37.14 Bulgaria: In and around Eastern Europe, after a few hikes and a 3,000 foot gain to below Musala Peak (on a rest day).

Traveling through the small towns of Eastern Europe, actually anywhere, is revealing and at times a treat. It's like being transported to another era, an enjoyable experience. As an aside, the internet in all but one place we have visited has been superior to that of the average United States establishment. The only worthy comparison has been that of Iceland. Da!


After having re-crossed into Serbia from Romania, we began to wonder whether we had made a wrong turn and arrived in China (minor).




It's not what you think. Helping a little old lady cross the road with one of her heavier items, an extremely small town in Serbia.




Unsweetened bottle water on this occasion after a hike above Buseni, Romania.




Can't remember whether it was the "Pony Express, Federal Express or UPS"...memory problems in Zernesti, Romania. At least we had comfortable sleeping accommodation that night including a spare mattress.




On the way down in some cold and foggy weather, a dog adopted us, in Borovets, Bulgaria. Natalie probably thinks we're joking that we are bringing the dog back for Ellie and Benny.




A signboard in English in Borovets, Bulgaria. What a win. The other day on the trail we stared at the board which was in Cyrillic as most are. With a map in English, we were stymied. We needed an understanding of hieroglyphics to convert the letters to our alphabet. Jen had written a few notes and so we had to take letters from some words and try reconcile them with those on the board and identify our various destinations. No wonder we get lost from time-to-time.



Any bets the woman on the bike is not Mrs. Cohen.




3,000 feet elevation gain will do it to a person at Markudjik, Bulgaria. Jen gets very loose with her camera. Beats a straitjacket. This is the top of a ski-slope



We reach the top (see above picture) and don't know whether it's us or them that are 'bonkers'. Most of the huts are closed this time of the year although they will take credit cards, but not American Express. (More English in Bulgaria.)




A long story but we found ourselves in a beautiful city park in Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria.



Not forgetting it's a hiking blog, somewhere in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria, one of the most beautiful places 'one of us' has visited.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey