It began with a fairly random decision. We rented a car, and I went to Sofia to pick up Svetlio and Eva. From there, we headed to Borovets. We wanted to climb Musala on foot, without taking a lift.
The weather was cold and autumnal, with a little rain, but none of us minded much. We were making good progress, enjoying the company and talking as we walked. Then we reached the snow and started having fun in it. The day already felt worth the journey.
Eva, the photographer behind ed.photography, took some beautiful photographs along the way. I am very glad we have them. They hold so much of what I loved about those two days together.
We reached Musala Hut, at around 2,300 metres, and stayed the night. I remember how lovely the place felt, and the woman who served us food. There was a cat too, which climbed onto my lap. That small moment is one of my favourite things to have brought home from the trip.
The food deserves a place here as well: our Bulgarian version of French toast, with blueberry jam and white cheese. I remember it so fondly. The hut, the welcome and that plate of food are as much a part of this story as the mountain.
The following morning, Svetlio and I set out for the summit. He was feeling a little unwell at altitude. We went on to reach Musala together, then made the journey back down on foot too.
And the stars. I had not seen a sky that beautiful since I was a child. I can still think of that part of the trip and feel how much I loved being there.
There was plenty of walking, but I really rested during those two days. Good company, good conversations and time to enjoy where we were. It remains one of my favourite adventures, and I am glad it has a place here even without a film.
