First Journey Day 39: Marine Mirage

Date: October 2, 2023
Location: Varna, Bulgaria

On a mild autumn morning in Varna, Bulgaria, the Black Sea set a gentle rhythm. Sea breezes threaded through the beloved Sea Garden, where maritime history, promenades, and greenery soften the city’s modern edges.

Sea Garden Mornings

The gentle caress of the morning sun accompanied by the tender whispers of the sea breeze marked the beginning of my day in Varna. The city, with its blend of history and modernity, cradled between the calm waters of the Black Sea and the lush greenery, evoked a sense of serenity and contemplation. My feet led me to the Sea Garden, a haven of tranquility amidst the urban hustle. The myriad shades of green, interspersed with bursts of floral colors, painted a picture of harmonious existence.

Rhythm of Varna Beach

As I strolled along Varna Beach, the rhythmic cadence of the waves seemed to echo the heartbeat of the city. Each gentle crash of the waves against the shore seemed to narrate tales of bygone eras, of sailors and explorers who might have ventured into the unknown from these very shores. The cool sand under my feet, the distant laughter of children playing by the shore, and the soft hum of the city in the backdrop created a melody that resonated with the rhythm of my thoughts.

Reflections at Dusk

The simplicity and the unassuming beauty of Varna have a way of peeling layers of complexity within one's mind. It's a place that encourages reflection, appreciation, and a deeper connection with the self and the surroundings. The day ended with a beautiful sunset, the sky and the sea merging into shades of gold and crimson, reflecting the essence of my journey so far — a blend of experiences, each day merging into the other, yet each leaving a distinct imprint on the canvas of my memory.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Pleasant, high of 20°C; partly cloudy skies; gentle sea breezes and the soft warmth of early autumn.
• Scents: Sea salt on the air, damp wood along the promenade, a hint of pine drifting from the Sea Garden.
• Sounds: Steady waves, gulls circling, children’s laughter, and a low city hum beyond the trees.
• Reflection: Varna’s unassuming grace invites slower steps and quieter noticing — an ease that lingered as “Marine Mirage” formed in my mind.

Continue the Journey

If this shoreline calm spoke to you, you may also enjoy the echoes of history in Day 38: Ancient Echoes (Plovdiv), or wander back to cathedral light in Day 37: Nevsky’s Nectar (Sofia).