Sometimes, the mountains are the easy parts of Hike-about. They certainly are the thrilling aspects, so Jenni tells me. Between the airlines, weather issues, mechanical problems, collecting rental cars and a challenged driver finding his way around unfamiliar places, life is never dull. Okay, I suppose when the sun is prevented from lighting-up Vihren Peak the visuals are dull. Otherwise, there is always action, surprises, tests, excitement and occasionally, frustration.
We hit a rather unusual string of events, not anything to upset one much, but rather to illustrate the nature of life, particularly when a landlady is unprepared for the task required of maintaining a property. (We won't use names or even the town for obvious reasons...continues at end)
Looks like the onset of an early autumn...love it.
In the early stages, we spent much time 'talking to the trees'. Jen does not allow me to sing...understandably.
Jungle Girl.
Jen separates in her the mind the wood from the trees but struggles to see the forest for the trees.
Future retirement village.
Many facets of a forest.
Has to be on the return journey for there was never anything but an incline throughout. We were hoping the return journey would provide some respite, hopefully, some declines. Who knows how things work in Bulgaria?
Color makes a difference in life.
For those needing guidance, on the trails or trail through life, here is an option.
At this juncture, Jen informed me that my interesting choice of a return trail would not lead to our car. 'But look at the coloring,' I replied, 'and it's not even autumn.' Some people are too focused on 'black-and-white' and not enough on color.
The skiing season requires accommodation...we suppose some snow, too.
We arrived at the building that houses our apartment which is attractive and meets most of our criteria. The town in Bulgaria is lovely, well-positioned, but is aging as maintenance of the buildings generally, and the infrastructure seems inadequate. Obviously, our opinion.
We entered the apartment which proved simple, even for us, and began the process of settling in. Something vital for us is the internet. No matter where we are, we need access to the landlord as a priority. Then there are business and finance requirements, access to a telephone connection and the list continues. To this end, our landlady provided us with the internet details ahead of time.
We connected (attempted) our various gadgets to the internet but failed as the access name was not displayed. There were numerous names; we tried a few, but none listed as the one identified on our instruction sheet. Obviously, without a connection, we could not contact the landlady to let her know we had no connection. Sometimes we come up with brilliant deductions...may we humbly admit.
Jen pursued this endeavor and eventually did succeed with a connection that accepted the password. When we mentioned this to the landlady, more in passing than a complaint, she suggested the building management changed the information. That really made us feel much better.
We were instructed upon entering the apartment, we should switch on the water heater. We did this but no light showed, red or otherwise. Well, a cold shower has a way of invigorating a person and one of us always needs a reminder to toughen up; to be man. Perhaps, that's 'old school' with which I agree wholeheartedly, although I could pass on cold showers.
Well, how about a cup of tea to calm us a little—it's such an English tradition—one we like. Jen filled the kettle and it boiled soon thereafter. Quick. Nice. She lifted said kettle and immediately, the handle broke off. We are extremely grateful that she was able to jump backwards and avoid serious burns.
Fortunately, the refrigerator seemed to be functioning, or least the light shone when we opened the door. I was inspired to take an electrician's approach to the hot water tank. I fiddled with the switch using a sensitive touch and lo and behold, I was stunned by a red light.
We were on a roll. We had internet and 'phone connections—good quality at that. Electricity was flowing through the wiring, not the water, but heating the water, allowing me respite from proving my manhood to Jen. Added to it all was our own red-light district from the kitchen leading into the bathroom, a glowing red-light in each. Could life be any better?
We have always maintained the best way to appreciate something is to do without it for a while. Better still, one should just appreciate what one has. We enjoyed tea and coffee and hit the sack early as the jet-lag was vicious. What a pity. Everything seems to be deteriorating as Jen ages. Poor woman.
The following morning, after a lousy sleep, I tried to connect to the internet, of course, not expecting any difficulty. No luck. There was much less humor in our apartment than the mid-afternoon before, our arrival time, following a 2-hour drive from the airport. What could it be? The revised internet name was missing. How does this occur? On this occasion, I tried an access name which had no logical foundation but seemed to invoke a sixth sense from me; it actually worked. We mentioned this to the landlady but realize we have not received an answer. After six days of decent access, we're letting sleeping dogs and other jet-lagged persons lie, not dishonesty but the prostrate (not prostate) kind.
The landlady agreed to replace the kettle without any resistance. We were excited to be receiving the gadget as we had boiled water on the stove to make hot beverages—we do not have a microwave oven. Quite unusual but then this is Bulgaria, different but we love it here.
By the way, many of the males are tough, built like tanks and often curt. Fortunately, I know my place. Most of the time, I communicate with phrases like 'Yes, sir: Very good, sir: Let me get that for you, sir. I think that's called basic survival instincts.
Maintaining a low profile behind their table. My only solace is that these fellows drove a truck up for breakfast. If need be, Jen and I could have fled into the forest. We see many more men in far better shape as well as with bigger arms, chests and shoulders. Don't get the impression I'm intimidated...much.
Getting back to the kettle. I mentioned to our 'lady' that we would be out hiking on the Friday. No problem. The delivery of the kettle would be made to the office should we be away. We arrived back home to receive a message that the delivery person could not reach us so the kettle would be delivered to the office on the next day. However, as the office is closed for weekends, we would have to keep drinking Coke Zero until Monday.
Don't let us start on the toaster. My dear Marie suggested we should eat cake, rather.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
