Sweeping Brushes, Very Popular in Yambol

A Yambol home is never without one of these sweeping brushes. They are entirely made from natural materials and very effective sweepers used extensively for the home and workplace. From first experience, you can't beat these brushes with anything in the plastic world of cleaning.

Secondhand Jam Jars for Sale in Yambol

Nothing is wasted in Yambol and recycling and reusing is part of the culture. An example is the sale of secondhand jam jars in Yambol seen today. These may however be third or fourth hand knowing how things work here.

Autumn Flowers Blooming in Yambol

It may be Autumn, a time where nature slows down and looks towards winter retreat, but here in Yambol it is still tine for blooms. Flowers seen blooming in their prime in Autumn is a late treat as I pass by with other plants looking tired.

First Fog of Autumn in Yambol

07:30 in the morning and the first fog of Autumn greeted me as I made my way to the City Centre. My thoughts were on the possible reports of accidents on the Bulgarian roads on the news which is what normally happens on the first day of fog.

Yambol's Brass Band Playing on Bulgaria's Independence Day

September the 22nd in Bulgaria's Day of celebration of their independence from the Turkish Ottoman Rule. The band turns out each year to play during the formal celebrations that take place at the Museum of Battle Glory. Music makes a big difference to the event. 

A Typical Childrens' Playground Swing in Yambol

this is a typical swing found in many childrens' playground all over Yambol. No plastic in sight as the materials are metal and wood. Durable and of course looked after and respected by the locals without any vandalism. This particular swing is many decades old and still works as well as it did on the first day.

Stray Cats Swarming Yambol Streets

Cats are all around us in Yambol. Stray cats swarming and there is a very good reason for this. Unlike the stray dogs, the locals feed the cats so they thrive on human help. However, they do keep the mice at bay although the big rats tend to scare them. 

One of the Many Wild Dogs of Yambol

The are hundreds of wild dogs in Yambol. Resting on the streets in during the day and at night you can hear them howling and hunting as some gather in packs. Individually they are harmless, but gathered they are dangerous if you are a vulnerable person or young child.

Fig Tree Growing in a Yambol Apartment Block Foundations

This is quite common where fruit trees and grapevines are planted outside apartment blocks in Yambol. In this instance it is a fig tree, however besides the figs each year as a bonus I do wonder what is happening to the foundations of the apartment block and whether some serious damage is being inflicted below ground level.

The Simple Number 36 on a Yambol Apartment Block

The simple number 36 painted on a the side of a Yambol apartment block is so unassuming. A grey concrete background with a darker grey coloured number makes it that way. Not meant to stand out in contrast but does enough to be read clearly in a sub camouflaged way.

A Unique, Multi Materialed Bench That Works in Yambol

PVC, wood and metal are three types of material used in the build of this unique bench. All recycled I might add Regularly used by locals and typical of DIY benches seen on a daily basis.

Another Yambol Bench Well Worn with Wear

With a plethora of choice, this bench yet again shows from the signs of wear that it is well used positioned in the shade of the apartment block both from sun and wind.

A Bench With Its Address on the Back in Yambol

This caught my eye today. A simple bench that has its address on the back. It don't think it goes anywhere with a return to sender scenario. not quite sure why this is here other than officialdom.

A Communal Carpet Beater Frame Outside a Yambol Apartment Block

Outside almost every apartment block in Yambol you will find a communal carpet beater frame. It is commonly used in Spring and Autumn and also has a dual purpose as a gymnastic frame for pull ups for local fit Yambolians. 

Eco Friendly Bottled Garden, Typically Seen at Autumn in Yambol

You always know when Autumn has arrived when you see bottled gardens in Yambol. With the forecast of slightly cooler nights a very eco friendly and practical ideas that has been going for decades.

A Mysterious Block of Cement in Yambol

This block of cement suddenly appear on a Yambol street. Quite mysterious as to where it came from and how it got there as it is too heavy to lift by hand. Will it still be there later in the year?

Former Thriving Shop Dead in Yambol

This bland shop front is just typical of failing businesses in Yambol with its falling population and poverty stricken folk. It used to be a thriving colourful business and is now dead. In a prime position I still can't see who would take it up again, people just don't have disposable income. It will get worse if or should I say when the Euro hits Bulgaria.

Vacated 'Fresh' Stand Looks Like a Bandstand in Yambol

Last summer a fresh juice business stood here, it was called Fresh and was shaped like an orange and it did good business. this year the stand was vacated and all summer it felt like waiting for a brass band to turn up as the position looks like a bandstand. Pity, we enjoyed the smoothies from this former 'Fresh' business.

Early Autumn Leaves and Compass Tree in Yambol

Early Autumn leaves gathered and waiting to collection next to a tree which acts as a compass in Yambol. In case you din't know moss gathers on the North side of trees due to favouring the cold and damp. You can never loose your bearings with trees about.

A Yambol Car Hibernating in Summer

Hibernation usually takes place in Winter, but for one car in Yambol it happens in the Summer. With the natural cover of low tree branches and a nylon cover, that car sure looks cosy. and of course protected from the searing heat of the summer sun. I did wonder whether the owner owns that garage behind it though!?

White Lines being Laid on the New Yambol Road

Three workers and a supervisor is all it took to lay down white lines on this new Using a piece of strong to get the line straight works wonders. When finished they can say to folk, "I drew that line!" A deserved party piece.

Brand New Nursery School Now Open in Yambol

It has been a long haul but this Nursery School is finally completed and open for children. The simple but effective bunting surrounding the complex is a nice touch to welcome learners coming into this world.

Virgin Tarmac on a Renovated Yambol Road

Now looking like a road, this stretch now has tarmac laid, virgin tarmac only 30 minute old. It was still hot to walk on. This will turn out to be the best road in Yambol when finished. 

Battle of Glory Museum Emblem Displayed in Yambol

All around Yambol you will see this emblem for the Battle of Glory Museum, usually giving directions to the site. Always nice to see road signs hinting a bit of class rather than sterile and uninspired signs that are commonly ignored by drivers.

Old Lights, New Building in Yambol

A new office block has been built recently in Yambol but the lights in the street are a complete contras as you can see.

Daily Life Goes On Yambol Despite Chaos Around

With total chaos reconstructing the main road in Yambol, daily life goes on in the neighbourhood with the delivery of wood for the winter.

Official and Unofficial Trees Planted in Yambol

It is great to see Yambol streets being filled with new trees by the local council. However some people feel that they are not putting enough in so they add their own trees as a supplement. As you can see it is quite obvious which tree planted is the officially and which tree is the unofficial. Love the tyre surround! 

The River Tundzha Running Through Yambol City Park

The ever changing scenery of the River Tundzha running through Yambol City Park. Each time the river is seen it has a unique look as the seasons change. Summer of course bring out this wonderful display of bright reflections of the blue sky and tree lined banks.

A Walk Over Yambol's New City Park Bridge

One of the highlight of the day is to walk in the Yambol City Park via the new bridge that has been recently renovated. With the Bulgarian flag rippling in the slight wind it give a great and satisfying sensation choosing Yambol and Bulgaria as my home.