culinary trip with a bit of snowboard

been to bansko on holiday. we started planning for austria, but the expenses kept piling up and we switched to bulgaria.

a very good decision. all of us agreed that it was a success. the slopes were in good condition and the weather was favorable. it even snowed one night to find the second day sunny weather with fresh snow. the accommodation is cheap, very warm and clean, neighboring the gondola, whilst the lifts look pretty new and all were working smoothly without being crowded (except the gondola in the morning).

i find out that my fear that i forgot how to ride is, as every year, ill-founded. but, while the basics turns are still with me, what i completely lacked was fitness. an aspect that decreased the joy substantially.

we ate at the restaurant every day at least once. i can safely say that eating became the undeclared purpose of the trip. not even once we’ve been disappointed and we actually looked forward for the early dinner. food is incredibly affordable in bansko.

a minus was the wine, even though i insisted in always ordering wine when it became clear that it is not their strong point. last day one of us ordered some grape brandy and i wished i knew about it earlier. the local beer also deserves just a try.

my camera was used at the minimum. there was always something better to do than documenting the trip.

we even went ice skating the ring was in front of our hotel. again, a very western-like facility for a developing country. roces skates for renting, sharpened upon request, ice shined regularly, uncrowded.

the ski rental store was lovely and again, cheap like nothing. not all of us had equipment. i would enter there for any request. clean my board / wax it / replace cuffs on both bindings (two broke second or third day). when they would inevitably see me on my way to the gondola lift, they would take the chance to ensure that they did a good job and that i am satisfied.

came home with a pot for cooking stuffed veggies and other foods.