Communist monument under construction

Ministry of Agriculture building in the distance...

Typical Bulgarian streets.... very different from most of Europe.... many buildings looked like they badly needed some renovation

Occasionally, while walking on the streets, these western "lookalike" stores pop up. There were so many Italian coffee joints that it was like wow. I did try Bulgarian coffee though, and warning, it was super strong. I drank it in the afternoon and it actually kept me wide awake all through the early morning. And, it has a really unique taste to it too. The texture is really thin but really really strong stuff.

Bulgarian style gyros... with fries inside.... Still pretty tasty though..


Court of Justice

Ice cream cart... so similar to the Turkish types.... Sofia had so many bits and pieces that reminded me of Turkey, and yet, the Bulgarians seemed to speak more fondly of the Russians than the Turks....


I think this was the Serdika: Sredets Fortress

Sofia University

Hostel Mostel: The hostel which I stayed at. They had a pretty good deal one night in a dorm for only 24 leva which included free breakfast and dinner. So most nights, i actually stayed in and ate dinner in the hostel, despite it being pasta every night. The hostel had a pretty friendly vibe to it too. The staff were super friendly and helpful, though some were a bit crazy (constantly cracking jokes). There was a good mix of people from old to young here... so got to talk to a good mix of people.