Arrived in Sofia by air "Whizz" hats off to the pilot very smooth landing. Air port T1 not too big but sailed through compared to the UK.
We was collected by a friend for the ride to Sandanski which was about 163km 3hrs safe driving mode.
First impressions mountain veiws reminded us of the highlands, Scotland.
The countryside varied hills with various derelict buildings dotted around (still getting over 2008 crash). The local roads are up and down fairly steep and could do with some pot hole work. The foot paths off the main high street (main high street is smooth and clean) are uneven and occaisional basement staircases appear in with them NO guard rails. Health and safe issue for those who have poor eyesight or blind persons.
Most of the zebra crossing markings are worn so dont expect drivers to all stop automatically as in the UK.
We explored various places to eat morning afternoon and night, food was very good quality throughout. Raikia is a local pride and well worth a tipple if you like a strong brandy ( some is locally made and can be upto 90% proof I was lead to believe) off the shelf stuff 42%. We tried both :-)
Food prices are unbelievably cheap compaired to UK, all the fruit and veg was local and fresh.
We adopted a ask for a different dish each and share, with between 7 & 10 at each meal the staff seem to apprieciate we were exploring the food on offer.
Beer was around £1 pint of local bottled lager which was quite nice. The bars we visited seem to operate on a order and settle bill at the end.
The shops were friendly, varied and helpful although some did not speak english but with a bit of friendly mime, google translate, pointing and our poor attempts a Bulgarian we got there with some humour.
Our friends also chipped in when needed.
A few galleries with a variety of art for sale. The park is huge and great if you like a stroll, various spa mineral water spouts give you the opportunity to top up your water bottle free. The temp was daytime 27* to 33* night a pleasant 19 -21.
We had a couple of downpours. The footpath was dry in minutes.
The whole time we heard one police siren short burst, two Ambulances ( we disovered later that hospital was about 500m from us) and one fire engine working its way through traffic, which actually seemed to cause a bit of a stir as its apparently unusual to hear sirens.
In London its non-stop lol.
The local buildings look run down owing to the recession 2008 affect. Thats why only 4* but we felt chilled at the easy pace.
We will be returning next year definately
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