Overland with Kids

No comments from AJ this week but Jessica says:

“When I get older I am going to have a beautiful house that I am going to design myself. It will cost 24,000 dollars. It will be a house at the bottom of a hill with friendly neighbours in a friendly neighbourhood. It will have a pond and a shed, a small patio, a slide and a seesaw.”

We’re not sure what the magic ingredients are - whether the countryside, hosts, friendliness, cheapness, food, climate or because we’ve spent time fixed in one place and surrounded by lovely people - but Bulgaria has got a hold of us and we are smitten. So much so that we’ve been having mad ideas about lifestyle and work options for us here in the future. We’ve been naughty and looking in estate agents windows and researching a tiny bit (looking at a couple of houses!) - we must escape from here or we will not leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re dying to stay for much longer - despite no funds to do so nor part of our plans to fall madly in love with. We’re trying hard to stay on track and not give into our impulses and urges.

We’ve also now officially stopped breathing we’re so relaxed. And we’re fat from all the good food and care. We think we’re working on our Helpx farmstay but we’re not sure as it doesn’t feel like any effort and we’re really glad to be here.

We’re struggling to remember what day of the week it is and the past few days have gone by in a haze - two barbeques, an Italian meal out, visits to Popovo and Razgrad towns, meeting the neighbours, the local policeman, getting to know Sheleen’s brother Drew and girlfriend Caroline better (plus their lovely dog Marvin) and seeing their home and stunning views approx. 10 miles away from Lomtsi where we are based.

The only downside to our trance, was Jessica being stung 3 times in one go by the bees (during hive changeover and no protection) - once in the back of the neck, once in the ear and once in the arm. Needless to say, she is fine now and made a speedy recovery. But, she now hates anything that flies - understably.

This week, we took a couple of days out of our Helpx to treat ourselves to our first hotel stay (a whole 2 nights) while exploring further afield i.e. heading further inland to peaceful Arbanasi and the medieval student town of Veliko Tarnavo with it’s ancient citadel, gorge and river. We drove along winding roads and through little villages with countryside of lakes and forest - none of this helping our dilemma to need to leave soon in any way. We need be locked up or deported quickly!

Days turn into weeks, weeks into months and then….well….. the children have started to look at us oddly every time they catch us looking in Estate Agents windows and ask ‘are we buying a house here?’  We’re fighting the temptation and the reality and consequences for all concerned. Dangerous game this travelling and seeing new places and alternative ways of living.

Back to reality………………….

We’ve had mostly glorious weather since arriving to Bulgaria but it has been changeable - a spectrum of very beautiful fully arched ‘double’ rainbows in the sky following light showers. Then changing to sun and clear skies again. A spectacular thunderstom with lots of scary lightning, lashings of rain and a power cut - then back to sun again. Other days can be windy then sun again. And so this cycle seems to be the trend with the weather but it’s never been cold.

Andrew has finished his main Helpx fence - and it looks great - moving onto clearing the growth to make a path. The goats can now go out and are happy. The children have been banned from over-feeding the animals which has just meant more cartoon time for them this week.

On arrival to Lomtsi two weeks ago, we sent our passports back to the UK for visa processing re: Russia leg of our trip which we should get back by the end of next week. We’ll then be ready to start moving again (if we can drag ourselves away). We haven’t quite made up our mind on the definate direction we’re heading as yet. Think we are trying to put off the inevitable of having to leave.

Mileage & Diesel

3,406 miles (average 74 miles per day). Diesel cost: Euros 868.46 (average Euros 1.01 per mile or Euros 18.88 per day)

On the Road Costs

Euros 3,457.00 for 46 nights (average 75.15 euros per night) including all accommodation, food, ferries, site fees, vignettes (road tax), drink, cigarettes, toys, shoes, fuel - everything. Diesel 868.46 (25%/18.88 euros per day), Food 851.00 (25%/18.50 euros per day), Accommodation including 2 nights hotel stay and all campsites 723.53 (21%/15.73 euros per day), Other 1013.51 (29%/22.03 euros per day).

Vehicle Issues

Appear to have a problem with losing power - especially on hills - a usual problem we have experienced 4 times now in the last 2 years. Each time appears to be a fuel pump issue. We need to get the vehicle checked over, maybe in Varna sometime in the next few days. Caravan has provided no problems at all.

Education

A bit of an on/off week this week with diversion to Veliko Tarnovo and surrounds. We had a little bit of a holiday from school work for a few days.  

Jessica - 2 book reviews, crossword, finished reading Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead, painting, diary update, designing a plan for a house and garden and writing about it. 

 AJ - Additions - mathmatics, a little reading.

Both - magic card tricks, becoming a favourite. Online games using free internet access on the computer from hotel room.

Bye for now!

A, A, J and AJ

xxxx

Diary (Blog)