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Exploring beyond Sofia
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Bulgaria, One place - two seasons, Sofia region

Boyana waterfall and Boyana lake

posted by Dario
Dec 14, 2021 448 0 0
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There are many beautiful and significant natural landmarks in Bulgaria, but few manage to make such a deep impression that they are noticed in national literature.

“It seems to you that this waterfall does not come from the top of Vitosha, but somewhere from the heights of heaven, carrying with it the rays of blue and the noise of their storms.”

– Ivan Vazov, The Waterfall

This is how the writer describes our current destination – Boyana Waterfall + bonus Boyana Lake. These are two famous landmarks that are visited many times by Sofia residents and visitors of the city, because not many capitals in the world can say that they have this type of attraction just next door. And the waterfall as a natural landmark is one of the most beautiful, and that is why I decided this year to pay attention to this place in my article “One place – Two seasons“.

Boyana waterfall

Boyana Waterfall is located on the territory of Vitosha Mountain and is its highest waterfall – 25 m. It originates from the waters of Boyana River and is located at 1260 m above sea level. Only about 4 km southwest of Boyana neighborhood and is the perfect one-day escape from the big city.

Витоша - лято
Витоша - зима

With that in mind, I visited the waterfall impulsively in the summer, and from yesterday to today I decided to go. It happened on June 10, when the weather was nice, with very light, roaring rain, which did not interfere in any way with the walk. My journey started from the Boyana district of the capital, where both the most famous paths start. One is longer but sloping (takes 1:30 – 2:00) and is marked with green markings, and the other is shorter but steeper (takes 1:00) with red marking.

Разходка през лятото
Разходка през зимата

During the summer walk I walked through the green markings, which also passes near Boyana Lake, which we will talk about shortly. The good thing about the trails is that they pass through the forests of Vitosha Nature Park and give you the opportunity to fully enjoy nature, as well as various and interesting views of Sofia.

Боянски водопад - лято
Боянски водопад - зима

In winter, one should not underestimate Vitosha Mountain. I took the winter walk on February 14 and my new and faithful friend, my dog ​​Yuki-Doro, accompanied me on this adventure. (This article is his official debut in my blog) Then I took the red path to the waterfall as a challenge. With it, the situation was more complicated, but with the right equipment and preparation, one can easily get through it.

Панорама от Витоша - лято
Панорама от Витоша - зима

Boyana waterfall is truly magical, most “watery” in the spring, it does not dry out all year round, delighting visitors in the summer. Autumn is beautifully combined with the golden colors of the surrounding trees, and in winter, on the coldest days, the waterfall freezes due to its location in a swampy and deep valley, thus providing the opportunity for extreme tourism – winter climbing.

Useful information:
The starting point is the northern part of Boyana at the entrance to Vitosha Park;
If you have a car you can park in the neighboring streets or in the square of the neighborhood;
By public transport you can travel by buses 64 and 107, and the stop is Boyansko Hanche, 10 minutes from the starting point;
I recommend moving on the longer path (green markings). It is safer and more enjoyable. If you want to go through both, it is better to go through the shorter one (red marking) and return through the longer one in order to avoid overload and risky situations;
In the summer I recommend you to wear waterproof and comfortable shoes;
In the winter you have to have good equipment and, above all, the right shoes, because a lot of snow accumulates here and it is slippery;
The route is suitable for all ages in summer, while in winter it is suitable for active people who have suitable mountain equipment;
From here you can continue to Momina Skala hut, Kamen del hut and the area of ​​the Golden Bridges, where bus 63 stops.

Boyana Lake

Boyana Lake is artificial, created during the construction of the Sofia Vitosha aqueduct in 1906. Previously, it was a swamp fed by several springs. Nowadays it has become an indispensable part of Vitosha Nature Park, being home to a number of animal and plant species.

Боянското езеро - лято
Боянското езеро - зима

It is located 1.5 km southeast of Boyana. It can be reached by the green marked path I mentioned above. The duration of the walk is about 50 minutes. The lake provides a peaceful atmosphere that everyone can enjoy in the company of melodies from the monasteries here, including: brown toad, large water frog, small and large crested newt.

From the photos you can see the impressive contrast that this place provides. In summer it is beautiful, humble and green, while in winter you can see beautiful blue and white shades that easily paint the whole landscape. Definitely Boyana Lake offers views and emotions for every person and his favorite season.

Useful information:
The starting point is the same as at Boyana Waterfall, the northern part of Boyana at the entrance to Vitosha Park;
Boyana Lake is significantly lower and more easily accessible;
The route is suitable for all ages in summer, while in winter it is suitable for active people who have mountain equipment;

The nature of Vitosha is unique and invigorating, so it is important for us, the visitors, to maintain it as such and to protect it from neglected individuals who do not think about how to coexist all in harmony, but look at our planet selfishly.

Protect Bulgarian nature, because it is nobody’s trash.

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Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Let’s dive in together into the amazing world of Let’s dive in together into the amazing world of Costa Rica! 🇨🇷

To many, Costa Rica’s charm lies in its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife. With breathtaking landscapes and a myriad of creatures – from toucans to monkeys to jaguars – it’s easy to see why. 

Where else can you hike active volcanoes, zip line through cloud-covered rainforests and surf warm turquoise waters within the span of just a few days? In this compact but diverse tropical paradise, exhilarating outdoor activities are abundant. 

Nature-seekers will roam thick jungles while beachgoers will sprawl across the powdery sands. It’s hard not to admire all the splendors this “Rich Coast” has to offer.

#CostaRica #PuraVida #LatinAmerica
Heading to the next stage of life ~ Since soon I Heading to the next stage of life ~

Since soon I will celebrate my 30th birthday, I’ve been reflecting back to the person I was when I entered my twenties, and while I still feel young at heart, I’ve evolved into a completely different person.

I must confess, I have mixed feelings about turning 30. While I cherish the memories and experiences I have gathered during this time, I have also however, had my share of setbacks. The most important aspect that has inspired me are the experiences that I have gathered during my travels. Meeting new people, understanding their culture and trying new cuisines have changed my perspective towards life in general. While I am still a child somewhere in my heart, turning 30 is a big deal because it is assumed that I am an adult now.

Here are my 30 most precious travel experiences before turning 30:

1. Exploring my home country.
2. Travelling solo.
3. Supporting small local businesses and entrepreneurs.
4. Learning a foreign language.
5. Saving money for traveling.
6. Making friends while traveling.
7. Cooking traditional dishes.
8. Trying traditional food everywhere I go.
9. Overcoming my fear.
10. Trying something new.
11. Travelling with family.
12. Travelling with friends.
13. Travelling for myself and not social media.
14. Going out my comfort zone -  uncomfortable makes life more comfortable.
15. Living in a foreign country.
16. Packing like a pro.
17. Visiting my (some of) dream destinations.
18. Falling in love in a foreign country.
19. Blending in with different cultures.
20. Taking a piece of every place with me.
21. Learning to say no (in different languages).
22. Learning to take decent pictures.
23. Documenting my trips.
24. Valuing experiences.
25. Making memories.
26. Rediscovering my favourite places.
27. Planning elaborate itineraries
28. Keeping it positive and never regretting to have climbed that mountain.
29. Some people around the world are born disadvantaged, not biologically, but socially.
30. Realising that the most incredible thing I can witness happens twice a day, and it’s free.

#life #20 #30
Your positive friendly reminder… Travel is, at Your positive friendly reminder…

Travel is, at its very essence, a tool – nothing more… nothing less. Broken down to its very essence, it becomes an instrument to fulfil our desires, attain new experiences and to discover a difference that is at least a step away from our local surroundings.

One thing that we can often forget is that travel also has the added benefit of helping us build a pretty solid amount of confidence too, something that we all stand to benefit from in the long-term, in our own personal development.

Follow this 5 simple steps and enjoy the best ways to develop your confidence, which can be learned whilst travelling:

✅ Be positive
✅ Embrace strengths
✅ Acknowledge weakness
✅ Listen to your head and heart
✅ Be an assertive traveller

#travelling #positivethoughts #confidence
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Have you ever wondered what it is really like to travel often? Living the life of a traveler is full of paradoxes. Full of strange feelings. Full of grandiosity. Let me tell you what traveling is really like.

Choosing this life is more than a temporary escape. It will completely and entirely transform who you are.

So are you prepared for a journey of beauty, adventure and heartbreak? Read the next few rows.

✔️ Traveling is saying yes to life.
✔️ Uncertainty is a traveler’s homeland.
✔️ Traveling is a life of extremes.
✔️ About the unknown driving force.
✔️ Discomfort as a teacher.
✔️ Traveling is falling in love deeply with the world.
✔️ Always a stranger, but at home in the world.
✔️ Experiencing exhilarating freedom.
✔️ Understanding different perspectives.
✔️ In the life of a traveler, nothing lasts.
✔️ Travel teaches you everything.

This is what the life of a traveler is like: Be courageous. Follow the calling of your heart. It will lead you to a million places you would have never expected. And you will grow big. You will grow beautiful. You will grow so full of life it will make your heart burst with happiness. Some of us simply belong to the road.

#lifeofatraveler #travelthoughts #travelinspiration
The magic of Spain 🇪🇸 Double trouble - Dou The magic of Spain 🇪🇸 

Double trouble - Double S

Dive in the magnificent atmosphere of Segovia and Salamanca - two unique, original and beautiful cities 🌆
Photo dump Spain 🇪🇸 ⚔️ Portugal 🇵🇹 Photo dump Spain 🇪🇸 ⚔️ Portugal 🇵🇹 

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Dear Portugal, I would never have pointed to a ma Dear Portugal,

I would never have pointed to a map and picked you. I wasn’t sure we would even like each other. I came with only a few belongings and even fewer expectations. But I had the desire to get to know you and see if I would stay. And like two people making an acquaintance at a dinner party, we searched for commonalities: exploring, an insatiable appetite for rice and seafood, a bond to the earth and the sea.

At first I fell for the little things. The promise of discovering new things every single day. That dazed feeling after a few glasses of fruity vinho verde. The melancholy while listening to Fado music. The rissois, natas and feijoada, the melt-in-your-mouth queijo fresco, delectable sardinha and unforgettable bacalhau. And surprisingly, even lamprey and percebe.

I loved the quiet irony of your lavish, impressive buildings next to your ancient, dilapidated houses. I even adored your temperamental weather, sunny in the morning and sometimes tempestuous in the afternoon.

And I loved your people. The grandmas dressed in black with their soft faces and culinary secrets. The fishermen with their old fashioned hats. The shopkeepers who actually mean it when they say “obrigada.”

And then I began to love you for your words, and the new feelings they gave name to.  For that elusive feeling of saudade –– untranslatable but described so accurately by the Portuguese writer Manuel de Melo: “a pleasure you suffer, an ailment you enjoy.” Or the chamego — the sense of intimacy, infatuation, and cuddling, all in one word.

Of course, there are things about you that I will probably never understand. You’re an old soul and I’m too juvenile. I’m impulsive whereas you are cautious and pensive. I have this incessant desire to be happy, but you have this habit of enjoying being triste.

But I’ve lived many lives in different parts of the world, I’ve been running around, not caring where I rest my head, not knowing where I’d end up. Perhaps I met you, Portugal, because something inside me had really been crying out for stillness, for a safe haven where I could finally become myself.

#Portugal #loveletter #Lisbon #porto
At the very lowest point on earth lies a natural w At the very lowest point on earth lies a natural wonder replete with a unique ecosystem, breathtaking desert views, and mineral treasures that have been attracting visitors for thousands of years: The Dead Sea. 

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#Jordan #sea #lake
Jordan’s Photo Dump 🇯🇴 #Jordan #album #A Jordan’s Photo Dump 🇯🇴 

#Jordan #album #Asia
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