Day 188: Oh...de...Cologne!

The town of Cologne is a charm. It is a place worth seeing, tasting, experiencing. I visit Cologne for work every now and then, and even though I have a hard time walking at the end of the day, I love going out for dinner. So far I've found a few places I can recommend. This last time I was staying in a pretty central location which saved me some hurtful walking in high-heels (I know, it was stupid, but they just feel so nice at first...). That's why I went straight into the first couple of places that caught my eyes. All of them are on the left side of the Dom Cathedral in the heart of Cologne.

My first recommendation goes to....Früh am Dom! This is an authentic German style restaurant, where they bring you draft beer as soon as you are seated even though you didn't ask for it....they just know you eventually are going to ;) That's a place where you can see a guy carry around more than 20 beers in a metal kind of tray made especially for that purpose. Amusing :))) Food is great, too, by the way :D

Second recommendation goes to............Chicago Steak House! Friendly staff, friendly atmosphere, friendly customers....all in all - friendly place! Steaks are delicious, deserts are worth a try as well :)))

My third and last tips go to................Barrios! A Spanish-style cocktail bar that saved me from getting a cold by serving me a warm and oh-so-nice potato soup and tacos with cheese...of course, Spanish wine included! I like this place a lot, maybe because of my endless affiliation to Spain and all things Spanish, or because of the warm feeling I got as soon as I entered the place. I just like it so much that I wanted to take it back in a suitcase and put it somewhere in Sofia so I can go whenever I feel like it.

Oh...de...Cologne!

Oh.....and I almost forgot....Oh HARIBO ♥

Nokia E72: Photos 1, 7, 9
Nikon D60, 18-55mm: Photos 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Day 187: Elections 2011 knocking at the door...

It's almost elections time here in Bulgaria...few more days to go...the sooner it passes the better, at least in terms of all the ugly debates and the whole campaign bullshit (excuse me!) on TV.

And here's a common question: Are YOU going to vote?

Below is a preview of Bulgaria's past, present, and let's keep fingers crossed, brighter than ever future! Bulgaria is in the hands of young people now, so can we make it all happen?

I hope so. I honestly think that in order for things to improve there's always a need for a change. So go on, and change something.

Here's a little joke from this past weekend in Tikvenburg ;) Yes, we like to make that kind of fun with our politicians, just the same way they sometimes make fun of us (no offense, of course, please..;) )

Nikon D60, 18-55mm.

P.S. I am not trying to convince anybody he/she should vote for someone in particular, I just think it's important to make a move, no matter what, but to be involved, even if not going to the elections at all. You name it ;)

Day 186: Tikvenburg

My hometown is just lovely. For so many different reasons.

This time I have in mind the annual fall fair in town in the middle of October. Since my hometown's symbol is the pumpkin (in Bulgarian tikva), we cherish it so much that we celebrate with a carnival, with artistic exhibitions, as well as a culinary show, of course, made with the use of pumpkin. Everyone, from kindergarten children to grown ups get involved in all the preparations. It feels like the community here is quite united compared to other parts of Bulgaria. Lucky Sevlievo :)))

It is so beautiful to come back home in autumn and have a little feast, do a little chit-chat with old friends, and simply enjoy your time.

Here's a bit of Tikvenburg 2011. Next year if you wonder what to do in the middle of October you might want to consider a trip to Sevlievo, and celebrate with the people there. They sure know how to make one at home :))))))

Nikon D60, 18-55mm.

Day 185: Summer days...Shower series: Encho

This one might as well be my favorite one! If only I had the time I would have made a big series out of all of his shots, but anyway...you'll get the point ;D

The last one in the shower is Encho.

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 184: Summer days...Shower series: Pavel

All the single ladies...have you met Pavel? :)

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 183: Summer days...Shower series: Misho

That's my boy ;)

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 182: Summer days...Shower series: Adrian & Viara

No, they are not a couple, but yes, they were in the shower together. Because I asked them to, of course :D

He's just so funny...and she cannot help it..lol!

Mr. Adrian and Mrs. Viara :)))

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 181: Summer days...Shower series: Deni & Alex

And it's time for the Donchev brothers.

Deni is the older one, but Alex is growing up just as fast :))

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 180: Summer days...Shower series: Fori & Svetla

I am so sorry I did not have the chance to upload these photos earlier, because I learned those guys are no longer together...or at least that's what I last heard a couple of months ago...

Such a pity, though. Because they looked just so happy, cuddly, hot and in love when together. Like all the time.

I am telling you, my camera is like an instant love detector, and there is absolutely no way those photos are lying.

Oh, well...We'll see what the future brings ;)

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 179: Summer days...Shower series: Monika & Inna

It was a hot, very hot, day ;)

In the shower: Monika & Inna

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 178: iSad.

It feels awkward. And so wrong. I find it difficult to write down all the things going through my mind right now. But one thing is sure - Steve Jobs will continue guiding people even after he passed away because of EVERYTHING he left behind.

Photo: Google Inc.

One of the most inspirational things I've ever come across is Steve Jobs' speech at the Stanford University Comencement Ceremony on June 12, 2005.



There is a great article, translating this video in Bulgarian (Превод на български език):
http://blogatstvo.com/successology/teachers/steve-jobs-stay-hungry-stay-foolish/



Rest in peace.

Day 177: Days of summer...Shower series: Inna

This is probably one of the photo sessions I've enjoyed even more than my models! No, really! SO much fun ;D The pool shower turned out to be a great "photo booth", you might want to try this next time you come across one! :D

Next one in the shower: Inna :))))

More coming soon...

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 176: Days of summer...Shower Series: Ivo

Busy, busy, busy fall.

And Summer is not over until I am finished with summer series. So, here's a bit of this last summer shower series...

Starring Ivcho :)

Nikon D700, 50mm.