In Vidin, the day was dreary ...

... and the views out the window weren't much cheerier.

The mist did add atmosphere to the ancient Bulgarian fortress at Belogradchick.

Locals see many forms among these stunning rock formations

... like the Madonna and (shown here) Rebel Velko

A film company had built this house for a set ...

... with a rickety windmill.

You never know what you'll see if you look down now and then.

The fortress did provide a lovely view of the town of Belogradchick.

Factories lined the road into Vidin, some operating ...

some not.

Of course, the ever present Communist-era apartments

Wonder what he's thinking about in this Danube-side park

There's plenty to see

The Theatre

The entry from dockside into the town of Vidin

Memorial to the Victims of Communism

Another memorial to victims

A gentle statue and lots of flowers welcome one ...

... to the Baba Vida fortress

Going into Baba Vida

Ancient ammo

Jack plays a Bulgarian warrior

Hope he doesn't end like these ...

... or worse yet, like these

Flowers cleansed the senses after the Baba Vida

But the deserted and crumbling Jewish tabernacle ...

... was just down the road.

"Improved" apartments

And then the long bus ride to Varna

Advertising kiosk for glimpse of pop culture

Just in case you thought there was no U.S. influence

The Shkorpil brothers were benefactors of the museum 

Lunch at the Happy Days Resort ...

... where once only high-ranking Communist officials could come to enjoy the Black Sea 

Be warned, you're on your own if you want to take the sea.

Ruth Marie and I stuck in fingers

Left to right, Ruth Marie, Jack, Madelyn and Jimmy