Teetering on a Tightrope
We instantly feel at ease in these countries. It’s after the almost flawless form and function of Germany, Austria that overawes us, even intimidates us. It’s because of the uncanny likeness of Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria to home, to South Africa that re-assures us, even bolsters us.
The sheer excitement of living in a country in wobbling transition! We see the grim and the grubby. We feel the dilemmas and the energy. The apathy of the countryside recoils from the activism in the cities. The aspirations of the young ignore the pessimisms of the old.
We sense the histories of these countries still hurt. We know these present-day predicaments; at home they also mess with our minds every single day. We get it; the future ‘better life for all’ teeters on a tight rope.
Everywhere we see real people going about their business that matters. And at the end of everyday, we are choc-o-block full of reverence, solace and solidarity.
Here follow some photos that we hope reflect this ….
Beautiful Countrysides.
Back roads in Serbia.
Farming Communities in Hungary.
...
Here, there and everywhere, industry from the Soviet era.
Here is the village of Majdanpek (Serbia) epecially built for the labour force needed for the copper mine (see left corner).
The copper mine at Majdanpek.
Thriving cities .... Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
... Sofia, Bulgaria.
... cranes and skyscrapers ...
... antiquity and graffiti ...
A basket seller in the old part of Plovdiv.
...
...
And so often ... no suburbia ... hi-rise apartments stop and the countryside starts.
Here 'RDP' houses are on top of each other and not side by side (like SA).
A make shift home at the edge of a city.
A Soviet MIG displayed in the middle of nowhere.
A Soviet-style statue moving with the times (see EU symbol).
A family enjoying the sun at the foot of their apartment block.
A flower-pot of a Trabant!
An immaculant Simpson!
A working Trabant!
Another Old-timer.
Trucks rule both sides of the road.
Late afternoon in Baja, Hungary.
In a small Serbian village...
...
In the old part of Plovdiv, Bulgaria...
... a busy street corner ...
...
A gentle-man sells his wares ... little wooden models of WW1 and WW2 planes.
The 'lucky' and the 'not-so-lucky' side by side.
You will find a Harley everywhere.
The young off to school in a little village.
A wedding in Plovdiv.
And another wedding ..... not far away.
Here wine is opened like beer ... and beer comes in 2l coke sized bottles.
Everynight we scratch out a new nest. This is a particularly nice one (see Harry's 2l beer).
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14 Responses to Teetering on a Tightrope
Fascinating and I agree, there are clear urbian issues and challenges that are similar to ours. Even the cows next th the high density RDP’s. Some interesting pictures like the industrial ones and some nice old world architecture. Thans for taking us on your journey and being our eyes. Safe ride
Looks great, thanks for the vpics, keep them coming!!!
What a privelige you guys have to be able to wander the earth. The photo’s are great so keep them coming for us plebs to see. Travel safely. Next week I will be walking the Fish River Canyon with Brian – the dry of Namibia versus the green where you are could not be more of a contrast.
A lovely review. We can only agree with the comments above, fascinating, great pics and what a priviledge indeed. You have succeeded in giving us a feel of these eastern European countries and we hope you continue to travel safely
Wow what a different set up, way of life there is there… and still an absolute privilege to be able to do this togetha and have the time to explore that what the world has to offer…its absolutely wonderful to share this with you both
Wow, a picture is worth a thousand words!! Thanks! We have become use to wine with a screw top and wine in a plastic bottle, but to open it like a beer bottle is an insult to a good wine!! We enjoy the contrasts in your photo’s and Wendy, the historian, revelled in the Russian / Communist influence still very visable! Great that you included pictures of yourselves!! We enjoy the email notification of a new posting!! Maklik vir ou Winty om te kry!
Your photographs are very special in that they depict every day life – still a far cry from the NY’s of the world. Look forward to next posting!! Travel safely! x
Marvellous to see the assortment of old vehicles——–some not seen before ! Thanks for that (Jim). Please keep safe and thanks for those pictures PLUS such apt comments ! Love them!
Love as aye Jim & Muriel xx
Wow, it’s like travelling through time! Thanks for sharing your experiences. En Harry, is that 2L beer better value than a 1.5 L bottle of Crackling? …and more, do they also have ‘ potential winning numbers’ in the “doppies”
Veilig reis. Nod’s
PS: Linda, glad to see (hope so) Harry did not jump out with a funny face to spoil the wedding photos!
Great photos and a lovely update. I think Nicholas would enjoy the idea of a 2l beer bottle!!
Lots of love
Stella , Nicholas, Lucy and Matthew
Enjoying the variety of countryside, towns, people and vehicles (motor bikes!) that you are showing us. Your observation is superb and yur writing lets us feel it all with you.
Good to see that you are enjoying the east of europe.. We wish you a great time in Turkey! Hopefully the beers are good there too. Keep us posted! Love Hedy and Siem
Looks breath taking. Have a great time and keep safe !!
I like the idea of 2L beers. “Yes dear, I’m stopping for a beer with the guys on the way home”……
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