Monday, October 2 – Woke up bright and early and got in a great run along the beach! Was a little too soon for sunrise but the waves and sky were gorgeous–alas my phone cannot properly capture it.

Hotel was late getting breakfast out and pretty sure it was hot mud, not coffee in the carafe, so the group had to scramble a bit to be ready for our departure.

After my lovely jog, the weather took a little turn for the worse and we encountered a bit of rain. Can’t really complain, it has been nearly perfect all trip. However, it cut our hike up the Madara Horse Rock Cliff a little short. We went to the first level to view the relief of the horse and rider, but passed on going to the top where there are caves and a citadel. Made sense, most were not unhappy, but I was ready for a good hike!

We then traveled a couple of hours to the little town of Arbanassi. Fortunately, the weather had improved as we ate a picnic lunch in a park before exploring a couple of sights in the town. First was the the Church of the Nativity of Christ. Built during the 16th & 17th centuries, from the outside it is very nondescript as required during Ottoman rule. However, the inside was exceptional–unfortunately, no photos were allowed inside of the beautiful frescoes. I know I got “churched out” yesterday but this one was worth the visit.

The second stop was the House Museum of Constantsaliev, a look at traditional style of life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was a short trip from Arbanassi to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the 2nd Bulgarian empire. Our hotel welcomed us with a glass of wine and some phenomenal bread. The fun continued with a cooking exhibition, some Bulgarian folk songs, and finally, teaching us some Bulgarian dances which was hilarious. A few of us (not naming any names, but it wasn’t Dan) earned a glass of Rakia for our efforts!

We took a sunset stroll through the Old Town before dinner, then we had a group dinner at the hotel. The fun from the dance lessons seemed to carry forward as there was much laughter and it became clear the inmates had taken over the asylum…

We finished with an evening stroll to an overlook with more poetry and an opportunity for rakia for anyone who wanted some, even the slackers from the afternoon (again, not mentioning any names…)

We had an excellent day, despite the weather, the group definitely made the best of it and joined into the offered activities with great enthusiasm. It’s hard to believe a week ago we were all strangers.

Tomorrow exploring Veliko Tarnovo.

24,015 steps, 11.9 miles