Goodbye Dobrich, Hello Varna (again)

Now here's our not so funny story for the trip.  We told Ani goodbye and went back to the hotel for a briefing of what was about to happen.  We gather our luggage to pack up.  All 6 (2 Italians, 2 Americans, & the 2 Bulgarians from our agency) of us are to get into that van along with our luggage.  We load it but the luggage rack won't lock.  Uh oh.  And yes, it's a rental.  The only problem, is we had a 4pm appointment at the notary to make everything official before we go home.  As time keeps ticking away, we decide to rent a couple of taxis and head on without one of them.  We got everything finished.  The man at the notary asked Andy & I alot of questions about why we would want to adopt an older child from his country.  He was very intrigued by us, I think.  We finished & head back.  Tsveta worked some of her magic and had someone help her get the lock fixed by the time we got there.  So then, we drove back to Varna where we would have the day to ourselves on Friday.

The Italians liked to eat late (9 is early for those 2) so we went ahead to grab a bite.  Tsveta knew of this adorable little restaurant with an outside porch facing the Black Sea.  It was only a short walk from our hotel.  It was the perfect ending to an amazing week.  We were able to discuss all that we learned.  She educated us on alot of stuff about the country.  We learned alot about the country's expectations and what she thinks the future holds for them.  It was an absolute wonderful evening and I am so thankful we had that time just to wind down.

Andy & the Black Sea

On our way we walked down the path of the park.  But going back we walked along the beach.  So she grabbed the camera.  I have to admit, I think that is the ONLY time I have ever walked along a beach in tennis shoes.  It's strange - everyone was doing it.  No worries, I wore sandals for the rest of the time.

We stayed at the same hotel as we did at the beginning of the week.  But when we got there, they had "upgraded" us to the penthouse suite.  (I heard from other adopting families that the same deal happened to them.  So, I am guessing that might be standard protocol.  Maybe a way for them to say thanks.  Either way, I am very thankful.  That room didn't smell like smoke like the first one did.  And it had so much room!!!!!!  Very nice.)

Living room & bed room

It even came with a balcony.  I didn't realize how much you could see until the next morning.  WOW - the Black Sea is beautiful.