Our last full day in Bulgaria. The route continued to offer up the varied interesting fare this developing country offers. 10km of getting out of Burgas: it has cycle lanes to be fair. Yellow lines painted on the pavement. I think Cardiff copied this model as they switch from left to right and encourage you to cross the traffic flow. It is interesting to see the occupations along the way, mainly light industrial and manual.
On a down note, we were diverted around an accident early morning. Turns out a bus with illegal immigrants was evading the police. It rammed a police car trying to stop it, killing the two police men 40 and 30 year olds with family. First fatalities in the police for a long time. Reminds you as we tour along there are some serious things happening.
Then into the country. Men in a fishing competition by a lakeside just like in UK, with all the same paraphernalia. Up into the country I should have said. The ascents through woods gave the local knats time to feed.
Lots of border police evident. Speculation is it is to control Syrian refugees entering from Turkey. Where we’re staying tonight is required by the Army from tomorrow. There are elections in a month and the army is deployed to stop corruption, we’re told. The “lower” classes sell their votes: the army will seek to stop this. How I don’t know.
Something missing from the photos of Bulgaria is churches. Much fewer than Romania with religion on the decline. Unlike smoking which nearly 40% (cf UK 15%) do.
First heavy downpour just after we arrived. Welcome too!
Tomorrow country no 8 Turkey. Destination Vize.
Travelling reflections 