A Yambol Apartment Socialising Bench

A unique design I feel this bench has outside a Yambol apartment block. Well used for resting those poor feet and socialising. I would have a guess and say that this bench has gone through quite a few sittings over the years.

Broken Children's Apparatus And Cardboard In Yambol

Well I guess this has to be a sight that many see quite often in Yambol. Broken children's apparatus and rubbish alongside. Not doubt the cardboard boxes will be picked up by Gypsies later in the day, but the children's apparatus will remain broken.

A Yambol Bus Shelter In A Convenient Place

Bus shelters take up a lot of space and can be an obstacle in many cases, so when I saw this one it made complete sense to place it here. It adds to the barrier of a dead end road behind it. How convenient and practical thinking behind that.

A Happy Locksmith Shop In Yambol

There are many locksmiths in Yambol most are a one man business and have been trading for years. This will change soon and already new posh locksmiths with staff etc. are opening up. This will mean the end of these little local locksmiths who fit nicely in the community here. I wonder if that smiley key hanging will have a change of pose in the next few years.

A Truck Full of New Wood Parked in Yambol

You may think that now almost in the height of summer, wood for heating homes would be the last thing you's see on the streets. Think again! During the beginning of summer this is also the height of the wood delivery services. The reason is that they will be stored and take the summer and autumn to dry out ready for use in the coming winter. Also, and perhaps more important, the wood is cheaper this time of year!

More Live Wires Outside An Apartment Block Entrance

Yet more evidence of danger for the public with this example. This is situated at the entrance to an apartment block 1.5 metres high and within easy reach of a passing public. I will say again though, that anyone with any common sense wouldn't touch it and they don't here so where is the danger?

Yambol Kids Are Overweight - The Proof

It is a fact that Bulgarian kids are some of the fattest and overweight in Europe, mainly down to the introduction of fast food  here and the demise of home-made meals prepared by young parents. One look at this slide just brought about that fact to mind - no more to be said really.

The Local Yambol Fishmonger

This is our local Fishmonger betwixt two trees as a frame. We know the owners and often venture in there to look a the live carp that swim in a massive tank inside the shop. We of course buy fish there sometimes far better than supermarket fish and of course with advice on how to cook them thrown in.

A Grand Driveway Gate In Yambol

This is one of the grandest gates in this part of Yambol which borders the Benkovski area. Plain, functional and impressive in Bulgarian style. I like the little gap in the base of the gate presumably for cats although I might be mistaken.

Yambol's Block 17 Enhanced By Graffiti

Yambol's block 17 is clearly seen here and what a bore it is with the number on its own. So some kids have taken it upon themselves to brighten up the plain old number 17 and give a little company with graffiti. Although not a fan of graffiti, this somehow does lift the atmosphere in this case.

A Mat Drying Out In Yambol

This colour combination caught my eye with a mat hanging over the wall drying out. The dominate colour is brown but the mat with it's contrasting blue make it stand out from the dull pastel shades that surround it.

Shumensko Beer Ads In Yambol

You have to believe that this shop sells Shumensko beer event though the seating area outside is for other brands of Bulgarian beers. I must say I was tempted to stop for a bottle of cold beer in this current heat wave we are having as Shumensko is my favourite beer in Bulgaria. By the way the beer is produced in Shumen.

Another Yambol Chemist - Only The Name Gives It Away

Would you know that this was a chemist looking in from the outside? You wouldn't if you can't rad Bulgarian. Well it is not one of the poshest chemists around, but still caters for the local community here who need prescriptions.

Beauty In The Midst Of A Concrete Jungle

Bulgaria has a understandable reputation for its beautiful women. When these beauties are put against the backdrop of plain ugly concrete jungles they shine even more than normals as it the case here.

A Simple Traffic Barrier In Yambol

A simple traffic barrier yet with a little artwork. Yes it's plain but it could have been a vertical set of bars and so uniform and regimental, the wavy lines just take the edge out of the command of STOP!

New Vines Planted Out In Yambol Streets

Growing you own grapevines out on the public street is common in Yambol. The art is still very much alive with new vines planted out recently on the public street new the main hospital. It is quite refreshing to know that these vines will be here in 20 years time giving grapes which I bet have wine an rakia in mind.

A Colourful Steam Roller In Yambol

A new road is being laid locally, but that won't last long with the extremes of weather in Bulgaria. What was more interesting was the steam roller that was being used and the colour combination of yellow and light blue on the vehicle. I almost gives a children TV character impression.

The Guarded Yambol City Boundary

A road leading out of Yambol is seen here, almost into no man's land. The stray dog lying on the right looks fierce so I gave my own fierce look before passing it and got away with it. There are many Gypsies who use this route to their own well know local homeland area in Benkovski. To many outsiders this is unknown territory.

Where Did This Yambol Road Sign Come From?

A road sign was found on a private garage. One wonders where this was taken. It works very well as no one was parked in front of the gates. Somewhere on Yambol road this sign is no missing of course.

A Car Spraying Service In Yambol

I'm sure this Yambol car spraying service garage did a fair bit of business when people never got rid of their Ladas but just had then resprayed to give a new look. Pity that the import of Western European cars was seemingly the demise of this particular business. No frills with garage as you can see. 

A Children's Slide In Perfect Working Order In Yambol

There are many children's public playground apparatus in Yambol, most are crooked, broken in some way or obstructed by cars or other objects. This one is in perfect working condition. Maybe the brick under the end of the slide is there for a later date as a form of repair!

Colourful Bricks From A Yambol Town House

You can't fail to notice the great array fo coloured brick on this Yambol town house. I'm not too sure whether it is enhanced with green from the damp spell we have recently had or whether it remains this colour throughout the year. In any case it is capture forever in this shot.

Holes In Yambol Streets

No grates, wire or other covers over these holes in Yambol Streets. This is something I have no got used to and wacth out for, especially in the dark. Most people know the area and the dangers of these open traps so that's okay. But if you are a stranger BEWARE!

A Yambol Apple Tree To Brighten This Up

In the midst of bent railings, dustbins, cars and a concrete environment is an apple tree that bears apples! Such a uplifting sight in this residential area. I don't think many are aware of the apple tree there and I wonder who will pick and eat the apples and whether they will stay (i.e. remain unpicked) on the tree until they are ripe enough to eat.

A Lovely Little Walk In Yambol's Borovets Area

One of my favourite walks is here by the main road that borders the Borovets area of Yambol. If only I had time to stop off at the cafe for a coffee or beer each time I walk here! On the right a lovely little park and on the left lots of furniture shops.

Seats Concrete Blocks And Cardboard In Yambol

The combination of seats, concrete blocks and cardboard in many place in Yambol may be a mystery to many who don't frequent these places. The seats obviously are for sitting on, the stones and cardboard are for making table to play cards and the cardboard is also used as a cushion for sitting on the stone wall and write the card scores on. There you have it!

A Row Of Yambol Garages

This is not a spectacular picture but a picture of what is typically Bulgarian in so much as this is what thousands of people that live here probably see every day of their lives. This isn't a blog to try and impress or show off, its purpose is to give a true reflection of Yambol as it is.

A Butchering Table In Yambol Centre

To many outsiders this table is a strange thing to see out in a pubic place in the centre of Yambol. Most would not know what it is for. It is a table specifically designed for butchering pigs, sheep or goats. No doubt this is used by the community here and the table shared by locals who live here.

The Old Men Gather In Yambol

Every evening all the local old men gather to play cards, chat and just be with other old men. Not a woman in sight, they are no doubt at home doing homely things. This sight is common especially on warm evenings. there is a calm atmosphere of gentle talking apart from the odd shout from card players which is part of the game.

A Shop On The Cheap In Yambol

Selling fruit and vegetables is easy in Yambol. All yo need is the produce, a bucket a bowl and a few cardboard boxes and put them out with prices written on a bit of cardboard and wait all day! It's as simple as that and of course no tax as a blind eye is given to this. It's all so casual and so Yambol!