Buh Buh Buh Bulgaria! (sang to Notorious Big)

When we decided that Greece wasn't going to work into our plans, we decided to go to the Eastern part of Europe and we are so happy that we did.  When we made plans to go to Turkey, immediately, I said that we have to go to Bulgaria to see my friends Dodi and Marta.  When I moved to California, Dodi played for the women's team and I played for the men's team at Orange Coast College.  We eventually coached on the same staff for the women's program as well for a couple of years.

We took a "5 hour bus" from Istanbul to Burgas, Bulgaria, which ended up taking over 7 hours.  Typical.  We were staying in Nesebar, which is a an old UNESCO Heritage city on the Black Sea.  I had no idea what to expect of the Black Sea or Bulgaria but both Aaron and I were really impressed.  The water was a perfect temperature and felt like silk on our skin.  I am not exaggerating it is the best water I have ever been in.  Another good part about Eastern Europe is the affordability of most things from food and drinks to housing the exchange rate is really good for the American dollar.  After the Coast we took an early flight to Sofia, Dodi and Marta's home city.  We were fortunate enough to have both of them show us around the city during our extended layover.  You can see more in 4 hours with locals than you can in 4 days, going by tourist books.  It was so great to see where they grew up and to learn about events that went on during their childhood.  Here are some pictures to further explain our time in Bulgaria:

One of the older houses in Old Town Nesebar.

Dodi took us out to meet her friend Eva at this resort near Sozopol, about an hour from where we were staying.  We had a great meal and enjoyed some quality pool time.

Dodi and I in Sozopol.

The group in Sozopol.  Ivan, Dodi, Dodi's friends from the States (Tarek & Yumiko), Marta, Allie and us.

Marta, her daughter Allie and us in Sozopol.  Allie was the cutest and best kid ever for the whole day!  We couldn't speak to her but in 12 hours she never napped and never cried.

ATG & I.  We were out of clothes at this point and had to wear the same outfits for a week.

Picture from Colt Beach, just south of Nesebar.  This is one of the local beaches!

Dodi, Ivan and us after our last meal on the Coast.

Old Town Nesebar.

Poser!  In the background you can see the Unesco Heritage Island.

One of the many good dishes we had in Bulgaria.  This is Pork Kavarma and Dodi said she would send us her homemade recipe .  Another item not posted is  Shopska Salad which is similar to a greek salad which we had everyday for lunch.

ATG + a windmill going into Old Nesebar.

The street Dodi and Marta grew up on!  On a side note it was interesting hearing their stories of growing up in a former communist country.

So this is how Bulgaria protests.  With pianos.  This is how the USA protests: 

http://ktla.com/2013/07/29/rioting-breaks-out-after-u-s-surfing-open-8-arrested/#axzz2dRHhvFQp

Marta, ATG and I on our day in Sofia.

Nailed it.

Another picture from Sofia.

Thanks again Dodi, Marta and Ivan for showing us around and taking care of us for our time in Bulgaria.  Can't wait to come back if you will have us!