Bulgaria, Macedonia & Albania!

Another early start and we set off from Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria's largest city. Tara took us on a walking tour and then there was some free time to explore the somewhat modern city. For me it felt a little bit like Melbourne. Tonight was a little different than previous nights as we had a break from the rigors of camping and were put in a hotel. I think everyone enjoyed a decent bed with a doona! A dodgy meal was served for dinner that left a few feeling a bit queezie in the morning.



A beautiful church in Sofia



You have to love cobblestones!



A Bulgarian tram! I think i was taking a picture of the old dears crossing the road.


Next we hit the road onto Ohrid, Macedonia. Crossing the border was a bit of a pain as the coach was unpacked and we were all made to open our bags and stand in the cold. It rained, rained and rained and didn't stop raining. We stopped off for lunch in the capital, Skopje where Gypsy kids awaited unsuspecting tourists. It was then onto our campsite and to be honest it was quite fun being back in camping mode and setting up everything in the wet. Camping is so much more fun than staying in a hotel! A few of the group braved the chilly Lake Ohrid for a quick dip before a warm dinner and then a few drinks followed that night. Ohrid was quite a nice little place to wander through with churches at every turn of the head.



To be honest we weren't super keen to get off the bus and brave that cloud.



Geoffrey Dawson & myself 'in' a tree in Ohrid.



Group photo time in Ohrid.



An uphill walk in the rain on the lookout for churches in Ohrid.



The views halfway up to the fortress.



Macedonia had terrible weather but I have to say I am a fan of their flag!


After saying goodbye to Macedonia we crossed the border into Albania with some beautiful scenery and thousands of old war bunkers. Apparently these war bunkers are now the most common place for the young locals to lose their virginity! We stopped off somewhere in Albania for lunch but we soon found that finding food was no easy task. Most of us ended up finding a pastry shop where it was pastry and cream and more sugar. We spent the night in a hotel right on the water with a pool, pity the weather was still crappy.



Awesome scenery on the way to Albania


More stunning views from the bus.



Hmmm.. there wasn't much in Albania really.




This part of the Eastern block was definetly different but well worth a look.

1 comment:

  1. Hey andy that is quite bazaar, last semester at uni in july to oct i did a major urban/architectural design proposal for ohrid... right on the watefront, i can't believe you actually got to go and see it. shame it wasn't sunny for you, its a spectacular ancient township, was the czar battlement wall impressive? the amphithearte etc? theres a few designated routes/walks round the ancient part of the city, i cant wait to see your other photos one day!!

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