Hotel Time Out Sandanski

... late and missed the gondola ride that would take me up to the mountain, so I was stuck in a city where half of it was empty (its major industry is skiing in the winter), having nothing to do. I walked the streets, used the hotel’s wifi to go to internets and relaxed. I ate a simple dinner and tried their "draft wine", I guess it means homemade wine without filtering, and it was cheap and nice.

... would translate some of the things they were talking about. Mostly the conversations were about family and friends, so I didn't mind about not knowing everything they said. Lile can speak english but she didn't try, she said she was too shy. I guess I know how she feels, cause the more Macedonian I learn, they want me to tell what I know to people and it makes me kinda shy too. I don't mind saying things in Macedonian, but sometimes I am afraid I will say something wrong ...

... Suzana said that I should go into politics for my diplomatic answer! Ha ha! Talking and laughing for a bit, Andreja and Beti had to get on the road to go back to Skopje. They said they will see me soon in Skopje for more good times. Turning in for the night seemed relaxing for me and Marija said that it is quiet here so it could be good for your nerves. On the other hand it could be bad for your nerves because it is too quiet! Til tommorrow.

Day trip to Rila Monastery! Rila Monastery has got to be the most famous spot in Bulgaria. Built a ridiculously long time ago, it has been destroyed and restored many times, just like everything else in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. Public transportation seemed difficult, so we just decided to get a private driver. A station wagon picked up Natasha, me, and two other travelers from Australia and California at 9:30am to depart on a 2 ...

... After DA night ( drinking assembly ;) ), the next morning some people capitulated so they weren't able to come for a hike to Rila NP, but I found energy and I went to see Eco trail in the NP. Rila NP is the biggest NP in Bulgaria, and one of the biggest in Europe with surface of 81 046 ha.It's located in Rila mountains 100 km south of Sofia. It comprises treeless area around the mountain ridge and tick conifer forest below it. There are ...

... history we will throw at you is that the monastery was founded by St. Ivan Rikki in the 10th century. Our minibus then took us to Bansko which is a ski village. Just like any ski village in the summer, things are pretty slow in town. However, the hiking was outstanding. This rejuvenated us both. We love these days. We had perfect weather and amazing views. We had about 5 hours of hiking around the Piren Mountains and got as high as 2,600 meters. Seriously, the day ...

... Youth Conference and it was a great success. Speakers from across Europe and the United States came in for a 2 day evangelism training. It was very powerful, the teens that attended were trained from how to share the message of salvation to their own testimony to ways on how to break the ice, through drama, music, art, and more. To top off the ...

... and fro the areas that we will be going after the conference and running programs. writing dramas for the conference, creating power points, creating videos, and getting to know each other through the game Apples to Apples. Excitement is building for the conference and for the things God is going to do through it! Pray for success in all that we do!

... and leaders were in attendance and the teaching was fantastic. It was a great kickoff and anticipation is that it will grow. An Interesting Fact: In many of the outlying villages you will find huge nests. These nests do not belong to an Eagle, but to Storks! The local people believe that these Storks bring a blessing of good times and believe that it is ...

Another relaxing morning in preparation for tomorrows ridiculously early start. Headed out with 2 others for an early lunch and to check out the sights of Bansko, a Bulgarian ski resort town. A cucumber, tomato and cheese salad hit the spot. After lunch we wandered around the small town and got to know all the little side streets before stopping for a coffee outside a cafe for some people watching ...