Back down the long and winding road this morning so that we could visit Shipka church. What a beautiful place, it really stands out in the countryside with its golden domes. Opened in 1902 and built to a 17th century Russian design, the church is dedicated to the soldiers that died for the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish war. I think it was the coldest church we’ve ever been in, but worth the shivers for the amazing artwork inside.
We thought we would easily make it to the border with Romania today, but, as our route started with ‘the Shipka Pass’ we slowly realised it would take all afternoon. The roads weren’t too bad overall – it seems that even the A roads now are covered by the vignette system which must be bringing the money in to upgrade them. Lots of houses in a terrible state of disrepair – they look inhabited but must surely have leaking roofs when it rains. Topped up with diesel at £1.05 per litre (wow!) just before we got to Ruse.
Parked by the Danube which is a dirty mud brown today, not blue! It serves as the border here between Bulgaria and Romania.
According to Wikipedia, Ruse is often referred to as ‘the little Vienna’. According to us, that’s one massive stretch of the imagination! 😆It does have some nice colourful architecture, but the shops at eye level let it down somewhat. Lots of people about though, giving it a nice vibrant feel and it was so warm too – even at 7:30pm.
Back at the idyllic car park overlooking the river, we are gearing ourselves up for a noisy night. So far, incessant motorbike revving, car with loud popping exhaust, race between three remote control vehicles and a bit of drum n bass… what’s not to like? Still prefer it to a campsite with nosy neighbours 😂
