Day 74: Yavor Ivanov

Today, the Bulgarian sun cast a warm glow over Plovdiv. I strolled through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, charmed by its colorful buildings and serene atmosphere.However, the real highlight of my day was my visit to the Ancient Theater of Philippopolis. As I sat on the ancient stone steps, sketching the arches, I met Yavor Ivanov, a local history teacher. With a passion for the past, Yavor shared stories about the theater's glory days and its resurrection from ruins. The text already had the desired characteristics and was error-free, so no changes were made. Yavor, in his early fifties, spoke with infectious enthusiasm about Bulgaria's rich history and the blend of Thracian, Roman, and Bulgarian cultures that make Plovdiv unique.

He believes in teaching history not just as a subject but as a story of life, hopes, and dreams. We discussed how art and history are intertwined, each telling a tale of bygone eras and shaping our understanding of the world.

Our conversation reminded me why I travel. I don't just travel to see places, but to connect with people like Yavor. Yavor brings the essence of these places to life. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the ancient stones. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this journey and the stories I've gathered along the way.