First Journey Day 38: Ancient Echoes
Featured artwork: Ancient Echoes — a lyrical nod to Plovdiv’s layered Old Town.
Date: October 1, 2023
Location: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the Old Town folds Roman stones and Revival façades into gentle hills above the Maritsa River. A mild October breeze and partly cloudy skies set the tone for a day of quiet sketching and listening to the city’s long memory.
Old Town, Layered Timelines
The quaint charm of Plovdiv's Old Town beckoned as I meandered through its cobbled streets. Each turn revealed a blend of architectural eras, from the Thracian ruins to Bulgarian Revival houses, narrating tales of bygone times.
Sketching in a Quiet Corner
The weather was a gentle companion, with a soft breeze that carried whispers from the past. I found a secluded spot in a quiet corner, where the sun cast playful shadows on the ancient stones. With sketchbook in hand, I began to draw, letting the lines flow freely, each stroke a dialogue between the old and the new.
Light and Stone in Conversation
The tranquility of the surroundings allowed for a meditative state, where time seemed to stand still, yet the hours passed unnoticed. The sketches were a humble attempt to capture the essence of Plovdiv, a city that cradles history in its heart and blooms amidst the whispers of ancient stones.
By the Maritsa at Dusk
The day ended with a serene walk along the Maritsa River, the water reflecting the hues of the setting sun — a perfect closure to a day of quiet exploration and artistic expression.
The Journey’s Gentle Momentum
The journey continues to be a source of inspiration, each day a canvas filled with new experiences, new learnings, and a deeper connection to the world's vast tapestry of cultures and histories.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Mild and breezy; high around 22 °C with soft, partly cloudy light that drifted across terracotta roofs and stone lanes.
- Scents: Dry timber and sun-warmed plaster from Revival houses; a trace of river air; a hint of fresh bread from a side-street bakery.
- Sounds: Footfalls on cobbles, distant chatter from a courtyard, and the hush of leaves moving above the Roman stones.
- Reflection: Sketching felt like listening — letting the city speak in lines and pauses rather than words.
Continue the Journey
You may enjoy yesterday’s quiet reflections in Sofia — “Nevsky’s Nectar” — or drift onward to the sea with “Marine Mirage” from Varna.
