May 22nd
Was woken at 3am by a small earth quake. The hotel shock for about a minute and then settled again. Was possible and after affect from on the day before in Italy. No damage was reported and they were vary accounts of the scale but around 5 magnatidue. Was in a deep sleep so just rolled over and went back to sleep. Had an early start to the day, not sure why because it is going to be a long day with the overnight bus to Istanbul turkey. Enjoyed a large long breakfast before heading out for the morning. Walked up the hill to the statue of the Russian solider built after world war 2. Was a nice walk up through park and hill side. Once on top of the hill there was a great view over the city, but there was a small amount of maybe smog or fog. The large concrete solider was holding a gun. Through that I would walk down the other side back to the street but took a wrong turn and ended up on an overgrown dirt track in someone's backyard construction site. was able to find my back to the main site ease and continued on to the main town square. walked in and out of the shops along the promenade and wound my way back to the hotel. We had to check out at 12 so wanted to get back around 11am and pack my bag and shower as tonight is the overnight bus to Istanbul so no sleep or wash. Checked out of the hotel after a massive struggle to get my bag shut.
Walked down to the archeology museum. Was an ok display of artifacts found from excuation sites around the city. Was interesting to read how many different ancient civilizations had ruled over the city. Went to the building next store and it was a history museum with a main focus on the rebellion in the 1880s. Was a small display and think I may have been there only visitor for the day. They also had an exhibition on artistic freedom in modern society it included some interesting video installations.
Walked along and found the end of the promenade so followed it back towards the town square. Spent some time sitting in the ancient stadium and just imaging what it would have been like thousands of years ago with charities and to think that some ancient roman has sat on this rock.
Contained my walk into the old town stopping to look inside and around the Russian liberation church.
Walked onto the ethnographic museum. It is inside one of the beautifully restored 18th century traders homes. The building was good to look at and inside the collection was large with items used in everyday life over the last couple hundred years. Highlights included the traditional dress and description of how the rose oil is made.
Walked throughout the old town enjoying the beautiful sunshine and circled back around to the promenade. Was time for a rest so found a fruit stand and fresh strawberries were in order. Walked down to the square to do some people watching and sat down on my individual seats, a reminder if the communist rule and was just finishing them off when very dark clouds began to roll in and the wind picked up.
Walked quickly back to the hotel after nearly been taken out by wayward umbrellas and outdoor furniture. Once back to the hotel spent some time trying to clear the dust out of my eyes and throat. We were lucky that the hotel let us use the conference room while we waited for out 930pm departure to the bus station. Was able to quickly charge my phone and do some reading before we headed out to dinner just at the restaurant across the road. Were sitting inside due to the weather and was been overwhelmed with smoke but then found they have a non smoking room... Great it was a bit cold but better then smoke smell. Enjoying a nice vegetable sach... That is probably on of my favorite meals in Bulgaria. They has grilled vegetable with or with grilled meat severed on a hot sizzling plate.
That filled in the time till getting a taxis to the bus station. Waited around for the 1030pm bus to Istanbul. Was lucky and scored a double seat to myself by sneaking down the back right at the start and spreading out and pretending to be asleep. Didn't really get much sleep more just resting with my eyes closed. Everyone has been smoking just before they get on the bus so it carries on. Reached the boarder just before 1 am.
Hope this is making sense I am writing on the bus at about 3am.