Basking in Bansko

 

We decided to have a break from organizing and attending medical appointments and headed north to Bansko, a large ski resort in Bulgaria. Mountains for Z, spa and pools for me. 😊 😊 You could actually see the distant ski infrastructure from our balcony. The highest peak in the Pirin mountain range is 2,914 metres and Bansko itself lies at an elevation of 925 meters above sea level.

Three hours after we arrived, our Greek phone provider sent us storm warnings despite there being a clear, blue sky all around. We went for a wee stroll and suddenly the wind got up, black clouds rolled in and we just made it back to the hotel at a great pace before the really heavy rain started.

The following day the weather was fine – nicely cooler than back home – so we did a bit of exploring. The population of Bansko is under 10,000 normally, but ski high season – December to February – an annual total of more than 360,000. So it was no surprise to see the town centre is packed with of hotels, guest houses, gambling joints, and tourist services: ski equipment rental and purchase, gift shops, restaurants, with new buildings being erected everywhere. This being off-season many of these were closed, though locals were expecting crowds to arrive in August. And we did try some local food.

The International Jazz Festival from July 31^st to August 9^th will ensure many additional visitors.

A daily activity was our visit to the various heated (well-heated, I must say) pools, saunas, jacuzzies- all housed in the most beautifully decorated spa area. With my skin sensitivity to the sun, this was the option for me, rather that the also-heated outside pools.  Anyway, with the changeable weather conditions they weren’t always in use.

 As we headed home after our Bansko break, the winding road followed the route of the River Strymon where activities such as canoeing, rafting and kayaking are organized. We also saw several hikers scaling the slopes leading to the ski runs. Decidedly not for us!

 But we did enjoy our time there, especially our daily swims and the breakfast buffet with its huge array of fruit, vegetables, breads and sweets and, of course, my scrambled eggs, toast and baked beans! :o 

Now it’s back to our daily routine, auld claes and parritch!