When in...Bulgaria?

Greece's unique location provides the opportunity to explore the more remote countries. My friends and I took advantage of our proximity to these less-visited nations of central Europe by traveling to Sofia, Bulgaria for the weekend. Though we were not sure exactly what to expect when we booked our trip, Bulgaria ended up being a pleasant surprise. The central squares and old churches, mosques, and administrative buildings that dotted the small city were breathtaking. We spent much of our time walking the entirety of Sofia, taking in the atmosphere, people, and beauty. 

The trip began with the best walking tour I have ever participated in. The tour guide was funny and knowledgeable. We were able to get our bearings and decide what aspects of the city we wanted to explore more deeply. The weather was perfect- a beautiful fall day. The walk took us past stunning buildings and adorable food and trinket markets. 

The biggest surprise was the cuisine. I did not go in with high hopes. The traditional Bulgarian food was fine, with the highlight being the bread. Much like challah in texture and taste, pitka set our meal off to a great start. Other than Bulgarian, we enjoyed soups (Vietnamese, Indian, Spinach, Vegan, etc.) that exploded with flavor. We also went out to a fantastic Moroccan restaurant. Who knew Bulgaria had such an international palate?

My friends and I also visited a communist propaganda museum that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. We took fantastic photos with the statues in the park section of the museum.

All in all, our trip to Sofia, Bulgaria was an excellent adventure. Though I think I will visit new nations before I return to Bulgaria, I highly recommend it for anyone in the area.