Onwards to Sofia

It's been a little hectic! I wanted to go to Budapest all the way by train from here via Sofia and Belgrade.

Firstly I had to change the date on my sleeper - full the night I wanted to go.

Then I had to beg to stay here another night. Once that was sorted back to ticket station for sleeper 22nd.

That meant I had to change the dates of Sofia hotel. All good so far.

Then found that Serbian trains are rubbish.

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/belgrade-to-sofia-by-train.htm

So another change of plan. Now trying to get an extra night in Sofia at the other end. Still waiting for reply. I've booked a flight from Sofia to Budapest and it has a stopover. Guess where? Istanbul!! If the hotel says no I'll have to find another in the same area. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/istanbul-to-sofia-train-itinerary

The hotel said yes. I'm very happy. 4 nights in Sofia. 

Have been biding my time today. A long walk through Guihaine Park.

the crows are grey and black here.

This is an enormous park and goes down to the water. 

i needed a loo so thought something to eat would get me a toilet. Right in the water. There is so much going on here. Cruise ships, ferries, fisherman...

I had a hamburger... and got the toilet!

then further along I sat by a family 

from Uzbekistan with their 4yr old son. The woman was originally from Moscow. His English was good - he completed a master's in Economics in London Southbank. 

He have me a lollipop! Strawberry. He was practising his English.

Another great passenger ship came in while I was walking.

i was over that side yesterday - not nearly as nice as my side unless you go away from the water.