For those who have never heard of Rose, Bud, Thorn, it is an activity that was first introduced to me at Camp St. Croix and has since been a part of my life. If I go to dinner with people, I will very often make everyone go through their rose, bud, and thorn of the day. The ROSE represents a highlight or something awesome that occurred. The BUD is very likely the most important, as it represents something you learned or new ideas that have blossomed. The bud should be a thing or things you are looking forward to learning more about. The THORN is something that challenged you, as we are challenged every day in one way or another.
This will serve as a theme for me during this experience!
Rose, bud, thorning around the world 
Howdy Chad,
We’ve been wondering how you did in Bulgaria after we met you at the border. Your blog is interesting and well written., and the photos are awesome. Reading your blog has us thinking about visiting Albania next year. We’ll be following you during your adventures.
Happy Trails,
Dave and Elly
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Hey Dave and Elly,
It was so great meeting you both! I really enjoyed hearing about your passion for cycling and some of the adventures you guys have embarked on in the past. Bulgaria has been really great! Spent some time in the mountains, Sofia, Plovdiv, and now I am in Veliko Tărnovo.
Albania is definitely worth the visit! You cannot go wrong there and if you end up going, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or requests for recommendations.
Thanks again!
Chad
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Was on a work trip in Denver when I stumbled upon this. Now it’s like 1 am haha, and I’m really glad I took the time to read this. This was really cool, and interesting! Hope life is treating you well man, wish ya the best, safe travels!
-Tyler
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Chad, you don’t know me, but I went to college with your mom, and ran across your blog, in a Google search to see what she’s been up to. I’ve always been fascinated with different cultures, and thoroughly enjoyed reading of your travels. I’m sure your parents had some natural fears about your unconventional trip, so I’m happy to hear you survived and thrived. Give a hello to your mom from me,
Kristie Bachmann Paylor
Port Orchard, WA
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Kristie, very cool that you know my mom from college. I will make sure to give her a hello from you. In terms of the blog and my travels, thank you for the kind words and I am glad you enjoyed reading. It was a great adventure and I learned a lot about myself and the countries I was traveling in.
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