – a wish for us to show ”waiting”. I am just filling in what she already started…because noone can do the waiting business like a dog can!

In the header, sweet Seonaid’s (my Scottish blogger friend at Breathofgreenair) two bearded collies, and down under my own Mille.

 

CFFC: C, at least 4 letters

/ Leya / 16 kommentarer

For Cee’s challenge, C,  I found…

A Cemetary in Glendalough, Ireland… (of course)

…and a Cute Couple in the street.

Thursday Thoughts – Granddaughters!

/ Leya / 12 kommentarer

What’s in the picture? Well, today I had the honour of two granddaughters visiting – and I was totally overjoyed!

Even if they were much faster than me…and a bit more… agile? Youngsters – they do keep you alive and kicking, don’t they! They were both in for a haircut, though…but looked cool and modern with heavy curls hiding their eyes…Esther looks very much like her mother, Ella:  White body and dark head. Mira has a wash of golden locks on top of her head…apparently inherited her father’s good looks. Welcome back you two!