Tuesday, October 3 – One thing I have realized is flexibility is definitely key to a successful vacation. Of course, patience is probably on that list as well, but I think we all know I gave up any hope of that long ago. But I digress.

We were supposed to stay two nights in the same hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Two nights is vastly preferable for a lot of reasons, not to mention the fact that we scored a primo room with extra space and a cool balcony. However, our guide discovered that today, there was going to be work on the city water system this afternoon and, as a result, the hotel would essentially have no plumbing. Not exactly Chris Nirvana, that’s for sure. Thus, we have moved on to the city of Pleven for tonight’s lodging, which, blissfully, includes hot showers and flush toilets. It’s the little things that make a trip…

Today was resistance workout day, in the (large) hotel room, so no exciting fitness photos. I suspect all are bereft, but who knows what tomorrow might bring?

Before leaving this beautiful little village, we did get to spend quite a bit of time exploring. Stefan took us through the Samovodska Marketplace, where skilled artisans ply and sell their work. Several artists provided demonstrations of their craft.

We then went to the Tsaravets Royal Citadel, which served as the primary fortress for the 2nd Bulgarian Empire. With it’s thick walls, towers and basilica, it’s hard to imagine how the Ottomans conquered it, but they did, thus ending Bulgarian rule for 500 years.

We were left on our own for several hours, so we explored the Citadel, did some buying at the artisan shops and had a nice lunch overlooking the old Town.

Mid-afternoon we departed for our new (fully plumbed) hotel, stopping midway at Nicopolis ad Istrum, the ruins of a fairly extensive Roman city kind of in the middle of nowhere. One thing is for sure, I couldn’t complain about the crowds of tourists, we were the only ones there!

Drove to our new hotel in Pleven which is kind out out in the woods. They arranged a little wine and apps reception for us, I guess because of being ‘inconvenienced ‘ by the plumbing issue. Speaking of plumbing, Dan went to take a shower before said reception. I guess in this hotel, it has been determined shower curtains are not necessary…interesting approach but honestly, wonder how good that is for their flooring. Well, for me, just another “cultural experience “

After the reception, since we are a bit isolated, people chose to dine at the hotel. The great thing? Basically, we just naturally gravitated towards eating in groups–we spread over a few tables of mixed tour participants. It always kind of amazes me how people can go from strangers to dining companions in a matter of a week. But, I love it.

For being in the woods, the menu was quite interesting and one of the guys at the table picked an excellent wine so it was another lovely evening. One more night together and we all part ways. It will be sad.

However, not thinking about that right now–I shall enjoy this moment in time!

14,771 steps, 6.6 miles