Misha wrote,"Kiss a tree for me, I miss my country!" So I did.

This morning we went to Vidin, Bulgaria, one of the poorer towns in the northwestern part of Bulgaria. There were many empty, deteriorating factories which had been over staffed during communist rule so everyone could have a job. This was a common practice - inferior goods were produced and shipped to other communist countries. With free enterprise the factories cannot compete so are left idle.

The houses here often heat with portable wood fires which are carried from room to room. Children begin school at 7. They do not have a problem with drugs as so many countries do. our guide who was English liked living in this safe, peaceful place.

The new economy is one of service ( tourism) rather than manufacturing. We visited a lovely hotel in Belografchik. The bus drove down the middle of a narrow two lane road. We saw several people traveling i n donkey carts.

When a person dies, his picture is posted on a tree or pole, so others can learn of his passing.

Vidin was the capital f the region in the Middle Ages. In the 10th century Bada Vidal fortress was built. It is the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. Like the neighboring countries, it has been ruled by Romans, Hungarians, Ottoman Turks etc..