Bulgarian Buddy

 A hill close to our house called Liberator's Hill has a towering statue on the top.  The monument is a replica of a Russian soldier who helped liberate Bulgaria from the Turks in the late 1800's.  There are lots of paths and steps to the top and great views along the way.  I have been up three times - two by myself and once with Carol.  All three times, I met this very friendly Bulgarian man who was descending the hill as I was ascending.  We met in almost the same spot each time - really weird.  He and I have chatted each time although he does not know a single English word and my only Bulgarian word is "davishonay" or "goodbye."  I found out that he is 71 years old and climbs to the top twice a day.  He is very talkative - although I have no idea what he is saying for the most part.  Today when I met him - I think he asked me if I was working here and I said no - my wife was.  He had met Carol a few days ago.  He smiled and pointed to the imaginary Carol and made the universal sign for very pretty.  He was with another guy today so I got my phone out and took a selfie of the three of us.

The guy I met three times is the short fellow in the center.  I suppose I will run into him again - I think he asked if I wanted to go for a coffee - but who knows.  I will keep you posted.