Bulgarian elections are happening on Monday, and unbeknownst to me...the current regime is subsizing Turkish Bulgarians (those who work and live in Turkey but still hold Bulgarian passports) to come back for the elections. The bus was chock a block full of would be voters taking advantage of the free travel offer! I tried to reserve a seat a few days before leaving Istanbul, but was told just to go to the HUGE bus depot and there would be no problem getting a ticket. Having gotten up early to avoid the rush rush bustle of early morning commuters...I boarded the local tram...then another hike to the subway which dropped me off directly in front of a huge amphitheatre arrangement of more than 200 bus companies. I tried every one until number 161! When they refused to sell me a ticket I finally gave in to one of the touts who had been harassing me and trying to sell me a Varna ticket! (I think!!?) So...I paid the 40 Lira and he gave me a "voucher?" for a company called IXLAKA. I went there...only #177 and my bag was hoisted onto the bus. Except, when examining my voucher I realized that the seat number was number 52...but having become familiar with the buses (intimate in fact!)I realized that none of the buses had that many seats!?
I had a ticket, with an "aisle" seat. After setting about schmoozing the bus driver...he insisted that they give me a seat! In the back of the bus...next to a wonderful seaman, a Bulgarian marine engineer returning home after a 4 month leave. He was a giant teddy bear who adopted me during the trip. He, his captain, and 1st mate and I had a great time. After a long and dusty and very much more confortable than it would have been without a seat (9 and 1/2 hours) I am happily ensconsed in Villa Stancioff..on the Black Sea! All is well here in Karin Dom children's centre. Yesterday, a representative from the EU standards committee spent the day touring and discussing future plans for disabled funding from EU. He was a social worker from Northern Ireland. His son, Ryan has decided to return to Karin Dom as a volunteer!
It's beautiful here, many changes have occurred since I visited in 2003. Both to Karin Dom and to Bulgaria in general. Many of these Eastern European beaches have become holiday resorts for the British budget travellers. Not the backpackers, but the working class families who prefer to have all inclusive holidays on the beaches.
So, the beaches are densely covered with giant hotels, and umbrellas and beer swilling big bellied red faced Brits. Not a pretty scene! Will send photos when I can.
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