I have just spent an awesome month in Bulgaria in what turned out to be the hottest summer on record. After my last entry this one is going to be a little more light hearted!

Brad (see past entry) was supposed to be coming over after visiting Berlin. I received a text from him saying he couldn't make it because a dog had bitten his ear off! I won't go into the rest of the story because the circumstances of how it happened, are shall we say, a little embarrassing to say the least! (He was enjoying the company of a young lady at the time)

Now moving on......

I spent the last week of my visit in a Bulgarian village close to Ruse. In fact, it was so cool, I would recommend it to anyone. Bulgarian villages are very much like England was 50 years ago. The people are friendly and the prices are amazing. I had dinner with some English friends who live in the village - they live on 40 pounds a week! They pay all their household bills, run a car, have internet connection and eat well. We went to the local bar where a beer cost 40p and a large brandy 25p. It was great to wake up and see the goat herder every morning - this really was going back to basics and is why so many turn their backs on the UK and start a new life in Bulgaria. My favorite memory was seeing all the Bulgarians turning up at the bar in a horse and cart. It is said that this tradition will die with the older generation - I hope not as it is a part of Bulgarian heritage that should not be lost.

Now the Nude Beach Bar. Bulgaria is known for its liberal attitude towards nudism and there are a number of nudist beaches along the coast - they are pretty hard to miss. Some have their own nude bars and I walked into one by mistake (honestly). It was hilarious...The bar was having a happy hour at the time on cocktails of all things! But the funnest thing I saw was this massive guy walking about completely naked except for a pair of black ankle socks and a kiss me quick hat. It was gross - he looked like a cross between Moby Dick and the Blues Brothers !

As always, I really appreciate your support

Until the next time

Best,
Paul

Going to the local bar the 'Bulgarian way' and the village