A Block Doorbell System Broken in Yambol

This doorbell system was found on a Block in Yambol, not only was it broken with live wires hanging out, but none of the bell had numbers or names on. So how do you know who you are calling? Guess it does have some sort of function once known and memorised.

A Rock Playground in Yambol

Amongst the other play apparatus in this Yambol playground is a rock feature. However I am not sure whether it was man made or just a natural rock form that was decided to be left as it was. Quite unique for that matter and an ideal place to sit or perch on if yo are a child.  

A Fine Posh Garden in Yambol

This grand forefront of a Yambol house shows a fine garden beyond the gates. One things is for sure the owners are quite well to do, possibly foreign as this isn't typical in terms of practicability with no fruit trees or signs of vegetables being produced. This place however does stick out in the midst of poverty in the surrounding area.

Logs Piled for Winter in Yambol

Another common sight throughout the year is logs piled for winter in Yambol. They stay out most of the year to dry out in the summer ready for the winter so this you would also see in the summer, not necessarily on the first floor though. Quite a cosy sight all the same.

Sponge Bob Square Pants in Yambol

Well it was quite a surprise to turn the corner and find Sponge Bob Square Pants staring at me. The cartoon character now has a place in Yambol albeit made up of a metal boxed telephone junction. Quite a rare sight I might add in Yambol.

A Truck Full of Logs in Yambol

They are now slightly more modern trucks but the contents are the same in terms of fuel for winter. Logs for woodburners are essential for winter warmth and is the main place source of energy in villages and many town homes. It is also the least expensive form of heating which is why it is still used by so many.

A Well Used Bus Station Bench in Yambol

You only get to see this bench without Yambol folk not sitting on it and that's quite rare with the buses being a very popular and affordable way to travel for many. The bench of course is situated in Yambol's Bus Station where I often catch a bus to Skalitsa myself. It needs a little painting but no one complains as it is completely functional and has rested many weary legs.  

Typical Old Town House in Yambol

Stefan Karadzha is the name of the street where this typical old town house stands. As usual in recent years repair and maintenance of these properties is never made due to lack of finances and the fact that things are still relatively functional so why spend hard to come by cash anyway. Maybe one day it will be bought up and be completely modernised by a new cash ridden owner.

Current Monthly Internet Connection Fees in Yambol

Wanna know the current monthly rates of Internet services in Yambol? Well here they are from the company Apollo Net. From as little as 10 leva (around £4) per month you can be online here. That's less than one pound a week, but then if you work and get paid local Bulgarian wages that's still a BIG chunk out of your earning!

Diana Cable Payment Offices in Yambol

We have television cable in our house and use Diana Cable services. Each month we walk to their payment offices in the town centre and pay our bill. We had to wait a few moments for another customer to finish paying  as you can see. there are many other businesses in this complex situated by the River Tundzha.

An Ice Cream Vendor in Yambol

The two children and their mother wait impatiently as the ice cream vendor prepares the treat of ice cream filled cones on a hot day in Yambol. It is quite often I find myself tempted on days like this, but usually walk off the calories afterwards in the pedestrianised centre of Yambol. 

An Invite to Stroll in Yambol

Doesn't this just want to make you want to stroll along? And that was exactly what we did, take a stroll along the tree and cafe lined promenade without a care in the world. The only sound was people talking, how refreshing to be in the centre of a town and not be affected by traffic! We do this as often as we can and it costs nothing but time and having time is all here.

Typical Bad Car Driver in Yambol

Well what's wrong with this car approaching this road junction? Most wouldn't bat an eyelid in Yambol with this scene of a car driving the wrong direction up a one way street. It is typical of many car drivers who have no regard to road signs - and they get away with it. However, if I did it I'd get fined! That is the way of Bulgaria and Yambol is no exception. At this this driver is letting the pedestrian cross, or are they waiting to pounce once in the road? I know what happened next anyway.

The Biggest Carpet Shop in Yambol

There may not be any indications that this is a carpet shop, but it is the biggest carpet shop in Yambol. Perhaps because everyone knows that and there is no need to spend out on banner and shop signs outside. I bought my first rug from this place and would go there again is I need another. Very helpful assistant working there as well, it does make a difference to the shopping experience (which I don't enjoy most of the time!)

Two Guard Dogs on Patrol in Yambol

As you walk past this Yambol house and yard two guard dogs approach. They are a common sight in Yambol as guard dogs work very well protecting from petty theft. These particular dogs are not tied up with chains and have an enclosed area in which to roam with shelter at the back. they may look friendly but trespass at your own risk!

Trousers on a Wall in Yambol

Just out of sight of the centre of Yambol is the back end of some shops and a bank. Of all the things to find there was a pair of trousers drawn on a white wall. The question is why? They remain there for the time being with the question forever unanswered I guess.

Internet Connections In Yambol

There was a time not too long ago where there was only a couple of choices of internet services in Yambol. This was one of the original companies that started around 7 years ago. Back then it was so expensive only the rich could afford their charges (not me I might add.) To be quite honest most business was geared around expats with money and reaping profits in from naivety. This is why the ad, (with spelling errors) is in English. However, now they have lots of competition and rates are commensurate to others offering the same. .

A Signpost To The Diana Palace Hotel in Yambol

Amongst a chaos of activity on this particular lamp post is a signpost showing the direction to The Diana Palace Hotel. Just to make it clear, it is only 30 kilometres away not miles!

Newspaper Stand Doing Business In Yambol

These newspaper stands are scattered around Yambol and still do business although a few years ago many of them closed down. The amount of hours these worker spend in these little stands throughout the summer heat is quite feat which is why you sometimes see them open but empty as they have gone AWOL.

There's Gold For Sale in Yambol

A sign telling us to turn right as there is gold (zlato) for sale in Yambol. Often we go to this particular shop not to buy gold but to exchange gold. All done by weight you pay a little more to buy than sell but a change of jewelry rather than adding to is something many do from the point of affordability.

The Back of a Red Bus in Yambol

The bus services in Yambol are in the main on time, efficient and well used. There is a driver and conductor on many longer routes. A women more often than not as the conductress. So much better than one man operations although not cost effective so I think the days of this will be limited. I love the curtains which keep the sun out in the summer and the warmth in in the winter. This picture is usually the sight you get when yo have just missed the bus and it powers off leaving a dust trail and another wait for the next one!

Non-stop 24/7 Shopping in Yambol

It has been quite a while in Yambol with the trend of 24/7 trading and this is an example. Non-stop shopping was inevitable in the former sleepy town of Yambol, but is here to stay for sure. It is a pity that this modern mini market has taken over the now closed down non-stop banitsa bakers only a stone throw away.

Typical Tree Lined Street in Yambol

Quite often walking through Yambol you yearn for some shade from the glaring sun. Many streets provide this shade with the trees that line it. This particular street typifies the hundreds that are around making a summer stroll much more bearable. Mind you being English I'm only one of a few in Yambol who walk in the midday sun, not even mad dogs do that here!

Cafe Paris in Yambol

Yambol has it;s own street cafe society not unlike the Paris scene we see in the glossy magazines. so it is no surprise to see a replica of this with Yambol's own Cafe Paris. Tucked away a stone's throw from the River Tundzha it is a favourite haunt for many Bulgarians throughout the summer and inside during winter.

Yambol's 'Posh' Diana Hotel

The Diana Hotel has been here before and is used by the rich mainly even though only a 3 star rating. Here's the description:

This 3-star hotel is located in the centre of Yambol, 300 metres from the Yambol’s town museum and main administrative buildings. Hotel Diana offers free parking and a 24-hour reception. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Diana Yambol feature a classic design. All rooms include a TV, seating area and private bathroom. Wi-Fi is free in public areas and some rooms. A full buffet is provided each morning in the breakfast room with its cosy carpet and paintings. Bulgarian and international dishes are also served. Guests are welcome to relax in the sauna and fitness room. Massages are also available. On-site parking is free at Hotel Diana. Yambol Bus Station is 400 metres away, offering direct connections to Sofia and Burgas.

Went there once before knowing much about Yambol, too posh for me and the porter (wearing white gloves) wouldn't even allow me to press the lift buttons as that was his job!

Deceased Yambolians Remembered on a Slanted Tree In Yambol

The deceased are remembered by placing posters all over Yambol, this particular placing is on a slanted tree in the city centre. Quite often we pause an look at the pictures and details, sometime it is people we knew. Many of the pictures are of the people when they were healthy and young, and why not be remembered that way!?

Another Classic Bicycle Parked Up In Yambol

Another classic single geared bike parked up in Yambol City centre with the traditional ripped and repaired saddle. This may seem like a women's model by the frame, but you can be sure that a man will be riding it! And in the background a more modern type basket fronted bicycle.

Yambol's 'Little Chef' Restaurant

Today I was in the Diana area of Yambol where the distinctive 'Little Chef' model outside a restaurant on the main Yambol to Turkey trunk road. The Bulgarian flag is always flying in all weathers. Never been to the restaurant, maybe one day.

Waiting In A Bus Shelter In Yambol

There are a great variety of bus shelters in Yambol. this glazed version is in a little disrepair but still give protection from the elements both in winter and summer. Buses are on time though in the main, so these people won't be waiting that long.

A Curious Yambol Pensioner

Whilst trying to capture the crowds of older Yambol folk gathering for their evening chat and card games, this old Yambol pensioner was quite curious. He wouldn't get out of the way with me explaining why I was taking pictures. Needless to say he wanted to be part of the scene, hence the picture being published. He doesn't have internet or a computer at his apartment, but his grand daughter does and will make a point of seeing himself when he visits her.

Yambol's 'The Riders' Typical Motorbike Parked in Yambol

The Riders is a group with a passion for motorbike and is known throughout Europe. Every year they organise a bike festival and rave over a late Spring weekend, this year was no exception. It is a common sight to see fine motorbikes from 'The Riders' members parked in Yambol expecially in fine weather.

A Green Bin in Yambol

To match the green environment of Yambol, they now have green bins in Yambol centre. I personally prefer the original yellow that stand out from the crowd of leaves. this I feel makes one more prone to notice it and use it!

A Row Of Small Shops In Yambol

A long line of small shops where we like to window shop, but beware for the steps as you gaze in the windows as you walk.

The Yambol Hairdresser

There are many hairdressers in Yambol, but given the choice this is where the best cut is given. Women and men hairdressers work there; I ask for the men to cut my hair, they are Turkish and do a very professional job for 4 stotinki!