First Journey Day 40: Sketches of Serenity
Date: October 3, 2023
Location: Bucharest, Romania
In Bucharest, Romania, early October softens the city’s edges: cooler air, gilded leaves, and broad parklands gathered around quiet lakes. Today’s pages settle into that hush at Herăstrău Park.
Autumn Light over Herăstrău
The day unfolded with a gentle pace, akin to the soft rustle of autumn leaves carried by a tender breeze. The morning sun cast a warm glow on the city as I made my way to Herastrau Park. The park was a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city, its paths meandering through lush greenery and alongside the placid lake. The reflections on the water seemed to tell tales of the sky, the trees, and the city that embraced them.
Quiet Moments by the Lake
I found a quiet spot by the lake, the soft murmurs of the water against the shore were a melody to my ears. With sketchbook in hand, I began to draw. The lines flowed effortlessly, each stroke was a tribute to the beauty that lay before me. The calm waters, the distant laughter of children playing, the soft whispers of the breeze; it was a scene plucked out of a serene dream.
A Meeting of Artists
As I sketched, a gentle soul approached me, a local artist named Mirela. We exchanged thoughts on the essence of capturing nature's fleeting moments on paper. She shared her love for the vibrant culture of Bucharest, and I shared my journey so far. It was a meeting of minds and hearts, under the soft gaze of the autumn sun.
Choosing Stillness Through Sketching
Today, stillness arrived one line at a time. Drawing became the quiet refusal to rush—the way to listen longer to water, wind, and passing voices.
A City in a Gentle Rhythm
The day drifted by, each moment was a note in a calming melody. As I walked back through the cobbled streets, the city seemed to hum a tune of contentment, resonating with the rhythm of my heart. Today was not just a portrayal of external sceneries, but a gentle exploration of the inner landscapes as well.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Mild with a high of 18°C; partly cloudy skies; cool air moving across the lake, crisp edges of autumn in the shade.
- Scents: Damp earth, fallen leaves, and a faint freshness off the water.
- Sounds: Children’s laughter carrying from the path, oars tapping the surface, breeze threading the trees, a distant city hum.
- Reflection: The lake mirrored more than trees—it mirrored the steadying pace I needed.
Continue the Journey
You may also enjoy yesterday’s sea-swept pause in Varna: “First Journey Day 39: Marine Mirage.” Or follow autumn north to Transylvania with “First Journey Day 41: Leafy Luminescence.”
