RHODOPE IN FULL BLOSSOM

The Rhodope mountains have an aura of an enchanted place no matter whether you visit in summer, autumn or winter. But in springtime there is something in the Bulgarian south that makes you feel more relaxed, almost above the ground. It could be the clean air and the smell of firs, the magnificence of the green peaks fading away in the distance or the picturesque traditional villages that are so often depopulated, a bitter-sweet sight. It could be the sublime nature of gorges, river meanders, oddly shaped rocks, or the locals with their trademark friendliness and mesmerising music.

Analysing the mystery of Rhodope's charm is useless, the time will be better spent travelling the mountain's winding roads, exploring its ancient Thracian rock shrines, fortresses, mosques, villages, music festivals, stories and legends.

Blossoming trees at the now completely abandoned village of Dyadovtsi, near Ardino

Spring is the perfect time to indulge in Rhodope pleasure. Covered with fresh greenery, the mountain slopes exhibit all the existing nuances of green: emerald new leaves shine under the sun, the firs are almost black, the meadows glow, the mosses are intensely green against the grey of rocks. The rivers, the streams, the small waterfalls are white and unruly with the the flow of snow water. The sun is still gentle and the sky is deep blue. The natural world is abuzz: bees fly, birds sing even at night as if their lives depend on it. The flocks of cattle and sheep look content, too, as the days of boring hay are over and the fresh grass is all for them to feast on.

In spring, the Rhodope becomes the epitome of reviving life, a marvel to experience and to relive year after year.

The overwhelmingly Muslim village of Chubrika sports two mosques

Early morning at the village of Brezen

Village of Sinchets

 Stone Mushrooms natural phenomenon at the village of Beli Plast

The eastern spreads of Kardzhali Reservoir evoke both Scotland and Iceland

High Beam is a series of articles, initiated by Vagabond Magazine, with the generous support of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, that aims to provide details and background of places, cultural entities, events, personalities and facts of life that are sometimes difficult to understand for the outsider in the Balkans. The ultimate aim is the preservation of Bulgaria's cultural heritage – including but not limited to archaeological, cultural and ethnic diversity. The statements and opinionsexpressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the America for Bulgaria Foundation and its partners.