There are advantages to living in a country that's long been a cultural crossroad.

We are in the heart of the book and so our food has something Turkish, something Greek, something Mediterranean.

Coming up, we'll get a look at the great things Bulgaria has to offer.

For Francine Paul Cowan, dealing with the challenges of polio has never kept her from trying to explore the world.

And it took me a while to realize that other people saw me as disabled and that I did need to accept that I had limitations.

She tells us what she's found in traveling abroad with the challenges of a physical disability.

And discover the epic stories Richard Cohen found on a global odyssey to view the sun from across the world and through the centuries.

Over 3,000 stone buildings around the world mark the sun, either as places of worship or natural observatories, sometimes with stone hinge or the pyramids they have to us both.

Come along, it's Travel Thric Steves.

My Facebook friends are a fun community of curious travelers and you're invited to join in.

To stay away with me in my work, play, politics, philanthropy and travels, follow me at Rick Steves on Facebook.

When you live in a northern marine climate like I do here in Seattle, you learn not to take the sun for granted.

Richard Cohen reveals a few surprises he discovered about the sun and how it's been a star attraction in human history, so to speak, a little later in the hour ahead.

In Francine Falk Allen shares pointers for traveling the world unencumbered, despite the complications that aging and disabilities can bring.

Let's start today's Travel with Rick Steves with a country that feels like one of Eastern Europe's best backdoor destinations.

The Land of Roses offers a prime coastline, breathtaking peaks, vast forests, Roman ruins, Orthodox monasteries, all in across roads of cultures that just might be Eastern Europe's best kept secret.

We're talking about Bulgaria, the gentle and soulful Bulgarians promise you a memorable visit at bargain prices.

And to learn about that, we're joined by Sophia-based tour guides, Stefan Bozerjev and Yuri Boyanin.

Stefan and Yuri, thanks for joining us.

Our pleasure, Rick.

We thank Yuri.

Now, Yuri, when you think about Bulgaria, first of all, we don't know a lot about it here in the United States.

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