Sunday August 23. Rest Day.

And the weather has improved. No rain overnight and today has been sunny and warm.

All up early as usual and after breakfast here in Hotel Alegro most cyclists were busy attending to their bikes....cleaning, oiling, making adjustments to brakes, wheels etc. I had to rectify a slight buckle in the front wheel and adjust the brakes front and rear.

Around mid-day I strolled through the city. Veliko Tărnovo is one of the top ten most popular tourist destination in Eastern Europe. Plenty of coaches and day trippers about.

I first went up by Samovodska Market, a narrow street full of craft shops that was the central market area in the late 19th century. Still those shops are there and souvenir shops also.

I continued on, retracing our route in yesterday to Tsarevets Fortress. It was a rocky pathway to the Patriarcate at the top, but a spectacular view back over the three hills of the city.

In 1185 Veliko Tărnovo was declared capital of the 2nd Bulgarian State and thereby deserving the title Veliko (= large). While in the Tsarevets Fortress, my status was recognised and declared Ruler of Bulgaria (temporarily!). Very good taste indeed. If some dress up as Great Gatsby, then I can match them!

It was nice walking through the old town with stepped streets and great views down over the Jantra river as it meandered through the valley - it does 5 hairpins on its way through the city.

Just stopped to look in auctioneers windows....property seems very affordable here. Reasonable sized properties from 4,000 to 25,000 Euro. Probably utilities would involve extra expenses.

Visited a few churches but not sure of their denomination, but the same Lord above them all.

So, a relaxing day here. I'll catch up with the Tyrone v Kerry match later on.I don’t expect my local ’Irish Pub’ will be showing it live. But, I’ll check it out just in case.

Thank God for a lovely day.