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Published: July 27th 2014
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27
thJuly 2014
Today we are going to see the bears at the Dancing Bear Sanctuary near to Belitsa. Got up at a reasonable time and while the kids slept Catherine and I headed down to the local supermarket where we picked up a few fresh supplies – including a very interesting bread with cheese in it…. Looked a bit like Lardy bread…
The kids woke in turns and struggled out of bed – showers for everyone – 2 bathrooms is great Paul. Both working fine. Then we headed out of Bansko on the Razlog road and stopped at Lidl for a few supplies. The local beer is 40p a litre – and when it’s cold it’s not bad. Picked up ham, after sun, cakes all sorts of stuff. We’ll be leaving some stuff behind in the apartment when we come home.
Great road from Bansko to Razlog and new road to Belitsa – then it goes downhill (the road) – in reality it goes up and up – which in a Range Rover would be fine – but the Astra Estate with low clearance and 5 adults’ struggles on the hills. Only had to ask everyone to get
out once. As I don’t drive a manual much these days I stall the car when in reality you need to increase the revs and spin the front wheels a bit J - I kid you not my kids are giving me driving lessons.
It’s an experience getting up there but one that I would do again as it’s a real sanctuary. The place is quiet and respectful and reminds me of Sarnath in India the birthplace of Buddha. We listened to the video about how the bears had been treated and it was so moving one of the Bulgarians was crying! Then a tour guide explained what we could do. There is no fee but a donation is requested so I thought 20 Euros a good donation for the 5 of us. Probably should have left more…
You are closer to bears than hopefully you will ever be in your life. They are in different sectors depending upon their capabilities and recovery. But they were all in far better condition than we imagined they would be. The people here really look after the bears.
It’s difficult getting good pictures but some of the best are enclosed
here.
Lovely place to picnic as well – we had bread, ham, cheese and jam and Uncle Bulgaria had visited us as well.
Then it was the drive down – not as bad as coming up but you really do have avoid the potholes or you will lose a wheel! Back in Belitsa we took the wrong road out of the village which took us into real rural Bulgaria – up and over a mountain again avoiding the pot holes. Then back into Bansko – an hour’s relaxation and we are out for eating. Think we will go to Victoria tonight – they do great Pizzas in a proper Pizza oven if I remember correctly.
Walked down and around – when should have gone up and across – but hey we aren’t in any rush. Victorias was great – quick, superb salads, pizzas and pasta. Beers X2, massive handmade Pizzas and pastas – came in at £35 for all 5 of us. Next stop a quick walk back and a few games of cards.
The TV is great because we can plug a USB stick in with an AVI or MPG file and just show it..
YES man tonight.
Tomorrow is looking like spa pool and gondola up to Begboz hut – and possibly lakes.
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