Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria

Not much to see here folks this will be a quick Throwback Thursday post. It’s been a long time since I visited Bulgaria. I went on summer break  to a ski resort in Borovets for a summer detox. I had to fly into Sofia and get a ride to the ski resort. I stayed one day and one night in Sofia and the picture above is the only picture I have of Sofia other than the one I took below with the Toastmasters Club. The Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most important churches in Bulgaria and took 30 years to build, now that’s commitment.

I spent 21 days at a Borovetz Ski resort and thank goodness it was summer. I love looking at snow from inside preferably while sitting next to a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.  I spent every day walking up and down the ski trails, minus the snow it was just as breathtaking.

Rila Monastary

The Rila Monastary is one of the most visited sites in the area. It is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Of course I loved that it was a UNESCO Heritage Site. The monastery played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria.

The monastery is named after a monk who was considered a hermit. The monastery is supposedly named after the hermit, St. Ivan of Rila. He lived in a cave in the mountains while the monastery was being built by his students. He lived in the cave without any material possessions. I am beginning to relate to St. Rila.  hahaha!

When you go to the Rila Monastery you have the option to go through the cave where St. Rila spent his time. I had a  paradigm shifting moment that I will always remember. I was going through the cave (not an easy feat) and I just thought I was not going to make it through. Finally I decided I was going to cut my losses, turn around and meet the team at the other end of the cave. The lady behind me was also in the same  summer detox program. She barely spoke English and we only smiled at each other  in passing. As I began to turn around, in a very strong Bulgarian accent she said “Don’t give up, keep going, you can do it”.  Those simple words powered me on to continue and the picture below is a picture of me coming out on the other side. Whenever I get down on myself and think I have taken on too much or can’t do something I always think of the lady behind me and how her simple words propelled me to “keep going” and how triumphant I felt when I came out on the other side. I can’t remember her face but I remember her words.  If you know someone struggling or ready to give up on something you are sure they can do, pass on a word of encouragement. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Me coming out on the other side of the cave. Victory!

Toastmasters Club in Sofia, Bulgaria