Tempest and Drizzle
A Summer to Remember: A Tale of July 2025
July 2025 was a month filled with memorable moments for our speaker. The month began with preparations for an eight-day holiday, as the speaker's garden and home were readied for a well-deserved break.
On July 17, a refreshing thunderstorm graced the speaker's village, bringing relief to all life forms and filling the air with the rhythmic croaking of frogs. Despite the storm diluting their tea, the speaker found joy in its sound.
The following day, the temperature soared to 44.5°C, making it one of the hottest days of the year. However, this did not deter the speaker from enjoying the beauty of nature, as they spent the day moseying around their garden with a good friend.
On July 21, the speaker visited the Panorama Hotel, which offered breathtaking views of the mountains, and later made a short walk amongst wild flowers and wild horses at the Arch of Freedom, six kilometres further on. Meanwhile, the village of Shiroka Laka was also on the itinerary, known for its beautiful meadows and the Devil's Throat cave. Here, the speaker savoured a local dish called Patatnik, made from grated potatoes, onions, Bulgarian cheese, and a type of mild mint called gyosum.
However, the month was not without its challenges. On July 27, a wildfire burned near two residential blocks, five kilometres from the speaker's bed. The government alerted the speaker about the situation, but fortunately, no damage was caused. The same day, Manoushka, the new cat, went into heat, and the vet's visit the next day involved discussions about diarrhea, vaccinating, neutering, scabbiness, and lumpiness.
The speaker's old Ottoman farmhouse was rented during their absence, and they rented a Clio on July 28 as their car was on holiday. On this day, a black cloud passed over the house, bringing hope for rain but not delivering.
The cultural highlights of the month included the Veliko Tarnovo International Folklore Dance Festival, which took place on July 19. Performances from Argentina, India, Mexico, Colombia, USA, and Turkey were part of the event. Colombia outshone all other performances, while the USA provided two women singing Take Me Home Country Roads and a bit of line dancing. Turkey's contribution was perceived as poor.
In international news, Keir Starmer threatened Adolf Netanyahu, stating that if Israel didn't stop genociding people in Gaza, the British Government would recognize a Palestinian state. Zarah Sultana also stated that Palestinian self-determination was an inalienable right, not a bargaining chip.
As the month drew to a close, the speaker realised there were only twelve more sleeps until Christmas and fewer until a Rodopi mountain holiday. Despite the simmering of conflicting thoughts, the speaker found solace in the beauty of their surroundings and the anticipation of their upcoming adventure.
- During the summer heat on July 21, the speaker relished local food-and-drink, especially a dish called Patatnik, while admiring the culture and history of Shiroka Laka.
- Amidst the garden preparations for their holiday, the speaker was delighted by the rhythmic weather change brought by a refreshing thunderstorm on July 17.
- As they travelled through the countryside, the speaker's itinerary included visits to the Panorama Hotel, Arch of Freedom, and the Devil's Throat cave, all offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the local culture.
- Despite challenges such as a wildfire near their home and Manoushka's unplanned vet visit, the speaker found solace in the beauty of their surroundings and the anticipation of their upcoming vacation.
- In the midst of their summer adventures, the speaker became enthralled by the various performances at the Veliko Tarnovo International Folklore Dance Festival, especially the captivating display by Colombian dancers.
