Sofia Day 3

I followed a self guided walk for Sofia today. In the end I'd seen a lot of what they suggested but did find some lovely places. I just can't do another tour with a leader that needs to tell me everything that I usually forget very quickly or just switch off! This was excellent.

https://freesofiatour.com/blog/self-guided-sofia-tour/

Church of St Petka

this was a pretty amazing find. It's in the underpass of the station. It's the ancient Roman  town of Serdica! Is there anywhere the Romans didn't go?

this lane led out onto the street but still the Roman town went on. There was a musician at the end.

statue of Sofia - she had nothing to do with the city. It's named after  Hagia Sophia. 

the rotunda again!

the mosque again!

this is the Market that is closed for renovation - such a shame.

A better picture off the net of the Synagogue

even here is affected by what's going on in Israel 

this was the most amazing place. It used to be the mineral baths. It's now a museum. When I went in there was a choir. So beautiful to listen to - I stayed for the whole concert.

the museum was pretty amazing too.

the view from the baths

i presume this is spring water. Not quite what the guide said.

Next came the parliament buildings.

Communist style!

and in the middle my little church - in the courtyard behind my hotel.

this is the Presidency! - there were guards but only in suits!

these lovely statues are outside the Sofia City Art Gallery. Only 1 floor but the exhibition was beautiful.

https://sghg.bg/en/

Some of the paintings

these were the ones I liked.

the artist.

Then it was an amble back to the hotel.

a lot of graffiti - when on this block of units.

a deli counter I saw.

And I went into a school to check out a green jumper and came out with this!

I'm not sure where I'll store it. Might have to wear it! The left who ran the shop was very interesting. She's travelled widely and spoke very good English.

I'm back in my own haunt for the 4th night in a row. It's the only place that sells Prosecco.

https://sghg.bg/en/exhibitions/genko-genkov-beyond-the-visible-100th-anniversary-of-the-artists-birth/

Stuff to read about Bulgaria 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.business-standard.com/amp/article/news-ani/bulgaria-ranks-sixth-among-ten-poorest-countries-in-europe-121102900329_1.html

https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/bulgaria-looks-toward-quality-jobs-to-combat-poverty/