We woke to a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, freshly prepared for each of us.
After unlocking the bicycles, which were gathered on a post in front of the place, I decided to air both of my tires. Filling the rear, I pulled the pump a little too sharply away from the valve, ripping the tube inside. This instituted wheel removal and tube change. Man, I need to be more careful in the future.
Not knowing what the day had in store regarding food, we stopped at a gas station outside of town to pick up a few items.
We cycled, with several breaks, for 110 kilometers. The roads were in decent shape and much of the way was flat. There were two fairly large hills, but in a low gear, I really enjoy them.
Cycling toward Kozloduy, we tried a dirt road outside of town that linked up with an isolated hotel. After coasting to the gate and taking a look, it was clearly out of our budget. I pressed a green button and waited. A man walked slowly from the building to us. Our short conversation ended with him letting us know that they had no rooms.
This was the story of the night.
In town, we visited HOTEL ISTAR, a large establishment. The man at reception, after being asked about a room, said nothing, but pointed in the direction of a woman walking toward us.
Inquiring about a room was a nonstarter. She told us the that the the hotel was "full". Funny - the place was deserted.
She pointed us in the direction of Hotel Ivon, but reception was locked shut with no movement inside.
We went to dinner to contemplate the situation. After calling one more hotel (reception didn’t answer the phone), I shot out looking for a camping spot down by the river.
In low light, I met a group of Bulgarians who, when asked, jumped in to help. I was told that we could camp outside their establishment. One woman began calling local places to stay, and after a short conversation, said they had room at HOTEL ISTAR.
Was our appearance that bad?
Thinking me destitute, the group offered me a bag of fresh cucumbers. I thanked them (keeping three).
It was at this moment that Kelley sent a message that he had acquired a place at Guest House Zora.
Rusiyan, a man I was engaged with at the present moment, jumped on his bike and rode to the guest house. I followed.
The accommodations were fantastic and well within our budget.
It’s taken a little while of find it, but there’s magic here in Bulgaria.
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