Leaving Skopje behind, my journey resumed with yet another long bus ride, brimming with anticipation with the thought of adding another country to my growing Euro travel list. The journey, though stressful, prompted me to maintain a relaxed approach. Upon the bus's arrival past midnight, I found myself amidst a tranquil, dimly-lit city, seemingly asleep, with deserted streets illuminated by faint lampposts. Transportation had come to a halt due to the late hour so I had to sprint to the hostel with high hopes to be spared from possibly spending the rest of the night in the streets. Exhausted but successful, I sought refuge in my room.
The next day, I awoke to find Sofia veiled in dark skies,
shrouded by clouds, and bare trees. The gloomy weather did little to diminish
the city's underlying beauty, though. I explored Sofia’s ancient streets, and
hidden treasures slowly began to reveal themselves. From the grandeur of St.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its golden domes defiantly shining against the
cloudy sky, to the humble St. Sofia Church, whispering tales of centuries gone
by, the city was a joy to walk around. The juxtaposition of the modern National
Palace of Culture amidst ancient surroundings stood as a testament to Sofia's radiant
spirit. Further exploration led me to the Serdica Amphitheatre, a window into
the days of the Roman Empire, and the exquisite neoclassical Ivan Vazov
National Theatre, bathed in the city's soft light. Enchanted by the Central
Mineral Bath's colorful exterior, I watched and fed the area’s resident birds.
Going around Sofia was an opportunity to reflect and
self-evaluate; realizing how I have been trapped in mediocrity once again. Those Bulgarian clouds were like the fog of indifference enveloping my recent actions,
leading me to approach tasks with insufficient passion. There was this one project
I managed to finish before the year ended, which was a stark reminder of this
struggle, simply falling short of its potential due to my unwillingness to exert extra effort. Clearly, I underperformed, by choice. Right there, I was able to unearth gems beneath overcast skies, like treasures concealed
within us, we only see if we dare try. Despite the day’s momentary
obscurity, Sofia managed to present an irresistible charm, mirroring the growth awaiting those
who dare to embrace their passions and transcend mediocrity.
As the day drew to a close, I bid Sofia farewell including its persistent clouds, with the
determination to break free from mediocrity's grasp. I wasn't going back to
Lyon just yet, wanting to celebrate my birthday in a different, Nice place, instead.
