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.