Since it's our last day to do something in Sofia, we decided to join the Cultural Tour we'd heard about the other day during the Free Sofia Tour.

We walked over to Vitosha pedestrian area and shopped a bit until time to meet up with the guide. Her name was Elisa, and she was from Sofia. Very cute and a great speaker.

We had a group of about 12, and to our surprise there were 2 Americans with us! They were from Ohio and the woman's name was also Beth!

We were told about a tradition that Bulgarians have where they throw water on the ground and walk through it whenever something happens for the first time--it's supposed to bring good luck. So Elisa threw some bottled water on the sidewalk and we all walked through it. Cute tradition!

Next was a stop at a shop for a cheese filled pastry. She told us they come filled with all kinds of things, some are sweet and some savory. All are delicious!! Since it was 11:30, I scarfed mine down. We also were given the traditional sour milk and the wheat sweet drink we had tried on the Balkan Bites tour. Still yucky. :))

She took us to a doll museum and taught us some history of the traditions that the different regions of Bulgaria practice. This includes how they live, what they wore and what they eat. I think there were about maybe 7 to 8 different areas. She and the other Beth made a bracelet that is red and white yarn twisted together. It's kept until March 1st when it's presented to friends, family and anyone you wish good health and luck to. That person then keeps it until they see the first blossoms on a tree and they tie it to a branch. We saw a lot of these strings hanging on trees around the park the other day!

She showed us the Cyrillic alphabet and had us practice writing our names with their letters. My first wasn't too bad, but my last name was trickier. If I could figure out how to show it, I would.

Next we learned a couple of traditional dances they do at weddings and parties. No wonder these people are so thin. LOL

Our last stop was for tea and jam made from roses. I can't remember if I've mentioned it before, but they export a lot of rose oil and the stores are everywhere selling the products made from it.

The weather was a lot cooler today, only in the 60's and we were loving it! Made the tour and walk home much more enjoyable.

We stopped off at a place called Ugo's for lunch, I had a mixture of potatoes, onions and smoked chicken with cheese--so delicious! Rich got sausage. So boring. :))

Fun last day in Sofia! Now on to Ohrid, Macedonia. We are driving, so say some prayers for safe travel, easy border crossing and that we don't get lost!!