A Rila Beautiful Place
Trip Start
Apr 04, 2008
1
29
49
Trip End
May 15, 2008
Rila, Bulgaria
Friday, April 25, 2008
The monastery rents out converted monk chambers as basic pension rooms to guests, but unfortunately they were all full. Full, you ask? How could that be in the middle of April in Bulgaria? Well, weary travelers, check the Orthodox calendar before you go venturing off to Orthodox monasteries. It's Easter! Shouldn't my Serbian Orthodox travel partner know this?? Guess not, so after a few minutes of being disappointed, we looked at the beautiful place and headed for our car to find a place to stay.
We found a really great hotel down the road, after stopping in at one that was again full, but had a great little restaurant with a fireplace. Our room was huge, with a view out on the stream. We took a 3 hour nap because that's what happens when you take the super noisy night train from Belgrade. You get tired, kids. And we're old. Then it was back to the little restaurant down the road with the fireplace. I had my first taste of kavarma, a delicious baked casserole with pork, onions, tomatoes, and an egg on top. It's awesome. Trust me.
Sidenote: Fans of The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova will recognize this monastery from the book. If you haven't - read it. Thanks to Jarrod and Coy for the recommendation.
(C) For once, get ready folks, I agree with Sara absolutely. Rila is a must - drive your own car if you can, stay at the Monastery, eat at the little restaurant back down the road to Rila where the people were SO friendly, the wine delicious, my cheese stuffed peppers awesome and the company sparkling. I am a big fan of this place. Good job Bulgaria, this TOTALLY makes up for Sofia.
