A Journey in Eastern Europa

A long journey in eastern Europe during the spring of 2025 allowed me to discover charming and endearing countries, with cultures and histories very different from France, but forming the unity of Europe in all its diversity.

This is particularly the case for Bulgaria. It is striking to note how close the way of life is today to what we know in “Western” Europe, but also to what extent Bulgarian history bears witness to a past and traditions so different and still very much alive. The alphabet, of course, but also the Orthodox religious tradition, the Black Sea and the very tangible proximity to the Greek and Mediterranean worlds, all these significantly increase the impression of distance and otherness, giving this country a great charm.

Then, the beauty of Croatia is not limited to its waterfalls, but they contribute greatly to it. First and foremost, there’s the well-known site of Plitvice, but there are numerous others waterfalls, both on the Bosnian border and near the sea, as well as along the Krka River, north of the old charming town of Sibenik. It’s also a mountainous country, and the island seascapes along the coast, seen from the heights, are unforgettable, as in the Opatija region.

While it’s not always easy to be proud of being French, this trip reinforced my deep attachment to European citizenship. The construction of European unity after a long and very violent history, and the diversity of cultures are clearly part of a common movement of which we are all aware, and part of. Our continent remains a place of hope in the difficult times we are going through.

Below are some pictures of these unforgettable places, along with links to pages dedicated to sites with more photographs. Urbex ruins are extremely common, often very accessible and bear witness to a complex recent history.

Here are the articles with photo galleries :

Jazzcomputer.org

A Journey in Eastern Europe