Bulgaria,and it's been a month, righteous.

So it's been one month to today that I arrived in Amsterdam to start this grand world tour.

Aww yeaah!

And it's really not felt that long either. The thought of 'two weeks and done' type-trips now seems much too fast. It's only been 30 odd days since the start, and it seems like only yesterday that I left. Thus far, everything has been an utter joy.

I want to keep travelling THIS MUCH!

The worst problem I've had is this bugger cold that's been plaguing me the last few days.

The silent, peaceful quiet of the monastery- KACHOOO!!! ....ARRGHHH!!!!

In a month, there's a pattern of travel I've gotten familiar with, which is as follows:

First Day: A tour in the city: (Free walking tours are the best orientation guides.)

Friendly, enthusiastic walking tours are even better.

Second Day:  Visit to a site of cultural, historical significance:

Rila Monastery. This is really not to be missed.

Third Day: Basically-the-second-day.

Medieval mania!

Fourth Day: Free-day (blog, walk-a-bout, laundry, etc.) and then departure!

On this Communist-era train. Wahahaha. Where's the wifi?

It's a pattern I've followed since I arrived in Amsterdam, and while it's had its modifications (Normandy, Romania) it works.

You too can succeed on my 12 step program.

Visiting Bulgaria has been a lot of learning-on-the-go. There's a lot of history, (naturally) and a unique side of 'We were under that, you know, Communist thing.)

miss out on Eastern Europe when you can have fun riding the COMMUNIST TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Now Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a cheerful city with anything you could want, (like no more, only cars from Cuba) and it's got no shortage of clothes, shoes, churches, antiques reflecting its diverse past (with some very, very strange artifacts.. like Prussian hats, Bulgarian hats, Soviet Medals, Soviet Hats, Soviet lighters, Nazi medallions, Nazi baubles and Nazi hats...I mean, what the hell is with the Nazi stuff, Bulgaria?)

Something's afoot.

The street signs here, unlike Romania, is written in Cyrillic alphabet (which leads to absolute confusion at the get-go), but many signs have English translations underneath, or in another instance, many churches had a translation provided right on the church wall. I found that very considerate on their part.

Considering I'm the foreigner who struggles learning the local language....

The food here is akin to Greek, according to mom:

They throw a lot of Feta on stuff. This is one of the few dishes that didn't have it on it. It had so many onions..yesss.....

Roses are big here too. You would want for nothing if you like them here. Rose paste, rose wash, rose oil.. they are a big thing.

The main highlight I found was in the Orthodox churches. I'm sure there'll be plenty more as we continue through the Balkans, but having mostly stalked about Catholic Cathedrals and Buddhist Temples prior to this region of the world, I find their architecture and style absolutely fascinating:

A lot of attention on devils and hell and what's wrong with your faaaaaaaaace.

All the tourism amenities are here is available and ready for you, should you come for it (tour guides, groups, excursions, etc.). And did I mention, this place is extremely affordable compared to Western Europe. There's beautiful buildings, history, and all the charms of the rest of Europe, and great if you're on a budget.

Roman ruins on a budget! Everywhere!

Speaking of budget, considering it's been one month into this thing, four things I've done that I liked in my methodology of travel, and four things I'd like to work on. (Which six months from now I can look back and go....LIES! ALL LIES!)

Good thing I'm always in Churches, easier to repent I suppose.

ONE MONTH IN, What's been good:

1.) Going in the off-season. Less price-hikes, less crowds, yes, yes, and yes.

2.) Booking ahead takes the stress out of debating where to sleep at night. Thank you August '14.

Hi-ho Silver, to the hostel and awayyyyyyy

3.) My Tortuga Backpack. I cannot say enough good things about it. I will get to a blog post about
how much I love this travel backpack. It has changed the way I travel. Go. Go buy one. Buy one now.

4.) Mom's arrival.

Traveling with someone is fun!

What could be improved?

1.) Eating out. In Western Europe, it is very expensive. Eastern Europe is a good change.  Overall, I need to be a little thriftier with the restauranting. (Maybe try cooking...eeeek)

Like eating delicious trout.

2.) Drinking water. I really need to do this more. But between the cooler weather and the go go go, I haven't really done this too well.

With all this free water too....this cat knows what's up.

3.) Cold weather preparation. I'll admit, my sweater and light jacket weren't the greatest. I was a bit cold in Romania. Mom wouldn't let me go another country without a heavier coat, so I've recently acquired one. (Thank you!!!) There'll be a pic of it...eventually. Because it is fabulous.

4.) That long term plan. You know, where the answer to the meaning of life is?

 Which isn't too much of a worry at the moment, but I'm sure as time goes by, I should, well, figure that one out.

Next up on the Balkan-path, Serbia. Yet another interesting place with a ?? on it. With the exception, of course, when it was on the news. (looking at you, Kosovo..) It's Belgrade bound from here. See ya!