Author: jpcwetzel

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 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

Morocco ‘24

Morocco ‘24

jpcwetzel

Thanksgiving Break trip to Morocco. Started in Marrakesh, then film studios in Quarzazate, and two nights of desert camping in the Sahara around Mhamid at the border of Algeria.

Set of “The Mummy”
Set of “Moses”
The whole GAdventures tour group. Represented were Canada, Australia, England, Germany, and the USA.

Then a night layover in Frankfurt, Germany. Walked through the Christmas market.

England ‘22

jpcwetzel

President’s Day weekend in Cornwall, UK & London with sibs James & Lois.

Castle Combe
Porthcothan
Porthcothan
Park Head
Botallack Mines
Botallack Mines
Porthcurno
Penberth Cove
Logan Rock
Logan Rock
Gunwalloe Church Cove
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove
Marazion – Our lodgings for the weekend
Gwennap Pit
Redruth
Stonehenge – the free view
Greece ‘21

Greece ‘21

jpcwetzel

Here are some selections from my summer trip to Greece which was carefully coordinated by my brother, Luke. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to join his family to this beautiful and welcoming place.

The trip began in Athens
Running around the first site of the Modern Olympic Games 1896 – Panathenaic Stadium
View from our Airbnb overlooking the Acropolis
Morning run on Philopappos Hill

On Day three, we headed out to Delphi for a day trip to see the ruins there.

Day 4 we took a ferry to the island of Hydra. There are no cars on the island, but walking around town and to the beach was amazing.

After a couple days in Hydra, we ferried onto the Peloponnese peninsula. We rented a car and headed down the coast to Nafplio.

999 ancient steps to the Roman fortress.

One night we drove into Epidavros to attend a tragedy at a fourth century BC theater.

After two nights there, we drove through the mountains South to Sparta on the way to our stay in Paralia and visit to the old town of Monemvasia.

We then headed West along the southern coast to Kardimyli, stopping by a shipwreck on the way.

On our last day in Kardimyli, we took a kayak excursion around the area.

Later that day, we made the 3 hour drive back north, crossing the Corinth canal and making our way back to Athens for two more nights.

The last evening was spent catching the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon, East of Athens.

Thanks again to my brother Luke and his family for letting me crash the trip and enjoy the beautiful country of Greece!