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May 17th
After an ordinary nights sleep was time to pack up the bag and walk to the bus stop to get the bus to Sophia.
Started on the bus towards Sofia. We got an hour into the trip and there was a large bang noise and the bus stopped. It pulled onto the side of the ride and we sat around before been ordered off the bus. Another bus came along after about 20 mins and we all packed onto that bus. There wasn't enough seats so some were standing. After another 3 hours on the bus we arrived in Sofia. Starting walking to the hotel and the weather turned very nasty... Heavy rain and then hail. Got soaked and bags were wet.
After a change of shoes and clothes went out walking around the city. Walked past the mosque of the city, a reminder of the previous ottoman rule. Walked past the moment of Sofia the namesake of the city.
Past the law courts and national theatre. The weather was turning into heavy rain so decided to head towards the large cathedral for some shelter. Walked pasted the Russian church which has beautiful entrance way. Arrived at the enormous Alexander Nevski cathedral ( Russian orthodox I think) It has incredible design onside with the golden domes and craved exterior. Went inside (no photos allowed) and it was beautiful. There was a large central dome and several others all painted and enormous chandlers. It was very dark and cold inside so had to allow you eyes to adjust.... But even still was difficult to see.
Walked back to the hotel via the st sofia church which looked very average after the grandeur of the cathedral. Passed the opera but was just crowded in with other city building. Arrived at the hotel soaked through. Wasn't able to go to the ladies market due to the weather... Hopefully when I back in Sofia in July will have nicer weather and be able to enjoy the city further.
Went out for dinner, but wasn't able to eat much as i am trying to slowly introduce more food as I recover.
You can still see some remnants of the communist past. There is the occasional watchtower and many ugly concrete buildings. But the city is trying to recover and rebuild into a modern metropolis, work is been done to improve the metro system. Buildings are undergoing restoration work in preserve the historic facades. Much work is been done on the footpaths and pedestrian and bike ways. The guide was saying even in the last few years that she has been traveling here much has changed and the watch towers are been removed and lots of beautification works are taking place. Large departments are appearing.
Am looking forward to my return visit in July.... But still not overwhelmed by the Bulgarian hospitality, they can be very rude and forceful.
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