Bulgaria  Trip with Zigzag and Petar    June 2006     

We were heartily welcomed in Sofia and learned from the beginning that a lost baggage and a severely sick member of our crew did not cause problems :
We spent time in wonderful Sofia and were driven in a comfortable bus after everything was settled to the charming Hotel Kalina in Govedartsi: this
Family Hotel can really be recommended! We also had the opportunity to join a party of other guests with original Bulgarian folk music!
The excursion to famous Rila Monastery and Hot Springs was worth a visit.
On Sunday we could attend a holy service in an old church in Samakov and visit Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia and bath in wonderful
Wellness Diva Hotel. There we even had a bath in the following morning…
We fully enjoyed picturesque town Veliko Tarnovo and discovered many sights on our own.
Next morning we could only leave town after miraculous driving skills of Petar through rough roads with lots of constructing obstacles.
For me it was the most spectacular day in the caves of Ivanovo, where a very skilful local guide would tell us many interesting details
And another local lady led us to some hidden spectacular places!
Also the hotel seemed to be on a most wonderful place with exceptional sight-but we had to drive very far to the next town (Ruse) to get a meal.
On our way back in the midst of nowhere our car stopped its service – but Petar managed this situation with his good connections and we were brought home
By one of his friends safely—and next morning the car was ready again!
In Schumen we had the rare opportunity to meet Petar’s cousin who works as a judge and could tell us about life of a modern young mother and business woman.
Madara was impressive-although it was raining.
The guesthouse Avitohol was very new- so fresh, that the smell of colour and unfinished toilets was a bit disturbing…but the friendliness of the woman caring for us helped a lot.
We also found a surprising nice eating place nearby, that we did not have to drive too far.
Next day after one hour drive I noticed that I had left my cell phone in my room and when we turned back, the lady handed it to me….this is Bulgarian honesty and hospitality!
In Varna we were welcomed in a romantic Villa – hotel with fantastic French-Bulgarian kitchen in a beautiful garden and we felt sorry to leave too soon!
The Archaeological Museum with the impressive golden treasures greatly impressed all of us.
For me as Buddhist practitioner the visit of the Center of Lama Ole and the warm welcome there was a deep touching final highlight of a special trip full of wonderful experiences!
I hope to come back to this beautiful country with all its opportunities and treasures in landscapes, art and history and open and creative and honest people.
It was sure not easy for our guide to meet the expectations of four so different guests as we were: each one with her own rhythm and mood…
There is so much to see in wonderful Bulgaria and it was not easy to choose out of so many options:  “Lot’s of options!” was the slogan of these days:
What to eat and to do and when?  
For me Petar did a great job in choosing possibilities to make everyone happy.
Driving with Petar gave us many insights in local everyday life and he can rely on a wide reliable network of helpful friends.
We had a wonderful unique time: thank you very much!
Elisabeth Meisser


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