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| Pirin Mountains |
Bansko Bulgaria
Thursday 14th
January 2016
Yet
again the aches and pains in my legs arrived as soon as I woke up in the early
hours despite the fact I had a shower last night and stretched out. It was
momentarily painful though because as soon as I got changed and moved around
for a moment the pain disappeared. I headed straight downstairs to get my fill
of food for breakfast. Sean was in the room having his food already so I sat
with him with my food and we began talking about our day yesterday. We were
also talking about the good weather that was expected today and possibly my
chance to get to the top too to eventually catch a glimpse of the views. It was
coming up to 8:15am so we left the dining room and to our rooms to grab our
skiing gear.
By
8:25am I was at the front entrance and I felt like something wasn’t right when
I was the only one standing there when there were usually a handful of people
waiting. Sean then came down bewildered with the same fact wondering what was
going on. 8:30am came when the shuttle bus was supposed to arrive but it didn’t
show up. With Sean and I frustrated, I headed back to reception to see what was
happening. Apparently the driver left early which we weren’t happy about as it
meant we lost time with skiing. The receptionist rang the van driver to get
back quickly to pick us up. So we waited for another 10 minutes until he
eventually arrived. We rushed into the van thinking he was going to go straight
away. Oh no, he decided to slowly make his way into the hotel for a few minutes
then slowly making his way back out finally driving us to the gondola station
or so we thought.
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| Pirin Hotel |
We
had to make more pick ups along the way but then eventually we arrived and made
our way straight to the ski centre to grab our skis. I decided to take my new
shoes this time hoping they weren’t going to get stolen. Just as I was putting
my boots on I overheard a couple complaining to the rep about their shoes being
stolen too. Once I had my boots on I made my way over to them and explain to
them my situation as well. They couldn’t believe it and stated that there
should have been cameras watching on at the shelves. They were angrier than me
to be honest because they said their shoes cost about £200. Mine was more for
sentimental reasons despite only costing about £40 but the principal was still
the same.
Anyway
we all made our way to the gondola station and quite quickly I made my way into
the cable car with a few others for the awkward ride up to the top. A very long
time passed until we made it to the top where the weather was glorious without
a cloud in sight. I was very hopeful and eager to get to the top but first my
lesson would start in 30 minutes. As I made my way over to the button lift, I
bumped into Maz, Tracey, Michael and his family. We wanted to go up together to
the halfway point of the snow cannon route but there was a problem; the button
lift wasn’t working. So we unclipped our skis and took the long tiring walk to
the halfway point. Along the way we were talking about what we did in the
evening passing the time until eventually we got to the halfway point. We were
practicing our turns for the lesson which was about to start in 10 minutes so
we all went down together to meet up with Katy and the rest of the group. Katy
was asking me how my snowboard taster went yesterday and she understood how hard
it was to control turns and come to a stop.
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| Bansko Gondola Station |
The
button lift was still not working so we took the walk up the slope talking
along the way. It took a while too but we made it to the top raring to get back
down. Funnily enough as soon as we got to the top, the button lift began to
work which was typical. Anyway we moved on to better things with the lessons as
we were going to do a human slalom. We would all line up about 3 metres apart
and the person at the top would slalom between everyone else. I jokingly asked
if everyone took out health insurance and everyone said yes. So one by one
everyone including myself slalomed between everyone without hitting anyone
which Katy was happy about. She was constantly praising us with how far we came
and yet again it motivated us all to keep it up. Baz was a hell of a lot better
than what he started out like which was really impressive. Maz was picking it up
too and I could see why Katy was proud of them.
We
all slalomed constantly from then on to the bottom and Katie told us all to
head to the top again. Because the button lift was working again, the queue was
horrendous. We all joined the back of it and then half of us changed our minds
and took the walk up again. I decided to walk up again and as I was climbing using
skis as a hiking stick, I was admiring the marvellous sun still shining on the
mountain peaks thinking that I shall be at the top of the mountain soon. I
eventually got to the top of the snow cannon route along with a few others as
we waited for Katy and a few others. To pass the time I was talking away to the
group that walked up whilst admiring the views surrounding us. A very long time
passed until the rest of the group joined us as we all lined up ready to head
off down the slope. Then we were surprised when we had seen an instructor
joining the line making Katy laugh.
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| Bunderishka Polyana |
He
spoke Bulgarian to her and she told us that he was joining us jokingly. He then
left for his group as we continued on doing our human slalom again. The second
time was controlled and perfect which would benefit us all when we go onto the
ski road in the afternoon. We made it to the bottom again as it was time for
our dinner break. However, instead of going to the restaurant like everybody
else, I headed straight for the chair lift that would take me up to the very
top. After looking at the huge map next to the chair lift I was going to use, I
could see it would take 2 lifts to get to the very top. So without haste, I
passed the barrier and headed straight for the chairs. It was quite quiet so I
timed it well to get my own chair. It was less complicated than the chair lift
to the moderate route which meant I sat back on the chair at ease bringing the
safety bar down ready to be amazed with the views I was about to see.
Immediately,
the sound disappeared from the hustle and bustle at the restaurant area as I
got further away. I absolutely adored the ride up as I was going right above
the black slope watching the experienced skiers and boarders rapidly making
their way down. It was beautiful to see and then I got to see the snow cannons
work for the first time. The direction of the snow from the cannon was hitting
the chairs in front of me which meant it was my turn to get blasted. A quick
hit of snow went all over my face and chair and then gone as I continued
gaining a lot of height. There were times I would look back down and all the
people at the main area below looked like colourful ants and then as I looked
forward again, I could see the top station approaching so as I got closer, I
had to lift the bar up and push myself off.
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| Majestic Bulgarian Landscape |
I
had to make the right turn to the next chair lift station because if I took the
wrong route, I would immediately be on the black slope. Good job I knew how to
turn and come to a stop at the wooden fence overlooking the valley below and
half of the panoramic views. I could see a huge section of the northern
mountains at the far distance and I was lost for words at this majestic view. I
knew there were better views to come so I made my way through the next barrier
and thankfully, I got onto the chair at ease by myself enjoying the ride up. I
could already feel the temperature drop at this point so it got me wondering
how cold it was at the very top. I had my goggles on and balaclava covering my
whole face except my nose and mouth so as it was exposed, I could definitely feel the
cold as I got higher.
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| Me |
The
greater views were slowly coming into range and I was overwhelmed with the
sights around me. I was still watching the skiers and boarders below me and I
could see some at the far left of me. The top station was coming up too so yet
again I prepared myself to get off. As soon as I got off with ease it wasn’t
right next to a route so I could go to one side and admire the glorious views
of the snowy mountains which were shining bright against the sun. I then turned
around and skied to the east slightly coming up to another fenced area and
looked on the countless mountain peaks disappearing behind one another
completely covered in white. There was a higher vantage point right next to me
at the south where I could see a wooden cross standing out. I was watching on
at the several people who were clambering up the very deep snow in order to get
to it and I thought I might as well join them. So I unclipped my skis and
planted them into the very deep snow like everybody else and took my sticks
with me to help me up. As soon as I started climbing I was stumbling or falling
over with the deep snow which was going below my knees. Slowly but surely I was
making my way up not giving up without a fight getting ever closer to the cross
as most people were making their way back down.
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| Pirin Mountains |
Eventually
I was next to the cross but it wasn’t enough for me as I wanted to go higher. I
could see it was possible to go higher safely so I continued climbing up the
fresh snow making a sort of track behind me to use to get back down. I must
have gone another 30 metres before finally stopping taking in the breathtaking
panoramic views of the snowy mountains. The overwhelming feeling of peace and
freedom came rushing through my heart as I felt like I was on top of the world.
I almost had a tear in my eye feeling like a true explorer thinking about where
I was and what I was doing as I embraced the bittersweet cold. As I looked down
at the valley to the North, I could see the very tiny town of Bansko which seemed to be less than 10 mile
away at this height and distance. It was hard to come to terms how far away it
was realising how long it would take to get there from where I was standing.
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| Pirin Mountains |
Speaking
of time, I could see I didn’t have long left for myself to get to the meeting
point with the ski group. So I took my time making my way back down which was
easier than climbing up but along the way I decided to write ‘BANSKO’ in the
deep snow just because it felt like the right thing to do. I didn’t have time
to do a snow angel either so I just focused on retrieving my skis. A short
moment later, I had my skis clipped on ready to take the risky journey down the
beginner slope I hadn’t been on yet. I decided to turn my GoPro camera on to
record the journey down hoping I wasn’t going to fall over and cause injury on
camera. I only had 30 minutes left to get to the meeting point so after a deep
breath and one last look at the spectacular views around me, I made my way
down.
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| BANSKO |
I
immediately focused on what I was doing and not anyone else which was helping
me a lot as I was going down controllably. The snow I was skiing down was
incredibly bumpy as the fresh snow was gradually becoming hard and flat due to
all the skiers causing little humps on the route. This was extremely tricky to
control but I was doing it as my heart was beating with the adrenaline of going
down the slope. I didn’t care that some people were overtaking me as I didn’t
want to do anything stupid to cause injury. I was doing really well and in
control with a few small stumbles and then I nearly came off when a snowboarder
cut me up losing my control causing me to speed up slightly. I eventually
gained control again and was smoothly making my way down the slope. Just ahead
of me I noticed the slope becoming flatter which meant I could gain a lot of
speed. The wind going by my face was immense beating my heart even faster as I
came towards the start of the woodland area.
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| Majestic Bulgarian Landscape |
After
a while, I came across a crossroad a bit confused on which way to go for the
meeting point. I was veering to the right heading towards a moderate and
beginner route but it was the wrong one. Luckily I came to a stop in time for
me to get back on the right route which was leading me to the right
moderate/beginner route. There was one tricky steep slope on a turn which put a
bit of pressure on my knees. I had to make a sharp turn near the bottom as I
was heading straight for the red and yellow netting.
Finally
I was back on familiar ground heading for the beginners route back to the
meeting point. From here on the run was very easy compared to what I just did
and I could suddenly see the busy restaurant area at the top of the gondola
station. I quickly made my way down the last steep turn making my way through
the crowd and then came to a stop. I was absolutely ecstatic and happy with
what I just did. The next thing I could feel was the temperature difference
from the top of the mountain to where I was standing now. It felt as though it
was summer with the sun beaming hot on my face. I had to take my gloves,
goggles and balaclava off as well as roll my sleeves up. I checked the time and
I could see I was 5 minutes late for the afternoon lesson and I was thinking
they had gone on the ski road without me. However, as I made my way over to our
usual meeting point I could see them all waiting for me.
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| Shilgamka Station |
I
eventually got to them and I told them where I had just been. They were excited
to hear what I had to say about the run and views I had seen and done. Katy was
wondering if I still wanted to join them down the ski road and I said of
course. So as soon as we were ready, we weaved through the crowd straight onto
the ski road. Instead of my usual speed up down the road, we all took our time
learning how to turn properly whilst keeping in line with each other. Despite
the whole adrenaline rush of going fast and furious, I preferred to take my
time as it meant I could enjoy the road and views more especially sharing that
experience with the ski group. Just before we came up to the tricky areas, we
all stopped making sure everyone was still together and focusing on what we
were about to do.
So
we set off with complete control of slalom down the slope and I was very
impressed with Baz and Maz’s progress. We were all doing so well keeping in
line with each other and then half way down we came to a stop again. Katy
informed us that she was about to take an alternate route which would be
narrower and a bit steeper in sections than the main route. Challenge accepted
we thought as we began to move forward again full of optimism. Katy took a
right turn as we followed her leading to a long straight route which sped us up
quite rapidly to be honest passing over a small bridge. It was quite an
adrenaline rush for everyone and we wanted more. So we continued on through the
narrow route surrounded by huge pine trees as we made our way to an upcoming
steep hill. We came to a stop just before it and Katy gave us a few more tips
to control our descent down the steep hill. One after another we slowly made
our way down with no falls from anyone. Katy was yet again impressed and then
we continued on to a very narrow sharp left turn. We stopped again as Katy was
explaining the fact that we had to watch for cars coming as we were going to
cross a small road.
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| Alternate Ski Route |
We
began moving again making the sharp turn between the red and yellow netting and
then we could see the tyre tracks crossing our path. We slowed down but still
moving looking for cars and then we crossed the road with a slight bump.
Everyone was still together as we joined back onto the main route of the ski
road. At this point the route was flatter which meant we could comfortably pick
up speed together enjoying the views even more as we made our way towards the
end. We were so close to making it to the end without falling until Leanne
ahead of me suddenly lost control and fell over. Michael and I helped her back
up as the group ahead didn’t realise we had stopped for her. Once she had all
her things we got under way again. We caught up to the other group and it
seemed to be a race at the end as everyone left the line we were making and
seeing who would get to the gondola station first. We were nearing the very end
when Leanne just ahead of me stumbles and drops her left stick causing me to
clip it with my right ski nearly falling over myself. I came to a stop and
skied back to grab Leanne’s stick for her and then we continued on together
making sure she was ok.
We
all met up at the very end with Katy wondering what took us so long. Anyway,
she asked us all if we wanted to go back up the gondola to do the ski road
again. The majority of us said we would so we unclipped our skis and made our
way to the cable cars. It was reasonably quiet which meant we had a greater
chance of being in the car together. Our car slowly opened its doors as we
rushed over with our skis and clambered in. There were Kane, Michael, Leanne and
I along with 2 strangers as we made our way up to the top. Immediately we could
feel the wind throwing the car around and cable causing it to stop. We were
passing the time by talking to each other about what we did for a living and
the huge lottery jackpot back home and the extreme 1 billion dollar jackpot in America that
was happening on this day. We were talking about what we would do with our money
and what to spend it on.
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| Leaving Bansko Gondola Station |
Along
the way the cable car would stop for ages and then move slightly. There was a
point where we stopped very close to one of the many pillars holding the cable
up and I was joking around about escaping the car and seeing if I could make
the jump to the ladders on the pillar. We eventually got moving again and then
not long after, it stopped again. We were teetering over a deadly drop but we
didn’t care as we were still trying to come up with escape attempts. The
gondola was slowly moving back down which was confusing as we didn’t know what
was happening whether we would get to the top as well. Michael was getting
frustrated because we weren’t going anywhere. I was trying to reassure him saying
‘just think what you would be doing back home at work compared to this’ then
saying’ I’d rather be stuck in a cable car’.
He
agreed and then the gondola was moving again. Eventually there were no stops
for the rest of the journey but to be honest it was a relief getting out of the
car. The rest of the group was right behind us so we didn’t have to wait a long
time for them. Just before we were about to set off, we had to move to one side
as a snowmobile came rushing towards the gondola station with a very badly
injured man on a stretcher behind it. He had a huge cut on the forehand which
was a hard reminder of what happens when a person loses focus or going to fast
on this slopes. It wasn’t nice to stare at so we began to leave when a second
snowmobile arrived with a man sitting on the back end with a sling on his arm.
I then said to Katy I was going to give this run a miss with the group as I
hadn’t had any dinner due to the fact I spent my break going to the very top.
So as everyone left with Katy, I made my way to the canteen in the bar.
I
grabbed the usual snacks and sat outside admiring the glorious sun still beaming
down on the mountain slopes also watching the world go by as though I was stood
still in time with no one noticing I was there. I quickly ate my food and
grabbed my skis, clipping them on and making my way down the slope. I went a
hell of a lot faster than the last run just for the fact that I wanted to get
down to the bottom quickly. I was also hoping to bump into the group along the
way but I had a feeling they would have already finished by the time I got
down. I was making good pace gaining confidence in my turns and stops at the
right time quickly making my way to the alternate route. Without stopping I
took to the alternate route where it was dead quiet which was great for me as I
bolted down the slope over the small bridge.
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| Ski Road |
It
was amazing gliding through the narrow route quickly approaching the steep
hill. I slowed down at this point as I still didn’t have the confidence to go
down full pelt. I did go straight down though without turning and the sudden
rush of wind was exhilarating as I gained control on the flatter surface
towards the sharp left turn. I slowly crossed the road and back onto the main
route going really fast on the flatter surface. I kept the momentum up by
pushing along with my sticks and then bending forwards feeling the wind again.
I was weaving past a lot of people enjoying the moment but it was short lived
when I was coming to the end.
As
much as I wanted to go up again I changed my mind and headed back into the ski
centre. I returned my skis and then bumped into the couple who had their shoes
stolen. They eventually found their shoes but the woman was still not 100% sure
that they were her shoes. They left feeling relieved and I thought about taking
a proper look at the shoes I thought looked very similar to mine. As I looked
closely at these shoes it only turned out to be my shoes all along. I couldn’t
believe how stupid I was and hadn’t a clue how I thought they were someone
else’s. I was laughing with disbelief at the fact I did that and then after
grabbing my new shoes too I bumped into Sean as I explained to him about my
shoes which he found absolutely funny as we laughed at the whole situation.
We
left the ski centre together and then I decided to head to the shuttle bus
where as Sean headed to the ‘Happy Ends’ bar for a drink. Luckily I timed it
well as the shuttle bus was ready and waiting. As I approached it, the couple
who had found their shoes were on the same van so we were talking for a brief
moment until everyone was aboard and the driver drove away from the parking
area. We were on our way to our hotels and a short moment later brought us to
the first drop off. Everyone besides me got off as the driver drove off again
taking me back to my hotel. We shortly arrived with me getting out of the van
thanking the driver. I was relieved to be back and with my old shoes too making
my way to my room.
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| Pirin Hotel |
I
didn’t have long to relax as in the evening I was going to have a ski-doo
taster where I got to steer my own snowmobile. I was really looking forward to
this so as I grabbed my essential items including the voucher needed, I made my
way out of the hotel for the long walk back up to the gondola station. For once
along the way I didn’t get pestered which was great as I quickly arrived at the
other side. I was looking for Sean as he was riding a snowmobile along with me
in the evening so I decided to head into the ‘Happy Ends’ bar in the hopes I
would be able to spot him. As soon as I entered, I could see how busy it was so
it didn’t give me much hope in finding him. I walked through to the other side
of the bar passing the rock band as they were playing away and making my way
back outside. I then decided to head into the gondola station to see if he was
there. I spent a few minutes looking around the area inside with no hope.
I
was about to head outside when I had one last look behind me and there he was
heading to the toilet. I waited for him outside the entrance and he was
startled when he seen me. I was happy I found him as he knew which room we had
to be in so we both headed for the ski school centre and I handed over my
voucher to the receptionist. He gave me small form I had to fill and sign out.
I signed it not at all sure what I was signing; I could have been signing my
life away for all I knew but I assumed it was to cover the instructor incase of
any accidents. We were then told to sit and wait for a couple more people and the
instructor. A moment had passed until a familiar face entered the room. It was
Kane from my ski learner group. He recognised me as I said hello to him. He had
his friend along for the ride and straight after them two, the instructor
arrived leading us out to the end of the ski road. I could see the excitement
in Sean’s face as he was about to ride a snowmobile because of the fact he was
a motorbike fanatic. Then excitement came into my face when I looked on at the
4 snowmobile lined up ready to go. I tried to look calm, cool and collective on
the outside but on the inside I was like a small child on Christmas morning.
We
all gathered around one snowmobile as we were told the basics of accelerating
and braking as well as how to alert the instructor of any problems. We all
understood what we had to do and then the instructor told us to get on our
snowmobiles. I went onto the one that was used as a demonstration with Kane and
his friend on the right of me and Sean on my left. The instructor informed me
that I was going to be third in line with Kane ahead of me and Sean behind me.
We all got our photo taken on the snowmobiles and then we all turned our
engines on. My heart was beating fast when the engine was running raring to get
going. The instructor eventually left with us all following him in a single
line. It was hard at first to keep the throttle in but then I got the hang of
it and made my way up the ski road. It felt amazing driving along the snow
gaining a lot of speed leaving the flatter slope behind. It was dusk at this
point so the majority of the ski road was lit up helping us with a good field
of vision. I didn’t care though as I was concentrating more on where I was
going. I was having so much fun pressing down on the throttle now going through
the woodland areas. It was starting to get a bit bumpy so I was getting thrown
around at times but nothing too severe.
 |
| Bansko Snowmobile |
I
couldn’t get over how easy it was to steer too underestimating the
manoeuvrability of this marvellous machine. I was following Kane’s tracks in
front of me who was quite far ahead with the instructor so I thought it would
be a great idea to let them go off ahead for a while and then press the
throttle up higher. The speed of the snowmobile was spectacular rapidly
returning back with the front two. I felt like James Bond on a high speed chase
with Sean (the bad guy) behind me trying to kill me. I must admit, the James
Bond theme tune was playing in my head as I may have sung it out loud. No doubt
everyone else was doing the same and then we quickly arrived at the start of
the ski road. We turned around on ourselves as we all lined up next to each
other. I thought the instructor was coming over to give me wrong but he was
just wondering if everything was ok with the snowmobile. I could see the joy in
Sean’s face too as he couldn’t believe he was doing this.
The
instructor and Kane went off ahead when I was revving my engine to Sean
jokingly and then sped off heading fast towards the front two. Yet again after
catching up I would slow right down again in order to have a lot more space
ahead of me to gain a lot of speed. I didn’t know whether Sean was getting
impatient with me slowing down but he knew I was doing it for a good reason. A
while later, I could hardly see Kane’s rear light so at that moment I pushed
the throttle in and sped off at such speed. It was definitely extreme going at
a fast pace down the slope and at points I was coming up to the hill areas
feeling as though I almost got some air. I even did a cowboy ‘Yeehaa’ with the
speed I was doing and then a wicked sounding laugh as I was enjoying the
moment. I came right up to Kane’s snowmobile with Sean right behind me as I
slowed down one more time. At this point the sky was black with the stars out
once more which were a beauty in itself but I had to concentrate more on the
ride than the sky. The front two were far away again so I had one last push on
the throttle with the cold blistering wind hitting my face going really fast
towards the final stretch.
 |
| Racing Along Ski Road |
We
all finally slowed down approaching the end and then we turned on ourselves
again parking the snowmobiles where we started. I was hoping to go back up
again but the ride was over with. It was an absolute adrenaline rushed
adventure I would never forget and it was great to share it with Sean and Kane.
We all turned our engines off and made our way back into the ski school centre.
We thanked the instructor as well as the receptionist and made our way out. I
decided to buy a few of the pictures I was in which cost 20 Lev but was worth
it. Sean and I left the area parting ways again as he made his way back to the
hotel whereas I made my way into the ‘Happy End’ bar.
When
I entered the bar, I was hoping to notice someone I knew but I couldn’t see
anyone which meant I sat at the bar by myself ordering a local beer. After
getting my drink I just relaxed enjoying the live band again. All of a sudden
the barmaid came to me and grabbed my pictures I just got to have a look at
them. She was impressed with what I did and then I asked her if she had ever
been on a snowmobile before; She said she hadn’t and wouldn’t. She went off and
did her job and then moments later, another bartender came over and grabbed my
pictures. He was impressed as well and handed me them back continuing on with
his business.
Then
the barmaid grabbed my pictures again and then showed another colleague yet
again impressed. I jokingly said to her that she might as well have shown
everyone. We were talking for a small while after that but then she had to go
away again doing her job. I eventually finished my drink which seemed to take
forever to drink and I was making my way out when I bumped into Flora and Adam
at the same time. They asked how long I had been in the bar and I said about 10
minutes. I then showed them my pictures and how the run went as they were
impressed. They were leaving as well so we all walked back towards our hotels
having a laugh along the way. We all continued back down towards their hotel
where we parted ways with me making my way back to my hotel again.
 |
| Pirin Hotel |
I
made it back to my hotel in good time for me to finally try out the indoor
swimming pool and sauna. It didn’t seem as though there would be many people in
the pool as the hotel was pretty quiet to begin with. So as I returned to my
room with all my ski gear off, I left with nothing but swimming shorts and a
towel gown heading straight downstairs through the reception area and past the
stairway for the dining area. I came across a door which was electronically
locked and I had to use my room key card to gain access. I eventually opened
the door passing the masseur thinking I was there for a massage as I headed
along the long corridor towards the swimming pool. I passed a couple of
solarium rooms and changing rooms before I finally got to the swimming pool.
I
opened the door to find no one in the pool but 4 strangers on the loungers. I
closed the door behind me and made my way to the other side of them. I said
hello to them and then placed my gown on the lounger. I didn’t hesitate in
getting into the water feeling like I was in heaven as soon as I got in
enjoying the tranquillity of the water rippling around me. I swam around the
pool a few times and then the 4 strangers took their leave leaving me by myself
in the large room. It was quite bizarre at first but I loved the fact I had the
whole place to myself. I spent another 10 minutes or so in the pool before I
finally got out heading for the sauna room right next to the pool.
There
were 2 rooms; the left one was a wooden sauna and the one on the right was a
glass room. The wooden room was fully functional and as I stuck my head in I
couldn’t breathe with the amount of steam in there. So I headed to the glass
one which wasn’t even working. I decided to head into the wooden one and brave
it. As soon as I went in I was overwhelmed with the steam once I sat down
controlling my breathing. Over time it wasn’t that bad and I even added more
water to the hot stones nearby. About 5 minutes later I decided to head out
feeling great as soon as I left heading straight for my lounger. I spent a long
time relaxing on the lounger basically drying off so I wouldn’t trail water
along the reception floor. 15 minutes later I took my leave heading straight
for my room to get changed only to head back down for dinner.
 |
| Hotel Pirin Swimming Pool |
It
was just after 8pm by the time I entered the dining room heading straight for
the canteen. I grabbed anything that looked good and sat at a table digging in
at my food enjoying the peace and quiet. Sean wasn’t in the room which I
assumed he had already been in while I was swimming so I quickly ate my food
and headed back upstairs for a moment to relax my legs. I thought it would be a
good time to head out and buy a few souvenirs for back home so once more I put
on my ski jacket heading out into town.
I
headed straight for the main area which was covered in small novelty shops.
This was the first time I actually took great notice in the shops on what they
were selling. The majority of items were made out of wood or glass as well as
countless fridge magnets. There were a few sweet shops too which I took
advantage of. I walked into one such shop and I was lost for words with the
amount of individually wrapped sweets there were in square containers not
having a clue what most of them were. There were a lot of Bulgarian delights on
the opposite side of the shop which had peculiar looks and possibly taste. I
was overwhelmed on what to get but I managed to get some sweets and I loved how
cheap it was to buy. I left feeling happy with what I got as I headed further
up looking in at more novelty shops.
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