Happy Grandma March!

So, today is March 1st. That meaning, it's Baba Marta (Баба Марта )! It is probably Bulgaria's most intrinsic holiday because it is purely unique to Bulgaria. The custom of wearing martenitsis (Мартеници) is only popular in Bulgaria. (I guess the backwards head nod is another one of those things that is popular ONLY in Bulgaria as well. At least we can say they have a uniquely different culture.)


Anyways...the holiday is celebrated by giving these red and white bracelets or pins, a.k.a. Martenitsis, to friends and loved ones. The streets are lined with vendors selling these things. They have all kinds of Martenitsi too, some have tassels, some have blue clasps, others have super heros, princesses, football teams and of course Alf (loved by all Bulgarians). The tradition is associated with optimism and anticipation of warmer weather, fertility and well-being. The white is supposed to symbolize a long life and red, health. According to tradition, when you see the first stork or swallow of the year, you are supposed to tie your martenitsa to a tree or bury it under a rock and you will have good health for the rest of the year.

Although there are many folk-legends based around this tradition, the following story is one of the most popular:

Many, many years ago, Khan Isperih left his home in the far away Tibetan mountains and went in search of fertile land for his people, the proto-Bulgarians. He crossed many mountains and rivers until finally he stopped in the land of the Slavs who met him cordially. Slav women, dressed in white, brought him cups of wine and the tables were piled with food, the fruits of this blessed land. But the khan was not happy for he was sick for his family – his mother and his sister Kalina. He sat on the bank of the big river and tears like pearls dropped down his masculine cheeks. His eyes looked in prayer towards the sun and the gods. And then the miracle happened.

A swift swallow alighted on his shoulder, and Isperih told her of his grief. The swallow flew away to the lands from which the Bulgarians came and told Kalina in a human voice that her brother has a new kingdom, that he grieves about her and sends her greetings. Kalina was very happy to hear that and decided to send a message to her brother. She made a nosegay of green plants, tied it with white woolen thread, made some knots on it meaning best regards and sent it back with the swallow.

The bird flew like thunder and very soon was on the shoulder of Isperih again. But after the long journey, its wing was wounded and its bright red blood had tinted the thread. The khan took the nosegay with joy, read in the knots his sister’s greetings, put the nosegay on his breast and the martenitza shone bright. Since that moment, Isperih ordered his people to make a bunch of twisted white and red thread and wear it on their breasts on this day – for health and blessing from heaven.


This happened on 1st of March and the tradition has remained until this day. It is a tradtion loved by all, too. It may seem a bit excessive, but I walked home from school today with about 75 martinisis covering both my wrists. I just kept getting them as gifts from teachers and students alike and I didn't want to offend anyone so I kept putting them on. Although the tradition says that I must keep them on until I see a swallow or stork, or the end of March, whichever comes first, I have decided to take the majority of them off. It is, really, a fascinating custom though. Now wherever you go you see people sporting these things. Little kids, police officers, bus drivers, even the stray cat has one as a collar...everyone!

Meet Penny...

In my most recent package, I was sent "The March of the Penguins." Thanks Mom! I have always been a sucker for those cheesy romantic movies.. And this is no exception. (Not that this is a cheesy movie.) I actually througholy enjoyed watching it. This is a true love story, in that it follows the mating rituals of the emperor penguin, one of the most resilient animals on earth.


The Synopsis:
Each summer, after a nourishing period of deep-sea feeding, the penguins pop up onto the ice and begin their procession across the frozen tundra of Antarctica. Walking in single file, they are a sight to behold. Hundreds converge from every direction, moving instinctively toward their mating ground. Once there, they mingle and chatter until they find the perfect mate--a monogamous match that will last a year, through the brutal winter and into the spring. During that time, the mother will birth an egg and then leave for the ocean to feed again. The father will stay to protect the egg through the freezing blizzards and pure darkness of winter, which would be deadly to practically any other species. Finally, with spring, the egg hatches and the baby penguins are born. Mothers return from the sea to reunite with their families and feed the starving newborns, while the fathers are finally relieved of their protective duties after months without food.

The film is remarkable in its story, which is narrated by Morgan Freeman, whose dignified voice gives the penguins the grave admiration they deserve. But even more incredible is its photography, which shows the penguins hunting underwater, sliding on the ice, and in the midst of "kissing." A story of love and more strikingly, survival, MARCH OF THE PENGUINS is any eye-opening and educational experience.

Rent it. Buy it. I don't care...Just watch this wonderful documentary film.

Getting (No) Satisfaction

(From the Sofia News Agency)

Individuals know, as a rule, how to tackle the future. The country, as a rule, does not. Defying worrying overhaul of the constitution, thorny EU road and economic doldrums, the Bulgarian is a survivor. Yet an unhappy one.


Take this week's European Quality of Life Survey. It shows Bulgarians to be European leaders in home ownership (nearly 85% own their own home without a mortgage), yet one of the least satisfied people on the continent. Reminds me of a poster that hangs on the wall against my desk. The "Perfect European Should be" - humorous as a German, sober as an Irish, controlled as an Italian, humble as a Spaniard... Aware of all the prejudices, revelations and sarcasm that the poster depicts, a recent brainstorm with my colleagues generated a "genius" new entry - "Satisfied as a Bulgarian".

How come Bulgarians' arduous search for satisfaction ended up in a dozen square meters of private floorage? Is it the lack of community and identification that makes us so sad? We turn our eyes to Brussels only to see that after this week's proposal for enforcement of the judicial safeguard clause, we will have restricted freedom at the new home of our big European family. "Make yourself at home, but stay away from the garden, " was Brussels's message. There is nothing shameful about not being satisfied. But we will have to look further than properties and international allegiances for getting there.

How cold is it??

The frigid weather brought down from Russia's cold front has blanketed much of Bulgaria. The temperatures have fell to as low as minus 17 degrees Celsius (or 1 degree Fahrenheit) in the northern parts of the country..and that is in the sun. The strong tornado-like winds make it seem even colder.


It has been so cold here that many schools around the country have closed their doors in fears of the harsh weather, but hopeful that the cold wave will pass by Monday. My school is one of them. Although I have a mere eight minute walk to school, many of my students and colleagues live 20-30 minutes away by foot. As they walk into school with their red and wind burned faces, you can tell they failed to get a taxi. So thank you Russia for yet another few days off.

In the meantime power consumption has rocketed sky-high, as many people (including myself) resort to electric heaters. I don't remember the last time I unplugged it. Good thing I don't pay the bill. I am still trying to figure out a way to bring my heater to bed with me. Until then, I will have to rely on my five layers of clothing, the seven blankets on my bed, and my warm kitty all nestled together in my smallest room. I don't dare try to cook as my kitchen is so cold I cant feel my fingers after about 5 minutes, not to mention I can see my own breath. Wow..thats cold!


Forecasts say daytime temperatures were to ease no earlier than Thursday. But the temperatures are still down, and the cold weather has already claimed several lives including a six-month-old baby who froze to death here in Stara Zagora. The infant was brought frozen to the local ER where it later passed away. Also, an unidentified female body was found in the neighboring town of Kazanlak. The woman was found frozen near a housing block.

So, needless to say, I am bundled up next to my radiator that I like to pretend is a cozy fire, and I venture outdoors only when need be. So for those of you in California...please..soak up those warm rays for me.

Bomb Alert in US Embassy in Sofia, 2 Arrested

From the Sofia News Agency:

A man and a woman have been arrested over a tip-off about a bomb planted in the United States Embassy in Sofia, police said.

The two, aged 32 and 38 respectively, admitted they threatened to blow off the building of the United States in the hope that it will be closed.

On January 24 at noon an anonymous caller, a woman, told the diplomatic mission that an explosive device has been planted in the building.

After receiving the tip-off, police found the woman called from a street telephone at "Cherni Vruh" boulevard in the capital.

The perpetrators, whose names were not disclosed, had borrowed money from people in the town of Blagoevgrad with the promise to get their US visas issued. By causing the embassy to shut down, they hoped to skip the chance to give them back the money.

From the New York Times....

Bulgaria: Coming in From the Cold, Slowly

By DENNY LEE
Published: January 22, 2006

Much has changed in Bulgaria since it shook off Soviet domination in 1989. Free elections have been held, and its economic and political capital, Sofia, is thriving. But as it emerges as a tourist destination, mostly in the beach resorts along the Black Sea, Bulgaria is also showing that it is a nation that can celebrate a refreshing lack of progress.

Hidden throughout this big and fertile land in remote gorges and on craggy hilltops are dozens of astonishingly intact painted monasteries that are centuries old. They offer visitors a rare chance to see Europe as it once was - before the euro, before World War II, before electricity.

It is a bit like castle-hopping in Tuscany, but without the postcard kiosks and hordes of foreigners who block your photo opportunities. Of the former nations of the Soviet bloc, Bulgaria has been among the slowest to come in from the cold, which means that much of the country remains off the tourist map.

But some luxury tour operators like Abercrombie & Kent have added Bulgaria to their list of 2006 tours. Highlights include a guided trip to the flamingo-pink Rila Monastery, some 70 miles south of Sofia, as well as a private dinner in the SS. Peter and Paul Monastery, near the university town of Veliko Turnovo. There are also some 600 mineral springs in the country, and a few luxury spa resorts are in the works.

Bulgaria has nine Unesco World Heritage sites, including the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a marshy breeding ground for birds. In fact, much of the countryside remains wild. You can explore caves in the Balkan Range, ski at Borovets or hunt for red stags and brown bears from rustic camps throughout the country.

Tell me again...why wouldn't you want to come visit me???

My Quick Jaunt to Greece...

Where to begin? It all started many months ago when the fabulous Peace Corps Medical Staff informed me that I had a medical issue. They told me what the situation was...and I freaked. I have always been a healthy person minus that Mono I had freshman year of college (but everyone gets Mono in college). So they reassured me that I simply needed to have a biopsy and do a few tests. Okay. So it wasn't as bad as I thought. After I went to a doctor in Sofia that specialized in the procedure, I thought I was good to go. But unfortunately, this Bulgarian doctor proved not up to par with her skills. Thus leading me to have the biopsy repeated.


And that brings us up to present day. Peace Corps then informed that I had two options... Bucharest, Romania or Thessaloníki, Greece. I opted for the latter. Greece it was. And I was off! Matt and I left on a 7 am train from Sofia. A lot of conversation, a few snacks and even fewer minutes of shut eye later, we arrived in Greece. I was 1 pm. Thats a long train ride. I only wished I had my travel scrabble.

It was a very strange feeling to be thrown into a city where you have no idea what is going on. You don't know your surroundings and more importantly, you don't speak the language. But, we managed to find our way around, enjoy the sites and enjoy some really delicious food. After all, we are self-sufficient Peace Corps Volunteers. We knew what it was like to be thrown into an unknown land.


My impressions of Thessaloníki were amazing. Being the second largest city of Greece, Thessaloníki kept up its end of the bargain. There were soo many cars with even more mopeds whizzing past. The waterfront was a very refreshing feeling with the clear water and few boats. The city itself seemed rather unique with a lot of history. (Unfortunately, places closed by three and we ran out of time.) But I do plan to go back this summer, for a longer, more relaxed journey.


Now, Matt and I are peacefully back in Stara Zagora and I couldnt be happier. A few days after my second biopsy the test results came back. And they came back great! There were no significant signs of abnormal cells and I am back to normal. I am considered healthy again. And I got a free trip to Greece in the process.

Gift Ideas for Friends...

Are you stuck on ideas of what to get your friends and family for their birthday, anniversary, or just because. Tired of the same old sweater or pair of earrings. Then I have just the thing for you. Hand crafted scarves, hats, sweaters...You name it, they knit it! Check it out today. These same ladies are even teaching ME how to knit. Who would have thought!

The following is a message from one of my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and site mate:

For the past year I’ve been working with a group of disabled women living in the Home for the Handicapped in Stara Zagora (a city in central Bulgaria). The women are craft knitters and, as a part of a SPA Project (SPA = Small Project Assistance; this is a grant through the Peace Corps), we have created a web site to sell their products online.

Each woman’s short biography is posted along with our catalog of offered products. Our intent is to personalize the buying experience as much as possible. Upon receipt of an order, the customer will receive a confirmation letter (email) telling them which woman will knit their product and when it will be shipped. The customer can ask for modifications to the product and can correspond with the knitter by email. We accept all major credit cards.

Shipping to America is FREE via BulPost and we have an overnight service available, at the customer’s expense, with lower rates than DHL, UPS or FedEx.

Our web address is:

www.handknitcrafts.com

Regards,

Larry Gemmell
Community and Organizational Development,
Peace Corps Volunteer
Stara Zagora
lhgemmell@mac.com

Holden and Costa...

Just killing some time on a random Wednesday afternoon. But these are my two beloved cats.

Holden, about 3 years, is my cat from college. We like to call him the little guy although he weighs in at about 16 pounds and is quite an attack cat.

On the other hand, Constantine or Costa for short is my kitten here in Bulgaria. And he has somehow taken after Holden leaving my friends with bloody scratches up and down their arms.


Cant wait till they meet. I wonder who would win that fight.

The Best State!!!!

You're California!

In many ways, you are larger than life and almost defy description. You certainly love to shake, rattle, and roll with the best of them. You have a generally sunny disposition, but are capable of resorting to harsh extremes when pressed. You are more likely than most to become rich, or famous, or perhaps both. While you have the golden touch in so many regards, your respect for actors is a little over-zealous. This endless faith in actors needs to be terminated.

Take the State Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I really am from California!!!!

Happy 2006!

Good friends. Games. Champagne. Fireworks.

It was the perfect setting for a New Years celebration. And that is exactly what it was. I spent the eve with my great site mates Matt, Alex, and Larry and a friend from out of town, Jennifer.


We enjoyed.... One home cooked meal of Indian. One game of Yatzee. Two card games, Asshole and Bullshit. Three different types of beverages: wine, champagne, and rakia. Lots of laughs. And even more fireworks.

The evening was spent at Larry's eigth floor flat with a beautiful view of the entire city of Stara Zagora. And noone in a few mile radius of the city could be mistaken that the clock struk midnight and the new year was upon us. From every direction loud bursts of fireworks were set off from the streets, rooftops and even the apartment baloconies. It was quite a sight..


It was a very different New Years but unique and unforgettable nonetheless. Happy 2006!

One Year Ago...

Last year, New Years was spent with these beautiful girls. This year looks to be much different....We will have to wait and see.

The Dunkin Donut Guy....

The Associated Press reported that Michael Vale, the actor best known for his portrayal of a sleepy-eyed Dunkin' Donuts baker who said "Time to make the donuts," has died Saturday. He was 83 years old. Vale's long-running character, "Fred the Baker," became a cultural icon. The ad campaign lasted 15 years, until Vale retired in 1997. Although I was unfamilar with this American icon, I am sure he will be missed.

**Note: The picture is of Dunkin Donuts in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Christmas in Bulgaria..

Vesela Koleda. Merry Christmas in Bulgarian. This year the holiday was spent very different than any other year.


For one, I was in Bulgaria, away from my own family spending it with my Bulgarian family. Christmas Eve and Christmas day seemed pretty uneventful. I just hung around the house chatting with my host sister and playing with the cats. When I wasn't doing that, I was eating lots of food and drinking lots of Rakia (the homemade liquor of Bulgaria.) Very few gifts were exchanged and few were in attendance. It was just like an ordinary day in the home of the Perfanov's.


The highlight of the weekend were the get togethers with my host sister's friends in a neighboring village. There, I even got a wedding proposal! And although I missed the traditional slaughter of the pig, I was able to see the aftermath (hence the pictures.)

So, all in all it was a pleasant holiday.... but maybe next year I will come home, back to the states, to enjoy the lively festivities my family has to offer. Cheers!

Panagyrishte

My first home in Bulgaria was in a small mountain town called Panagyrishte.


Now, I am headed back. Headed home for the holidays. I am very excited to see my host family and catch up on the last five months. And now I can actually hold a decent conversation with them. That is my hope anyways.

Well, I am off. Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Jokes...

Knock Knock.
Who is there?
Mary.
Mary who?
Mary Christmas.

What do you call a penguin in the Sahara Desert?
Lost.


How do you put four reindeer in a car?
Two in the front and two in the back.

How do you get four elephants in a car?
Take the reindeer out.

What do reindeer have that no other animals have?
Baby reindeer.


How long do reindeer's legs need to be?
Just long enough to touch the ground.

And finally....

Knock knock.
Who is there?
Snow.
Snow who?
Snow business like show business.

Stara Zagora's First Snow....

All I have to say is....


BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.


It is COLD here. But it looks like a winter wonderland and I love it. Now I just have to learn to walk on ice....that seems to be a bit trickier.

The Meaning of X-Mas

This is a column by Jon Carroll, who writes for the SF Chronicle. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I figured I'd share with everyone. Enjoy, and by the way... Happy Holidays. ;-)
____________________________________________________

The Meaning of X-Mas

This column is brought to you by the letter X, which occupies a singular place in our culture. It is a primal shape, easy to make -- so illiterate people signed their name with it -- and easy to recognize -- so it marked the spot, whatever spot you wanted it to mark. There's a suggestion that, in the shadow parallel world of letters, the opposite of O is X, except it's understood that O is always slightly inferior to X. O is the defensive team in football diagrams, and O always goes second in tic-tac-toe games.

X became the symbol that indicated banning or condemnation, probably because it seems intuitively like the letter of denial -- see the European street sign featuring a circle with a slash. Don't go there. An X has two slashes -- really don't go there. But because the forbidden is attractive, X also became the letter of titillation, and makers of porn movies kept adding X's to indicate that their product was even Xier than competing films.

Triple X rated! You've seen X-rated movies. We're three times as dirty!

In cartoons, dead people have X's instead of eyes -- that's how you know they're dead. A key feature of cartoons is cross-hatching, which is, at its lowest level, making a series of X's for artistic reasons. And X's are often called crosses -- the British version of tic-tac-toe is called noughts and crosses. Crosses stuck in the ground mark the location of dead bodies, presumably because Jesus was crucified (or crossed).

There's also a widespread misunderstanding of the word Xmas, which is not in fact a cheap modern way of denigrating Christmas. Xmas has an ancient pedigree; the Greek letter chi, which is an X, is the first letter in Christos, and the symbol was used as shorthand by early Christians.

(The other ancient symbol for Christianity is a fish, the exact origin of which is in dispute. It could reference the Greek word for fish, or it could be an allusion to Christ calling his disciples "fishers of men," or it could be something else. These days, it's mostly seen in the debate about evolution that is being carried on, oddly enough, by metal symbols on the backs of cars. I once had a vision of a jammed freeway with back bumpers yelling at each other as they waited.)

Some ignorant people have decided that "Xmas" is part of the "war on Christmas," which is an ill-defined but fiercely held belief that secular cultural forces have combined to make Christmas less meaningful. One proof of that is the phrase "happy holidays" -- and if you'd told me a decade ago that I'd live in a world where "happy holidays" would become a flash point of controversy, I would have asked for a damp washcloth and nine Valiums.

I am unable to discern a war on Christmas, at least Christmas as I have known it. There are sparkling lights and little bells and jolly Santas and yule logs and Christmas carols and creches, creches, creches. In the supermarket, I am enjoined to come and adore him, born the king of angels, and I do not believe that they're singing about Santa -- who, as the Christian St. Nicholas, was a rather less jolly fellow than he is now. I do not notice who is wishing me "happy holidays" and who is wishing me "merry Christmas," because the operative words for me are "merry" and "happy," and for those thoughts much thanks.

Christmas itself is a big mash-up of traditions. The early church leaders didn't really know when Jesus was born, but there was already a big festival around the winter solstice, so why not get a twofer? Meaning that a real Christmas would happen sometime in August, just to make sure that there was no pagan taint. And there goes the Christmas tree, because dragging a tree into the house and worshiping it, sorry, decorating it -- that's pretty pagan too.

And because Christ enjoined us to give our money to the poor, the Christmas presents would go to shelters and soup kitchens and rest homes, with nothing for ourselves -- and, human nature being what it is, that would pretty much throw the entire world economy into a tailspin. We'd have to get rid of "Winter Wonderland" -- a song in which a couple presumably has carnal relations after being "married" by a snowman; pagan pagan pagan -- and "Frosty the Snowman" (Frosty was not gathered in the manger) and of course "Rudolph," that plucky little secular interloper. And good King Wenceslas looked out upon the Feast of Stephen, which is Dec. 26, which would be: close but no cigar.

I bet we could keep the little bells, though. And we can keep the little drummer boy: He'll go marching through our dreams, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, with his drum.

Year in Review...

Well, thought this should be interesting. Enjoy.

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
I learned Bulgarian (a language useless in the states), moved to a new country, started a new profession and made entirely new friends. Like a friend said, I pretty much started living a new life.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Are you kidding, no one ever keeps their resolutions, me included.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope. And my sister better not be trying yet...not till I get back.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope

5. What countries did you visit?
Just Bulgaria. And well, Italy during my layover, but that doesn't really count.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
That is a tough one. I have my health and happiness. What more can I ask for.

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
April 21, 2005. The day I said goodbye to my family, but met a rad girl named Julie, now my best friend here in BG.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to Bulgaria to join the Peace Corps.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Nothing is considered failure...just a learning experience. Right?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got really sick in April. I even had to leave the SF Beer Fest early. Now you know I am really sick to leave an event like that.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My laptop. Without it I would feel lost.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom. She puts up with all my many obscure emails and requests. And sends package after package. She rocks!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Honestly...some of my students. A few are just down right disrespectful.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Money?? hahahaha...I am a volunteer. I don't have any money.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SNOW!!!! Although it hasn't snowed here in Stara Zagora, I was in Sofia for a big storm. It was great. I think I may even have my first white Christmas.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
Louis XIV-Finding Out True Love is Blind.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? its a toss up...i really miss my family and friends
ii. thinner or fatter? the same
iii. richer or poorer? poorer

18. What do you wish you had done more of?
writing to friends and family

19. What do you wish you had done less of?
assigning my students essays...it means I have to read and grade them

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
In Panagyrishte with my Bulgarian host family

21. What was your favorite TV program?
McCleouds Daughters and Myth Busters

22. What was the best book you read?
currently reading...The Kite Runner. This book is so effin good.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Well, it was my friends discovery..Louis XIV. Ahh, the memories.

24. What did you want and get?
A challenge

25. What did you want and not get?
Nothing... My parents, aunt and uncle and friends rock with the packages!

26. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't really watch too many current movies. But if I have to answer I would say the Interpreter with Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.

27. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 23 and partied like crazy in Sofia with many good friends.

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
lots and lots of layers..in the summer and winter

29. What kept you sane?
My Bulgarian boyfriend, Costa...my cat. At least I am not talking to myself.

30. What political issue stirred you the most?
Hurricane Katrina

31. Who do you miss?
I really miss my family and friends...and Holden (my kitty back home).

32. Who was the best new person you met?
All my new PC friends.. You know who you are.

33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
Always look on the bright side. I could be living in a mud hut in the middle of Africa with no running water...or electricity.

34. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Yo chocolate girl, you look like something I want,
Your little Asian friend, she can come if she wants."

35. What do you love most about this year?
I LOVE all the amazing experiences I have had that have helped me grow (i know, a bit cheesy) and be the person I am today.

My Wish List...

Okay, well, It just recently became the Christmas season here in my apartment. I have a small fake tree with colored lights and lots of ornaments. After all its not Christmas without a bright tree. But there is only one thing missing...presents to go under it!

Many people have been asking for requests of what to send over... So, I will just let you all know in case you get the urge to send your wonderful friend a small care package..and of course if you do, I promise to send you something back...something Bulgarian!

So here is my wish list....

pictures from home and any letters
Interesting Magazines...you would be surprised how I use them with teaching
Burned copies of any new music or movies I might like
HOME ALONE...my favorite x mas movie ever
Warm Socks or scarves...it is VERY cold here (and well, being a Cali girl, i am just not used to it.)
Lots of fun postcards from different cities... my students are very curious about the states
homemade goods in glad ware
chocolate chips so I can make yummy baked goods
Sunmaid original raisins...I am obsessed with good raisins
kraft mac and cheese
peanut butter
goldfish
maple syrup...you might want to bag it up so it doesn't explode in travel
tropical iced tea or crystal light
ranch dressing
anything else you want to surprise me with

Hopefully I was good this year and Santa can make it all the way to Bulgaria. I miss you all very much. Lots of love!

Also, here is my address. To send anything, do not declare more than $45 and write "no comercial value, for personal use only" on the box.

--
Jessica Lloyd
FLS Romain Rolland
62 Ivan Shishman Str.
Stara Zagora, 6000
Bulgaria

The Golden Girls....

You gotta love these ladies.

Dorothy - "I look like the mother of a Solid Gold dancer."
Sophia - "It's an old lady's dream come true."
Rose - "I dreamt all night I was a carburator, and I woke up exhausted."
Blanch - "No one ever believes me when I am telling the truth. It's the curse of every beautiful woman."

Here are some wonderful quotes from these fantastic ladies....


Dorothy: Blanche Are you sure you're pregnant
Blanche: I just did a home pregnancy test - it's right here.
Rose: It looks like a perfume sample
Dorothy: Put it behind your ears Rose.

__________________________________________

Sophia: Rose, I found my lucky handkerchief
Rose: Where was it?
Sophia: It was in my bra.
Rose: What was it doing in your BRA ?!!!
Sophia: I was blowing my breasts Rose!

_________________________________________

Rose: Sophia what are you doing?
Sophia: What does it look like I'm doing I'm cleaning out my purse.
Rose: Sophia, why are you in such a bad mood?
Sophia: Excuse me Rose, I haven't had sex in fifteen years and its starting to get on my nerves.

_____________________________________________

Blanche: Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to relax in a hot, steamy bath with the water high enough to cover my perky bosoms....
Sophia: You're gonna lay in an inch of water!??

______________________________________________

Blanche: I don't look right in American clothes , i have a more european Physique
Rose: Oh, In Europe, do they all have big butts, too?

______________________________________________

Dorothy: You're just jealous because I have a date on Saturday night and you don't.
Blanche: Saturday night? Kid stuff. Get lucky on a Tuesday, then call me.

Twinkle Lights...

I already thought Stara Zagora was a pretty rad place to live. But life just got a little better. They have hundreds and hundreds of twinkle lights!!! My favorite thing in the whole world. I am giddy from excitement.


Now I think I am going to decorate my terrace with lights. And so what if I am that weird American who leaves the lights up year round. This country could use a little cheery light. No need to be drab all the time.

YEAH FOR TWINKLE LIGHTS!!!!

Happy Holidays...

честит праэник...

Even in Bulgaria, they seem to be politically correct. Even here, they say happy holidays rather than merry Christmas. Does it really matter? Come on people!

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for my life. More importantly, my happiness.

I am thankful for my family who support me in everything I do.

I am thankful for my friends back home. You guys are great!

I am thankful for all the challenges Bulgaria brings me.

I am thankful for my Bulgarian family and friends. They make it that much better.

I am thankful for my mad Bulgarian skills. Too bad I will never use it at home.

I am thankful for my students. Who constantly make me laugh.

I am thankful for all those who send me postcards and packages. You know who you are.

I am thankful for my Bulgarian boyfriend...Costa, my cat!

I am thankful for my Peace Corps friends. They really make it that much better.

I am thankful for my three wonderful site mates. They rock my socks!

I am thankful for Peace Corps and this great opportunity. My dream.

I am thankful for all those who make me smile!


I miss everyone back home and will think of you during this great holiday.

Thanksgiving with My Students...

Well, thanksgiving is quickly approaching and I felt the need to celebrate it with my students. Afterall, I am the American English teacher here to teach them about our traditions. So, I misxed a little fun with facts. We discussed the history of the day and even had a little fun, I had them make a thankful turkey. I couldnt exaclty have them trace their hand and decorate it. I remember doing that in like the 3rd grade. These are high schoolers. This is where I got creative. I made a poster with two copies of turkeys pasted to it. Then, I cut out lots of paper that looked like feathers (well sort of anyways). They had to write a few things they were thankful for and paste it to the turkey. I guess it is still for little kids but I bet it beats the other lessons.

Some of the things they were thankful for...

family
beautiful girls
silicone
zagoka beer
rakia
friends
chalga music
our school
and of course they said ME!

Gobble, gobble!

From Deamons to Angels....to deamons.

Well, as expected, the good behavior didn't last too long. My angel of a class were back to their usual selves of fighting, running around, singing, etc... But the good news is that I have such a creative mind that I was able to keep their attention for longer than 5 minutes. YEAH ME!!!

The trick...David Sedaris. He is a really funny writer that my friend Mandy introduced me to. He writes short stories or snippets from his own life. I chose a really short story from "Me Talk Pretty One Day" titled "Big Boy." Big Boy was the perfect story to outline the plot diagram of a story for our short story unit. (Yes, I am a slowly developing into a real teacher.)


The brief story line is as follows...David Sedaris is at an Easter dinner party at a friends house and excuses himself to use the restroom. Upon entering the bathroom he finds a huge turd in the toilet. Like any normal person he feels to urge to flush it down. But to his dismay, it is not going anywhere. But he cant be "that guy" so he tries again. No luck. And suddenly...someone knocks on the door wanting to use the restroom!! Panic ensues and he even considers throwing the turd out the window. But instead, he finds a plunger and breaks it up and gets that little bugger down the toilet. Finally he leaves the restroom and starts observing the suspects at the dinner party.

So, can you see why this kept the attention of my high schoolers? It is that gross humor that they love. You were young once, you know what it is like. It was a great feeling listening to all their giggles of enjoyment from reading the story. And I think they even learned something today. Again...YEAH ME!!

I am the coolest!!!

So today was my big day.

My program manager and my principal of the school I teach at observed my teaching. (Keep in mind, my principal doesn't speak English so that eased the nerves a bit.) But anyways, they observed my absolute worst class that I have. This is a class where the boys are running around the classroom like wild monkeys, they are always getting into fights and sometimes even try to throw the little runt of the class out the window (obviously without success every time).

But when we walked into class today, my students were perfect angels. They were all sitting quietly at their desks anxious for class to start. It was like the beginning of those scenes you see in movies where the class is perfect because they are playing tricks on the teachers. But no tricks were played....

...And I kicked some major ass. They LOVED me!!! And my students in line for once they actually thought the lesson was interesting.

So, the after class critique...My director loves me! She thinks I am doing a great job and have adjusted to everything really well. She has heard nothing but good things about me and thinks the students take to me very well. My PC program manager also thought I was a very good teacher. I was confident and poised and had control of my students. I was very prepared and organized. He also really liked my ideas and the material I was teaching.

Man....I am soo cool!!! (for today anyways...)

Only in Bulgaria...

Only in Bulgaria would I be driving in a car touring different cities with a guy from France and a girl from Spain. And our main means of communicating was all in Spanish... And although I could understand everything in Spanish (most everything), my answers kept coming out in Spangarian or Banglish... I kept thinking in Bulgarian and couldnt seem to dust off the Spanish that has been sitting uselessly in the back of my mind. Oh well.


This was what my Sunday consisted of. We rented a car a drove to a few popular destinations. Veliko Turnovo, Shipka, and Kalofer. It was quite a treat to be in a car and not have to worry about the public transportation. Veliko Turnovo was a very unique city. It is very much the modern mixed with the old. There is a big rebuilt ancient castle with a church atop it. But there is a twist..the art in the church was very modernistic and almost abstract. Not what you would expect to find. With only a short time to tour the castle, I am certain I will be back to tour the rest of the city. Cant wait to see what it looks like in the spring when the fog is gone and it looks less like a scary medieval setting. I think there may have even been snow...(well, some form of it anyway.)


All in all a good day. My new motto for living in Bulgarian...."Todo es possible en Bulgaria." (Anything is possible in Bulgaria...in Spanish)

Go Bears!

As most of you know by now, I was brought up on Cal Football. I used to go to all the home games with my family. We would tailgate before hand and after head to the fraternity house and meet up with my dad's old "brothers." If I have my memories in order, I can remember running around the house playing on a rope swing in the back while my parents mingled. That was when I was much younger. As the years went on it became more of just a quick trip down to the stadium to watch the game and then we would head back. Needless to say, I have many a memory of those great Cal football games. And even now, living in Bulgaria, those memories have come back. The reason being...Alex.

(Alex, Matt, and Larry...my site mates.)

Alex is the new PC Volunteer in town here. He arrived a few weeks ago and I have only just met him. So, when you first meet someone you usually go through the whole shpeal...where are you from, what were you doing before this, how old are you... you get the point. Well, with Alex, it didn't get much further than hometown. This is how the conversation followed..

Jessie: "Soo, where are you from back in the states?"
Alex: "California."
Jessie: "Really!! What part?!?"
Alex: "San Fransisco."
Jessie: "REALLY!! What part?!?"
Alex: "Oakland. Where are you from?"
Jessie: "Oakland...Berkeley!"

As one would expect, I was very excited, anxious to know more... I suddenly had soo many questions. The conversation continued on its course. What high school did you go to? What part of Oakland are you from? Do you know so and so? (Playing the name game of course.) The conversation continues...

Jessie: "Where did you go to school..college?"
Alex: "CAL."
Jessie: "Really. My dad went there."
Alex: "Go Bears!"

That was all I needed to hear. I think we will get along just fine.

Bulgaria Goes Bling..

Shaky chairlifts, drafty dormitories and watery beetroot soup? Don't believe it? Its Bulgaria (well, certain parts of it)! And it will soon be the chic place to winter, giving the likes of other ski resorts a run for their money. There are even cigar lounges and vitamin bars. Bulgaria is the perfect place for today's traveler looking for a cozy place to vacation.

Are you intrigued?? Come visit....what are you waiting for?

The Gang...

Just a quick look at the gang...

The two Lincolns, Julie, and myself back in Chigaco when we first met. What would I do without great friends here.

A Bulgarian Halloween...

Halloween in Bulgaria. Well, it doesn't exist. There were no costumes, candy or jack-o-lanterns. It was just another ordinary day in Bulgaria. People walking the streets, bundled up in the cold weather, going about their usual day.


But there is a Halloween for us Volunteers. It is what you make of it, right? I decided to avoid the big drunken debauchery in Veliko Turnovo where many volunteers used the day as another excuse to dress weird and party hard.

But I took a different route. I headed to a small village town of about 3,000 people. I think I am yet to be to a town that small. But it was actually very amazing. It is so unique in its own way. (I am not saying I would want to live there, but it was quite nice for a quiet, relaxing excursion.)


A few of us gathered for some good company, good food, and good times. We built a small bonfire on the top of the mountain, told stories (scary and not so scary) and made many many smores (marshmallows do not exist in Bulgaria). A great time was had by all. Even Georgi (our very own Bulgarian jack-o-lantern) enjoyed himself!

Six Months...

Six months.

I have now been in Bulgaria for a total of six months. I cant believe it, really. I feel like it was yesterday when I working in the insurance world, getting crazy in San Francisco, eating lots of delicious foods, and saying the last goodbyes to friends and family. And boy, have things changed since then. Now, I am teaching Bulgarian high school students, getting crazy in Stara Zagora, eating lots of Musaka and Shopska Salads, and trying to say things in Bulgarian. I have experienced so much in this small amount of time. Because really, in the whole scheme of life, even the scheme of 2 years, 6 months is nothing.


But nonetheless, I really have learned a lot about this foreign land and the people here. About this country I didn't know anything about, not even where it was (I had to Google it and search for it on a map). Although, I think I have learned even more about myself. Things I never knew.
Here are just a few things... I can actually live by myself. I no longer freak out by the creak in the walls or the wind blowing against my thin windows. I can kill a spider, cockroach, or you name it, without running to get some brawny guy to take care of it. I can paint an apartment and move furniture without help. I have learned how to hang dry all my clothes on the line (there is actually a certain way to do it). I have learned to drink luke warm/cold coffee. I have learned that a garbage disposal is not necessary (but how I wish I had one). I have also learned that a crumpled piece of paper serves as the perfect cat toy.

But in all seriousness. I have come to appreciate things in a much different way too. I appreciate what I had in the states. I dearly appreciate my family back home, (keeping in touch with them probably more than they would like, I am sure.) I appreciate the small things. Those things you never stop to think about, but when you are thrown into a land where your world is turned upside down, you are forced to looked at differently.

But at the end of the day, I am what we all like to call "a self-sufficient peace corps volunteer." 21 months to go...but who's counting.

Bring It On, Bobby....

If you haven't heard already, a Bulgarian has become the world chess champion. His name is Veselin Topalov.


He is 30 years old from the northern Bulgarian town Ruse. Topalov took the throne after ending even against Rustam Kasimdzhanov from Uzbekistan. Now, the legendary Bobby Fischer wants a piece. Fischer is willing to face Topalov in a game of chess, but not the classical type of the game but a version invented by Fischer.

So to that, I say "bring it on, Bobby!"

Romania, Turkey...Now Bulgaria?

The Bird Flu has reached Romania and Turkey. With Bulgaria sandwiched between the two countries, is it the next logical victim? Well, lets hope not. As with any health issue, the Peace Corps office is always on top of their game giving us the much needed information should a problem arise.


Here is the most recent information about the situation in Romania, as described by the Peace Corps Medical Officer in Romania (the situation in Turkey also seems to be similar):

"In the previous 3 weeks, unexplained domestic and wild birds deaths have been reported in rural area of Tulcea and Galati counties. This fact is coincidental with wild birds migration from NE Europe and West Asia towards the Danube Delta, a yearly natural phenomenon. Due to the reported cases of Avian Flu in Russia and Uzbekistan, it is a possible threat of viral migration towards our area. Bird cadavers have been analyzed and anti-avian flu antibodies have been found. For a highly specific confirmation test (live-cells viral growth test), samples have been
sent to a reference lab from UK (Weybridge); the results will be available in about two weeks."

According to Reuters, Bulgarian Agriculture Minister said on Monday that authorities have stepped up controls, particularly near the Danube river frontier with Romania, and were disinfecting cars traveling from Turkey and Romania into Bulgaria. But "at the moment, there is no data pointing to a case of bird flu in Bulgaria, or even suspected cases of bird flu".

So for now, I will follow the medical office's requests..

1.) avoid direct contact with living birds, wild or domestic (direct touch or breathing around them or near their faces)
2.) dead birds are not to be touched, under any circumstance
3.) all poultry products (meat and eggs) should be thoroughly cooked; paying special attention to mayonnaise, creams or salad dressings

Teacher or Student??

So I know I am obviously a teacher here in Bulgaria and at the same time a student, learning new things everyday. (Aren't we all students?)

But here is the thing. At my school, there are two different entrances to the school building. One in the front for teachers only and one in the back for students. At the teacher's entrance, there is a lady that sits at the door to stop students from coming and going through the teachers only door. I think I get stopped at least once a week if not once a day by a different lady (the lady guarding the door changes constantly). They think I am trying to be a sneaky kid and take the short way in or out. As soon as I explain that I am a teacher they let me pass. (These ladies are like the troll in the Three Billy Goat Gruff's story.) Just let me pass, why even have two different entrances??

Every time this happens it just makes me laugh. I know I look young, but do I really look like I am a high school student?

Converse and Side Ponytails....

I must be the coolest teacher ever! My students came up to me after class today asking me if I was wearing real old school Converse. I said, why yes, of course.

(I had a weird side ponytail thing going on at the time...don't ask.)

"Zagorka! Big!"

It has been said that you can survive in Stara Zagora quite nicely once you master the words "Zagorka! Big!" holding your hands about a foot apart, as you speak. I know there are better brews here in Bulgaria (Shumensko Red is a favorite of mine) but Zagorka is a pretty good beer and it's hugely distributed. Not to mention it is a native to Stara Zagora, hence the name.

Zagorka is a former state-owned beer that was privatized in 1994, when the Dutch producer Heineken bought an 80% share. Zagorka is the first and only brewery in Bulgaria that was granted the international standard for management and control of quality. The company holds 25 per cent of the beer market in the country. (A great foreign investment sucuess story!)

And for some reason, Bulgaria ups in beer drinking. The total amount of beer consumed in the country was 294 million litres in 1997, reaching 425 million in 2003 and 473 million in 2004, according to an investor website. Furthermore it is said that beer drinking is expected to see further boosting in the upcoming years.


Maybe its the boost in tourism and travelers, or maybe it is people like me who cant afford much else. But, really, who wouldnt want a huge beer for less than 1.50 leva (thats only about a buck to our standards.)

Cheers mate!!!

Let the festivities begin....

Today is Stara Zagora Day! What does this mean exactly? Another excuse to take the day off and do nothing. Well, not nothing I guess. The festivities started days ago. There have been concerts and dancing and of course the carnival. All this fun celebrates the 130th anniversary of the Stara Zagora Uprising.


And the story goes...on October 5, 1879 General-Governor of Eastern Rumelia Aleko Bogoridi laid the foundation stone of Stara Zagora town, which had been burnt to ashes by the Ottoman Turks. According to writer Atanas Illiev, one of the chief chroniclers of Stara Zagora, only 221 Bulgarian houses remained in the ten-thousand-strong town after the raid of Suleiman Pasha and his hordes. About 700 Bulgarian widows and their little children were crammed into hastily knocked up huts. In this same year, the Municipal Councilors of Stara Zagora adopted the urban development plan of Czech architect Lubor Bayer, which would determine the development of the town for many years on. Thus, the town was literary revived from the ashes.

I guess there is reason for celebration!

Bulgarian Carnival Rides...

Okay, so the story goes.

I have now been on three very different Bulgarian rides since being here. The first, in Panagyrishte, was something similar to a pirate ship rocking back and forth. My host sister dragged me on this ride after having just met her. The second, in Varna, was some monstrosity that rocks you every which way until you really feel like you might want to blow chunks (for lack of better wording). I decided to go on this with another volunteer after not being able to go on it the night before. (Good thing too, since were both a bit buzzed.) But we came off that ride unable to even walk 5 feet. We had to immediately sit on the curb and find our footing again. The third, here in Stara Zagora, was merely a simple Ferris Wheel (although I have never been on one in my life). I accompanied a colleagues little girl on the ride but still found myself holding on like a little girl myself.

I am sure most of you have been to a fair or carnival and been on your fair share of rides. (I can proudly say I was actually a security guard for the band stand at the all too famous Mid State Fair in Paso Robles...although no rides were ridden by me.) Anyways, they all look a bit old and rusty...most look plain sketch. The same can be said for those rides in Bulgaria if not more so. I would also have to say that the typical fair mixes a combination of loud Chalga music (a terrible form of Bulgarian pop), many noisy, scary looking rides, endless amounts of cotton candy, Turkish delights, and other horribly sweet foods, and crowds of people. I think that it is this combination that always makes one feel nauseas after engaging in what is meant to be pure fun. It is this deadly combination that inspires me to write all this nonsense. I have now decided to rule out any and all Bulgarian rides no matter the circumstance. They are just no good for the mind, body or soul (well, maybe soul if if makes you feel like a kid again).

So here is my word to the wise:

AVOID BULGARIAN RIDES AT ALL COSTS!!!

(Nothing good will come of them.)

Where is my Cali weather???

It is the beginning of October and already I am cold. I am out of my rainbow sandals and tank tops and into my tennis shoes and jackets. Seriously WTF? First off, there wasn't much of a summer with all the floods. There was maybe a two week period where it was unbearably hot. And now I am in my pj's, sweatshirt, socks, and slippers, cuddled up with my kitten.

The thing is it is really quite expensive for heating here and everyone says it is not cold enough yet to start turning on those radiators. But I already broke down and turned on my heater. I only heat one room as it would never be able to heat the whole place. I really dont want to move into one room for the winter like most PCV do (but if this is only the beginning, than I am in for quite a treat.) I want my California weather...whaaahh!

And what's more, my apartment always seems to be much colder inside than it actually is outside. Why is that?

No Electricity...

They warned us that one of the realities of living in a block apartment is that your electricity may blow out rather frequently. Remember, they use a higher voltage. Its nothing to be careless about.



I had been lucky up to this point but the day has finally come. My electricity blew out. I got home from school to no power. What a bust! I didn't know where to begin, so I called my counterpart. (Do land line phones usually work when the power is out in the states? I cant remember.) Anyways, my counterpart instructed me to take a look at my fuse box, to check if the fuse was black and burned. Okay, so I grabbed a chair and my trusty (no batteries needed) flashlight and unscrewed the fuse. Nope, looks fine to me. What next you ask. That is where those nosy neighbors come in handy.

As usual, there were about four or five babas and diados sitting out on their benches. I walk outside confident as day, ready to explain my problem. The only problem is I blanked. How do you say "electricity"? I think I ended up saying "I have no sun", but they got the picture. One of the very old men came to save the day. He looked at my fuse box. Everything normal there. So he checked the fuse box outside my apartment. Oh, wait...it's locked..and he doesn't have the key.


So all I could do was wait. Not a problem, it was the middle of the day. About 20 minutes later, I hear loud voices outside my door and TA-DA!!! I am back in the game. I have power! So, thanks to the ever handy diado, I was able to get back online and write this damn blog. YEAH!

The Wacky Bulgarian School System...

During the communist period between 1945 and 1989, the Bulgarian education system was strongly influenced by Russia and their way of doing things. But in the last 15 years or so it has had some great fundamental changes. I am not aware of what exactly the Russian style of teaching was, but even today I still see some very communistic ways. When I or any other teacher walks into the classroom, the students are obligated to stand. They remain standing until the teacher directs them to sit. If the students are late for class, they stand at the door, profess their apologies and sit only when the teacher instructs them to do so.

Do you remember when you were in high school? You had certain classes and you moved around the school attending your different classes with different classmates. Well, another odd aspect to the education system here in Bulgaria is that the students stay put and the teachers move around the school. The same 25-30 students are placed in a classroom and those are the students that will be together for the next 4-5 years. They stay in one classroom and the teachers come to them. Needless to say, the classroom walls are rather bare as it is not one teacher’s classroom but a classroom shared by many teachers.

And instead of the normal 8:30 to 3:00 school day, most schools here function in two shifts: the morning shift form 7:30 to 1:20 and the afternoon shift from 1:30 to 7:20. At my school, the 9th and 10th classes are in one shift while the 11th and 12th are in another shift. And because I work at a language school, the 8th graders have 20 hours of English a week. They are at school all day from 7:30 to 6:30. (That is longer than the typical 9-5 job!)

What about grades? They don’t have the A, B, C, D, F system but rather the 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 system. It’s a big deal if you get a 2. This means poor, but really is the failing grade. It is rare for most teachers to give this out. Parents would have a field day.

The teachers’ duties are also slightly bizarre. We are required to prepare a year plan. This is a year plan of the material to be covered with each class group and schedules all textbook lessons to be taught as well as reviews and tests. This plan must be approved by the principal. This is a mighty hard task when you don’t teach from a textbook like myself. And me being a volunteer, they asked me not to bother. Then there is the “Dnevnik.” Each class of students has its own dnevnik. This is a big notebook that keeps tracks of the students’ absences, term grades and other comments written by the teacher. It is brought to each class each hour by the teacher who is teaching the class. And finally there is the “Materialna Kniga.” This is a large book placed in the teacher’s lounge. Every class is written in this book. After every class, you must write a short summary of what you taught that day and sign it.

So that is the wacky Bulgarian school system today. I am sure I did a horrible job of explaining it and probably missed some other important aspects I am just not aware of yet. But since I don’t speak Bulgarian above the 1st grade level, what do you expect. It all sounds very weird and confusing, but you catch on really fast.

My School's Website...

Here is a link to my school's website. I don't think they have updated it in some time so it is very outdated. Ans don't dare ask me what it all means, i can only understand bits of it. (But that is a start, right?)

Romain Rolland Foreign Language School

And the lady there, that is my principal. She is the most friendly and caring person. Always very concerned, making sure all is going well with me and my apartment and life here in Stara Zagora.

A Rocky Start...

So you know how they all say, start off with a bang and your students will listen to you. Well, it went off with a bang, but not the bang you necessarily want. I take my 7 minute walk to school, very excited for my first day of teaching. I am nervous about how things will go. But as long as I don't trip or my fly isn't down, it will be great!

I walk into my first class, the 11th grade, which started at 8:20 and wouldn't you know it... the schedule has changed and I was in the wrong class at the wrong time. I had just introduced myself and was about to get the lesson started when another teacher came in saying that she was teaching. Little did I know, my counterpart Borislav failed to inform me that the schedule he gave me changed. Typical. It was sooo humiliating having to gather all my things and walk out. I am almost positive my cheeks were a bit rosy as I left, too.

It was not the worst thing that could have happened, but it was not exactly the first impression I wanted to give either. Wish me luck for my other classes.

My First Day of School...

So the first day of school is September 15th. Every year, its the same thing. But to be honest, I thought the first day was a complete joke.


I arrived at 10 to meet my fellow teachers and future students in the school yard. Ideally an opening ceremony was to start at 10:30 but there were technical difficulties. So the show didn't start till about 11:15. The ceremony itself consisted of the playing of the national anthem, the principal speaking, a new student speaking and a graduated student speaking. That lasted maybe 20-30 minutes total. And that was it!!! From there, the students and teachers went to their classrooms and I myself, went home. What a first day, and what a waste of time. But it is the tradition that counts, right? And I guess I have no room for complaints because after all I did get flowers from one of my students I met over the summer. (The big thing here is that the students give the teachers lots and lots of flowers.)

Classes will resume/start as normal in Friday. But as luck would have it I don't teach on Fridays (Its just like college!) Then we have a working day on Saturday to make up for a long holiday next week. (Yes, students sometimes go to school on the weekends and its not considered detention). And since our holiday next week falls on a Friday, I dont have to work on Saturday either. Sooo, I don't really start school until Monday. So my first real week of teaching consists of 3 teaching days for me since we have Thursday and Friday off. (This really is like college!) What a life I tell you.


But really, I am getting pretty excited to get into the swing of things. Should be an interesting first couple of weeks. It is a bit nerve racking too, since I don't have any real experience teaching except for the small bit during training. (I think getting my teaching credential before I left would have been wise...but then I wouldn't be here now...) Lets just hope the kids don't terrorize me. I think my big smile will do the trick! What do you think? Wish me luck..

Peace Corps' Autonomy???

Well, what is there to say. I feel like this is too important to pass up. Peace Corps' autonomy is under attack by the federal government. Read this article and tell me your thoughts.

Peace Corps Option for Military Recruits

Would JFK be rolling in his grave?

Snoring Neighbor....

When I first moved into my apartment, I was very happy to find that I don’t have a small twin bed but something like a double. It is nothing compared to my bed at home but this is the Peace Corps, right? My bed may not be quite as comfortable and homey but the circumstances at night remind me very much of home.

I go to bed at all different hours. Sometimes it is 9:00 if I have had a long day or its 5:00 am if I have had a long night partying. Whatever the case may be I lie in bed and try to go to sleep. But I always seem to have a bit of trouble. I have started drinking more coffee than I would like but that is just not it. The reason for my troubles comes from my neighbor. His apartment has a different entrance than mine so I have actually never met him. I have no idea if he is old or young, married with kids or a single bachelor. No matter because he SNORES!!!! I can hear him through the wall. I thought I escaped people snoring when I left home….

But even when I am cursing him as I lay awake, I realize I am smiling a bit. It reminds me of home, hearing by brother, John in the next room or my dad down the hall....and sometimes, even hearing my sister, Jenny in the same room. Although I am sure my family will deny that they snore, it just makes me laugh more than anything. I also can’t believe that these big concrete buildings are soo thin I can hear the guy next door snoring and night. Maybe I will try pounding on the wall (it’s not like I can move his pillow to make him stop).

My First Bulgarian Birthday Adventure...

So, it all started in my great town Stara Zagora on Thursday night. My friend Julie came to town and we went out with some colleagues from my school. We had an assortment of drinks and good food...including cow tongue which I surprisingly liked! From there we had a night on the town at this quaint rock bar called "Little Rock". This is my favorite place in town. The shots were lined up on the bar and at midnight the party really got started. The bartender rang the bell to let everyone know it was my birthday and the dj played the California Girls by the beach boys followed by the California song from the OC. It was truly a good time.


In bed by 4 and awake by 7 to head to Sofia the next morning. Here we met up with some other volunteers and started the night off with a little beer pong. We were bringing it back to the college days. Headed to dinner...but got stuck in an elevator on the way down. Apparently you aren't supposed to squeeze 9 people in an elevator meant for 4 people. (Must have been that damn beer pong to cause our bad judgment.) I think I will be taking the stairs next time. We were stuck in there for about 10 minutes before someone came to rescue us. What a relief to get some fresh air.

After a good old 5 leva Chinese meal, we headed to a kick ass dive bar with live music. My favorite type! There was a little bit of everything played from Pearl Jam to Counting Crows, all covers of course. Much dancing and singing and drinking was involved. I think even a little air guitar by my friend Lincoln.


And again in bed by 4:30 and up by 8 to head to Habitat for Humanity. I cant say I was the most useful volunteer there that day. I think most people were just impressed I even made it. I had lots of water by my side and started shoveling and mixing cement.

Needless to say it was a rockin good time. Best way I could have imagined spending my first Bulgarian Birthday. Wish you all could have been here to help with the festivities. There is always next year :)

The "Bulgarian" Terminal...

So, I am lucky enough to live in a Peace Corps country that happens to have internet. I am not in a mud hut in Africa or in a shanty village in South America. I am in Bulgaria, a country that is slowly developing, a country with internet. And now I have figured out how to download movies. This is a very nice thing to get through some of those long and lonely days. The most recently downloaded movie: "The Terminal".

It is a movie based on a fictional Eastern European country and one man who gets caught at JFK airport, learns English, falls in love, becomes the hero of the airport, etc. etc. Anyway, it turns out that Tom Hanks is actually from Bulgaria! That's right, Tom Hanks speaks Bulgarian throughout the whole movie. The first time I watched this movie I was with my counterpart. He and his girlfiend were cracking up everytime he spoke! He even cursed in Bulgarian! His Bulgarian is not to shabby either. I can even understand him too. I have been told that the reason they use Bulgarian is that his wife, Rita Wilson (originally Margarita Brahimoff) is a Bulgarian! Now, if you have seen the movie, I wouldn't say that he is a typical Bulgarian but you gotta love a good image coming out of Eastern Europe!

The Terminal in the BG News

Above is an interesting article about it in the Sofia News. So if you get a moment in your busy lives, take time out and rent it. It is actually a quite enjoyable movie.

Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, Yellow Jackets or Wasps...

You are sitting down at an outdoor cafe enjoying an iced tea, coffee or whatever your drink of choice happens to be. You are chatting away with your friends, parents, or even a friendly stranger. And suddenly!!!!!! A pesky little insect comes to stop by to visit your delightfully sweet drink.


Now, when I am in a situation like the above, I am one to silently (and sometimes not so silently) freak out. I have always had this crazy fear of getting stung. Ever since I was a little girl, I have had this notion that getting stung is the absolute worst pain one can have. The one time I was stung I cried and cried...and probably cried some more. But is really that bad?

Although I am sure to continue my mini freak outs, I am also a little bit determined to get stung. Sound crazy? It probably is. But I am just a bit curious what it actually feels like. Why am I so terrified of those buzzing insects? It's not like I am allergic.

Can anyone tell me what it actually feels like?