Yambol is not the prettiest City in Bulgaria, but it does have a unique character which is now in the process of being captured by camera. What you see now in Yambol will be short lived in a world of change, especially with the EU strangling the heart and soul of Bulgaria's culture with directives and uniform regulations.
It was a clear picture of autumn in Yambol town this afternoon as we strolled along one of the many small park areas. Leaves fallen from some strong winds last night in Yambol put a coloured carpet on the ground as we crunced our way along the paths. Another few weeks and this will be covered with snow.
Trees are used all over the country in Bulgaria for many things, even in town centres the resources that trees provide are taken advantage of. This particular tree has its branches sawn off ever year and used for supports for tomatoes and other vegetables, then used as firewood for heating. The tree looks poorly right now, but next spring it comes back to life and provides more resources. How good it is to know that this renewable source of wood and does no harm to the environment.
I caught sight of this stretch limousin in one of Yambol's car park as I passed it on the way to work this morning. It just didn't suit the environment, which was basically like a bomb had just landed with the road works and tree cutting in the area. I am not a fan of cars in the first place so seeing this I wasn't too impressed in fact I laughed a little of the money someone would spend or should I say waste on buying a car like this. Must be some celebrity in town today then or someone's home!
These 'One Lev' shops are all over Yambol. Selling products from 1 leva to 101 leva, they are the cheapest of all the Yambol shops and sell everything from fishing rods to knickers. Galia my Bulgarian partner loves to take a wander in the aisles along with many other bargain seeking Bulgarians. No wonder there are lots of these shops, they are very popular die to the prices. They could turn into 'One Euro' shops soon with 100% mark up from the Lev to Euro - hope not!
We popped into a small outback supermarket after work today and I was livid when we got to the checkout. Supermarket dirty tactics has well and truly arrived in this particular place. On the checkout counter they had taped a variety of sweets on the counter. They were big globalised brand named sweets, not local Bulgarian brands so there is a directive from the managers to push these who themselves no doubt had been urged to do so from their own peers. The people who suffer are the parents who have to say no to their children who are already grossly obese in this country. Bloody Supermarkets, I hate them worldwide for these devilish things they do!
In the suburbs of Yambol, many place are 'knock down' status but in some instances there are old buildings that have been looked after and maintained. This one I caught today is in fact a grocer shop but previously was a grand residence. You can see that the adjoining building have be demolished and it is a stand alone shop now. It serve the residents in the apartment blocks that are across the road from here. It remind me of an old British pub before they all turned into bar/restaurants and other thematic eating places. Also note the lack of advertising what a welcome relief to the eyes and mind that is! (Everyone local knows it is here anyway, why waste their time with advertising?)
It is not only apartment blocks being built in Yambol, but small businesses serving them as well. This one is a small franchise which is almost ready for business. It is a pastry shop which will sell mainly banitsas and other pastry based food to a passing Bulgarian public. These places usually just trade early in the morning to around midday as the food is usually a breaskfast based diet. It will be a success as every pastry business I know here, and there are many, have queues outside them throughout the morning.
This traffic control tower in by the junction for the main Sliven road leading into Yambol Centre. All the time I've been here I have never seen it manned. It has recently had a new coat of paint, so it must be in the Yambol Transport Division plans. With the massive increase in traffic in Yambol I'm sure it will have some use soon.
Another fruit and vegetable shop in Yambol, they are all over the place. This one has a new double glazed front entrance. All the produce is locally produced and sold outside the owners doorstep. You never have to travel far to buy fruit and vegetables in Yambol.
On a very busy public walkway there is a simple drinking water fountain that works all the time. It is used by many passers by and respected. No vandalism, no graffiti, respected and appreciated in the long hot summers in Yambol town. The design is typical Bulgarian totally practical, no need for a fancy fountain. Also why pay for bottled water when this source is a good as any you can get worldwide?
This is the sign of new times in Yambol. The widening of a main road into the town centre is being made. This of course is purely to accommodate more and more cars. The worse part is that this used to be a lovely tree lined road. Every single tree has been chopped down. It remains to be seen if new trees are planted once the road has been finished.
Opposite on the East side of St George's Church is a little box shop. It is minute and the service providedd is key cutting. We always use this shop as it is the best value. There are other key cutting shops around but this one is owned by an old master of the craft and his tools are the same age as him, around 70 years old. It is like walking back in time. He also repairs spectacle frames as part of the service.