So, in a zombie like state we get a taxi to Thessaloniki bus station (Macedonia international). The bus station is big, mainly under cover, which I should imagine in summer would be hell, with all the bus fumes. There are places to eat and drink and the toilets are not too bad. It serves many international destinations, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Albania, Turkey and other European destinations. Its got dedicated ticket desks to the destinations and the staff are helpful. 

The girl who sold us the tickets said the bus company we were using didn't do reserved seating. This we found was not actually true, but we did get seats together for the whole journey. Its a half size coach. The journey took about 4-5 hours.

Very quick getting through the border. Two men got on the bus, I can only assume one was Greek and one was Bulgarian. The first one took Normans passport, had a look, spoke to the other guy, they both shrugged shoulders a lot before handing the passport back. Mine he didn't even look at, just waved it away when I offered it. The baggage hold wasn't even opened. So, thats border control! 

The scenery changed quite dramatically as we travelled into Bulgaria. Mountains and a fast flowing river alongside the road. As we climbed higher we got back into snow, not much, but we could see the mountain tops where the ski resorts are glistening in the sunshine. Its a beautiful day. In the lower lying areas there are vineyards everywhere. Every scrap of land, even bits of motorway embankment has vines on it. And bee hives (or bee houses as I prefer to call them). Its very lovely. The houses are different, more like chalets. And there is very little litter. 

Heading into Sofia. Its a big city. Usual industrial areas on the outskirts. I noticed unleaded petrol at one garage selling for the Bulgarian Lev equivalent of £0.88 (wish I could send a tank full home).