Luna Davidova with friends

In this picture we are having a picnic in the Rozarium - a rose garden in Kazanlak. The town is located in the Valley of Roses where rose oil is produced. I am with some friends of mine after the war. We used to go to the Rozarium because there were many golden butterflies that we had fun trying to capture. In the summertime we also went to the River Tundja or to a beautiful place called Kainardja. The River Tundja was far from town - the River Baz Baya crossed it. The old Green Bridge was there and the Turkish mosque was nearby. Several Jewish families gathered, we had everything ready for eating - there was rakia and wine for men. We spread out rugs by the river and the children had baths while the men played backgammon. We put the watermelons and the cantaloupes to cool in the water along with the mastika [anise liquor] and the rakia [strong brandy]. There was a little restaurant nearby where you could order some kebapche [kebapche - grilled pieces of minced meat].