Sofia, the City

Sofia was a good surprise.
Didn't expected the city is pretty and many historical things to see.
Multicultural air showed by churches, mosque and synagogue located stone throw distance.
It is said that there are 3 layers city, including Roman layer, excavated some.
My impression was everything is big here.
Many big buildings, and the road is big too.
The main pedestrian street with shops and restaurants.
Night life is there too.
The free tour was one of the best I have ever joined.
Surprised so many tourists, the hostel room was fully booked (was in late September) and the huge number of people joining the free tour, our guide said it was due to RyanAir cheap ticket.

Manastirska Magernitsa in Sofia

Recommended in Lonely Planet.
It said they collected recipes from many monasteries around Bulgaria.
It's a touristic place with traditional setting, and it's not cheap.
My bill:
- Rabbit with expired..., BGN 23.80
- Live (draught) Beer, BGN 5.40
Total BGN 29.20 (EUR 14.93)

Soup House in Sofia

This shop, opens 24 hours, is located on the big road Hristo Botev Boulevard.
Visited at dawn, after arriving at Sofia bus terminal, walking on the way to Hostel Mostel, I saw this restaurant.
As a fan of soup, I couldn't resist to stop.
Ordered tribe soup, was really good, came along with bread.
I forgot how much I paid though, but I remember it was cheap.

Hostel Mostel in Sofia, Bulgaria

Booked directly by sending email to the hostel for 26 Leva or EUR 13.
Was in Arukikata, but not in Lonely Planet.
The hostel was a historical mansion and nicely decorated.
The explanation paper put on the toilet wall told the history of the place before converted to hostel.
What I liked:
- The lobby. Comfy and large and nicely decorated. There was a stage where I could take a nap sleeping.
- The breakfast was included. The vegetarian dinner was included too, but only available 19:00-20:00.
- The original city map by the hostel.
- The day trips. I joined the day trip to Rila Monastery.
- The location, not far from the main pedestrian streets.
What I didn't like:
- Since the main building was full, they accommodated me to an apartment, about 500 meters away from the main building.

Rila Monastery

It is said that Rila Monastery is the most visited tourist attraction in Bulgaria.
It is also in UNESCO World Heritage list.
It is unique for its colorful outdoor, arches and column are in stripe like zebra.
Built in 927 and heavily restored in 1469.
Located 120 km, about 2 hours drive, south of Sofia.
I joined the day trip by Hostel Mostel Sofia, included a short hiking to Tomb of St. Ivan, the founder of the monastery.
The entrance to the monastery is free, but you have to pay to enter the museums, there are three, the main museum, the icon museum and the kitchen museum.