We picked up our rental car and the adventure began! I navigated while Rich drove and we made it to the border without any issues. Just before we got to the border, a gang of motorcycles passed us and got in line. As they got closer, about 4-5 more cyclists joined them, basically cutting in line in front of us. Very frustrating!!

We made it through the Bulgarian side and then had to cross into Macedonia. It went smoothly but the whole process took an hour. :((

Shortly after we went through that ordeal, we were starving and found a hotel/restaurant to stop for lunch. Very charming place with outside tables and they spoke English! Even had English menus. We got the Shopska salad and a pork dish, both were delicious.

The ride here was mostly through the mountains. It's not that far, but the roads aren't in the best of shape and were two lanes for the most part. It took us close to 8 hours to drive 240 miles. Ugh. Lots of toll booths and road construction added to it. Then just when we were almost to the apartment, the directions we'd been given by Airbnb were wrong, and we got lost. We finally called the owner and they came and met us.

The apartment is very spacious and the view is spectacular. I'll post pictures of the apartment tomorrow. We are tired and off to bed!