Yesterday we walked Plovdiv and today we're doing laundry and hanging out at the hostel! Already this morning we met the Frenchman staying here, and listened to the hostel owner's shpeil about how great Sofia is as it was directed to the newest addition to the hostel.
So yesterday - we thought it would only take about 30 mins to walk to the train station, but we allowed ourselves 45. The train was scheduled to leave at 10:45, we got to the train station at 10:50 and the train actually left at 10:55. Thank God that the trains around here are often late. We had walked quite fast to get to the train, so I'm sure we smelled like roses all day. When we got to Plovdiv I remembered that according to my guide the train station is south of the center of the city and all the cool stuff, so we headed north and ended up going northwest. Some how we managed to avoid the actual train station and any chance of grabbing a free map. Eventually we stopped for a drink at a place with wifi and I read that the train station is southwest of where we wanted to be - so we turned east. We had gotten hungry by this point so we found a restaruant with an outside terrace. Our first question to the guy standing outside was "Do you have a menu in English?" He smiled and nodded then brought us the menu... in Bulgarian. So we talked about finding somewhere else, then decided to take the more adveturous option and stay. Ana pointed to a picture of what she wanted and I pointed at the decription - I chose a less expesive option that had a long description under it - figured if it had a bunch of stuff in it there was a good chance that I'd like something. When Ana ordered, the waiter said "chicken." So she knew at least one thing in it. When the food came, it was awesome - mine was chicken and a bunch of veggies in a white cream sauce and Ana's was chicken and olives in a white cheese sauce - incredible... and so yummy!! Ana got a pic with the waiter guy.
We continued east and eventually found the tourist info center who gave us a map that showed how to get to the Roman Stadium and the Roman Theater - we found both places after a lot of walking and going up hills - the hills sucked but the view from the theater was totally worth it. They still use the theater and it was soooo cool to think that I was pretending to act where the Romans actually did act. I'm sure the view was quite different back then - so far, those are my favorite pictures of Bulgaria. The train went through some beautiful countryside, as well. Food pix will be up later today, when Ana gets to it.
We got back around 8:30 and ended up at what has become our favorite cafe. It's across the street from our hostel, inexpensive and open until 11 (or 23:00 as it says in the window). We have decided that each time we eat there, we have to try something new - so far it's been a success every time we go. The food has been amazing - although the wine leaves something to be desired (as far as I'm concerned).
Now this part of the story you should take with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila because it's probably the most action I'm gonna get on this trip. When we got back I decided on a shower and used the mixed bathroom because the shower is separate from the toilet in that one. I'd finished showering and was towling off when the door opened and the curtain was pulled back - the guy on the other side quickly apologized and lit outta there like the hounds of hell were on his heels! I laughed - I couldn't help it, that was the funniest thing EVER. When I was dressed I opened the door and informed him that if he were looking for the toilet, the stalls were further in the bathroom. He said no, he'd just arrived and was checking it out. We confirmed that I'm American and he told me that he's Norweigen and I wished him a good night and went to bed. Friggin hilarious! So that's our sexy story. LOL.
Tomorrow we plan on finding our way to Veligrad to actually see Dad and Carole - oh yeah, I was going to mention that the laws of narrative causality were taking a vacation yesterday because Dad and Carole were also going to be in Plovdiv. In any other world, we totally would have run into each other regardless of the fact that Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and the chances are slim. Instead, we totally missed each other. Damn it - how do you request to immegrate to the Discworld? ; )
I (Ana) did not have as an exciting evening but I did meet a great waiter who could say "chicken'" marrying material I think. =o) Our trip to Plovdiv was interesting from the start. I had twisted my knee (please pray) walking in Sofia day before yesterday and did not think much of it until I felt it pop on our way to the train station yesterday. Sad to say I slowed us down but we made it because Bulgarians run on their own time schedule. That would make my Daddy crazy but it is great when you are always late like me. I will say Mandi walks with a passion to get to her destination, even if she does not know where we are. "I may not know where I am going but I go with confidence," quote from Mandi. I think it is her long legs. She says her sister Mo has no problem keeping up and she is shorter than I am. However, I may or may not know where I am going but I am going to enjoy every step of the way. And if I am lost I will not let anyone know because we will get there sometime, right Joan (gratfully Mandi is our navigator). We have taken today off to decide our next leg of the trip and give my knee sometime to heal, yea and thanks to Mandi. I did love Plovdiv once we got to where we were going the city is more set for tourist than Sofia but I liked learning about the history on our free walking tour. I enjoy the history and as we went thru the countryside I wondered how it looked before communisim and all the wars. I also wonder what the soldiers thought when they went thru this country. So much history I think I will need to do some more studing.
Lots of love to everyone and thank you for your prayers.
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