Streets of Sofia - Part I

Greetings, world-curious folks!

Let me take you on another walk through the streets of Sofia.

I say another, since I've done this in various formats. But there's always more!

I am starting this series of street compilations from Sofia city, capital of Bulgaria and the place I spend most of my time as of now. I am certain I cannot cover even a small portion of it in a single post since this is something I do pretty often. Still it will be a challenge to start with both good photos and at the same time such that I haven't shown you before.

Starting with a symbol of the city and its name, meaning coming from the Ancient Greek word for Wisdom. A nexus at the center of the capital, near the presidency, the oldest mall, called Central Universal Store, right above the crossing point of the subway's two lines. Lots of traffic, people and directions intersect at that point which stays busy at all times. Well, less in the small hours. There will always be some motion but not always great amount of it.

While still on the subject of traffic, this reflection I caught a few days ago in the windows of a trolleybus - electrified public transport. Wires run above the streets, hanging from posts.

The square and fountains in front of the National Palace of Culture (Abbreviated НДК - Национален Дворец на Културата) is a place of many meetings and widely preferred spot for relaxation or...

... Steet activities. Remember looking down from time to time. Also, remember to crouch at a lower level so that nobody feels offended at you looking at them from above...

... if you know what I mean. Waiting for people's spare food doesn't mean I do not deserve... alright, the cat does also deserve some respect.

Right?

Those were obviously taken in the small streets but still pretty close to the central part and a main boulevard called Princess Maria Luisa. But coming from Княгиня, derived from Княз, an old Slavic and later Russian title.

Looking up, then, on that same boulevard, one does meet reflections of great contrast between Modern and Old School architecture. Guess the condition of the latter.

Let's go visit another prince... no, wait, count... That would be Count Ignatiev or Ignatieff Str. as it was before a recent change of pavement. Which still rocks, if you get my meaning. Or if you decide to go on bike through it.

This old lady moving through the narrow street with her shopping bags before the trams get close. They are on the other side of the traffic lights at an intersection, too, so still safe for now. Still one does usually feel something looking at her and all the decades of labor that talk.

Her apron and socks are pretty close to traditional costumes. They may be part of exactly that. I remember being asked, probably by Sir @janton, if people still wore those. Not in general but some rare exceptions still do, it seems.

Just meters away from her is a much younger version of a lady of another type of efforts, but efforts still. Playing the exotic Ukulele. Well, sorry about the angle of the shot not revealing the instrument quite well. But this is how the bottom of an Ukulele looks.

Last but not least... behold and beware the photographers. They may be hunting you from any position or dimension.

I remember I still used those street phones with prepaid impulse cards when I first came to Sofia alone about sixteen years ago. Does anybody still use those? You will find out next time ;) Slap me if you don't.

Take care and see you around!

Yours,

Manol

P.S.

This compilation is also an entry to the contest of @the1ramp