JT5 - The Latest Chapter...

And so it begins...

3am start and a sprint to Gatwick...  Jimbo had his passport (after 3 double checks), Johnny had his jacket (that he may as well have left behind), Shauny G had his Jaga flip flops (purchase of 2011) & Danny had what was left of his innocence (they'll be none left when this tour is over!).

Passports handed over, posh coffee in hand... Jimbo hands out the boarding passes... Sofia - Bulgaria is the latest destination on the JT rollercoaster! 

New city... new country... the dream rolls on....

Touch down in Sofia and we make a b-line for the hostel via a ropey minibus... First impressions of Sofia on the ride?  Ropey rundown buildings, stray dogs and plenty of casinos!  So imagine our concern when our hostel seems located through a random metal door in the middle of a terraced street!

Reality... A travellers paradise! Comfortable, friendly and quirky!  After an elongated intro to the hostel staff we settle in and head out to see what Bulgarias captial has to offer...  A busy city in the heart of Eastern Europe doesn't disappoint!  The streets are mental, the roads are worse and it looks kickin'!  We have a good wander a bite to eat and head back to wash up and get ready for a walking tour and the obligatory first night session!

Quick wash and on to the walking tour (Shauny G was not up for it at all...) we saw plenty of what the city's history had to offer along with a tight Cezch fella, a couple of overly cocky Yanks and a pair of female Spainairds.  Jimbo won the quiz (standard!), Shauny G paid little to no attention (other than to the local talent) and we tipped our guide more than the Yanks!

On to a recommended local meat fest restaurant which didnt disappoint and off to to hit the Jaga train!  We found ourselves a boozer where you pour your own pints (not the first time on JT) and steamed in!  Then on to a Rock club which John & Shauny G had to bribe the bouncers to let them in due to no ID - mugged off!  Hit the drinking games with the assistance of the worst under 17 football game in history - Shauny G worst off via 6 Jagas...

Back to the hostel for an early start to climb Sofias mountains... Decent start and ready to go mad tomorrow...

Here's to Jimbotours... in the words of the Capital:

"IT GROWS BUT DOES NOT AGE"

Shauny G

Ooooosh!