Plovdiv started well. That is not always the case.
First the instructions to the hostel were clear and easy. Second, the city is lively and charming with a great pedestrian street and old town. Third, the hostel was located right in the middle of the old town. Fourth, they knew my name when I walked in. Fifth, there were half liter bottles of beer in the fridge next to the front desk for only 50 cents ( but I took a proffered cup of coffee first). Sixth, it was a cozy, comfortable hostel with lost of character, decent security, and free wi-fi. Seventh, it was cheap at only 11 euro/night. Eighth, there were some cool guys to talk to.
Michele from Italy, a literature teacher, had ridden his motorcycle through 45 countries. Then there were a couple American guys, a Canadian, and of course, a couple Aussies. The Americans played duets on a violin and a Chinese instrument. It was cool to hear “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes on an erhu.
The city is famous for its six hills. I climbed to the top of three of them. On top of one is a giant statue of a Russian soldier to honor their help in liberating the country. It was a perfect spot to relax in the shade, take in a view of the city, and rest after the sweaty climb to the top. I also took in the ancient amphitheater, the Roman forum, a couple beers, a kebab, and a bit of Scotch that the other Americans were trying to get rid of before they moved on.
Talking to people, it seems like I am going the wrong direction. Everyone else had just come from Istanbul and that is where I am headed.
