The healing waters of Velingrad

On the train at the beginning of our trip, we met an economist from Velingrad, she told us that Velingrad is where the locals come to Spa.

We schlepped here by taxi from Sofia to recover from our 5 1/2 weeks of hectic travel and wow, this was the best decision ever!!!

We've had pedicures, remedial massage, reflexology, dad tried the Chinese Guasha massage and an ancient Greek massage with salt! A proper scrub down! Mom has had a hydro lifting facial and all for a song, this is a 5 star Spa with a 1 star price!

Mom says: just look at the towels, thick and heavy cotton! We are in heaven! Dad said for the quality of service you can't compare it with anything in South Africa.

It's so inexpensive, the most expensive therapy is R250. The masseuses are experts. 60 different kinds of therapies just in the massage department! Then there is a whole floor just for saunas and steam rooms and mineral baths and Turkish baths, and another for beauty treatments.

Today we're going for a little excursion to a small little village high in the mountain. Tomorrow we catch the bus to Thessaloniki, and from there by train to Athens.

My back is totally healed after two remedial massages. I can go again for another 6 weeks...