Bad Hersfeld, Germany - July 10, 1988  During my trip to West Germany (as it was called back then) in 1988, I got to see my father for the first time in 26 years!  Back then, because Bulgaria (my native country) was under the rule of Communism, it was too risky for me to go to there to visit my father.  When I found out that he managed to get a visa to go to Germany, I went ahead and flew there to meet him.  We stayed a my German cousin Heinz’ house.  He was very kind and let us stay there for an entire week.  His daughter Frederica, who is also pictured in this photo was really adorable.  I actually had more fun with her than I did with the grown-ups!  My mother used to tell me that my dad was a very tall man.  Now that I was no longer a kid (I was only 6 years old when I was separated from my father), it turned out that I was even taller than him.  After the fall of communism, I would see my dad two more times:  Once in 1991 and one more time in 1993.  (Photo by Heinz)