Bulgaria

Finding Peace at the Monastery

Without trying to be overly pious, anyone can visit Studenitza Monastery and leave feeling a bit lighter in spirit. This beautiful place offers a break from the noise of everyday life. Studenitza is the most famous monastery in Serbia, closely tied to the history of the Serbian people. It is a sacred site where many important events took place. Here lies the first crowned King of Serbia, and the current king, Peter, visited to pay his respects to his predecessor, who was buried here nearly six centuries ago.

Journey to the Monastery

My journey to the monastery started early in the morning. I spent several hours on a slow local train that often stopped along the way. The train traveled along a winding branch line heading toward the hills. In a small town, I enjoyed a cup of coffee with local officials while I negotiated with a horse owner for a carriage and horses. After that, I took a long evening drive of about forty miles tow

The Dawn at the Monastery

As dawn broke over the Servian hills, a soft green light filled the sky, which was still dotted with stars that seemed closer than ever. It was four o’clock in the morning, and the monastery bell rang loudly, calling the monks to prayer. I got up from the simple bed provided by the monks, left my cell, and stepped out onto the broad balcony. The air was crisp and full of life, and I could hear the roaring river rushing down from the Turkish hills toward the mighty Danube. A rooster from the monastery announced the morning, while another distant rooster responded with a challenge A Visit to Studenitza Monastery.

The Monks Begin Their Day

Across the grass, the monks moved silently, their black cloaks blending with the shadows. Flickering candlelight appeared in the deep, dark windows of the church as the bell finally fell silent. Then, I heard the rich, muffled voices of the monks

The GOLDOSK Adventure

Crocuses Smiling Under the Rain!

Would you continue walking on muddy mountain paths even if dark rain-loaded clouds covered the sky, and a sharp, razor-like wind cut through you, releasing its cold raindrops into your clothes? Beyond the mountains, in nature’s embrace, we walk into the wind and rain, facing these challenging conditions.

Rain falls, the wind blows, sticky mud hinders our progress From a Sunday Stroll to Nature Enthusiasts, limiting our vision. Despite the harsh conditions, last Sunday, tens of nature enthusiasts gathered, led by our guide, GOLDOSK. We are soaked and chilled, yet we walk towards Barla with smiles on our faces and warmth inside. The wet sky and ground may pity us, but we don’t mind. We walk, talk, and yellow and white crocuses smile at us.

On the ground, raindrops gather, forming tiny murky brooks, splashing. Our diverse group mo

The GOLDOSK Journey

A delightful Sunday morning in the spring of 2010 marked the beginning of a new venture for a friend and me. We decided to embark on a healthy 2-kilometer walk towards the hills of Isparta. As we contemplated ways to make this activity more enjoyable and inclusive, the idea of turning it into a regular weekend event took root.

This simple decision evolved into the formation of a community of like-minded individuals aspiring to lead a healthy life intertwined with nature. The goal was not just to exercise but to explore and safeguard the natural wonders of our city. With more than 95 members and thousands of Facebook likes, the Lakeland Nature Sports and Hobby Club, also known as GOLDOSK, gained momentum. Our mission extended beyond Isparta, aiming to foster a culture of outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, climbing, water sports, winter sports, photography, and music in Lakeland city and surrounding districts.

GOLDOSK quickly became

A Hub for Education and Shopping

Becoming a Center of Science…

The government of Qatar has put tremendous effort into transforming Doha into a prominent education center in the Middle East. The extraordinary ‘Education City’ spans an expansive 12,950 square meters in the capital, attracting students from 60 countries and hosting 3,000 elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as universities. The ‘Doha Debates Embracing Nature’s Challenges,’ a forum where influential political and academic figures from the Arab world discuss critical matters, is part of the ongoing initiative to establish the city as an education hub. Additionally, the Heritage Library makes a significant contribution, housing 51,000 books in various languages, along with 600 antique maps, 2,000 manuscripts, and 6,000 photographs, with the goal of becoming a premier research center in the Middle East.

Glori