There is only one bus. (Could be another in high season). It leaves Sofia at 00.30 every day. Yes, thats half past midnight. The journey is a gruelling 8 hours. Not looking forward to it! 

The bus driver is a bit grumpy too. It would appear he has a weak bladder as he stops the bus on the side of the road every hour or so to pee on the verge/hardshoulder. Its going to be a long night! Trying to get some sleep, just drop off and `woosh!` as `squeal` as the bus stops and the door opens. Irritating.

Border control was interesting. At Ruse (Bulgaria) Giurgiu (Romania) we cross the river Danube over the friendship bridge. I can see headlights, taillights, and lorry lights for miles before we reach the back of the queue. My first thought was my goodness, this could take hours! The bridge has two lanes, one heading south and one heading north. They are narrow. Cars try to jump the queue of lorries, it seems a very dangerous manoeuvre. Headlights come straight at you, then swerve last minute into the smallest gap between trucks. And the traffic is moving fast and extremely close.  Wing mirrors almost touching as they pass. Cant see the river below in the dark but get glimpses of lights refected on inky water. Finally, we get off the bridge. Phew! Then work our way through a massive chaotic lorry park. I can see no road or lane markings in the dusty bumpy surface. We weave and dodge amongst the massive lorries (from all over the continent judging by the number plates). Finally stop at a series of buildings. An official comes onboard, takes passports and ID cards. He questions one man about his reason for travelling, but I think it was more lipservice to the system, than real interest. They open the luggage stowage under the bus, look in, and shut them again. The bus driver returns with the handful of passports/ID`s. When he gets to us he hands them back and says `Ah, Russian`. I dont bother to correct him, just smile and say thanks.

So, we are in Romania as the sun starts to rise. Bucharest bus terminal is big, old and has few facilities. Straight into a taxi and the rush hour traffic. Our apartment is in the old town and we have a couple of hours to kill before we can get in. Our new host (Polo) is kindly allowing us an early check in. So we head off looking for toilets and breakfast. Nothing seems to open till 10.00! Finally, we find a lovely bakery/cafe and enjoy the best omelette ever and some extra large coffees.