Sofia, Bulgaria

jpcwetzel

I’ve moved! I have taken a 4th grade teaching position at an international school in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. This will be my new home base and launch pad towards many surrounding destinations.

Here’s a snapshot of my first week here:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ruins from the 1st-6th century, right along the sidewalk. Bulgaria is regarded as one of the oldest countries in Europe
My new apartment is just to the left of the yellow building.

My favorite place in town has to be the expansive Borisova Gradina Park. (I liken a walk through this park to playing the “statues” level of N64’s “Goldeneye” – a late 90’s classic James Bond themed video game. IYKYK.)

The Brotherly Mound Monument
Great forested paths through the park have become my new running routes.
The park’s Lily pond

I took a day trip out of Sofia into the Rila mountains to see the Rila Monastery and hike the Seven Rila Lakes trail, a five mile loop from the top of a chair lift.

I opted for the Mekitsa- basically a funnel cake.

Can you spot me?
In this photo, you can see six of the seven lakes. the seventh is off to the right, out of sight.
I don’t normally opt to be in so many photos, but my hiking mate for the day kept insisting.

So far so good in this beautiful country. It is wonderful living in the heart of the city. If you look it up on a map, I’m in the Doctor’s Garden neighborhood (Oborishte), very near the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The main challenge so far has been not knowing much Bulgarian. Many shop owners get frustrated by this, but I try not to be. I will learn the phrases I can to help me be more successful out and about town. Main plus has been the active park scene here. There are barely any televisions or screens in sight. Everyone hangs out in parks and TALKS to one another! It’s like stepping back in time, pre-cell phone. So fun.

School orientation meetings begin August 13th, and students come the 26th. Wish me luck! I think you can still text my 🇺🇸 number, and I’ll message you back via my 🇧🇬 number on WhatsApp.

Thanks for reading!

Peter

4 thoughts on “Sofia, Bulgaria”

  • I knew you’d find excellent hiking opportunities there. Your video of the monastery reminded me of the place we stayed in Tyrol Austria. It was across next to a monastery, and you could hear the monks singing their chants at 6 pm every evening. Good luck, and have the time of your life! ❤

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  • Megan, Danny and I just read this update together. Danny spotted you right away in the beautiful photo with the scenery. We think it’s fun to see you in the photos and are glad your friend insisted. Megan wants to know if you have tried any other good foods, the “funnel cake” sounds yummy. We wish you luck on learning more phrases and will pray for you to have an amazing start to the school year. Sending our love from Westwood! The Falks

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