We woke up a little late after the feast and free-flowing wine from the night before. Once we gathered ourselves and packed our bags, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast.
Later, we made our way toward the Rila Mountains to visit the Rila Monastery. Before exploring, we enjoyed a simple but delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam, and peppermint tea.
We wandered around the monastery alongside other tourists, yet strangely, it never felt crowded. Perhaps it was the vastness of the complex, or maybe most visitors stayed near the main church and didn’t venture further. Either way, the atmosphere remained calm and unhurried.
From there, our journey continued through the city. We crossed Lions’ Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then took shelter in the Central Market Hall while a brief mid-afternoon rain passed.
After a refreshing espresso break, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, and later descended into the ancient Serdica complex.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted from all the walking and travel, so we returned to the hotel and quickly fell asleep.
I had low expectations of Sofia at first, but after exploring it on foot, I grew to love the city. It’s easy to navigate and surprisingly beautiful, despite the stark and heavy communist-era architecture that surrounds it. At first glance, Sofia may seem ordinary, but once you get lost in the old town, it reveals a completely different character.
Clothing, much like travel, has the power to transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves quickly, and without a clear sense of self, it’s easy to lose your identity within it. I prefer authenticity—nothing overly staged or fussy. Having a place to escape to keeps you grounded. In the end, staying true to your heritage is what defines your identity; it’s the essence of your personal brand.
