Solo Adventure to Bulgaria
SOFIA
Sofia has long been on my travel bucket list, so when I moved to Dublin a few weeks ago, I knew it was the first place I wanted to visit before starting my new role. It’s just a quick three-hour flight from Dublin—though a delayed night flight meant I didn’t get into my hotel until 2:00 AM! I had my first full day to explore the capital, and I immediately loved the vibe: chill, laid-back, and a bit gritty, with stunning architecture everywhere you look and the Vitosha Mountains in the skyline.
While I spent that first morning wandering around in a total jet-lagged daze, I powered through and joined three incredible historical tours: a general city walking tour, an immersive dive into the past at "The Red Flat" (an authentic 1980s Bulgarian apartment), and an evening communism walking tour. It was fascinating to learn how many different cultures and rulers—from the Greeks and Romans to the Ottomans and Soviets—have shaped Sofia's complex history. To top it all off, I tracked down some amazing local juice spots and completely fell in love with strolling down Vitosha Boulevard.
SEVEN RiLA LAKES & MONASTERY
On the second day, I took a full-day trip to the Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery - hands down the absolute highlight of my journey! It kicked off with a 6:00 AM bus ride (where I happily slept the entire two hours), followed by a stunning chairlift ride up to the base of the mountains to start the hike. I ended up hiking about 6 km and made it to all seven lakes. I was proud of myself, especially since most people only reach five! The uphill climb was intense and definitely not for the faint of heart, but pushing through to the summit was worth it.
Reaching the top, drenched in sweat and tearing up from pure happiness, was a complete reset for my nervous system. Being surrounded by that level of raw, natural beauty was hard to put into words - it was just exactly what my soul needed. Sitting at the peak left me with two reflections:
Every time I thought the view couldn’t get any better, I’d walk a little further and get blown away all over again. It was a powerful reminder never to settle =- much like how moving to NYC felt like the ultimate dream, but moving to Dublin might surprise me with an even crazier view or perspective on life.
The landscape showed me that true beauty is natural and effortless. It didn't have to try to be anything other than what it was.
After soaking it all in, we took another short bus ride (yes, I took another nap!) to the serene Rila Monastery, capping off one of the most precious, memorable experiences of my life. Photos really don't do any of it justice; it was undoubtedly one of the most soul-nourishing places I’ve ever seen.
Plovdiv
On my final day, I took a half-day trip to Plovdiv — the oldest living city in Europe at around 8,000 years old. I joined a fantastic walking tour and was completely blown away by how history layers the city, from ancient Roman ruins buried beneath modern streets to the juxtaposing influences of Roman and Communist architecture. Wandering past the grand 19th-century merchant homes, through Old Town, and down the vibrant pedestrian streets was incredible — you could genuinely feel the history and spirit of the city all around you. Back in Sofia after a few hours in the car, I treated myself to a fresh juice and the absolute best Thai foot massage of my life — the ultimate end to an amazing solo adventure. Looking back, the trip was deeply humbling. It reminded me just how small we are compared to the grandeur of nature, and that beauty is everywhere if you just slow down and take it in.
