The aroma of freshly cut watermelon is in the air and there is a feeling of carefree. Quiet music intertwines with the buzzing sound of crickets and drifts away like a lullaby. A feminine warmth spreads out and slows the rhythm of everything moving around.
If you're reading this after your summer vacation, cooped up on the subway or at your desk at the office, you're probably thinking about how long until the next vacation for this picture to become reality again. But even if you're not traveling for the long weekends in September, with a little better organization you can give yourself a "battery recharge" at the end of the week or even just for a few hours after work. The idea of "slowing down" and balancing a modern and eco-friendly lifestyle, even when in the city, is finding more and more supporters, attracted by the hope of a more fulfilling everyday life.
According to a recent study conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School, UK* - people who spend at least two hours of their week in nature are healthier and happier. The studywas conducted among people of different ages, genders, occupations, social status and health conditions, but it unanimously showed that those who spent some of their time walking in the park or doing some other activity in nature had better health indicators and generally felt happier with life.
Slowly but surely, this trend is gaining momentum in our country as well, and there are not a few who understand that the balance between the modern technological world and that of our "natural habitat" - nature - is a key indicator of a more fulfilling life. The emergence of residential districts such as the Slow Life District in Sofiais an innovative idea in this direction that is gaining more and more supporters.
Harmony between our surroundings, peace of mind and nature are at the heart of the Slow Life philosophy. And one of the connecting links between these points is food. Good food, especially eaten in nature, is a source of pleasant emotions and elevated mood. It is no coincidence that picnics originated and became popular in one of Britain's golden eras - the Victorian. The word itself is of French origin and first appears in a 17th century book. The term 'pique-nique' was used to describe people having lunch in a restaurant where they brought their own wine. Picnics gradually became popular throughout Europe and then the world.
We've gathered some ideas for places in and around Sofia where you can admire the beautiful nature, recharge with positive energy and enjoy delicious food.
Bells Complex
About a kilometer from the district of Bells. "In the field of Bistritsa village is located one of the monuments with which many of those born in the 80s associate their childhood. The Children's Assembly "Banner of Peace" is one of the most remarkable events held in the country during this period and one of the few forums that connect the world divided by the Iron Curtain. The symbol of the assembly is the Bells complex erected in 1979, comprising a remarkable 37-metre monument around which are smaller concrete columns with bells hung from them, donated by participants from various countries. When originally unveiled, the number of bells was 68, now numbering 100. The last assembly was held in 1989, but the monument survived the turbulent years of democracy and remains a remarkable symbol of a controversial era.
the "bells" are surrounded by a small grove and a few tucked away clearings. The place itself is not particularly popular for visits, making it an ideal haven for a lazy Saturday afternoon. A deck of cards, a backgammon board or even 'Don't Be Mad Man' will be the perfect accompaniment to eating and drinking and you'll almost feel like you're in the 80s.
What to put in the basket: in the spirit of times gone by, we suggest a jar of chutney, a slice of cow's cheese, freshly baked bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, butter, honey, speck salami, sliced cheese. To drink - beer, ayran, lemonade.
Meadow "Opheliite"
One of the most popular and loved places to visit in Vitosha Park is the Opheliite area, located at an altitude of 1520 m in the Selimik section of the mountain. The upper part of the area is a ski slope, while the lowest part is called Yavorova Meadow and has a bust of the poet Peyo Yavorov and a small stage. Gazebos and benches have also been built to provide comfort for visitors. In late spring and early summer, it is extremely beautiful there because of the numerous blooming flowers and herbs, which is probably the origin of the romantic name of the place.
The place is well maintained and a favourite place to visit for many Sofians. If you decide to go on a picnic there, take your ball and fedora, and at the end of the day you can leave with new friends.
What to put in the basket: the cheerful and noisy place suggests loading up on a satisfying amount of sandwiches, at least one pie, a home-baked cake and a watermelon. To drink - cold mountain water and beer.
Pancharevsko Lake
If you can't make it to the sea again, it doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of the pleasure of cooling off in the water and getting more tan. Pancharevo Lake is a great equivalent for a weekend getaway, and why not during the week if the weather permits.
Just 12km from Sofia, in the direction of Borovets and Samokov, this is the closest large body of water to the capital. The lake is actually a dam created at the end of the Pancharev Gorge of the Iskar River, between the slopes of the Lozen Mountain. Originally made for industrial purposes, the Pancharev Dam gradually turned into a place for recreation and sports, and today there are sports facilities where future professional rowers and swimmers train. The nearby mineral baths are also an attractive option for people seeking relaxation.
The beauty of the landscape around the lake is remarkable in every season of the year, helped by the gentle slopes of the Lozen Mountains between which the lake is nestled. There is also a kilometre-long stretch of beach where every sun lover can get a much-needed sun tan.
There are plenty of picnic spots around Pancharevsko Lake. Whether you choose a secluded meadow for a romantic date or with a big company you will play beach volleyball and ride a water bike - it depends on you and your mood. One thing is for sure, the beauty of this wild natural place will not leave you indifferent and you will certainly feel refreshed and invigorated after your time there.
What to put in your basket: inspired by the romance of the lake, we offer you a "French" selection for the menu: camembert, brie and Roquefort cheeses, baguettes and croissants, dried figs and apricots, grapes, almond and walnut kernels, soft-boiled eggs. To drink: chilled white wine, red merlot or sherry wine, mineral water.
City garden in front of the National Theatre
Sofia's oldest park, the City Garden, was established before the Liberation and although it is now nowhere near the size of any of its larger counterparts - South, West or North Park - it remains a favourite meeting place for the generations and at almost any time of day one can see someone sitting on one of the many benches.
The city garden is in the very heart of Sofia and won't provide you with the same peace and quiet as the surroundings of Pancharevsko Lake, for example, but it is perfect for relaxing in the shade and observing life around. The fountains in the centre in front of the National Theatre create an additional feeling of coolness and good mood. The garden is ideal for an afternoon picnic during the week - a little rebellion against the routines of the working day. You can also do it at dusk in the summer, combining it with a play from the summer festival "Theatre in front of the Theatre".
What to put in the basket: the urban environment in which the garden is located allows you to stock up on groceries from a nearby bakery, and if you still insist on home-made we suggest American pancakes with honey or maple syrup, sandwiches with chicken or turkey fillet, apples or other seasonal fruit to taste. To drink: tea in a thermos or hot coffee from one of the nearby restaurants.
Arboretum, Vitosha Park
One of the best places for relaxing with (or without) children is the beautiful Vitosha Arboretum. For fans of the fantasy genre, this place is sure to whisper magic and provoke fantasy. Situated on an area of 1,400 acres, to the right of the road to the Boyana district, the Arboretum is actually a large botanical garden. It was started in 1962 and currently includes 145 species of trees and shrubs, both traditional to our latitudes and imported from other places. The name, quite appropriately, comes from the ancient Greek word for tree 'δενδρον' (dendron). In 2001, a trail for the blind was created and in 2004, a rope garden was lowered between some of the trees, called the "Challenge Park", an attractive way for children and adults to test their endurance and courage.
The arboretum is a lovely green oasis, a great place to relax in the fresh mountain air. It is easily accessible by car and on foot. It's quite popular at the weekend, especially in the summer months, but the clamour of laughing and happy children is a welcome change from the noise of cars and nervous colleagues.
What to put in your basket: at places like the Arboretum, appetites are whetted, so we suggest filling your basket with hearty and nutritious food, such as pockets of pita bread with lettuce, drained yogurt, boiled and chopped eggs, ham or prosciutto; mozzarella or other preferred cheese skewers, fruit and olives, skewers of venison pepper fillets, cucumbers and olives, homemade meatballs, potato salad. To drink: homemade fresh orange or carrot juice with apple, water, beer.
They say that the secret of a happy life is the ability to enjoy the little things. For sure, a picnic with people close to your heart will break the nervous routine and contribute to more cheerful and smiling faces.
*The study was published on 13/06/2019 in Scientific Reports.
Author
Nadia Kafkova is a freelance journalist. She divides her time between Bulgaria, Cyprus and other travels, convinced that only by getting to know different cultures can we understand our differences. She appreciates the small joys in life and attention to detail.