First Journey Day 37: Nevsky's Nectar
Date: September 30, 2023
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
In Sofia, Bulgaria, a crisp autumn morning set the tone for sketching the domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Between soft sun and passing cloud, the city offered a quiet dialogue between history, faith, and everyday rhythm.
Morning Light at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The morning air was crisp as I made my way to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The cathedral stood as a majestic relic of the past against the modern skyline of Sofia. Its domes, kissed by the soft sunlight filtering through the clouds, seemed to glow with a divine light. The intricate architectural details, the play of light and shadow on the aged stone, the serene ambiance that enveloped the sacred space, all spoke volumes to my artistic soul.
Sketching the Domes
I spent hours sketching various angles of the cathedral, each stroke of my pencil felt like a conversation with the bygone era. The whispers of history echoed through the silent prayers floating in the air.
Between Old and New
The juxtaposition of the old and new, the sacred and the mundane, was a visual and emotional feast.
Café Interlude
Later, I found a quaint cafe nearby and sipped on a warm cup of Bulgarian coffee, the aroma mingling with my thoughts. The city, with its blend of history and modernity, felt like a canvas waiting to be explored. The faces of the people, each telling a story, the rhythm of life flowing through the streets, it was a melody that resonated with the beat of my own heart.
Reflections at Dusk
As I reflect on today, I feel a deep sense of connection not just to Sofia, but to the essence of life that binds us all. The journey continues to unravel layers of self-discovery, each day is a page in this living book, and I am both the author and the reader, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Partly cloudy; high 18°C, low 9°C. Crisp air, soft light catching the domes, a hint of chill that sharpened the senses.
- Scents: Warm Bulgarian coffee; cool stone and wax from the cathedral lingering on the breeze.
- Sounds: Murmured prayers, footsteps in the nave, distant traffic weaving a steady city rhythm.
- Reflection: Sofia felt like a meeting place of eras—each sketch line a small bridge between them.
Continue the Journey
You may also enjoy yesterday’s wandering in Korçë, Albania (Day 36), or linger with another Bulgarian chapter in Plovdiv (Day 38).
