A couple of questions/points have come up revolving around the use of public transportation, especially given differences in self-defense laws between countries (and here, states and cities even). The adage “Know Before You Go” comes strongly to mind.
There are cities where I would not hesitate to use public transportation any time of the day or night. There are cities where I would not use it any time of the day or night. Most are a mix to be honest, and the late night/early morning (say about midnight to 0400) are generally times to be on high alert, particularly on subways/metro trains.
In terms of this trip, Sofia had a wonderful subway system that I cheerfully made use of to get around. In fact, I got on it at the airport, rode into downtown, made one change, and came up less than a full city block from my apartment. The subway runs very much to schedule, the stations I used were safe and usually had some LE presence at the turnstiles (or whatever you want to call them), and you frequently saw LE and such taking the subway to and from work. So, while I was alert I seldom went to high alert while using the system. I was told one of the larger dangers were pickpockets, but never had a problem.
The only real downside to the Sofia subway system was that quite frequently the elevators used by those with mobility issues or luggage did not work. Those with escalators generally worked but I would still rate them as being on the edge of iffy, and therefore not something you could fully rely on.
I would also note that one thing helping with the safety was that panhandling on the trains was not allowed or encouraged and even traditional panhandling was not allowed in the stations. The one type of panhandling that did seem to be allowed were musicians, usually with a violin or chello, who played in various corridors. I will also add that most of them were quite good.
Quick note before I forget, most panhandling on the streets in Sofia is organized and comes primarily from one particular ethnic group. The people panhandling have an assigned location, are reported to have quotas to make, and can be quite aggressive. There are limits to that though, and I had the impression local cops could and would deal with anyone who got too aggressive.
Thing is, anytime there are panhandlers or people who try to walk close even when there is room, think and prepare for pickpockets. Crowded places, like markets or events, are sadly fertile grounds for them. Plan ahead, take proactive steps, and engage in passive if needed. I actually used to carry a dummy wallet as a passive measure, and will note that plastic grocery bags in the tops of pockets and purses can be a good barrier (noise, movement, blocking).
Tangent, but worth noting. RFID scanning seems to be a growing problem. I have anything with a chip, including my passport, in RFID-blocking sleeves, my wallet is shielded to block signals, and I even carried a passive jammer that works off the intruding signal. All I can say is that so far there seem to have been no problems and the expenses were frankly miniscule in the grand scheme of things. Can’t prove they did or didn’t help, and am very glad I took the steps.
Sofia also has busses and trolleys, which seem to go everywhere. I did not get to use these as much as I could or should have, and when I go back I hope to use them a bit more. Some are newer, some are older, but from what I saw and heard from those that did use them extensively, generally safe and relatively clean.
Constantinople (Istanbul to the heathen) had a metro train that got me from the train station to the area near the Hagia Sofia fairly quickly. The trains I was on were clean and, if you could get a seat, comfortable. The largest problem is that they have a fully automated entrance system that blows chunks as far as I am concerned. Getting assistance with it was problematic and I thought I was going to have to spend $$$ to get back to the train station via a taxi. They also allow musical panhandlers (often making use of small children) to operate on the trains. Not impressed and can’t recommend.
Just as an aside, as of the last time I used them, I’ve had good luck with the Paris metro; Moscow metro; Washington DC metro; and the Tokyo metro. In fact, I would rate Tokyo as my favorite. Sofia is high on my list, and I appreciate that stops are called in both Bulgarian and English. I will also note that when using any system you need to check on where the bad areas/stations are and avoid them.
As for self-defense and related topics, always check the laws where you are going. For example, when I grew up everyone carried a pocket knife as it is a useful tool. Even carrying a kitchen knife in your luggage for cooking may be illegal. Pretty much any type of knife or sharp objects is now illegal in the U.K, as is pretty much all self-defense.
Bulgaria has some of the best knife laws in Europe in my opinion, is good about self-defense, and there were even street/market vendors selling a variety of edged items. I liked that about Bulgaria. Greece, on the other hand, is more towards the U.K. in terms of pocket knives and such, though somewhat better on self-defense. Turkey, well, I was pretty sterile for other reasons but will just note that having a pocket knife makes a dandy excuse to detain someone for a while without charges while things are “checked out”. Again, know the laws where you are going, and make sure your travel insurance covers legal assistance for various contingencies.
Just a few thoughts to share this day. Always research, always double check, and always be prepared.
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