One of my biggest regrets ever since I was a teenager has always been not being able to get to know Bulgaria, my home country, the way most Bulgarians know it - inside and out. I got to visit a few places during my school years however, most of the time, my family couldn't afford the expenses of sending me on these school trips. This is probably the biggest reason why now, all I want to do is ensure my daughter gets to experience not only Bulgaria but the whole world the way I never got to.
This past summer, Sophia and myself treated ourselves to a wonderful 4-week vacation. Most of our trip was spent in Bulgaria as this was my first time back since 2012 so you can imagine the emotion behind it all. It was however Sophia's second visit - she travelled there last summer as well, but with my mom.
Our first week back, we spent at my dad's. He had a whole itinerary planned for our stay but the highlight of the places he picked, and our favourite by far, was definitely the island of Saint Anastasia.
Sophia exploring the island model
We boarded a small boat around noon and pretty much baked in the sun for about half an hour. Enough for all of us to transform into red tomatoes by the end of the day!
Even with the blazing hot sun though, the boat ride was quite spectacular. Being on board, watching the waves crash into the little ship, feeling the breeze on my skin - all this made me feel free and happy. Or maybe it was the fact that I was back home...
My dad on the boat
Sharing a bit of backstory on the island before I dive into what we did there.
The island of Saint Anastasia is located at about 6km from the city of Burgas, and it's one of the most well-known landmarks around there. Tourists usually describe it as a little piece of paradise where history meets picturesque landscapes. Some also say you can feel the island has its own life, its own memories, its own soul.
The monastery Saint Anastasia, built on the island around XV century, is one of its most famous sights. In the early 1900s, that same monastery becomes a prison (which is why the island is also referred to as the Bulgarian Alcatraz).
The island was named after Saint Anastasia of Sirmium, a Christian saint and martyr, often called Saint Anastasia the Pharmakolytria for her healing abilities. She was burned alive on December 22nd 304 as she never renounced the Christian faith.
The beauty of this place immediately captivates you as you step out of the boat - you're surrounded by crystal clear waters and rocky hills with magnificent views.
We headed over to the monastery / prison / museum. I have to admit, when you look at it from afar, it does give off a bit of an eerie vibe.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe all these places have their own history. So many events, that probably seem super insignificant to us nowadays, have happened in this monastery/ prison. My eyes teared up as I was walking through the place, knowing people have lost their lives there.
One of my favourite photos. It looks like a portal to another dimension.
Sophia thoroughly enjoyed the museum and the stories behind the artefacts and relics.
For lunch, we headed over to the only restaurant on the island. People say it's been around for 100+ years, which I find fascinating. We had some traditional Bulgarian cuisine (plus the infamous french fries with shredded feta on top) and enjoyed our little break, admiring the views...and our little friend, the grasshopper!
Then, unfortunately, it was time to go back. Even though all three of us were tired, we were happy. I was even on the verge of crying as I finally got one step closer to getting to know my lovely and beautiful Bulgaria. I imagine it as a big puzzle that I slowly put together, piece by piece, by visiting all of these amazing, historical places. And this one was a memorable one!
