From Varna, Bulgaria

Hello!

According to the plan, we are in Bulgaria, where we arrived late last night. Our choice was to come down the black sea cost till Istanbul, so where we are in Varna, biggest Bulgarian coastal city.

After an always funny communication challenge to find the hostel without having the map of the city, we were given the never nice news the hostel was fully booked. So, we were back on the "Hostel 2cheveaux", but this time 2. Surprisingly, and even after two nights spent at the impeccable Marriott beds, I slept like a baby, around 7 straight hours. Not even the heavy rain outside disturbed me. As for Nuno, he was indeed complaining he always has a hard time sleeping in cars. But he was about to finally understand Le Deuche is not just a car: the little one had to be woken up close to 11am. After all, the people of Varna had already enough of a show. You know, Le Deuch stands out a lot by himself. Now imagine parked in the centre of a mid sized town, with two guys sleeping like babies inside.

Varna is surprisingly nice. Not the most beautiful city I've ever been, but I must say I am impressed. I was expecting a city with little identity, shaped by the demands of tourism. No, not Varna. The city centre is neat, with a long and wide pedestrian area, filled with nice restaurants and always full of people. During lunch and dinner time, to find a place at an esplanade is quite a challenge, but one worth to face. For lunch we adventured ourselves on a local meal and were simply delighted! I personally can say I've found the Bulgarian translation of "Francesinha" (for those who don't know it, one of the two Porto's most traditional dishes and my personal favourite). The afternoon was spent at a nice bar by the beach, napping in between a dive in the ocean and a beer. Only a pity the weather, despite hot, is a bit muddy.

All this, as Nuno so well put it, being back on the "escudo" (Portuguese former currency). The local currency, the leva, is ruffly 0.50 cents (1E=1.96 leva). So, when reading prices, you take the "," out and you are back in Portugal before the currency change. Or even a bit earlier: a beer at a fancy bar by the beach costs 80 cents, adding that here they consider the 33cl ones bottles for sissy boys. So we are talking about half a litter. Our amazing meal, at a cool esplanade at the city centre was only 12,5, for both, including tip. But the best are, without any doubt, the people. Always very helpful and smiley, some of the warmest people we have come across so far.

But, and there is always a but, I feel we are not yet "set off" here. It has the makings, no doubt about that. But we are still missing "the event". Hardly a place by itself conquers you: almost always there has to be "the extra factor". Looking forward to come across it!

Kisses and Hugs,
TMA

P.S. - I apologise for a probable messy text, but I'm writing on the clock on a Bulgarian keyboard...