Day 11 - Train journey to Sofia

In the morning, there was a delicious, balanced breakfast at the hostel, so I was strengthened to walk to the train station. There, I purchased a seat reservation and boarded the train to Sofia.

The train was pleasantly empty, and I mostly had my compartment to myself. Most of the time, I observed the landscape passing by through the window.

In the midst of the wide, flat landscape, there were occasionally larger and smaller settlements. By evening, the area transformed more and more into a mountainous landscape.

The train now traveled along impressive mountain ranges and small mountain villages. The picturesque landscape panorama, combined with the setting sun, was beautiful to behold.

Just before Sofia, everyone had to transfer from the train to a small tram to reach the city center.

Upon arriving in Sofia, a kind fellow traveler gave me recommendations for a quick, delicious dinner, which I quickly ate on my way to the hostel.

At first glance, the hostel seemed a bit creepy. As I searched for the hostel and felt somewhat lost, a man pointed to a small, inconspicuous door secured with a code. Through the narrow door, I entered an unlit backyard, where several old Soviet cars were parked. If there hadn't been a sign from the hostel above the entrance, I would have feared a kidnapping. Only around the next corner did the hostel come into view, making a completely opposite impression. Soft music from two guitarists drifted out of the house, people were gathered around a billiard table, and there were also people sitting outside engaged in lively conversations.

Relieved, I checked in and soon saw my adventurous room. The attic had seemingly just been transformed into a bedroom. There were 20 mattresses lined up side by side, one of which was mine. Tired, I didn't think much more about it and quickly fell asleep.