My family arrived in Sofia later on Sat, and we took a stroll around town on Sun. They liked Sofia at once. They think that Sofia is full of layers from various periods, and it is very vibrant with colors.

I finally entered the Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski but didn’t take photos inside as it required extra charge. Next time when we are better prepared, we would take some photos. Many features looked original, people lit real candles, and it was solemn inside.

Then we went down to the Serdika Archaeological Complex beside the Serdika metro station, which showed Sofia’s Roman past. I used to take some photos of it above its glass ceiling on the ground level. Sofia blends layers of its past and present seamlessly.

We passed by many government buildings, parks, and a mosque along the way.

We saw quite many people driving by the thermal mineral water stations to fill multiple cans to get the water home by cars. The water tastes smooth and slightly sweet. If we collect some water into a bottle, we can see lots of tiny bubbles inside. We don’t have a car, which hasn’t been limiting yet, as many places are quite walkable and we can take metro to get to some farther places. Well, if we were to fetch water, without a car, we’d have to think of some way to carry it.

There are many linden trees around the city, and people say that the blossoms smell really good in spring.

We went back home after the morning stroll and went out again in the evening. The strip of fountains in front of the National Palace of Culture is a prime site for kids to play and for people to relax.

The video below is about a group of kids, ranging from no more than 7 or 8 years old to teenagers, practicing mountain-biking tricks. Mostly people just sit around the water stream, listen to the music, and chat.

There are many other green areas near here with fountains and benches, although they may not be as big as the one in front of the National Palace of Culture. The weather’s still warm, and every park appears to attract quite many people until late into the night.

Summer is the time for people to rejuvenate here, even some online shops of electronics that we want to buy things from said that they are on vacation until next week. TU-Sofia’s semester starts in about a month, and I am taking the time to get the lectures ready. Once the semester starts, it will be a long stretch until it ends without any breaks.