Day 1

Our flight over was uneventful. We did end up running a little in the Chicago airport. When we checked in for our flight in Chicago the airline worker told us he could only find one bag in the system. We were cutting it close getting through security so he told us to go through and that he would find our bag for us and make sure it was loaded. We were so happy (and a little suprised) to see both our bags make it to Sofia. 

We used quite the methods of transportation to get to get to Bulgaria. It started on Saturday morning and went something like this: van-plane-tram-tram-train-bus-train-bus-train-train-bus-train-tram-plane-plane...and we're here!! A long day. 

After we got here on Sunday the agency owner picked us up, took us to exchange money and gave us a little tour of the area around our apartment so we would know how to get back. Very important stuff. 

After he showed us the apartment (above is the view out our window) and left, we ventured out to find dinner. He recommended this place near here so we just went there. We had shopska salad (Bulgaria is known for this) which is tomatos, cucumber, cheese w/ olive oil and spices. I've made it at home and am so excited to be eating it here in Bulgaria. We'll be doing that more this week. We also had amazing handmade pizza that had a sort of cream cheese on it with figs, I had a coke zero and Rob had a beer. Our total bill was 22 leva, which is less than $15 U.S. This was a pretty upscale place too...similar to going to eat downtown at the Peacock Alley. Food is good and very inexpesive here - it really is Rob's dream country. 

After we ate, we checked out some of the local shops and then went to catch the free Sofia tour that starts every day at 6pm. There we met another family from the U.S. who is here to meet their 13 year old daughter from another city. So nice to catch up with another adoptive family. We'll hopefully get to see them on Friday when we're all back from our trips out-of-town. 

We made it to 9pm and then crashed. Today we meet sweet Emily! The translator that is with us the rest of the week will pick us up at 8am and we'll drive four hours to Burgas where we'll stay until Thursday night. Since we won't be arriving until naptime, it is unlikely we'll meet her before 4 today (that's 8am central time). So excited to be here!