Day 71 of our adventure. My considered assessment is that it rates right up there amongst the most pleasant days of the trip. It was filled with fine walking, good weather and delightful people. What more could a man ask for.
While we were in Greece, we decided to look for some voluntary work. I had wanted to do something to help the refugee crisis in Greece. Unfortunately, I was unable to get Sheila to agree to this so we looked elsewhere. If at some time in the future I can do anything to assist refugees, I would like to do so.
After researching volunteering opportunities in the region, we applied and have been accepted to assist with some gardening and landscaping work in a rural area in Bulgaria near the city of Plovdiv. I don’t know much else at the moment. We go on Saturday and start working (5 hours a day, 5 days a week) on Sunday.
So, we took a ferry back to Athens and then a twelve hour bus ride to Sofia. Easyjet flies from Athens to Sofia so we could have flown for only a little more than the bus fare. Sheila remains a very nervous air passenger and she chose to take a bus.
My experience taking long bus journeys in Latin America (albeit many years ago) readied me for the trip. Sheila, without ‘long-bus-journey’ experience, didnt really know what to expect and I decided to keep my counsel.
The bus was old. It was full. It was dirty and had no seat belts. Neither of us got any sleep. Sheila announced when we arrived safely in Sofia yesterday that she would probably make a different decision, if faced with the same choice of transport for a 580 km journey in the future. All I will say is that it was an experience.
My first impressions of Sofia is that its residents are friendly and with exceptions, very keen to help foreigners. The cost of living is considerably lower than Greece. The weather is cooler (26° today) than the oppressive temperatures in Greece. Public transport is efficient. We took the metro and buses today.
Today, we made a plan to visit Boyana Church at the foot of Mount Vitosha and then take a two hour hike up to Boyana Waterfall partway up the mountain.
Boyana Church was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is a small church, the inside of which is covered in painted murals. They represent some of Bulgarias finiest works of art. The Church is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Entrance is strictly limited to 8 people at a time and you are allowed 10 minutes in the Church. Photography is not allowed so no blog pic folks. You know how you can sometimes get a bit ‘churched-out’ visiting one after another. Well, this visit was fascinating and helped by a very knowledgeable steward who took time to answer all my banal questions… highly recommended to visit.
We went from the Church to the trail up to the waterfall. We were told it would be a two hour loop. To be fair, the guy said, “this is not a walk in the park”. He was right on that one. It took an hour to climb to the waterfall through thick forest. The path was well defined but it was very difficult. At times, we edged along narrow paths with sheer drops. We literally climbed 50% of the time. It was a most exhilarating experience.
After the waterfall, we completed the circular route at a casual pace, stopping to rest at Boyana Lake, a secluded mountain lake. During our walk, we stopped at length to talk with, first, a student from Berlin who is studying in Sofia. A couple of Israeli kibutzniks, who invited us to their kibutz and two elderly ladies from Sofia. One of them works in the American Embassy to supplement her pension, which she complained is not enough for all the work she had done over 40 years. The other works in Brussels. I would have liked to talk with them all day.
We were on the mountain more than 3.5 hours. I loved every minute of it. The conditions were ideal, walking in a forest sheltered from the sun. Those who know me will have heard me say previously, “one of my favourite walks” well, this was my favourite. The memory will stay with me.
Tip of the day. If a Bulgarian ever tells you, “its just a tourist trail” ensure you pack crampons, ropes and ancillary mountain safety equipment.
Wandering Boomers 
Have fun. I sure am.
President Steve
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