sofia – Real on the Road

Lost My Hat On the Way Back To Balat

July 5, 2023 by David Hunter Bishop

*The colorfully decorated street that I am living on now, again in the Balat neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul, my third visit to Turkey*

I’m back in Balat, my favorite neighborhood in Istanbul, biding time and getting some work done in advance of the Rolf Potts Travel Writing Workshop I’m attending July 30-Aug. 4 in Paris.

The Flixbus trip from Sofia, Bulgaria, to here was eventful.

Bulgaria: A Pleasant Surprise

May 30, 2023May 28, 2023 by David Hunter Bishop

Starting month three of a delightful stay in Sofia

Enjoying a recent event in the center of Sofia, my friends and I toast Bierra Moretti, an Italian beer promoting its recent introduction to the city. I’m here with friends, from left, Liubo, an author of several books in Bulgaria, Nick, president of the local Taxpayers Association, Nick’s wife Alexandra, and my fellow retiree and good friend Chris, an Australian living in Bulgaria.

As the warmth of Spring arrives in this Baltic country of Bulgaria, where I’ve been a guest since April in the capital city, Sofia, I’m captivated by the easy-going, comfortable way of life and the warmth and friendliness of the many friends I’ve made here.

A Touch of New Jersey In Tirana, Albania

April 22, 2023April 22, 2023 by David Hunter Bishop

I couldn’t resist visiting the New Jersey Snack Bar Coffee before I left Tirana, Albania.

What good New Jersey native could pass up an opportunity to visit a genuine “New Jersey Snack Bar Coffee” in Tirana, Albania?

Well, I couldn’t, but I have to confess, I walked out thinking there was more going on there than met the eye.

Enroute To Sofia, A Night In A Skopje Bus Station

May 4, 2023April 15, 2023 by David Hunter Bishop

The Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria, could fit a small city inside!

My friend Peggy, whom I met in a cafe in the White Mountains of Crete, sent me advice in a cautionary email after reading a brief post I wrote mentioning my night in the Skopje bus station.

Skopje is the capital city of Northern Macedonia, one of the Balkan states in southeastern Europe. It was formerly part of Yugoslavia until it gained its independence by referendum in 1992 following the Yugoslav wars.

I was just passing through on my way to Sofia, Bulgaria.