Without assurance that the info we have is correct, we head to the place we were told a little minibus picks up passengers for the journey to the border also known here as “the vama”. Everyone we asked, seemed unsure of the details and every phone call we made was either a wrong number, service terminated, or unanswered. All we hoped we knew was that a minibus and driver would leave sometime in the mornng from a parking lot in front of the Hotel Horoscop.
We arrived a 7:58 a.m. with anxious and eyes and backpacks. We asked everyone in the parking lot incuding the meter maid, people getting out of the cars, others arriving. As I approached a man selling newspapers, he excitedly pointed behind me where I saw a number of people with baggage exciting a minibus. I yelled to David and we both ran to the minibus directly behind us. We ran over to ask and learned that YES this is the car. It just arrived from Bulgaria and will stay in the parking lot before leaving again for the return trip at 10:30 a.m. Eureka! David chatted with one of the Bulgarians, and we gathered details about where to stay when we arrive in Ruse.
With time for breakfast, we waited with confidence at last that we would be making our way to Ruse today. At 10 a.m. we walked over to the waiting car, paid our fee (10 euro each) for the one way way journey. The driver motioned me to sit next to him in the front seat and David directly behind me. Time passed slowly as we waited to see if other passengers woud arrive. Soon several women appeared ranging in age from about 25 – 70+ and engaged in conversation with the driver.
David, always anxious to engage in cave man talk, got out of the car and attempted to converse with them. I did not move from my coveted seat. Soon it was time to leave, and the driver motioned to the women where to sit. All complied except one. Contrary to the driver’s instructions, the oldest woman in her 70’s refused his directions and sat in David’s appointed seat by the window. David gently motioned for her to move to the middle, and she refused to budge. He motioned again. He ungently motioned a third time with similar results. The driver and all the others began arguing in their respective languages with increased volume. David pointed to his watch. Our departure is delayed and I found myself losing control with laughter.
I’ve now lost control trying to hold in laughter and think, “ David don’t you dare give up your seat to this b-tch.”
Finally, a truce was obtained. A woman in the back row agreed to sit in the middle next to David and the bitch took her seat in the back row by a window. All of the women changed seats and David got his original window seat back. By this time, I’m almost overcome while trying to control my convulsive laughter. We’re on our way to Bulgaria at last!
Stay tuned for the next posting about our stay in Ruse, Bulgaria.
On the lookout for the elusive transport to Bulgaria
David looks harder. Where is that minibus???
Sharon takes her seat and doesn't move!
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