The word is a very exciting place

Isn't flying home the worst part of going away? Although this almost overhead shot of central London is amazing! Also, the clouds always look nicer from above. So soft, so comfortable.  Anyway, so I was back home for a week, I came back for one of my dear friends daughters christening. I'll respect their privacy and not post a picture of them, but it was a beautiful day, the sun shone all day, the church and the service was lovely. And it was so nice to be invited too it too. I was asked to be a Godfather. No, not the mafia kind, although I would be a boss at that. I was surprised to be asked, particularly as I'm an atheist, but it was nice to be included in something that was so so important to my friends. I'm probably one of the worst people to be a godfather, but I try my very best! That was followed with a trip with James to the Arundal wet fowl centre, where we got to hang out with all manner of feathered friends! While it's probably not the most exciting of pl...

 Continuing on from the previous post, did you know that beside the Alexander Nevski Cathedral there's a fun little antiques market, where you can buy all manner of items? Old signs, war memorabilia, coins, furniture, even Bulgarian records can be found there. Just be prepared to barter a little, or enjoy other tourists (normally Americans) attempt to barter! Maybe good bartering/haggling is a European thing? For me, a real joy is visiting botanical gardens. Most places I've been, if there's a botanical garden there then I make a conscious effort to visit it. To see such beautiful places, filled with wonderful plants and interesting flora & fauna is a delight. Also, the people who work in botanical gardens are not only usually very friendly, but will take the time to talk with you about the plants, and then quite often divert onto important topics like where the good places to eat are, what busses have pickpockets on them, and my personal favourite, how lovely a random ...

 Part 2 of the wonderful city of Sofia! I find Bulgaria quite different to other countries I have visited from other countries of the former Eastern Block. It has this wonderful charm, and it seems to have this almost effortless blend of culture & history, with its ancient, medieval, modern and future eras of the city combining. Take the archaeological underpass in the metro system, where you actually can walk on a roman pavement! Or the little Saint Petka church nestled between modern & old buildings. Or even a bright and cheery vintage ad for Chupa-Chups! Often old and new compete for your attention, but for some reason in Sofia, things seem to harmonise. Maybe thats the beautiful Bulgarian weather, or the air pollution that afflicts the city on hot days. Or maybe its just because you are visiting somewhere special. Who knows? There is one thing that a lot of other places could learn from Sofia & Bulgaria, and its a difficult scenario, is what to do with historical ar...