Radisson Sas Sofia Bulgaria

... very day (the Italian prime minister came for a political visit and we saw him while he watched a military parade). The country is cheap though and we only spent 7 euros for 2 people for an entire day.

Special thanks to Bernhard for letting us use his shower before we got on the evening bus to Istanbul. We are not necessarily looking forward to the 2nd night on the bus in a row, but we are hardcore backpackers and that's the way a world trip should start!! ;)

... in the Balkans, but Johnie took me out for the best roast lamb I've ever had. It was a little place just off the highway about 5km/3mi west of his flat in New Belgrade, full of mostly truckers and unknown to most Belgraders. There was a little aluminum smokestack out front where they cooked the lamb fresh, of which we destroyed a kilo, garnished with a cabbage, bread, and red wine. As Johnie would put it, I absolutely adore the place.
Sofia, Bulgaria david_chung

... even to this day. Russia had liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman 'slavery' (their word not mine), and as a result the Bulgarians, probably uniquely amongst Eastern Europeans, are well disposed toward the Mother Land. The mountain was beautiful, and the company excellent. And so it was with a tinge of sadness that I sat on the climbing frame strumming away my final evening in Bulgaria, I look forward to going back some day.

... another world compared to the previous car we were in. The whole car smelled like a dirty bathroom with toliets that didn't flush. We made our way down the narrow walkway and peered into the boxes to see if there were any available seats. The lights in the car made it seem like a horror movie because most of them were off while others flickered every so often revealing the dirty walls and seats. All the boxes we passed were either full of people or there were people who ...

... with approx. 1,4 mill habitants. It's situated in western Bulgaria, at the slope of Vitosha Mt in Sophia Valley. The history of Sophia dates back 7000 years ago (prehistoric settlements were found in today city center).It was also important center of Thracian culture.In 5th, 6th century Slaves migrated into the region,which was then the part of Byzantine empire (which was ruled from Constantinopolis).In ...

... up the bag and open the train window and toss the smokes out.. well.. there where two aussies who got kicked of the same train as us who where seated in another carriage and they where handing there passports over with heaps of money in it to customs and the police.. Sofia was fun.. well the time we spent there.. unfortunately by the time we got to the train station there where no more seats.. book for the next day and head to a hostel.. we should so be doing our washing in Athens right now

... choir started to sing their Sunday gospel. Unfortunately, after I finished the Icon Museum in the crypt of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, all other museums or churches had all closed. I walked to both Banya Boshi Mosque and the Synagogue (there is a Jewish museum in the synagogue) but could only see them from outside. Before I headed back to Hostel Mostel for its nightly beer/pasta feast, I walked into the Central Market Hall ...

... boring. All lit up at night made it look even more interesting. We got to the hostel, one of my personal favorites in all of Europe, and were shown to out rooms. I wasn't really that tired at this point, but with nothing else to do I lay awake for several hours before passing out. The next morning, despite only getting a few hours of sleep I woke up early. As breakfast was not served yet, I ended up walking down to the train ticket office ...

... so often associated with it...and...to tell the truth, Albania is about economic opportunity first and foremost! Albanians consider themselves somewhat nationalistic...but...are really more focused on adapting to embrace opportunity while preserving cherished traditions... Truly, a man's word is of utmost importance here...the ties to tribalism and community assistance to those in need is real! Come visit while the visiting is good!