Wow, the day isn't really over and there's so much...interesting stuff going on that I feel compelled to write while it is still fresh in my memory. Today was our last day in the Kemplinkski Hotel in Sophia before our epic trek to Varna (which, for those of you who don't yet know, is on the other side of the country). Although we were sad to say goodbye to our much-beloved green apple juice and delicious cold cut meat, the group was full of excitement for our trip to the tourist seaside Varna. Next thing you know, we're checked out, in the buses, and ready to begin the scheduled seven hour drive. A few pit stops allowed some of us to observe stray dogs and interesting (and somewhat scarily large) insects. About half way through the drive, we stopped for lunch at a beautiful restaurant that contained some incredible woodwork and picturesque scenery (see pictures for more details). The food was excellent and the ambiance pleasantly soothing. Despite this soothing environment, Ryan and I dangerously attempted a complex mental math problem which, considering that we've been out of school for several weeks, was quite mentally taxing and frustrating (we eventually did figure it out, to much rejoicing).
After lunch, we loaded back onto the three buses and started the second half of the trip to Varna. A few scary road encounters, a U-turn or two, and a small army of restless legs later, we finally arrived at our destination. Although the name “Grand Varna Hotel” might lead one to picture a huge beach resort on the edge of the sea with children frolicking through the water and the sun shining on their cheery faces, this is not what we found. Due to the traffic and unexpected delays, we pulled into Varna ninety minutes later than scheduled. Dark, rolling clouds had cloaked the sky and we could sense the coming rain as the humidity increased. The Grand Varna Hotel is actually several smaller hotels in relatively close vicinity. Due to space restraints, the group had to be split into two of these hotels, the women would stay in the “Dolphin”, while the gentlemen would stay in the “Reuben”.
All the buses went to the Reuben first, as that was the location of dinner. To begin with, the buses arrived at different times, those who arrived first entered the “restaurant” to find flocks of people milling around the entrance. The situation quickly escalated into a tense attempt to stay organized and together as mingling with the native population made it very easy to become separated and lost, something no one wanted happening. Fortunately, all members were accounted for, chaperone groups stuck together, and everyone was able to sit down calmly for a nice, warm meal. Or so we though. Trying to describe the food of this restaurant requires an entirely different palette of words than what I have been using to recount our previous meals. One member perhaps accurately described it as “a failed attempt to copy American food”. Another, describing the crowded conditions, as “controlled chaos”. Overcooked pasta, dripping french fries, meatless ribs, tough chicken, and flat out bad ice cream made up the majority of our meals. As if the food itself wasn't shocking enough, my chaperone group sat outside due to lack of room inside and, some twenty minutes into our meal, the music suddenly burst into unexpected and completely uncensored profanity. In English. Of course, its us, the tourists from America that don't speak Bulgarian and understands English that happens to be outside when that happens. But the day isn't over yet.
We gradually made our way to the lobby so we can check in, and, after receiving our key cards, Ryan and I made our way up the the top floor (by stairs, because the elevator was so slow) to our room. Though the room seemed nice enough, the couches in the lobby provided more comfort than the rock-hard beds, and a strange brown substance was spattered over our curtains. Despite these things, the room seemed...decent. Back downstairs, the whole group waited for the buses to arrive. It had started raining (with some lightning, too) so the buses were having to drive in closer to reduce the running distance. Bus 1 came and went with no issue, Bus 2 loaded all the girls and took them off to Dolphin, and Bus 3 randomly passed the hotel and required some staff to run out and catch it. Within the next hour, though, the entire group had gotten their luggage and was checked in, which brings us to the present. As of now, 9:30, a small group of us are upstairs playing some cards to pass the time, while others must be up in their rooms. Although our initial impressions of Varna have definitely been less than pleasant, we're guaranteed to remember this day for a long, long time. It's the unexpected stuff that makes memories, and this day has sure been full of those.
-Philip
Pics are up for June 29 (The Most Epic Day). Still trying to get more uploaded, as well as the pics that chaperones and staff have taken.
