I wrote a post a few days ago, outlining things that I wish I had known about before I arrived in the city. Knowing these may have helped my adjustment somewhat. Here are 5 more tips when visiting Plovdiv, that may provide useful to someone.
Weather
Its hot. Really hot. Yes, I looked at the weather for the summer months, it just didn’t register in my brain that this city would be stifling. Being nestled into a valley of sorts surrounded by 6 hills, there is very little to no breeze. Temperatures have been running over 30 degrees Celsius everyday, and only cool to about 20 degrees at night. The heat is not humid but weighs on you heavily.
Thundershowers and storms are quite common as well. They do not last long, but I would not want to be out and about when the skies open up. They are big storms and have been directly over the city. If you see these on your daily weather forecast, take heed and plan accordingly. In fact, right now as I sit here, one is developing and should let loose in about an hour.
Posted Signs of the Deceased
Never had I seen this before, and it really captures my curiosity. Walking around, from the very first day, I noticed these paper signs literally everywhere. On people’s doors, buildings, fences, corners, really everywhere and on all streets.
Having a closer look, they seem to be obituaries and contain a picture of the deceased and wording. I presume when someone has passed away, the household will post this notice or sorts, onto the front door, fence and street letting everyone know? Fascinating and a little unnerving until I got used to seeing them.
Hills
The terrain in Plovdiv can be really hilly. The city was built in the midst of 6 hills, 5 of which are still around. One was used to build the roads. Walking on the main tourist pedestrian only strip in town is flat. But once you deviate from this area, you will most likely be walking up hills either on the cobblestone road, or tiled and broken sidewalks.
I have passed people regularly in Old Town especially, having difficulty reaching the ancient Roman Theatre and seeing those beautiful old Bulgarian Revival Houses.
Smoking
Okay, anywhere I travel in Europe I am inundated with cigarette smoke. Coming from Canada where it is fairly uncommon now, here it is prevalent. In my condo building for example, I smell smoke in my unit from previous renters. I smell it as soon as I walk out my door into the hallway. The entryway and staircase reeks powerfully, because the doorman is a heavy smoker.
Walking down the sidewalk you will pass people smoking. Shopping at the market? There is a good chance the vendor will have a cig in one hand while they bag and take your LEV with the other hand.
Pass any park bench, café, bar, restaurant, any seating what so ever, and you will smell it.
And yes, other countries I have visited in Europe are no different.
Bugs
I finished a post recently talking about the bug situation here in Plovdiv. They are everywhere! The mossie bites are bad, so be wary if you are around vegetation and not moving. Even stopping to take a photograph, 5 seconds and I have mosquitoes on me.
I am continually swatting bugs away from my face, picking them off my shirt, out of my hair and trying not to step on the huge beetles on the ground. But I am also climbing hills, visiting parks, getting into flowers and bushes to take photographs etc.
If you are only in the city for a couple of days, like most visitors, you may not encounter any of these things. However, if you are planning to stay for a week or two, this post might be helpful.
Plovdiv is an amazing city, full of history, creativity and beauty. But the more you know, the better your holiday can be.
Happy travels my loves.
