One of my favorite things ever is to sit on the beach with a cup of coffee, a good book and good music. As a welcome gift for returning to Vama Veche after two years I got an hour full of  Led Zeppelin which couldn’t have been better. I also like going to the seaside at the end of Summer just because it’s not as crowded, it’s not too hot and, I have to say it, it’s less expensive. And the way the sun shines is absolutely beautiful.

So after a week of work and half a night of freezing somewhere at a beach bar, day 1 started in the most pleasant way: the best omelet sandwich ever, a hot cup of coffee and the so very amazing atmosphere created by Led Zeppelin. Add to that a bright sunny day with clouds in the most creative shapes ever, a very angry and beautiful sea and great friends to have around. Other favorite things to listen to on the beach: The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Cranberries and lots of jazz. Chilling has never been done in a better way.

Vama Veche is not exactly what it has been a few years ago, but it’s a nice village-resort and you can still catch a glimpse of its charm if you know when to go there (June, end of August, September), where to eat (Soni, Cherhana, Bibi or right on the beach), what beach bars to visit (Stuff, Expirat, lots of other options) and what places to avoid (everything sophisticated and some dark corners). I strongly recommend going there but if this happens for the first time go with someone who knows what is what. As bohemian as it can sometimes be (though hippies and rockers are a rare sight these days, unfortunately),  it’s possible to get into trouble as well.

And if you get there and you need a break from sitting on the beach, to be understood you get hungry, try eating at a place where you can play with your feet in the sand, watch the sea while waiting for your food and try the fish caught and cooked by the fishermen themselves. And the wine, the grilled veggies, the Bulgarian peach nectar and eventually, if the waiter forgets to bill you for something, please pay him anyway, like we did when he forgot to put the nectar on our bill. Then walk slowly back to the beach and enjoy the sun.

In the evening you can choose from several beach bars where you can dance on the sand, sit and chat over a beer, or even better sit on the sunbeds on the beach, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the shooting stars. We were a bit lucky this year and, except the first night when it was really cold, the rest of the nights were quite warm and sitting on the beach was fun. And when you head back to your room do not forget to stop and grab a pancake with rum, stuffed in half a cantaloup.

And when it’s time to go home promise yourself that you are going to return there soon.