Day 56 - 15/9/11 - Thursday- Plovdiv- Veliko Tarnovo

Only a single night in Plovdiv, and now onward to Veliko Tarnovo, which is perhaps the preferred tourist attraction of travellers in Bulgaria. Whilst some other travellers head from Sofia or Plovdiv toward the poorly named 'Black' Sea, and the beachside town of Varna, beaches are much better in other parts of the world, and thus we decide to bypass this option. I mean we are from Australia and Brazil, so don't need to spend too much time on rocky beaches.

We arrive at the bus stop early, and given this is not the major bus stop in Plovdiv, increasingly find the adventures of English do not resonate strongly here, hence the usage of non verbal communication is often required. Basic words like Veliko Tarnovo, and holding up 2 fingers (politely) in order to complete the transaction is sufficient to get the job done. Like in many countries, the attendant at the cashier window (Kaca) punch the price on the calculator, to show the amount of the bus fare.

Its an 8.30 departure, and a full 4 1/2 hour ride to Plovdiv, as the roads are not brilliant. We ride in a minivan, which although faster than a large bus, is also rougher. This makes reading, or writing trip diary impossible, and therefore it is best to listen to iPods, and enjoy the countryside.

Upon arrival at the bus station, we need to call the hostel to pick us up, and wait whilst non volutarily conversing with 2 Bulgarians, one half drunk with a basic hold of the English language, the other, unable to speak English, however part of a motorcycle club with an English slogan..."Respect Freedom". He is super proud of his motorcycle jacket, however doesn't look that tough. It is hot, and the bumpy bus ride tired us out rather than relax us. Perhaps trains are better where possible.

Arriving at Veliko Tarnovo we head straight to the highly recommended local restaurant, which rather confusingly, has at least 200 slightly different menu options. The beef on a spit meal took over an hour to arrive, however to be fair, it was superb. Cinthia and I both went for a conservative option, rather than anything that said tongue, liver, or giblets...

Veliko Tarnovo seems slow paced, however given it is stinking hot today we save exploring the historic fortress for tomorrow morning, when it should be cooler, and we will more likely have more energy to enjoy the experience.

The hostel is almost like a commune.....dinner on the table, dish up yourself... everyone at dinner at 7pm.... or you may miss out. Pasta, a basic staple, and enough to keep the hungry wolves at bay until the morning.

The hostel also buzzes with the frequent chatter of budget backpackers and wide eyed tourists, eagerly exchanging basic travel information to each other about where they have been, what they liked, where was a good place to stay, etc. It happens worldwide this sort of traveller companionship of information exchange, however can make a lively change to the more reserved and conservative hotel accomodation... where speaking to others is often taboo.