We're in Sofia, Baby
Hello all
Firstly, we have to say that we haven't done a great deal since our last post. Not very much at all. It's been too hot!! But there are still some nice pictures (see below) to keep you entertained. And comment please, we aren't seeing enough comments. Must try harder, C-.
Met up with a couple of Brummie boys the eve before last, and an arrogant Londoner, and had a few drinks (mineral waters..) in a cafe on Plovdiv's main street. The heat here has brought out various little beasties, not least a peculiar flying black beetle which lands/falls heavily on yer neck and scurries down along your spine with its hairy black legs. So the five of us spent the evening writhing and squirming as hundreds of these little blighters tried to make their homes under our shirts.
A guy came up to us towards the end of the evening, looked like a beggar, and stood next to our table, motionless, with his hand open and outstretched. We shook our heads and tried to ignore him, but he carried on standing, motionless, no expression, staring at the tabletop. Gave him a cigarette, which he took, and wandered off a short way. Glanced over and he had produced a small plastic bag, which he clamped over his face and inhaled, probably glue. Very odd, sad, sight, on a busy street. Saw another young boy doing the same, on our way back - he asked for money, following us, we said no - in frustration, he gave H's bottom a quick squeeze and ran off - cheeky rascal.
Also had nice, if slightly delayed, conversations with parents back in Blighty (MumMina & DadPippip - really looking forward to seeing you in Florence and hope you have more ink now! MumSue & BigAl - really nice to hear your voice, hope you have a LOVELY time in Wales, try and get thee to an internet cafe, good luck!)
Caught the train to Sofia this afternoon - much confusion over which platform (our platform number was 2 to the power of 4 - would you know?!) but made the train with minutes to spare. It was possibly the oldest, grimiest train yet, with a layer of dirt on every surface and great difficulty seeing through the windows. (Some jumped-up young man in flourescent yellow shorts even told us to take our feet off the seats - we were probably cleaning them, not dirtying) There were odd noises when pulling away from the stations (of which there were many - some just a small stretch of bricks in place of a platform in the middle of a field), in the form of clanks and bangs, and 'uncoupling' sounds.. Looking forward to Western air-conditioned, clean passages through the countryside!
Arrived in Sofia and got an OK Taxi to the hostel (OK is the only reputable taxi firm in Sofia - you must never use any other) - the hostel is very sweet, it's quite funky and modern inside, with thick wooden doors, exposed floorboards and plush furnishings - we expected it to be run by funky, young staff, instead of the mid-fifties train-spottery 'socks-with-sandals' man who greeted us. But its a nice, relaxed place, and it's very close to the city-centre. Even given a cup of tea on entering, 'it's free!', called 'Good Morning' tea which was green and tasted of basil. But a lovely welcome, nonetheless.
Were very weak and went to another Irish pub for dinner (H went there last year and remembered nice food) and had - yes, we KNOW we should be eating local food - fish 'n' chips. It was delicious, and we did have vegetables with it so it was half-healthy.
Looking forward to having a wander around Sofia tomorrow and see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (a pretty impressive sight) and various museums (one of which has a white rhinoceros which was stuffed in 2004, according to the guide, so a must-see)
Lots and lots of love to all of you
From the Adventurous Ones xxx
Firstly, we have to say that we haven't done a great deal since our last post. Not very much at all. It's been too hot!! But there are still some nice pictures (see below) to keep you entertained. And comment please, we aren't seeing enough comments. Must try harder, C-.
Met up with a couple of Brummie boys the eve before last, and an arrogant Londoner, and had a few drinks (mineral waters..) in a cafe on Plovdiv's main street. The heat here has brought out various little beasties, not least a peculiar flying black beetle which lands/falls heavily on yer neck and scurries down along your spine with its hairy black legs. So the five of us spent the evening writhing and squirming as hundreds of these little blighters tried to make their homes under our shirts.
A guy came up to us towards the end of the evening, looked like a beggar, and stood next to our table, motionless, with his hand open and outstretched. We shook our heads and tried to ignore him, but he carried on standing, motionless, no expression, staring at the tabletop. Gave him a cigarette, which he took, and wandered off a short way. Glanced over and he had produced a small plastic bag, which he clamped over his face and inhaled, probably glue. Very odd, sad, sight, on a busy street. Saw another young boy doing the same, on our way back - he asked for money, following us, we said no - in frustration, he gave H's bottom a quick squeeze and ran off - cheeky rascal.
Also had nice, if slightly delayed, conversations with parents back in Blighty (MumMina & DadPippip - really looking forward to seeing you in Florence and hope you have more ink now! MumSue & BigAl - really nice to hear your voice, hope you have a LOVELY time in Wales, try and get thee to an internet cafe, good luck!)
Caught the train to Sofia this afternoon - much confusion over which platform (our platform number was 2 to the power of 4 - would you know?!) but made the train with minutes to spare. It was possibly the oldest, grimiest train yet, with a layer of dirt on every surface and great difficulty seeing through the windows. (Some jumped-up young man in flourescent yellow shorts even told us to take our feet off the seats - we were probably cleaning them, not dirtying) There were odd noises when pulling away from the stations (of which there were many - some just a small stretch of bricks in place of a platform in the middle of a field), in the form of clanks and bangs, and 'uncoupling' sounds.. Looking forward to Western air-conditioned, clean passages through the countryside!
Arrived in Sofia and got an OK Taxi to the hostel (OK is the only reputable taxi firm in Sofia - you must never use any other) - the hostel is very sweet, it's quite funky and modern inside, with thick wooden doors, exposed floorboards and plush furnishings - we expected it to be run by funky, young staff, instead of the mid-fifties train-spottery 'socks-with-sandals' man who greeted us. But its a nice, relaxed place, and it's very close to the city-centre. Even given a cup of tea on entering, 'it's free!', called 'Good Morning' tea which was green and tasted of basil. But a lovely welcome, nonetheless.
Were very weak and went to another Irish pub for dinner (H went there last year and remembered nice food) and had - yes, we KNOW we should be eating local food - fish 'n' chips. It was delicious, and we did have vegetables with it so it was half-healthy.
Looking forward to having a wander around Sofia tomorrow and see the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (a pretty impressive sight) and various museums (one of which has a white rhinoceros which was stuffed in 2004, according to the guide, so a must-see)
Lots and lots of love to all of you
From the Adventurous Ones xxx
posted by the travellers at 7:39 pm
5 Comments:
Glad you've arrived safely in Sofia. I HAVE made comments on all your photos!
This will be my last response before going away - a bit hectic trying to get everything done.
Still hot and thundery here, but getting cooler apparently.
Will try very hard to find an internet cafe - not sure if they have computers on Anglesey.
Lots of love to you both.
M,A,G,T&T xxx
Hi Intrepids
I get knackered just reading your postings (but then I'm old!). You must be looking forward to a holiday!
It sounds like you're having a great time though and the postings are wonderfully entertaining and photos brilliant. Baring in mind all of the creepy crawlies I think I'll stay where I am, but you're bravery is noted and I have much admiration for you.
Keep up the good work (and congratulations Marli - fantastic result!)
See you later
Jen xx
Hey Guys,
Glad you are safe and sound and away from man eating bugs, just got to put up with butt pinching bugs now. Photos rule as usual, you have flipping ace photography book that documents europe me thinks.
Looking forward to more pictures and more posts, even though i may ot post often, i read you guys every day, right after me spoilers.
Take great care
love Jamesxxx
Hi Adventurous Ones.
Well done for surviving the hairy beetley things (uugghh!) and the groping hands (uugghh again).
Fish and chips is good,( chips go with fish! not sure about the veg!) But, if the alternative is Tripe Soup, then who am I to chastise? Anzwaz, it sounds as if you have already made a good sampling of the yellow cheese!!
Sorry haven't commented for a bit, but the arm fell off my glasses,it made me feel woozie viewing the computer screen through a lop sided spectrum. My spare pair don't help much... looks like I may have to resort to cellotape!
Enjoy the sight seeing and take lots more photos. The last batch was great, H, very atmospheric.
Do be careful, O Intrepid Ones.... and keep the postings coming, they are very entertaining.
Much love to you both.
Mxxxy XXX
Erm. No original comments to you girls other than thank you for yet another entertaining post.(could say eurggh about the creepy crawlies, but you will have heard that 5 by now!) I must say i think youre brilliant to keep it up, even if they are slower coming through. he he!
The one comment i do have to make is. "Mother. NO! Cellotaped glasses are for pensioners."
Lots of love
Lydia xx
ps Zegna texted earlier, having a lovely time, but apparently the boys are getting a bit tired of the heat, and they are ready to come home. So one of your regular bloggers will be returning soon, and will blog with a vengeance, im sure. xx
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