Block 44 In Yambol - The Entrance

This is the entrance to block 44 in Yambol which has been posted before as a whole, but this is the entrance. If it often the case that ex-residents who have passed away are posted on the entrance doors on anniversaries. Not morbid at all, but a big degree of respect for people who used to live in the community.

Block 47 In Yambol

As we continue our tour of the apartment block in Yambol this is block 47 that stands proud in the complex of blocks in this area. Always greenery around these complexs which contrasts the dull gray theme of apartment block from socialist times.

A Puddled Track In Yambol

Although a little wet and muddy this track is trodden by many to and from work and shops by Yambol residents. It leads to the Tundzha River where it joins a concrete path for the rest of the journey.

A Bricked Up Window In Yambol

Far cheaper than double glazing and just as wind and weatherproof, but no light! This window on the ground level is a practical way of making this access a more secure feature. Looks are not important in this case.

A Little Apartment Block Store In Yambol

What you see here is in danger of exstinction in the future with globalisation and supermarket monopoly to a people who seek the cheapest goods from their poverty. The little store tucked under the eave of an apartment block is just the type of community store that ouzes Bulgaria and Yambol. Even now it is little used due to purchase power down the road at Kaufland .supermarket.

Block 45 In Yambol

This is one of the most attractive old style apartment blocks in Yambol. Block 45 in Yambol has this wonderful trellis of vines as a facade tot he building. Looks good, tastes good so the best of both worlds with the greenery planted and maintained there.

Block 52 In Yambol

Block 52 stands here in Yambol, another apartment block that sits in a area that is sought after. The light blue paint in the garage door and entrance give a bright and airy feel to the building.

A Well Used Lawn Leading To A Children's Play Area In Yambol

This particular area in Yambol is well used as you can see by the worn turf that has been well trodden. It leads to a children's play area, again well used.

A Scrap Vegetable Plot In Yambol

This vegetable plot is surrounded by scrap but used in such a way to give a good secure fence and boundary to the area. This is typical in Yambol where normally free space is used fro growing produce.

A Cement Skip By Children's Play Area

No concern with children here when this cement skip for building was laid down. It has been there for months and is happy enough there with the knowledge that it would not be interfered with by Yambol's kids.

Block 51 In Yambol

Today is the turn of Block 51 in Yambol. With a slight bit of graffiti on the side, most dispise here give the impression of being a rough part of town. This is not the case as most of the recent featured blocks are in one of the best and most sought after residential areas of Yambol. American influenced graffiti get in everywhere unfortunately.

A New House Built In Yambol

For over two years now I have seen this new house being built step by step. It is situated on the south side of Yambol just round the corner from the Mercury Hotel. It was a painstakingly slow process, but the house now is nearly completed and a lovely Bulgarian home for someone now.

The Turkish Place Of Prayer In Yambol

This is the Turkish place of prayer in Yambol. The Turkish mosque was build in 1385 and was reconstructed in 1970's. This is one of the best preserved mosque's in Bulgaria and right in the centre of Yambol. It is however ignored by most Bulgarians as this is a hangover from the Ottoman rule and persecution of Bulgarian and their Orthodox following.

The Business Information Office In Yambol

This is the Business Information Office in Yambol where you can find out all about what is going on in Yambol. with regard to business etc. In recent years it has taken on a European flavour in facade in view of Bulgarian joining the EU. I never been in the place, perhaps I should if I get some spare time.

Rakia Making Still Active In Yambol

Our local rakia house is still very much in use with locals who are processing their grape wine. Thie smoking fires heating the wine will be going on right through to Christmas and perhaps beyond. This year the grape harvest wasn't that good which means poor wine that won't be drunk but turned into rakia instead. Nothing is wasted here.

A Boneshaking Road In Yambol

It is a fact that Yambol roads are in disrepair, but even when in good condition there remains the boneshaking experience. The reason is simple, cobblestones just give that affect. Thousands of nuts, bolt and wiring has been displaced due to cars running on cobblestones. Designed for horses and donkeys it remains the scourge of the petrol driven vehicles yet more cobblestone roads are being made due to their durability.

An Old Chair Still In Use In Yambol

This old chair was seen sitting in the shade in a public area in Yambol. I may seem very well worn, rough and falling to pieces but is still in daily use by locals. The question is, how long will it last or will it be repaired? I know it won't be replaced with an new one as that is not the way of things here in Yambol.

Block 40 In Yambol

This is the place where block 40 was built in Yambol. Nothing too spectacular about it although I always note the vegetation surrounding the block I see and this one on the left has a vine where a 10 litre water bottle has been left by the side of it. Caring for their food produce is sometimes more important that caring for their homes, mainly because it doesn't cost anything to tend to plants.

Recycling Yambol Style

There is no shame or embarrassment looking into bins for stuff that can be reused or recycled in Yambol. It is not just Gypsies who do this but ordinary Bulgarians who have many uses for thrown away materials in their own homes and smallholdings. This chap has found some useful strips of wood and something else that has taken his interest.

Block 53 In Yambol

Look at that grape vine going up the side of block 53 in Yambol. Free grapes on all levels and the yield increases as each year goes by. Not by any means unique in Yambol, but then great Bulgarian apartment residents minds think alike.

Block 41 In Yambol

Blck 41 in Yambol with the wheely bin rubbish service clearly seen. The bins get searched out for recyclable stuff daily by Bulgarians and Gypsies alike so only 'real' rubbish is disposed of in landfill sites. The left over food of course is scavenged by dogs, cats, mice and rats. 41 is a nice block al the same, I bet Buckingham Palace in London have rats around!

Block 42 In Yambol

Block 42 is picture here today and what a neat and well looked after block it is. Strange how so many blocks have theri own character marked on them through design and caring from the residents. Only a couple of cars there, how many will be there in 5 years time?

Block 32 In Yambol

Block 32 is seen here in Yambol and the distinctive bricked balconies give it an individual look although I have a suspicion they are left like that to save money.

Block 55 In Yambol

Block 55 in Yambol is slighly more imposing than the previous blocks highlighted. Still the same grey facade but a model of economy in heating in the coming winter. This kind of social housing works very well in Bulgaria as in the main, people talk to each other.

Symmetrical Styled Garage In Yambol

The equlilibrium of the two shapes in the stone work took to my eye as this symmetrical form is in place surrounding this garage in Yambol. Notice the rug out to dry above and the vines invading on the left wall, all typical sights you will see walking in the streets of Yambol.

Block 33 In Yambol

This is block number 33 in Yambol and looks like it needs a little TLC. The number painted on looked very much like a DIY job and made without a template which is in contrast to many other sprayed on numbers. No doubt the homes inside are looked after well though.

A Speeding Comet Decorated Lada In Yambol

This parked up white Lada took my eye as I walked by today. A speeding comet was the art on the side of the passenger side door. Not too sure whether the Lada can travel at comet speed. It seems a young driver owns this car which is a common first car for many youngsters here.

One Of Many Stray Dogs In Yambol

Everywhere you look in Yambol you see stray dogs roaming and littering the streets. Packs of stray dogs are a big danger to the public with attacks regularly being reported, many more aren't. These dogs are now meant to be all tagged but that doesn't solve the problem. Well ar least they keep the cat populaton down.

A Fine Vine Outside A Yambol Apartment Block

There will certainly be grapes to eat and wine or rakia to drink in the community with this fine vine growing outside this Yambol apartment block. A common sight to see all over Yambol, where there is space crops will grow. It also provided a good shelter from the hot summer sun.

A Simple Community Bench For Rest And Socialising In Yambol

Every time I see these simple benches in Yambol outside apartment blocks it really brings home the sense of community spirit which seems to have been lost in many other European countries. The simple bence has its role to play in the centre of this community.

Community Hay Being Made In Yambol

Common land is in abundance in Yambol and this is put into production with the cutting of grass for hay. There are of course many livestock here in Yambol, even in the city centre. Hay is the mainstay of food for livestock and comes free with a little elbow grease.

Block 29 In Yambol

This is block 29 in Yambol. Metal shutters are becoming more and more popular in Yambol homes as they are functional and practical. The only problem is that they look sterile. Oh well, looks aren't everything.

Nice Colours Facing A Yambol Home

I had to stop and take in the colours that are displayed on this Yambol home. The bland gray of the building just exemplifies the deep colours that are shown from mad made and natural features.

Block 44 In Yambol

Back onto the series of apartment blocks in Yambol it is block number 44 this time around. t is here because a former resident of 20 years ago requested the insert into this blog. Dimitar misses his Father's smile and the faithful Lada whilst he used to live there, which he says were the best years of his life! Notice the red carpets hanging out in the glassed balcony, they'll be dry in no time with this sun.

A Simple Homemade Car Port In Yambol

All you need to make a car port is an exsisting wall, a bit of corregated iron and an piece of material to make up a wall. This is exactly what this is made up of and a car would fit snuggly in there overnight. Planning permission? lol - Don't you just love it?

Puddle Basketball In Yambol

Perhaps you haven't heard of the new sport now in Yambol. Puddle basketball, where the player play for a basket with a big puddle as the obsticle. Today the teams are having a rest obviously. This new game hasn't seemed to have caught on in other areas somehow.

Man Made Ugliness Against Nature's Beauty In Yambol

A stark contrast seen here where the man made lean to structure casts and ugly shadow contrasted with the nature growing alongside of bright fluorescent flowers. The beauty of nature will always win in the long run.

Block 57 In Yambol

It is the turn of Block 57 in Yambol. Typical of most apartment blocks where there is a bench to sit out on for residents and passers by. These benches are always used throughout the year inbetween the chores of the day.

Block 63 In Yambol

Block 63 now has its turn. Nothing too spectacular with this one, a small block that is tidy enough and comfortable inside. They used to be affordable but prices have risen beyond the means of most  Bulgarians over the last 10 years due to demand from foreigners like me.

Block 59 In Yambol

This is block 59 in Yambol, two neighbours having a polite chat whilst I took focus and snapped. A very calm area and pleasant atmosphere around here.

Block 65 In Yambol

This is Block 65 in Yambol, a small apartment block with lovely vines growing around the perimeter.

Block 58 In Yambol

Here is Block 58 in Yambol and I know somoeone who lives there. this is quite a nice quiet area of Yambol, and very community based.

Block 64 In Yambol

This is block 64 om Yamnol and the first in a series of pictures of block apartments in the City. Many are built in the same style but never exactly the same as you will see.

A Strange Front Door In Yambol

The reason I find this front door strange whilst passing it is the small holes that have been made on the panes in the upper half. Why? Ventilation first springs to mind but I'm sure there is another reason. Maybe I'll never know. The electric bill has been stuck on the door handle by the way.

A Rock Wall In Yambol

This rock wall does the business and appeals due to it quite rustic appearance. Mingled into the adjoining brickwork, it is obvious that the cheaper option was taken with the repairs. Like I said it does the business although to some not quite fashionable or gives an aesthetic finish.

The Zoo Shop In Yambol

If you want a hamster, cat, dog, parrot or snake, the Zoo Shop is the place to go to buy one. It is a colourful place with bold pictures of cuddly pets on the storefront. Quite tempting to buy a pet with this front to turn heads, but as we all know pets aren't just for Christmas. This shop is in direct competition with Yambol's Zoo Market on the other side of town.

Another Hole On A Yambol Walkway

In all the years I have lived and worked here I don't recall one intance where a Bulgarian has fallen down a hole in the street. There is a very simple reasn for this, everyone here knows there are holes around therefore walk with caution in their step, especially at night. Why the need to cover them if care is taken?

A Working Newspaper Stand Plus Customer In Yambol

Many of these newspaper stands are rusted up and unused. This one is rusted up and open for business and has a customer attending right now. I can't imagine these being around for too many years as modern commerce takes over and newspapers and magazines are sold in bigger stores and supermarkets. Fingers crossed though.