Bulgarian Christmas Eve

What a lovely day we have had.

It was decided the boys should chill this morning after their long ski yesterday. We took our time too - even though we fell asleep before 10 we felt weary but after a bowl of oats with a chopped apple, some sunflower seeds and walnuts (Bulgaria is famed for them we hear) and deliciously sharp yogurt we were raring to go. Ok, maybe not quite.

Our bubble car had free Palestine / stop genocide stickers which seemed apt considering what is happening in the so-called “Holy” land.

There were a few more inches of snow during the night. It was sunny when we joined the queue for the button tow but after the 30 minutes wait it was total cloud by the time we’d been dragged up to the top of the green. The man in front of me fell over trying to catch it so 2 men pulled him up. Half way up he fell again. I yelled at him to roll out of the way as I’d have either fallen over him or had to leap to the side and ski down from there. Given the long queue I didn’t want that! It was scary coming down so we didn’t risk another run. Daughter did a long blue but got taken out by a boarder so we all went for a beer while we waited for the boys.

Today nobody in their group had turned up for the morning lesson and only the boys and 2 adults were there in the afternoon. They used the button tow to the top of the green and followed the instructor down several time, snow plough turning. They are both happier with their progress today.

We all walked to the traditional dinner in the old town in our walking boots as the pavements are slushy. What a great place daughter found. It was decorated with all sorts of bizarre stuff - bear skins, knives, butter churns, national costumes, Christmas decorations and a tree. There was a small fish pond and a blazing fire. It was buzzing and the food was fantastic. The vegetarian choices were great. I had a lovely starter of spiced roast aubergine and red pepper mashed. Then some baked feta with chopped walnuts and green fig jam. Mr C had calves tongue fried in butter then a rabbit stew and roast veg. The others had meaty dishes too.

Musicians came to play - a wonderful clarinetist, an accordion, acoustic guitar and a strange metallic drum. They played some jazz then Christmas tunes at our table whereas the Bulgarian tables got traditional music.

It was a tiring walk back up the hill after such a spread. I seem to have walked almost 5 miles today as well as skiing so it is time for bed and book. “Tell me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout which Ailie gave me for my birthday.

Happy Christmas everyone.