The Valley of the Roses and Idylle

The Valley of the Roses and Idylle

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

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This Dreamy rose landscape is where I am going to take you today.
The "Rose Valley" is a region, in my birth country Bulgaria. Its located south of the Balkan Mountains and the eastern part of the lower " Middle Forest" chain to the south.

Not a lot of people actually know this but The Rose Valley produces 85% of the world's rose oil.
This Rose - growing industry has been cultivated in this region for centuries, giving some of the best quality rose products. It is no wonder why Thierry Wasser,  Guerlain's famous perfumer, regularly visits The Valley and loves it there.

As the Valley spreads on a significant area hugged by The Balkan, the center of the Roses is Kazanlak City,  followed by not less important Rose cities: Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer, and Pavel Bath.
These cities are also rich hubs of the country's history and heritage. If you visit, which I recommend, You will see that a big part of the architecture there is kept as it was from the town's birth.

Each Year People from all parts of the world, that are familiar with this region, travel to the Valley to witness the Rose Festival in its peak Harvest time, which is from May to June.
The harvest itself is a very difficult process that requires a great deal of patience. It can take hours and trust me it is exhausting. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.

I should also say that if you decide to give it a try in your spring/summer travels, you won't regret it.
It is great fun and the smell of roses is in the air all the time. Locals even produce rose jam. So by the end of your stay, you might be even dreaming roses in your sleep.

The Valley is great for walks and if you catch the sunset you are in for a treat.

Do not be shy and do take part in festival activities. It will be a lifetime memory and the locals will treat you to a lot of gifts as they love the enthusiasm from visitors.

In the picture above you can see some of the local traditional costumes. Different areas of the country, these would vary in detail and often villagers will participate in costume making competitions.

This is Roza Hotel( Rose Hotel) where you can accommodate during the harvest months. Sometimes some of the locals will offer you a room in their own houses, which of course is a cheaper option for your next visit, so make sure to make friends while there.

Back to Guerlain and Thierry Wasser. Not so long ago, while I was searching for rose-based perfumes I found " Idylle" Guerlains creation that most certainly intrigued me a lot.
The main base ingredient was sourced by Thierry Wasser exactly in the Rose Valley of my country I just had to have this perfume and try it out.

Idylle opens with a shower of flowers, a fresh and joyful bouquet composed of lily of the valley, peony, freesia, and white lilac.

The heart reveals a jasmine mixed with a blend of Bulgarian roses. 
The base adds a sensual chypre accord composed of patchouli and white musks.
The perfume represents the Idyllic romantic drops of time that occur in our life.

As soon as I tried it, I really loved how warm and flowery it is.

Guerlain also offers it in its signature Bee Bottles which are oh so super cute.

Happy Shopping!
Leave a comment and share in which fragrance you have discovered a Bulgarian rose.
What other Rose fragrances you have tried and love, maybe from France, Britain or another location?

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London Walks

London Walks

Monday, 28 May 2018

London, UK

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 With the lovely weather stepping in , I can not help but suggest some lovely places to go and enjoy this beautiful city. One of my favourite locations in London is Portobello Road! Iconic and diverse, the vibe there is so strong that you wont be able not to fall in love with the markets, cafes and interesting vintage shops. Not to mention one of Kate Moss's favourite shops is located there.
And here is my recommendation for a place where you can grab a bite. Georges is a fish and chips shop loved even by Jamie Oliver and many celebrities, you can see some of their photographs hanging on the wall when you first step in from the door.

Another location worth hanging around is beautiful Chelsea, in particular Sloane Square and pathways and parks next to the river. If you decide to take a stroll down Kings Road, coming from Sloane Square station, make sure to stop by Joe and The Juice. Super food smoothies and shakes with the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the sun.  Going for a bike ride is always an amazing idea! Also as currently The Chelsea Flower Show takes place, almost every shop has a cute flower window display and the whole road is suddenly transformed into this fairy like place.

Leave a comment and share with us which is your favourite place in London.

On a more serious note, If you fancy getting to know London from another more different time, I suggest You get yourself "Night walks"

But be aware it is in the style of the author, so nothing pinky and romantic. It is rather realistically dramatic.

Dickens describes his time as an insomniac, when he decided to cure himself by walking through London in the small hours, and discovered homelessness and vice on the streets.

I feel it is a very interesting contrast of what London can offer.

Shop here: Night Walks (Penguin Great Ideas)

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Nafplio, Greece, 2017

Nafplio, Greece, 2017

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Nafplion, Greece

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     As my first travel adventure documentation I have chosen to share my experience from beautiful Greece, also because           it sets the mood for the upcoming summer season.I was there to visit a friend and stayed for a weak, but it was more than enough to make me appreciate the history, food and one of the cutest secluded beaches you probably did not even know exist. Well thats why I am here-to share so that You guys can go and hopefully enjoy it too.

Needles to say the weather there does not disappoint. The sea water was so warm I literally spend hours looking for all sorts of sea shells and rocks to take back home( one of my little weird quirks) also because the waters were so crystal clear.

Exploring the charming little pathways of Nafplio was followed by the wonderful scent of Jasmine mixed with the sea breeze.

Yes, it is a small town . Probably nothing the size you have been use to but that just makes it easier to explore by foot and remembering easier your routes, for example to the nearest beach or favourite breakfast place.

Don't forget to honour the cultural differences in the Typical Architecture. I personally love taking an evidence and comparing after my trips.

I think this pretty much captures the mood of the place. And for my surprise this beautiful building just next to the sea is in fact abandoned. Sadly indeed, considering its location and potential to bring some tourists around. Which the town can use to flourish even more.

So after almost an hour trek up the hill, through the most green path there is , we have riches the end of it and oh, what an end the locals chose. It is almost as if you are climbing the stairway to heaven ... they chose to ended with a Church. How idyllic and meaningful. Lovely to see people still cherish tradition and culture!

If you are a cactus lover but don't fancy leaving the sea  views behind for a desert like scenery , well, this is definitely a place you should visit. They are everywhere and I would dare to say I was intimidated by the bushy amount of needles poking through every corner. That didn't stop me to try take a piece for a souvenir. I even had this crazy idea that if I managed get as much as I could I could probably mix up some healthy potion and splash it on my face as my face cream was just finishing.

And if you decide you need to go with your significant other, I suggest you stick around to see the sunset on the sea side just before the rocky mountain . Firstly, because there is a beautiful Castle resting on an island ( that you could visit with a boat by the way) Secondly, because all the restaurants are just few metres away and last but not least ... The  View!

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