My holidays in Bulgaria took an unexpected turn, as not everything went as planned. From a minor injury to the ever-changing temperament of the Black Sea, my journey was filled with surprises. The sea, at times calm and inviting, could suddenly turn turbulent, reminding me of the unpredictable nature of life. As Tyson said, ” Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”
I am not going to concentrate on what went wrong, but will focus on the best parts.
Staying on the other side of Sunny Beach, near Nessebar, I stumbled upon a hidden gem-the Dunes. Their unexpected and breath taking beauty captivated me, becoming one of the most enchanting highlights of my trip. Dunes are not just hills of sand near a beach. They are a living, breathing ecosystem. As Dune forms, plant succession follows, and it is mesmerising to watch. Conditions in the Dunes are harsh, with salt water from the sea carried on strong winds. Dunes are critical in protecting the land against storm waves from the sea, and their beauty is a testament to the resilience of nature.
The Dunes, with their incredible and powerful energy, exuded a sense of resilience and unspoken strength. It was a feeling that I couldn’t help but absorb, leaving me with a renewed sense of power and inspiration.
No wonder I chose Dunes for my Walking In My Shoes video shoot (done by the young and highly talented Anastasia), which is undoubtedly the most exciting part of this trip. Watch this space for my video as I figure out how to share it with the world.
Bulgaria holds a very special place in my heart. It just feels right, it feels like my spiritual home. Here I met so many inspiring and amazing people, like Marina, a Bulgarian lifeguard lady with such dignity and passion for her job. Her stories, along with those of many others who left a lasting impression on me, are the true essence of my journey. “This Summer, the sea has not been very happy; it is very moody”, Marina said. It touched me how she spoke about the Black Sea, feeling its soul.
Many things did not go according to plan in Bulgaria, but throughout my solo trip, I was inspired. I reflected and returned home full of a different, more powerful energy, touched by the essence of the Dunes. This journey was a testament to the transformative power of travel.
May your own journeys be filled with powerful and inspiring discoveries, just as mine was in the Dunes of Bulgaria.
With Love As Always,
Yana De Lilac









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