While sitting in an alpine hut after nice morning snowshoeing rather than continuing another two hours up the mountain, I want to share some of my insights and reflections on the Russian invasion into Ukraine. First and most important to me is war is HORRIBLE. The images out of Ukraine are abhorrent. 

Before leaving for Bulgaria, a few friends expressed their strong concern, even opposition, to my taking this trip. I love my friends and completely appreciated their input and care. I left it, however, to our Bulgarian guide and the US State Department to determine the safety of our adventure. Both allowed the trip, so here I am. 

One of my first conversations with Ivo, our guide, focused on Ukraine. He said that Bulgarians feel that Russia invading Bulgaria would be like the sun rising in the west. He also said that if that were to happen, then NOWHERE would be safe in the world. Bulgaria is housing 25,000 refugees, so the NYT’s refugee map leaves out the impact on Bulgaria. Also something I hadn’t thought about, which Ivo mentioned, is the treatment of Russians by Ukrainians in the eastern provinces of Ukraine. With the atrocities being committed during this war, this information has been left out. 

My British travel buddies had no concern about visiting Bulgaria.  One of them mentioned the economic impact of COVID and how the return to tourism is so vital to European economies.

Interesting, too, to me is the history of this area. On our first day here before meeting our group, we went to the Ethnographic Museum, which provided a great overview of the history and culture of Bulgaria. It’s so easy to forget that this area has frequently been contested by various countries and cultures.