Sofia is not one of those cities that you fall in love with instantly. It's messy, it's not that well-organized and being a pedestrian is a nightmare. (well, it's not as bad as the situation in Tbilisi, but still - look both ways when crossing a street and be careful, even if you're on a zebra crossing!)
When I first came to Sofia a couple of years ago I didn't like it at all. I judged the book by its cover, I admit it. Sofia doesn't have the shiny package other European capitals have - impressive old architecture, imperial gardens or shiny skyscrapers aren't exactly the things you're going to find here. But you can find pretty awesome things that are hidden and waiting to be discovered. Only if you are willing to give it a try.
I grew fond of Sofia as time went by, little by little. I learned to like the hustle and bustle, the nervous drivers, the public transport from another era. I discovered wonderful tea houses, sweet shoppes, little galleries and fancy boutiques. I know where they make the perfect blackberry smoothie and I also know a place where I can buy genuine Himalayan tea, which I absolutely adore.
Sofia is growing and improving. It is a process that will take a lot of time and effort, but the most important thing is that it's all going in the right direction. Every time when I'm out and about in Sofia, at the cinema, in a gallery or riding the underground, I see creative people around me. People who think outside the box, who do things differently - organize art events, stand behind green causes and model Sofia the way they want to see it. People who fight for originality and for a change.
When I first came to Sofia a couple of years ago I didn't like it at all. I judged the book by its cover, I admit it. Sofia doesn't have the shiny package other European capitals have - impressive old architecture, imperial gardens or shiny skyscrapers aren't exactly the things you're going to find here. But you can find pretty awesome things that are hidden and waiting to be discovered. Only if you are willing to give it a try.
I grew fond of Sofia as time went by, little by little. I learned to like the hustle and bustle, the nervous drivers, the public transport from another era. I discovered wonderful tea houses, sweet shoppes, little galleries and fancy boutiques. I know where they make the perfect blackberry smoothie and I also know a place where I can buy genuine Himalayan tea, which I absolutely adore.
Sofia is growing and improving. It is a process that will take a lot of time and effort, but the most important thing is that it's all going in the right direction. Every time when I'm out and about in Sofia, at the cinema, in a gallery or riding the underground, I see creative people around me. People who think outside the box, who do things differently - organize art events, stand behind green causes and model Sofia the way they want to see it. People who fight for originality and for a change.
One of my favourite narrow streets in Sofia (the same one with all the painted electrical panels) surprised me with this installation, which I cleverly named "Another chair in the wall". Random art hints can be found everywhere in Sofia - music notes hanging from windows, kites, flying from rooftops, old street signs covered in stickers and many many more. I can honestly say now that I do love Sofia, especially after being away from it for so long. And I am sure that every time I come back here, it will look and feel better and every time I will love it a little more.
oooooooh what a cute looking town! Love the drink station (alcohol?) next to the shabby lookin building. And what's up with that half chair??? Picture perfect moment right there.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
Trish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
Loving the pictures you took. And learning about a city I'd actually never heard of!
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