Friday, July 31, 2009

Feasts


Almost every day spent in Varna we had a feast of some kind or another. On several occassions we had gatherings with Elena's relatives. Other days we ate with Elena's mother, grandmother, and Nasko. In between we ate meals at local resturants. Eating out is inexpensive, about 30-40 leva for the 4 of us ($25-35) for quite a feast. They make some great salads here, and wonderful fruit plates, juices, etc. Pizza and spaggettis of some kind or another are the kids favorites....which I don't think are fantastic here. Lots of cheese...."white cheese" refers to a cheese similar to feta, and "yellow cheese" refers to the more traditional american type. There isn't much choice for breakfasts....I have tried, but I can't get any kind of coffee except espresso. I couldn't get anyone to add a bit of hot water to make an "Americano" One coffee place near our hotel didn't even have any take out cups...and there wasn't anything like a scone, only rich cakes with loads of frosting. None of the resturants take credit cards, and most of the shops don't either. The few shops that did, the clerks seemed like they hadn't processed a card before. When eating out, everyone gets their plate fresh....like as soon as it is ready....so usually the first person is done eating before the last person's dinner arrives. All drinks come in plastic bottles, including water (you can't ask for a free glass of water, you can only purchase a bottle). Too much plastic waste for the landfill I think.

07-24-09 Aladja Monastery











After our visit to Balchik we stopped by the Aladja Monastery. Here, monks built their monastery into the cliff wall from the 13th to 18th centuries.




Wednesday, July 29, 2009

07-24-09 Balchik





























Balchik is a seaside town about an hour north of Varna. In Medival times there was a Roman town Dionisopolis there, but in the early 19th century the area was actually part of Romania and became the summer palace and botanical gardens of Queen Marie of Romania. Some of the architecture and the fact that they had a cacti garden with cacti from around the world including a lot from southwest USA reminded me a bit of times in AZ. We ate at the local resturant and Keith and I had fish from the Black Sea, Keith's fish is a Seawolf. After lunch we took a swim. The water is quite warm, a bit silty, and the sea is usually pretty calm and without tides.







07-23-09 Sea Garden




On our first day in Varna we visited Elena's mom, partner Nasko, & Grandmother. They live a very short walk from our hotel. In the picture you also see Alex, son of Elena's sister. In the afternoon we took a walk in the Sea Garden, a very large city park along the top of the bluff next to the sea. In the second picture we are entering the sea garden through one of the many ornate entrances. There are many flower gardens, activities, street performers, museums, and vendors spread throughout the park. We had dinner by the sea at the Godzilla resturant, salids, pizza and everything to satisfy diverse tastes. The beach is lined with resturants most with outdoor seating. The weather is warm even into the evening....I've never felt cold.


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sofia to Varna

I can't believe it is already Sunday....time is passing and I want to share some great pictures, but a busy schedule and not being totally familiar with blogging has delayed my posts. Let me share some pictures now, and catch up with commentary later on. - Alan





First picture...we have arrived in Sophia and are at the bus station getting our tickets to Veliko Tarnovo.





On the bus, driving through Sofia, a park along the way.






View, bus Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo





Valley view, bus Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo





Interesting country house





Hotel view, Veliko Tarnovo






Street view in Veliko Tarnovo (old part of the town)





View from the hotel in Veliko Tarnovo



Veliko Tarnovo - View of the old part of the town





Our hotel room in Veliko Tarnovo



At the bus station Veliko Tarnovo - Varna

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

We Made it!

We all made it to Bulgaria. We are sitting in the hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, half way from Sophia to Varna. Veliko Tarnovo is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, and there are many ruins spread around the city reflecting its historical significance. Unfortuanately we will have to return some other time to explore them fully as we need to take the bus to Varna later this morning. More coming soon! - Alan & Elena

"Cake" = Casandra, Alan, Keith & Elena