Monthly Archives: July 2023

It was over 100 degrees while we were walking around. I didn’t even take note of how many steps we walked that day. They have a lot of cars like the little red one. So much easier to manoeuvre in tight alley ways.

In the town square, I noticed an open window with a cool wood beam. I love stuff like that. I wonder how old the building is. I’m happy no one ever updated the ceiling or brick walls. The second photo is of a mall. The boys were watching a stray cat. The mosque was so pretty lit up at night. There are loud speakers that announce the adhan which is a call to prayer. This happens five times a day. If you listen closely, you can hear it in the second video. The first video is some women doing a traditional folk dance. We thought we saw our Macedonian friend, Janet, from Princeton! But, sadly, it wasn’t here. I miss you, lady! Wish you were here.

The monastery is between the Rilska and Drushliavitsa rivers and about 120km south of Sofia so we figured we had to go a little out of our way to see it. It is the largest monastery in Bulgaria.  It was founded in the 10th century. 

I read that its name comes from the first Bulgarian hermit who was a monk named John Rilski. He was revered as a saint while he was still alive. He was called the wondermaker. There are stories of wild animals walking along side of him and birds landing in the palms of his hands. 

The monastery was absolutely beautiful. So unique. 

Drove about 270 km today. Stopped in Rila to see an extraordinary monastery.

Jesse and I went to a Mother Theresa Museum and walked to a bazaar and the fortress. 

This city is the land of statues! They’re everywhere. I love it. 

Even though we were in the car a lot today on winding roads, we managed to walk over 15,000 steps. 

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Jesse started collecting coke bottles in 1985 on a trip to Europe for soccer when he was 12 years old. It was a 5

week European trip which included going to the Eastern  block. It opened up his entire world – literally and figuratively. He wanted something to remind him of the countries he visited. He’s crossing them off as we travel through the Balkans. Serbia was 76. Bulgaria 77. North Macedonia 78. Albania 79. Montenegro 80. His goal is to get to 100 countries in his lifetime. I Believe! 🌎🙌

“Travel makes you modest. You see what a small place you occupy in the world.”

This building is impressive with a beautiful long reflecting pool in front of it. The idea was Lyudmila Zhivkova’s. She was the daughter of the communist leader of the former People’s Republic of Bulgaria- Todor Zhivkov. 

This place is well worth the visit. You travel back in time to a family’s apartment in 1980s in Communist Bulgaria. We were greeted by a guide named Rosti. He told us the experience was interactive. You could go through the kitchen cupboards, sit and watch tv, open the fridge or work on a  travel blog. 😆 

The audio tour told us about ways people obtained things that were considered illegal like banned books, music and certain types of alcohol. 

Jewish Synagogue in Sofia

The Stars of David in the stained glass windows is really beautiful in person. Security is pretty tight at Jewish synagogues- which makes me sad. At most holy places, Emerson and I have to cover our shoulders and knees. Apparently, men’s shoulders and knees don’t offend any gods. 

Crazy story- a Chicago Fire fan recognized Jesse and asked about his playing time with Hristo Stoichkov.