Along the Danube

Jean-pierre Dutrieux
Sep 16, 2015
3 min read

Being our first trip we we're pretty excited. Installation of basics done...

Ceiling with lighting, wall panels in place, carpet flooring laid down, bed with drawers below, two sofa chairs and a toilet installed... off we go for the first test run. No kitchen yet, the intention is to eat out all the way. Take-away's or restaurant whatever. The test... to see if everything done so far works and plan for the next part of building.

Last minute preparations and packing for the first time took a little longer than expected. At last on the road at 5pm, taking a small detour to Praktika (hardware) in Veliko Turnovo after realising the toilet's chemicals had not been applied... with a major storm brewing at dusk, we were on the main road towards Ruse.

Day one Home to Shivtov

Fortunately with a short estimated travel time it was not unreasonable. In reality it took more than two hours due to an accident which caused a dead stop of all traffic with an eventual deviation. This was the first realization that we had no real need to reach our intended destination, after all, our bed was with us and we could literally stop anywhere and sleep over.

What a surprisingly nice town ... lots of students (good vibe).

Celebration of our first night out, was in order. Found a perfect little restaurant in the center...

At about 10.30pm we found a level parking in front of an apartment and slipped into bed. In the morning we stepped out and drove to a water point where we could do our washing up.

Day two

Off along the Danube... Intention... drive until we see this is where we will sleep the night.

Had a brunch stop in Nikopol, this is where the Danube cruises dock...

Wow maybe one day we will do a trip?

Although beautiful in some parts we probably had too much of a romantic idea of the Danube and ended up driving all the way to Vidin.

There were a few really inviting spots on the way, the prospect of a good meal in the city took us all the way there arriving at dusk.

After an all day drive an early bedtime was in order but not before a good meal in a local Bulgarian type canteen. Once again after a five minute drive we found a perfectly suitable "spot" in the parking of one of the apartments. With a good nights rest in place we were woken up by the sound of car doors closing ... probably someone on their way to work.

Day three

Vidin was inviting with a newly restored promenade and a renowned fort along the river we decided to stay the day.

One of the most interesting places... we stumbled on, the abandoned Synagogue close to the fort.

A full day of exploring and a few stops for coffee, some refreshments and once again we are surprised by the ease in which we found a perfect "spot" for the night. (We are getting good at this... To be honest it's so easy)

Day four

Early the next morning we started the journey south towards Sofia avoiding the main roads, travelling along the smaller roads we meandered our way towards Montana.

Wow what a good choice, Belogradchik being the cherry on the cake.

We had spent plenty time enjoying the route so it was just about time to find our spot for the night. Not really liking the "feel" of Montana we decided to go on to the next town. We found a Kaufland (supermarket), bought some supply's, grabbed a quick take-away, and continued south.

Another good choice. In the next town we landed up parking right next to the "paradise diner", not only did we get a good supper but they were pumping out free WiFi all the way to our 'bedroom'.

Day five

Let's go to Sofia via the scenic route... we will probably find a spot to sleep along the way.... this too was an amazing choice, a scenic road winding along a river, just about all the way to the city.

In Sofia we decided to visit IKEA looking for anything to enhance the van. Found nothing of interest but did decided to start the practice of buying one item on every trip to remind us of the trip... So we got some led reading lights.

So shall we sleep here? naaaa... Lets move on to Plovdiv.... An hour later we decided to go all the way home. We did the Shipka pass at night but we'ed seen it before so no loss there.