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.

The capital of Bulgaria. Founded 7000 years ago. This makes it the second oldest city in Europe. Running errands in Sofia and getting clamped. They don’t just give you a parking ticket, they boot (they call it clamp) your car. We got clamped twice. 😳Once when we first parked, another time as we were packing up the car. Flashers were on, Jesse ran upstairs for 5 minutes. Came back down and they got us again. 😜

The border crossing was crazy. We saw many people on the verge of fighting. It was 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 celsius). It was interesting to check out license plates and see what countries people were from and how they handled the stress. Some cars were overheating, some men were standing outside of their cars with menacing looks making sure no one tried to cut the line. We were at a stand still for about 1.5 hours but made it through!

Such a cute mailbox!

Jesse and I came across this in an alley in Belgrade. I wish I could meet the person who owns it

It was the first Nazi concentration camp in the Balkans. It’s also one of the last camps that is still completely intact. It is next to a school. It’s eerie.