We transitioned from the Romanian lei to Bulgarian leva, and a whole new language based on the Cyrillic alphabet. Overall a friendly bunch, and a world leader in roses and rose products like perfume, lotions, and brandy. The local firewater (a fruit brandy called "rakia") was also noteworthy....especially at 10am!
Our first stop was at Rousse, basically just across the river from Giurgiu, Romania. From there, we took a bus inland to visit the former capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and the neighbouring town of Arbanasi. We toured a preserved medieval home, a very cool but humble church festooned with painted frescoes (no photos allowed!) and then enjoyed a fine lunch accompanied by some traditional Bulgarian folk music and dances.
The ship carried on without us, and met up with us at the port town of Svistov, rather than back-tracking east to Rousse. Overnight we sailed slowly westward, and began the next day in Vidin, where we spent our morning strolling to the local market and visiting various shops.
Later in the day, a scenic bus ride into the mountains took us to the town of Belogradchik, home to some very picturesque rock formations and one rather imposing fortress. The challenging climb may have knocked the wind from us, but not as much as the breath-taking view from the top.
Back aboard the Aegir, we joined some new friends for a lovely riverside dinner of fine food and local wine as we plied our way upstream into the night.
Welcome!
Northern Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo
Arbanasi laneway
Lunchtime entertainment in Arbanasi
Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
Shopping in Veliko Tarnovo
Colourful trains
Old School Still Works
"Welcome Back" from the Aegir crew in Svistov
Mandatory lifeboat drill....with wine and friends!
Danube by Night
Vidin town square
Vidin Market
"Vidin"....in Cyrillic letters!
The Rocks at Belogradchik
Belogradchik Fortress
A healthy climb up the rocks...
....but worth the view!
Back to the bus!
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2 comments:
As might remember from way back when my neighbors are from Bulgaria...literally fresh from that country some 10 years ago or so. This was absolutely awesome to be able to see not only their home country but of course your adventure there, Mike! That is not even remotely what I pictured Bulgaria to look like! That Belogradchik Fortress is incredible and I would absolutely want to see that. Drinks at 10 a.m.? Why did you get started so late? :)
In fairness 10am in Bulgaria was 3am back home....meaning one might still be out having drinks the night before!
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