European Vegas

Alright everyone, today was quite the adventure, but first I will start by trying to describe the beach to you as promised.

The best way I can think of to describe what it looks like at the Golden Sands is the European Las Vegas. Not quite what you expected me to say? It wasn't quite what I was expecting either, but that doesn't mean it's not absolutely fabulous. A little bit of history behind the Golden Sands resort:
1. It's made up of about 40 hotels which are positioned in 3 horizontal rows as you move up the hill. The first strip was purposefully made for the college age/young adults to come party, club etc. The second strip was for those who wanted a quieter experience while remaining relatively close to the beach. The last strip was little cottages meant for people who wanted total rest and relaxation.
2. This land used to be filled with snakes when they were building, but to eliminate this problem the smart people of Bulgaria apparently gathered and shipped in hedgehogs from all over their country to eat the snakes.
3. The hotels are all really nice, and as you leave them to walk down the hill to the beach, you essentially encounter what I can only describe as a mix of "China Town" (where you can buy all kinds of things), and a weird state fair.
4. On the beach there are casinos for DAYS, restaurants, carnival rides (yes I totally rode on the ferris wheel because there is an awesome view from the top), and there is even a replica of the Eiffel Tower...yup it's true.

After you make it through all of that...you have finally reached the golden sands and the Black Sea herself. It's beautiful water that I have only had the chance to stick my feet in thus far, but I fully intend to go swimming. The water is very chilly!

So basically...that's the beach for you. Don't get me wrong though, all of this craziness you have to pass on the way to the beach actually creates a really fun and lively atmosphere.