Bulgarian Transportation of the Week: The Sleeping Car!
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Sleeping Car! (спален вагон)
These cars are attached to night trains, giving passengers added comfort on their travels. You can buy these tickets on board (like this PCV did) or at the ticket counter of large stations. You must buy a separate ticket for the sleeping car. A trip to say, Varna from Chirpan, a ticket costs about 7 leva (with a discount card). A bed in the car costs roughly 8 leva. There were three beds in the compartment and since there was only two of us, we had to buy the third bed. It was worth it. Although I didn't get the best night sleep in the world (whenever the train would pull into a station, I would roll into the wall) but it was much better than sleeping in a closed compartment.
As you can see in the photo to the right, BDZ provides the blankets, pillows and sheets. They also, however, provide with complimentary items. We were given tissues, shoe shine, face wash and a toilet seat cover. It was a pleasant surprise getting this and we were the envy of all the PCVs in Varna that weekend who didn't take the sleeping car.
The lay out of the car was like this: on right side was a three tier bunk bed. On the left side was a closet with coat hangers behind a ladder to a shelf with more blankets. Against the far wall on the right was a mirror and a table. The table top lifted up to reveal a sink with running water (!).
All in all, travelling by sleeping car is the way to go! Lots of room, privacy, and a bed. Just remember to follow the sign-
J-Dub "the Duke" Paperstax
Posted byJimmy at 9:55 AM
Labels: Trasportation of the Week
