Sofia, let’s talk. 

A group of 5 of us, we took a 4.5 hour bus to Sofia, Bulgaria. I really didn’t know what to expect from this trip, all I knew was that it was going to be cheap and that I was going to get an experience that not many have gotten before. The bus ride there was pretty scenic and honestly reminded me a lot of the Colorado mountains. It was giving me flashbacks of the ride up to Blackhawk, CO. We were in the valleys of the mountains and there was a small river running alongside the road. We were able to watch about 2 movies while we were on the bus. In between movies (roughly), we were able to pass through the Bulgarian Greek border. Our bus was barely full so it took maybe 20 minutes to get through, get our stamps, and stop for a bathroom break. The rest of the way was pitch black and we weren’t able to see much.

Getting off the bus, we were greeted with a cold air and the smell of Bulgarian cigarettes. We had to walk to the front of the bus in order to find a place to exchange our euros to levs and get our taxi. Our taxi driver(s) told us before getting in the car that it was going to be 13 lev. We were okay with price seeing as how we had to split our group up and we were supposedly going to a nicer neighborhood. We drove and were seeing a bit of the city although we were on the outskirts of downtown. We were very keen to the scent of the city, it just smelled like it was burning. Nevertheless, we arrived on the street of our Airbnb and all of a sudden this burly man is asking us for 30 levs. We corrected him saying 13, and he insisted that we paid 30. My friend was pulling out her money to pay him, and he switched the bills and proceeded to take 30 levs from her hands. At this point, it was late, the street was dark and we were in a foreign country. We left paying 60 levs for 2 taxis and a grim first impression of Bulgaria. We found our way to the Airbnb and we were able to rest in a nice quaint house that was sufficient for what we needed. 

We then went out to eat because we were all getting pretty hangry. We just went to a place that was nearby since it was late and we weren’t sure if anything was open. The streets were so dark that we weren’t sure if Bulgaria had a lively nightlife. We found our way to a small restaurant that was highly rated on Trip advisor (RIP no Yelp here), but we had some pretty bad service. It took forever for all of our meals to come out and when we tried to pay, it was difficult for us to get the attention of our waiter to pay for our mediocre food. Our group then split up and some of us went to this candlelit bar that was recommended to us from friends from our program that went last week. This place was in such a suspicious alley and it was an experience in itself to get there. The bar was really interesting, the entire place was lit only by candles and the interior was all wood with the entire bar smelling like incense and smoke. We met some of our friends that were also in Bulgaria that weekend. We didn’t stay long because we were quite tired. 

The next day was filled with a disappointing shopping spree to Zara and HM, but a successful photoshoot at Sofia’s one major landmark. Saint Alexander’s Cathedral was a beautiful building that you aren’t allowed to take pictures, but it was really beautiful inside and out. We got a good amount of walking in and were able to see a lot of Sofia in just one day. The one product that was everywhere was rose. There are plenty of places that have rose scented souvenirs. There is rose oil, lotion, soaps, and other perfumes with the signature Bulgarian rose scent. There are a couple places to buy these products, but Refran had the best prices and the most recommended products from what I saw. There are two Refans, one in the Center and one in the Mall of Sofia. We had a good time, good food, and it was a nice cheap get away from the bustle of Thessaloniki. 

I wish we could’ve gone to this brunch spot while there but Sofia was short and sweet. I feel like we got some food diversity, even if it wasn’t that different. I am thankful for this great first weekend trip. 

I am starting my service learning this week and another weekend trip coming up.

Until next week,

JLee

BIG TAKEAWAYS FROM WEEK 3:

-Going to another country and always comparing it to America or a culture that you are more familiar with and saying that the customs in that country is offensive and disrespectful. 

-I didn’t realize how racist Europe was going to be. It has been the first time where I feel really different from other people and that when someone says “oriental” in my class, everyone looks at me. Although it isn’t meant to be hurtful, I can understand how hard it can be. 

-Everyone spends money on different things but my roommate and I have been able to recognize what we like spending money on and it has been really beneficial to our friendship. 

-I am learning on to be petty with money and other people have been quick to cover the bill, but I think I get really scared, but this is something that I want to work on while I am here. I want to be less calculative and more generous, but genuinely. I want to give without seeing the price tag (obviously mom with good reason). 

-Old grandpas seem to be the same universally seeing as they want the best for you, but they don’t know how to communicate. My phone was falling out of my jacket pocket while in the boardwalk and this grandpa passed by me, tutting at me and telling me to put it in my bag. I said thank you as he walked away and he just grunts and raises his hand as he left. It reminded me of something my dad or grandpa would do.