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Swinging That Incense Burner – Shipska Monastery

 

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Heading towards Tryavna, all of a sudden we noticed a brightly shining golden copula in the distance, the rest of the building was hidden in the thick forest around it. A look at the map and we knew, this was famous Shipska Monastery.

The atmosphere here was a lot more relaxed than in Rila or Bachkovo, the visit was topped by the privilege to be present during an orthodox mass. Priests and laymen were singing like in a chorus and a bearded priest in a heavily ornamented robe was walking around swinging that incense burner even at those people who shyly waited at the church’s entrance.

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Shipska Monastery, Bulgaria, Europe

Like in Rila, there were a few fountains in the yard with crystal clear water gushing from protruding pipes. We poured it over our head and face, also filled up a few bottles for internal cleansing, you never know.

Later into the journey, in the middle of nowhere, a gigantic statue rose into the sky. Next to it was what looked like a giant UFO, both made from solid concrete. Another megalomaniac piece the Communist Era?

Monument to the Glory of Communism, near Shipka, Bulgaria, Eurooe

Monument to the Glory of Communism, near Shipka, Bulgaria, Europe

Monument to the Glory of Communism, near Shipka, Bulgaria, Eurooe

Monument to the Glory of Communism, near Shipka, Bulgaria, Europe

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