My Neighborhood

In case you're wondering what my neighborhood looks like, it's hard to describe. So I'll just let these random photos tell you. Keep in mind I've been told I live in a "nicer" neighborhood.

Looking toward my street (up a little and to the right)

One of the "main" roads I walk along a lot

My main landmark the first few days in town

New grocery store...I can just stop by on my walk home from work

The big road near me - Cherni Vrah - looking towards Mount Vitosha

My other main landmark, since it's so tall

Little park I pass through on my walk downtown

Cherni Vrah - looking toward downtown

Being renovated I hope?

Brand new construction

Love the cobblestone streets in some places

Building behind mine

That's my balcony in the background (peachy colored building)

An upgrade to plastic chairs to save your parking spot

Street in front of my building...this is how we roll in my neighborhood (yes, that's the sidewalk on the left)

My street looking the other direction

What the heck am I doing in Bulgaria?

If you want a brief overview of what I'm doing in Bulgaria, check out the Sofia Embassy's website:  http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/event_04142016.html

Spring Hike in the Balkans

Today I had the opportunity to go hiking in the Rila Mountains, about 2 hours south of Sofia, with a coworker, Milena, and her friends. So glad she invited me, it was so amazingly gorgeous! My photos do not do it justice.

First glimpse of Maljovitsa Peak (2,729 m)...

The trail was a bit more snow covered than I was expecting...

The wildflowers were blooming all over, where there wasn't snow...

Our resting point, both coming and going, at a guesthouse part way up the mountain...

But I'm not sure I'd want to stay in these...

...or camp either though...

...good thing we were just day hiking

The views were so amazing, it made Milena wanna just jump for joy! 

After climbing up this hill, we decided to turn around...

But then we had to go back down...wish I had a sled

Making shopska salad...yes, they hiked with a cucumber, tomatoes and cheese (I'll know for next time!)

The view during our picnic lunch...

There were several springs along the way so we could refill our water bottles...yes I drank the water and no I didn't get sick

Last glimpses...sigh, I want to go back already

Table Tennis

I think I fell for one of the classic blunders...

No, not getting involved in a land war in Asia, or going against a Sicilian when death is on the line

(if you haven't seen The Princess Bride - you must!)

What I did was enter a table tennis tournament with a bunch of Bulgarians!  I think I was the only American playing, because everyone else knew better.  It was still fun though.

Check out the lady on the right.  She was ready to go, headband and all!

I should have known better after seeing tables set up in a lot of the parks