life..

It has been a while since I posted..but, too much happening not to post. I am very happy to say that in my opinion, I have one of the best cities to work in, in Bulgaria. Not only are the people enthusiastic and welcoming, but I live next door to a transportation hub, and also next to a great college town.

I had fun this week meeting with many of the kids and Directors of the different schools here this week. I got to help out in the High School’s ‘Ecological Day’, and help make traditional dolls, and go on a nature hike with a group in another class. I think there is a lot of potential in working with the older kids in a business class, and talking with the younger kids about the environment and importance of recycling. I’ve got notes everywhere, and it has been a real challenge trying to stay organized. Having these meetings has really helped with my Bulgarian speaking skills. I’m sure half of way I say still makes people say, ‘what the?’..but for the most part, they seem to understand me, or I can at least get my point across.

I have been teaching an English class for adults in a nearby village. The first class was a little rough..since after all, I have never taught, much less in Bulgarian language. But, by the second class I could feel my confidence coming around. Tomorrow is the third class, and I think I’ll be starting a kids class shortly..that should be interesting.

So..what have I been up to for fun? I have some really fantastic Bulgarian friends here. It seems as though we often wind up in group discussions about America and Bulgaria. Almost always these include my good friends Katya and Elena; and Zuza and I go to dance classes together, and I have found some pretty entertaining and fun outdoor group activities to participate in. It’s pretty easy to talk about America, as everyone has questions about it..and Bulgarians are always excited to share information about their history and traditions. I went to a RockFest last weekend and a club after..that was a fun evening. I tend to wind up at unexpected ‘na gosti’s’ often.

I am, of course, still doing my running. It’s what keeps the stress away for me, and a great way to start the day.

It’s funny to me, that I get a little nervous everytime I go to a meeting or have a group of Bulgarians I am meeting up with, because I am always a little anxious about if I will be able to say what I want to say in Bulgarian..but you know what, things have pretty much always turned out well. Either someone in the group will know a little English, or I start remembering more of my Bulgarian.

Another first..my Bulgarian instructor gave a frozen rabbit. Yep, I cooked it and ate it. I couldn’t eat it the first night though..because you see the four legs and body of the cute bunny. My mom had told me ‘it tastes like chicken’, and mom, you know what, you’re right..pretty tasty. But it’s still not fun to cook.

Hi Silky..Hi Navigator. I haven’t had a chance to write you two back. Hope you’re still out there on those beautiful bikes of yours. I’ll be thinking of you both when you’re hopefully riding in the Halloween rally to Salem!

Last think..i don’t think I’ve mentioned how Bulgarians answer the phone, and to me it’s the funniest thing. The closest I can come to what it sounds like is Alo, only with a ‘w’ instead ‘Awo’. Say it a couple times. Tell me you don’t think it’s kinda funny :)

Take care all..send me some e-mails and posts!