For my first article as a professional-writer (yes, you can now hire me and, even cooler, pay me to write stuffs for you) I thought I would write about my new life in Bulgaria as a French teacher. Yes, you read correctly : I am now a French teacher. I know, I know, for those who know me for quite some time it can be a bit surprising as « becoming a teacher » was definitely on my « NOT-TO-DO list » (it’s a thing) for as much time as I can remember. But, you know, turning 25 can make your head crazy annnd here I am.
Nevertheless, today I decided to not tell you about this crazy, emotional, tiring, creative experience as right now I am still struggling with a « love/hate relationship » concerning my new job, new job that is actually an internship but that’s another question. Today is only tuesday and I am already kind of exhausted so, let’s talk about something more relaxing and enjoyable : landscapes, nature, and Bulgaria, more precisely the Ruse region.
I’m living in Bulgaria for a bit more than three weeks already, in a city called Ruse, located in the very north of the country, right on the Danube river, at the border with Romania. It’s the 5th city of Bulgaria according to the number of inhabitants but it is true that the city is quite small, especially compared to Minsk if not compared to Paris. A few days ago, I met a few Erasmus and Bulgarian students – well, ex-students for some of them – thanks to ESN Ruse organization. Someone heard about a day-trip to the countryside organized by Ruse GO, a local organization of sports and nature lovers.
After a few weeks spent struggling with my new lifestyle – going to bed at 11pm as if I were twelve years old, not going out at night because I have class in the morning, working on my freetime to prepare my future classes and so on – I definitely needed to socialize and have some fresh air. So, obviously, I was very happy to join this excursion! We took an old-school Bulgarian train (my favourite) to Tabachka and then walked in the direction of a village named Pepelina.
The goal was to reach Pepelina’s church which obviously made me even happier and enjoy the beautiful rocky-landscapes following the Cherni Lom river. Pepelina means « ashes » in Bulgarian because, as the legend goes, when one man’s daughter passed away, the father was so sad, he decided to rename the village in something very grey and very sad – ashes. As for the river, « cherni » means black, and « lom », something related to scrap or fractured, if that makes sence. Actually, going there we feel like we are on top of a mountain, when in reality it is the river which digged the rock so much that now it is on a very low level. Interesting, right? Now, enough talking, it’s photo time 🙂
Waking up a 7am even on a Sunday was a challenge but definitely worth it as soon as we reach Bulgarian countryside 
I don’t know why, when I’m in a group, I’m always the last one. I guess I walk at normal speed but everyone else is so fast. But at least I can make nice picture of people walking in front! 
A sign to Orlova Chuka cave. Usually, in February, it is still snowing in Bulgaria which is why most of the natural touristic sites are closed during winter season. Even though this year we didn’t have a winter. 
Ruse « moutain » or « rock » as some Bulgarians would like to call it. And the Cherni Lom river down there. 
This is quite a nice view I would say. There is not a lot of touristic equipement which makes the landscape very wild and beautiful. 
We didn’t have a winter but it is not spring yet either. 
Two people definitely not suffering from vertigo. 
I’m not so sure about those stairs, maybe next time? 
Another sign to the cave. Don’t make too much noise or you’ll wake up the bats inside. 
There’s a small picnic area near the caves. It would be very nice to come back in the summer, and, maybe, organize a cleaning action as there was a lot of plastic stuffs around 😥 
On our way to Pepelina! Hiking is not very popular yet in Bulgarian and hiking paths are not very well maintained. We had to fight a little bit to make our way but still it was not too bad. 
Just trying to make artisty photo really 
A French person surrounded by the Bulgarian wilderness 
Our very colourful hiking group, half Bulgarian and half Erasmusian. A lot of people are happy to join RuseGo excursions. 
In case you get lost, just follow the signs! 
Arriving in Pepelina village. 
In case you get lost and can’t read the sign, here is a map! They’ve got you covered 
Pepelina’s church in sight! Best part of the day because 1) we are going to visit the church 2) it’s also picnic time which means in Bulgarian, eating, dancing and singing 🙂 
I guess, for most people, rural churches are not the most interesting place to visit, but I think they have a special atmosphere somehow 
Pepelina’s church inside 
Pepelina’s church outside 
Happy me in Bulgaria
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article let me know somehow 🙂 Have a nice day and see you soon for more Bulgarian adventures!
Dear Ingrid, thank you for joining our hiking group last weekend!
It was very interesting to look at our country through your eyes.
I’ve enjoined this article. You’ll become a good writer.
I hope to see you again by some new adventures with Ruse-Go.
George Penchev
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Merci Georgi ! I hope so too 😊
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Hi Ingrid,you have posted a very fresh story here.I read it with pleasure and interest.I think you will also need a translator or you have to learn Bulgarian faster in order to tell your experiences in Bulgarian.Do you remember the words I tauht you? :))
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Thank you Silvia! I agree with you, I need to learn Bulgarian faster. I remember the most important one : гладна съм 😉
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And not to forget Belarussian! 🙃😋
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Oh dear, never ever! Not that I knew that much to begin with 🙈
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