From Thessaloniki in the North of Greece we took the morning train to capital of Bulgaria, Sophia. We thought that this by taking this train we would be arriving around 1pm however it wasnt to be, a greek lady that was sitting next to us told us that she had caught this train many times and it had never arrived into Sophia anywhere even close to being on time. So at around 4pm after a lot of starting and stopping for no real apparent reason we finally rolled into Sophia. This was the first time either of us had been into [View Full Entry]

---

---

We're now in Sofia, after a 14 hour train. Nothing considering the past train trips we've done. It wasn't that great a city to arrive into as we got caught in some crazy rain; it just didn't stop hailing and after we waited for to stop for over half an hour in a bank there was only one to make a choice. Stephen was the one who paid for it the most; his pack got the wet right through. We seriously got drenched through our clothes and boots (they have taken two days to dry). Our hostel is great - we [View Full Entry]

---

---

And so draws to a close our time in Bulgaria. Tonight at 2120 we'll be catching a night train to Belgrade, in Serbia, because you can't go straight to either Dubrovnik or Sarajevo from here. I don't know why, and neither does anyone who works at the bus station. So yesterday we got up kind of late because of a late night, but still just in time for some of the free breakfast here at Hostel Mostel - hard boiled eggs, toast with cream cheese, tomatoes, and salami. Just what you need. After that we hung out and socialised a bit [View Full Entry]

---

---

here are many many pictures. hopefully soon I may post pictures that are up to date. [View Full Entry]

---

---

So I'm here in Sofia, the first city of Bulgaria. It's much different from Greece, and I've only seen it from the inside of a bus, and between the bus station and my hostel. Which is called Hostel Mostel. Sweet. Greener, hillier, much much cooler. It's good to be out of the heat! How Canadian of me, I know. So today we left Thessaloniki, finally, around three thirty. I bought some shoes for five euros; they look like vans slipons made of hemp fishnet, and we've only seen fishermen and the homeless wearing them. My ploy is to look as poor [View Full Entry]

---

---

Once again sitting at the top of the village to get signal! Leaving for england on Sat. Car went through yet another clutch repair although this time I got relayed to varna and hopefully I think I found the right garage at last.Not counting chickens again but if it survives to Eng then I might be able to relax.Put 4 new summer tyres on ,got brakes checked.All OK and handbrake tightened up.So should have a pleasant journey tho past experiences don't make me optimistic.Melons planted and coming up.No sign of corn leaves yet.Orchids out all time now and the remaining ones [View Full Entry]

---

---

Bulgaria Trip Introduction People, who are interested in the dry details of history/geography/culture/politics etc. of Bulgaria, may refer to the following links or to the CIA World FactBook. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria http://www.bulgariatravel.org/eng/index.php Now that I have done my duty of educating my readers by giving the above links, I am free to write a non-official, non-standard, non-internet-researched, non-influenced-by-either-Communist-or-Western-propaganda account of my own Bulgarian experience. Bulgaria, or the part of Bulgaria that I have seen, is such a beautiful, lush green, fertile country that no wonder that diverse people and nations have tried to win and hold the country. Its history is full of [View Full Entry]

---

---

Bulgaria Trip Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery I wanted to visit Rila Monastery but Evan told us that as the President of the country was visiting the monastery on the same day, foreigners would not be allowed to visit due to security reasons. I was not exactly heart-broken. After all, when I visited Plovdiv, I would also be visiting the second largest monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery. However, my plans appeared to be jinxed because the car had been booked by another lady from the Sheraton hotel. “You can go on the tour if you are willing to share the car with another [View Full Entry]

---

---

Koprivstitsa Avi had mentioned to Evan that I wanted to see the places around Sofia and he suggested that I visit Koprivstitsa. He also offered that he will come at 7:00 AM to our hotel and take me to the central bus station to put me on the bus to Koprivstista. He would also arrange for a lady to escort me about the place. I too wanted to visit Koprivstitsa since I had read about it being a ‘town-museum’ and it’s Rose Festival. Evan was waiting for us when we finished our breakfast at 7:00 AM. I was surprised because according [View Full Entry]

---

---

Veliko Turnovo is an beautiful little slice of central Bulgaria. It's a town of about 80,000, and relatively touristy, but it really doesn't feel that way. It's actually also the original capital of Bulgaria, from the first independence from the Ottomans to the relocation of the capital to Sofia in the 20th Century. Wednesday, May 14th: Up early to get out of Sofia this morning as I hoofed it to the train station for my ride to Veliko Turnovo, which was easy enough, if a bit long. I did sit across for the whole way from 2 little old Bulgarian ladies [View Full Entry]

---

---