Days 108-109:
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| One of its last performances |
I had been in Rila Monastery 2 years ago in my previous visit to this beautiful
country, and I knew it would be a nice one-day trip for my family in their
short time here. With one thousand years of history, being one of the
most important cultural and religious centres in South-East Europe. The
Monastery is a “must-see” if you come to Sofia and have the chance to travel
the hour and a half (by car) to get the place, hidden in the mountains. We
went there with the renewed Golf, which was running perfect. My family
enjoyed with the views to Rila Mountains, the isolated villages near the road, and
of course: the Monastery. Although the entrance to the complex is free, we paid
a expensive fee to access to the museum, which has tens of very old pieces from
medieval times. Rafail's cross, which was made during 12 long years by a monk (until he lost his sight) is the most impressive thing. My family tasted their first “kebapche” and “kiufte”
with “lutenitza” sauce, part of our basic diet here in Bulgaria.
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| Rila Monastery |
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| Happy Claudia at Happy restaurant |
Once back
in Sofia, Claudia had the opportunity to visit Pacas and Monroy’s flat, and to
play with the PS2 (what a discovery for her!). The day ended with a dinner (all
together) in the fantastic pizzeria Ugo. On Tuesday
morning, we walked around the city centre, where they could buy some freak
souvenirs like communist stuff, but also the Russian typical “matrioskas” and other
innocent presents. We had lunch in “Happy” restaurant, another good place to eat for
around 8-10 € (luxury for us, comparing it with what are we accustomed to), and
they flew back to Spain. Short time here for my family, fucking air-controllers!!
