Saturday, January 30, 2010

That's so Bulgarian

This afternoon I walked in my house, unloaded my layers and walked into my room/kitchen. I couldn't help but notice that my печка had mysteriously disappeared. (My stove/oven combo.) The table it sits on wasn't clean... it was kinda gross. I cleaned it and went upstairs and asked Nadia where it was.

Apparently Maria was using her own stove and needed to make rice so she came into my room while I was gone and just took the thing and set it up outside to cook. It didn't upset me... it's just... weird. I mean, I get it. But I don't really get why she just wouldn't wait til her stove was free and then move onto the next dish. Some might feel this an invasion of privacy, but for me, it's just the Bulgarian way of life. Kind of annoying but I can't get too upset because she did send Nadia down here with a plate of rice.

It turns out though that they're having a "dead party" upstairs. (As said by Nadia!) Maria's mother died a year ago and so her side of the family is gathering for a time of food and remembrance. I think that's nice.

Tomorrow - Sunday - I'll meet up with my men's folklore group at 9am and get on a private bus to Blagoevgrad. I still don't know what's up with the whole thing but I'm kinda excited. The мьжка фолклорна група is my favorite part of my job!

Now I plan to have an exciting afternoon/night of finishing Season 1 of The West Wing and starting Season 2. Life is good.

And just sayin'... comments are nice. And so are followers... it makes me feel important. Just thought I'd say it! :)





6 comments:

laura jo said...

hey, valerie! have you gotten our post cards from book club yet? (surprise!)

i enjoy reading your blog on my google reader page. i'd love a post about other bulgarian "quirks" or "a day/week in the life of a pc volunteer."

take care!

Catherine said...

You are so stinkin' cute!! And I'm a follower, so there!! I just finished my mid-term...pretty sure I failed that one. LOVE YOU!

Unknown said...

Just got back from Austin. The fellas and I went to El Chico for supper and saw Lora Featherston and one of her grandsons. Lora looks great and the 17 month old is a cutie. She asked about you, so I wanted to report that you are not forgotten! I am sure you will have a flurry of followers as a result of your plea, so keep up the good work, and give us more to come back for, ie, a report on the accordion band guys. Sure hope they have a good show, and that you have a good time!

Unknown said...

Just got back from Austin. The fellas and I went to El Chico for supper and saw Lora Featherston and one of her grandsons. Lora looks great and the 17 month old is a cutie. She asked about you, so I wanted to report that you are not forgotten! I am sure you will have a flurry of followers as a result of your plea, so keep up the good work, and give us more to come back for, ie, a report on the accordion band guys. Sure hope they have a good show, and that you have a good time!

Choirguy84 said...

if someone took my pechka, they would get slapped. When they broke the glass window on my pechka last week, I seiously teared up and then blamed it the smoke, b/c men dont cry here... its kinda like a frozen version of Texas circa 1933.

Chez said...

Hey Val, heard all about your Bulgarian experience from Cat last week. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Oh, and I follow you on Google Reader - not sure if that counts, but it should. :) I LOVE me some West Wing - In the Shadow of Two Gunmen is one of the best episodes ever! Enjoy season two!