I went back home for Easter. I rarely travel home because I now live quite far away. It was a 2-day trip for me – 2h car ride to Sofia to catch an 8h train ride to Varna, and then 2 more hours car ride to my home town. It was a journey.
But we had a nice family gathering, birthday celebration of my father and of course – egg fight.
The train ride
If you haven't used the Bulgarian trains – go for it. They're in good condition. It might be a bit chaotic especially around holidays. You should always, always buy a ticket with reserved seat in advance, even online. Signage is missing so you would rarely be sure you're on the right train. Ask a friendly-looking local (oxymoron, I know) – you'll be adopted quickly.
Brace yourself with "nerves of steel as we say. Entering the train: there's no queues, no waiting, elbows hitting you everywhere, you're looking for your seat number but you're probably in the wrong wagon because there's no signage anywhere. You might be shouted at, put aside and called names. 30 minutes later, everyone are friends again, telling you their life story. That's Bulgaria.
My train had a table, no plugs or good internet connection on the way but I could finish a few tasks. Eight hours later, I was in Varna.
I got the idea of doing a train ride day trip from Sofia for expats – I bet it's going to be an interesting experience. Let me know if you'd be down for it (comment on this post)
The Egg Fight
Thursday and Saturdays are for egg painting. You don't touch the eggs until Sunday – where the egg fight is happening first thing in the morning.
Everyone picks an egg and the fun starts. The friendly trash talk is always part of it. Soooo I picked an egg, I won the first battle against my mom. My egg was still standing so I go to the next one – my father. Kicked my ass! My egg was done. Nevermind, I pick another egg – my brother also crashed me. And then until everyone goes against each other. The last one standing was my father's egg – we call the winning egg "Borets" (fighter). We believe it's supposed to bring health and strength in the year ahead.
Egg battle has its rules though. Eggs should always fight head to head (pointy side) or butt to butt (bottom side). Beware to not hit the other egg sideways – hell breaks loose, you'll be banned from fighting. You should be careful but strategic as well.
You can imagine how many boiled eggs you are left with to eat for the days ahead! And sweet bread – kozunak – as well. After this weekend, I can't see anymore eggs and bread for weeks though.
Enjoy your Easter!
– Maria