Just on the right side of the law....

It's always interesting going into another country and seeing the ways of that country. Bulgarian police/toll police, have stopped us probably more times than in Ukraine to check documentation etc.
The last one today was particularly stressful, wanting to see every bit of documentation, where we were going, what were we doing, was what we were doing illegal? And did we realise we could face a fine.  A figure of 138 Bulgarian lev. Don't know where that was plucked from. Fortunately, we had everything, including the right documentation in Ukrainian. They really did seem disappointed that everything was in order.  After they had delayed us for some time, they sent us on our way, with what at best could be called bad grace. Maybe there's some criminality around cars we don't know about, going on in Bulgaria. Or maybe....

On a much more positive note we got sent further pictures from Ala, the teacher who came with the children from the school in Ivanivka to lviv. We got messages that it all went so well. I hope that this will be the start of a good relationship between the two schools.
Our own journey continues. All being well we will deliver the car to Ternopil on Thursday. Still a distance to go but we're getting there.
It's strange when we were back in England, we would wonder about a journey of say 5 hours down to Somerset to see friends and think it was too long. Now that's usually our minimum drive. Tomorrow the drive to our next stop is 8 hours driving, then add on the breaks. You get into a different mindset.


I also want to mention our Polish friends. Whilst we are doing this, they have taken both of the vans and are delivering really useful aid to destroyed villages to the east of Kherson. Not without considerable dangers going there. We wish them a safe journey.....and don't break the van we use!!! 

Tomorrow we leave Bulgaria behind. Our tiny amount of time here gives us at best a few insights. We have seen awful housing conditions, as well as modern good housing. There is unfortunately far to much rubbish simply thrown into the beautiful Bulgarian countryside. Don't go to a parking rest layby, as it's like stopping at a rubbish heap. Smoking in restaurants is still the norm.
But the people are friendly, and are keen to engage and help. A country changing.....it may take awhile. 


Comments

  1. Franklinatsea25 April 2023 at 12:58

    Loved your insights into Bulgaria. I concur, having visited. But as I was not driving, I knew nothing of this bothersome ritual detention. Anyway, BG done and dusted! Next up, Romania.

    ReplyDelete

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