Running!

Been running a bit. Explored a new park this weekend and although it's a little bit further away, I like it a lot better than South Park. Less people and more trails.

I would have taken more pictures this past weekend, but it was raining too much. Good thing I plan to retire these running shoes in Sofia before I leave.

These two stray pups were not happy about the rain either.

To get to the other park, I do have to cross several multi-lane roads. Luckily the first two have tunnels. And yes, everything, I mean everything, has graffiti on it!

I love running on the soft trails rather than pavement.

There are so many trails, I'm really surprised I don't get more lost. 

And sometimes you come upon something like this..creepy and cool at the same time. Just abandoned in the middle of the park.

  

South Park

Yes, the park by me is known as South Park (or Vuzhen Park).

But I didn't see Stan, Kyle, Kenny or Cartman anywhere. Although I did see SpongeBob Squarepants...

It has quite the grand entrance off Vitosha Boulevard (the same street is the main drag in downtown Sofia, which is about 2 miles away).

And an even grander view of Mount Vitosha from everywhere.

But wait, is this a nature park, or an amusement park?

 

(Evidently these rides and such are here all the time)

Oh, I see, it's a gym!?

They take these outdoor fitness courses to a whole new level...

The "playgrounds" are a bit different

(yes, these are made of stone)

 But they're cute...

...and so are these jungle gyms!

These are part of the playground too, but I'm not sure of their purpose except to crack a kids head open when they fall (not if).

There was a dog park, even if the fence was only two feet high...but most people let their dogs off leash everywhere anyway.

Some areas need a little TLC 

But you get amazing views of Mount Vitosha

And it's a great place for families to come on the weekend with all modes of transportation...

...and maybe even stumble upon a turtle!