Despite a difficult past under Communist rule, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has emerged as a timeless location of beauty and elegance. Tourists may feel the draw towards Sofia’s cobblestoned streets to mingle with the friendly locals or search for remnants of the city’s past.

The Sofia Nation Art Gallery is inside the former Tsar’s royal palace, reports World Travel Guide. It boasts original marble fire places and more than 60,000 pieces from various time periods, such as the Bulgarian revivalist movement that began in 1878.

During the peak of the Ottoman Empire, more than 70 mosques lined the city streets of Sofia.

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One of my favorite places in Old Delhi for street photography is in its spice wholesale market located just off Khari Baoli street. The smell of the various spices is overpowering, and I spent a few moments sneezing and coughing, much to the amusement of the onlookers. The market has been operating (probably unchanged to a large extent) since the 17th century, and can be accessed by walking to Fatehpuri Masjid on Chandni Chowk, and turning left.

It seems there had been a murder of a jewelry storekeeper a few days before on Chandni Chowk, so a handful of merchants of electronics and other stuff were shuttered in protest.

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Running enthusiasts looking for a new course in Central Indiana can find that and more in Hendricks County during the Oct. 1 weekend as the inaugural Run Greater Indianapolis event kicks off in Danville.

Dave Mason, president of Rapid Running Event Management, promises a health-focused, family-friendly experience that will include a Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday prior to a full slate of races on Sunday including a half marathon, 5K and one-mile kids’ fun run. C

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Flying into Leh from Delhi, everyone on the plane suddenly rushes to one side to catch their first glimpse of the snow-covered Himalayas unfolding below.

More Himalayas travel news and reviews:SEE CHRIS GILLARD’S SPECTACULAR PICTURESEXPOSED AND ENLIGHTENEDA SOFTER SIDEWALK WITH HIMALAYAN GODS

It’s hard to believe in a day or so 10 of us will be together riding through these same mountains, on the classic Indian-made Royal Enfield motorcycle. The excitement builds, along with a fair degree of nerves.

Security is heavy at the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport at Leh; this part of India is very close to both Pakistan and Tibet, and a very sensitive area, so the Indian Army has a massive presence throughout the region.

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It was year 1805 in Cape Trafalgar in southern Spain, and it was war, the War of the Third Coalition.  A vicious sea battle was fought between the British Royal Navy, the Spanish Navy and the French Navy. Not one single British ship was lost, and the British held the victory defeating 35 Spanish and French ships. Two centuries later the battle will continue. One battle, three countries, and one goal; to win.  October 2012 the weapons, cannons and ships will be replaced with wind, boards and kites, Red Bull is sponsoring the kite surfing event; The Battle of Trafalgar!

Red Bull has come up with one of the year’s most unique events, the kite surfing competition Red Bull Battle of Trafalgar. From

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