Bansko, Bulgaria

There's nothing like a trip to the countryside to see the real face of a country. I hop on the first Bus to Bansko, 3 hours South of Sofia, in one of the highest mountain range of Bulgaria.

I discover there a nice old village, where life is a bit more relax than in the capital...

I also found out, that like anywhere in the world, the good wines are called "Chateau"

The hotel I'm staying in is a nicely restored old house like most of the village centre. it's very rustical and my hosts are most welcoming.

From the centre, the imposing mountains are calling me, so I'm taking the chance and catching the only bus up the valley at 8.30 a.m. to ascend the second highest mountain in Bulgaria with 2915m (the highest is 11m higher, never mind, I'll keep it for next time)

Everything is very well sign-posted, with the only detail that you have to read cyrillic of course...

The walk up the summit is gorgeous, and when you go back down, don't forget to "sign" the field, so people can know you've been there (click on the 3 picture)

Funny to think that I'm higher than 99.999% of all people in Bulgaria (approximately...)