Spring has come.

The weather has warmed to a gentle mediterranean spring. Stara Zagora is blooming. People have peeled from their bulky winter clothing and are donning darker sunglasses. Yesterday, I awoke to an amazingly clear view from my window. I could see over the city and across the Thracian Plains to the distant Rhodolpies, some 60-80 kilometers away. Trees have sprouted blossoms of all colors. The municipality has planted flowers throughout the city parks. People's moods have lightened with the weather; it seems as though the entire city has taken one deep, common, healthy breath together that ended in a smile.

Some of my friends in Stara Zagora are traveling throughout the Balkans right now. Destinations include Belgrade, Serejevo, Croatian coastal towns and other places. I'll get out myself at the end of the month to Athens. For now, however, Bulgaria is as pleasant a land as anywhere.