Ritchie’s Newsletter
Bulgarian Candlelights
It is said that all artists must, and do, travel more than the average person. I certainly have had my fair share of world travel over my aviation career, for work and for pleasure.
One of my favourite countries to visit is Bulgaria.
I had a strong intuition to venture to Bulgaria about twenty years ago.
Having subsequently travelled through this beautiful country many times, in all seasons, I came to know it’s geography and areas quite intimately.
Meeting many people provided insight into the culture and way of life in this Balkan state.
Many years ago, I befriended a lady whom I met in a Real Estate office: Galina spoke excellent English; myself being a non-linguist – I had no aptitude in learning Bulgarian.
We readily struck up a strong rapport; Galina having previously been a DJ in a local radio station, was very interested in my songs and journey through the music world.
Bulgaria is a country where most people, of all ages and backgrounds favour the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s styles of music, in which my music genre is predominantly aligned.
Galina invited me to visit her parents’ house, in a typical small village, one summer’s evening.
I was treated to their overwhelming hospitality as I enjoyed a delicious meal in their garden, amongst their organic vegetables and grapes they harvested to produce wine.
We enjoyed sharing stories from our different backgrounds as the candles glowed during our dinner and the twilight signaled the end of the day.
I felt very privileged.
Galina had briefly told me that she had a peculiar and rare medical condition, which her Bulgarian Health people were confident they had under control. She didn’t elaborate about it.
However, I was saddened to learn some time after that particular visit, that Galina had succumbed to her ailment; nothing could be done to save her.
I was inspired to compose a song, Bulgarian Candlelights, in her memory, of all the enlightening times we’d shared, and especially that memorable summer’s evening with her family,
as we watched the glowing candlelights.
Bulgarian Candlelights will be released soon.
