Borovets, Bulgaria
Tuesday, September 26 – Departure from Sofia day. No little parks near the hotel, so made a makeshift gym out of the sitting area of our room for today’s bodyweight workout. Makes it easy to get in exercise while it is still dark.
Had breakfast and a quick walk to pick up some waters and we were off on the bus. First stop, a school in the Roma community of Dupnitsa. 200 students grades 1-7. Got a tour from the principal and visits with some students and a teacher. Funny, it seems schools everywhere struggle with the same issues. However, you could also feel the pride as they told us of some of their achievements.
We had a group lunch at a place seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Good food and company, and a lovely day to have open air dining.
Then it was off to the Rila Monastery, tucked high in the mountains above the Rilska Valley. Founded in the 10th century, it hosts only a few monks but lots of tourists. It features some beautiful architecture and amazing frescoes. We could not take photos inside, but the exterior views were pretty impressive. Our photos do not do it justice.
Couple of hours to our hotel in the mountains. Today’s afternoon respite was at the hotel bar where our guide and several other tourmates joined us for a beverage–very nice way to unwind after a busy day.
Group dinner where we had to introduce one another which ran a little long, but was a nice group building activity–quite a few laughs. Ready to rest for what promises to be another full day tomorrow.
7,525 steps, 3.4 miles (hope to do better tomorrow, lots of bus time today)
Hotel:
Hotel Yastrobets:
Ski resort in the mountains not far from Rila Monastery — more posh than most Rick Steves tour hotels. Nice bar, good breakfast.
Links to sights on tour listed under “Sights” — any fees included in tour price.
No free time sights today
School:
“Sveti Kliment Ohridski” Primary school
School that includes large Roma population
Rila Monastery:
14th century monastery located in a beautiful mountain setting. We got to tour the church, museum and guestrooms. Amazing frescoes in the church.
Breakfast:
Final breakfast at the hotel in Sofia. By now, everyone looking familiar and coffee machine logjam still an issue.
Lunch:
Gorham Tavern:
Group lunch at a roadside restaurant and lodging about 10K away from the monastery. Traditional Bulgarian food on a terrace overlooking a treehouse. Food was fine, service was friendly, decor was unique.
Dinner:
Group dinner at the hotel with “buddy” introductions.
Hotel Information:
Key
Welcome message
Pretty much everything today was group oriented which was fine — we were kind of out in the less populated areas of the country.
The school visit was touching — all schools seem to struggle with trying to finance all they would love to do for the kids, but their pride in their students is so evident.
The Rila Monastery is beautiful — hard to capture the majestic setting with simply a phone camera. Hard to believe that like this was built in the 14h century in this rugged terrain. The monks, especially in those days, were really isolated.
Odd to be in a resort and spa location on a Rick Steves tour, but, as noted, you are out in the mountains without a lot of options. Didn’t take advantage of the spa opportunity, but the bar was nice and it was great to get to sit and talk with Stefan and a couple of other tourmates over a drink.
Not really a fan of the “two lies and a truth” icebreaker, wish the tours did not include these little games. I find we all eventually get to know each other without them. That said, this one did have some humorous moments and everyone was a good sport about it.