Where Did September 23 Go?

Courtesy of Bob Robbins

 No, we did not cross the international date line. I slept through September 23--well most of it. Someone brought something onboard (I'm guessing a cold/flu virus) that they generously gave out and it turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving. Three days into our cruise you could see a good number of doors with the little red velvet "Do Not Disturb" signs hung on doors. 

Since we have quite a mixture of international guests onboard, the virus could have come from anywhere. Brazil, Australia, USA, Singapore, Canada, the list goes on. No matter. The virus made us one in suffering. 

Bob felt okay so he went on the tour we were signed up for that day to the Belogradchik Red Rock Valley. The rocks are part of the Balkan Mountains and are most easily observed near the town of Belogradchik, Bulgaria.

Another Bob Robbins photo

There was an option to climb but he opted out. Those who did reported that it wasn't too bad a climb with a lot of steps I believe.

He brought back several pictures but the tour must have been unremarkable or he slept through the bus ride (as usual) or he was beginning to feel the effects of the virus because soon it would hit him as well.

By the time he returned in the late afternoon, I had forced myself awake and dressed. I knew I needed to eat something even if I wasn't hungry and the steward needed to get in to refresh the room. There was a local dance troupe that came on the ship and we able to enjoy their performance. Kids are always so much fun to watch.

One of the things that impressed me the most about the time we spent in Bulgaria is the reminder we were given over and over about how precious freedom is. Almost every guide, resident, entertainer, etc., spent time telling us how wonderful it was to be free of the Communist regime. To hold their heads up high with pride for their country and their heritage which the Communist rule had tried to erase. The theme was carried over from Romania to Bulgaria to Serbia where we are now as I write this. I'm sure it will continue. As Americans, I don't think we realize the importance of the precious gift of freedom we have. Like too many things, we take it for granted.