Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Camera: Nikon FM2n Film: AGFA Portrait XPS 160 (expired in 2006) Context: 10 years ago, I made a promise to a friend who was studying in London that I would visit his hometown one day. And that one day happened to be a few weeks back when I visited Bulgaria for the first time. We haven’t connected or spoken in a long time till recently, and that reminded me the promise made almost a lifetime ago. Way back when. As we journeyed around, we came to the aged old ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. We parked the car and started walking up a path that just like any other roads towards the Tsarevets Fortress. Trees planted along concrete guardrail on the right overlooking a winding river and parking lot, massive rock face on the left. But suddenly, this view captured my attention. The gap between massive rocks that form the base that the fortress sat on, allows one to glimpse beyond the other side. Almost like a gateway to another world, one with lush green, blue skies and crimson red roof tiles. A simpler time perhaps.

